(Spoilers)
At first, I found the book hard to follow because I was unsure of what the book was about. Once I figured out the writing device Atkinson used to tell the story (a type of reincarnation), I enjoyed it more. However, as the novel went on, this very same writing device grew increasingly annoying. It became harder and harder to tell what "time" you were in. Where was Ursula? Who was alive? Who was dead? What had already happened? I found this detracted from my enjoyment of the book.
I kind of liked the premise, getting to redo your life. However, I didn't like the fact the main character never accomplished anything. It wasn't like she kept improving upon her life, and each time she was wiser and just innately KNEW the right course of action. Nope. It seemed a bit haphazard. The ending of the book therefore felt very unsatisfying. She didn't sacrifice herself for a cause, which is the way I thought it was going with the fact that she stated she was a "witness". Nope. Then the confusion that plagued the book worsened at the end. All of the sudden, Teddy is alive? How? When? In what universe? Besides, who cares? The Hitler scene showed that her actions ultimately don't matter, because she will just keep reliving her life, while with some improvements, never for a greater good -- her own or anyone else. She will just keep reliving. It seems rather bleak. It seemed, like a Twilight Zone episode.
Therefore, in regards to the end of the book, I did not particularly care for it. No resolution. No "real" message. Not really satisfying. I also didn't like the character point of view somewhat changing from Hugh to Ursula, although, that too didn't seem to take hold or come to completion. All in all, I would be hesitant to recommend this book
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At first, I found the book hard to follow because I was unsure of what the book was about. Once I figured out the writing device Atkinson used to tell the story (a type of reincarnation), I enjoyed it more. However, as the novel went on, this very same writing device grew increasingly annoying. It became harder and harder to tell what "time" you were in. Where was Ursula? Who was alive? Who was dead? What had already happened? I found this detracted from my enjoyment of the book.
I kind of liked the premise, getting to redo your life. However, I didn't like the fact the main character never accomplished anything. It wasn't like she kept improving upon her life, and each time she was wiser and just innately KNEW the right course of action. Nope. It seemed a bit haphazard. The ending of the book therefore felt very unsatisfying. She didn't sacrifice herself for a cause, which is the way I thought it was going with the fact that she stated she was a "witness". Nope. Then the confusion that plagued the book worsened at the end. All of the sudden, Teddy is alive? How? When? In what universe? Besides, who cares? The Hitler scene showed that her actions ultimately don't matter, because she will just keep reliving her life, while with some improvements, never for a greater good -- her own or anyone else. She will just keep reliving. It seems rather bleak. It seemed, like a Twilight Zone episode.
Therefore, in regards to the end of the book, I did not particularly care for it. No resolution. No "real" message. Not really satisfying. I also didn't like the character point of view somewhat changing from Hugh to Ursula, although, that too didn't seem to take hold or come to completion. All in all, I would be hesitant to recommend this book
Interested in this book or another?
Just click here to get your 30 day free Audible Trial.
For more information about Audible click here http://audible-free.livejournal.com.
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