Pages

4.05.2013

A Review: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson


Ursula Todd is born to an ordinary family on a snowy evening in 1910. However, Ursula's no ordinary girl, because while she lives in one life, she dies in another. Kate Atkinson allows readers to witness the alternative lives one woman leads while experiencing two great wars in different locations in Europe. Unfolding through an intense series of chain of events, the story is sure to leave readers reeling long after they finish.

In the past I've seen novels hyped to the point where I would have been happy to not ever see the title again. I initially heard about this one through Twitter--it seemed like everyone was reading it or talking about reading it--and I took the bait. I listened to people sing its praises, but deliberately kept myself ignorant of the storyline. So... in the spirit, I'm not going to divulge too much.

Set amidst two calamitous world wars, Life After Life depicts some rather weighty topics, giving the reader an intimate glimpse into this era. Atkinson provides gritty details and the ruthlessness that festers during trying times. I was thoroughly impressed with her depiction of the WWII effort because I found it to be presented in such a different light than most war novels that often romanticize the period.

First, I want to emphasize that the hype didn't kill this one. When I finished reading the digital ARC I received from Little, Brown and Co., I immediately pre-ordered a physical copy so I could reread as soon as possible. I strongly suggest getting a hard copy of this one, if you can. I've grown to love my Kindle, but there are some books that just go down better in physical form. It's the type of novel that will have have you flipping back and forth in order to absorb every detail.

I want to offer more because I absolutely fell in love with this novel, but honestly can't give you what you deserve without a reread. While I will admit that it did take me several chapters to get sucked in, I was unable to start anything long after after completing because I couldn't stop thinking about Ursula and her incredible lives. Atkinson proves that she is a creative genius, offering multiple outcomes so vivid and varying that you'll find yourself lost in each new situation. Completely different than anything I've ever read, I can't recommend Life After Life enough. Read it!


20 comments:

  1. I've ordered a copy and can't wait to get my hands on it! Just reading about how much you enjoyed the book makes me impatient to get my copy :) Me want NOW!! And, I'm also glad I got myself the physical copy of the book instead of kindling it. By the way, I know what you mean - the more a book is raved about, the more reluctant I am to pick it up. Mainly, because I'm usually one of the few who didn't like overly praised book. However, this time round, I'm positive I'm going to enjoy it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nadia, I really hope you love this one. I have a feeling you'll enjoy if you don't fall head over heels for it! It took me a while to get into but I was hooked and never wanted it to end. So incredibly different than what I expected it to be. Can't wait to see what you think!

      Delete
  2. I own this, and will read it soon. Glad it lived up to the hype for you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm supposed to be getting my copy this afternoon! As soon as I have a moment I'm going to tackle it again. Looking forward to seeing a review from you!

      Delete
  3. Oooo, this sounds...intriguing? Haha...And how have I not heard of this book before? I LOVE the cover!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very! The cover art definitely caught my eye. I'd love to hear what you think if you pick it up soon!

      Delete
  4. I'm glad you didn't over-share as I'm trying to stay ignorant of the plot as well ;) The fact that you are going to re-read this immediately says A LOT!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think it's imperative with this one. I Just got my copy and can't wait to carve out the time to re-read. Enjoy!

      Delete
  5. I've never read anything by Kate Atkinson, but I'm getting curious about her work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was actually my first novel of hers. I attempted Case Histories long ago, which I remember being very good, but picked up at a period when I had zero time to read and was abandoned. Let me know if you decide to pick this one up!

      Delete
  6. Yay, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! When I first talked to you about struggling with it I thought: "Oh no, Beth won't like this one" But I'm really glad you finally did and ordered a physical copy. I had no idea Atkinson was so famous in the USA, of course it's a fame she totally deserves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! Once I got into it, I was totally hooked and couldn't stop. I just got my hardcopy so pretty excited to re-read!

      Delete
  7. I am picking this up from the library today. I am so excited!

    I'm always nervous about reading reviews for books I plan to read, because I don't want to ruin it for myself. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm, but not telling us too much. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to see your review! Hope you enjoy :)

      Delete
  8. I was so excited to see a new Kate Atkinson book come out... and even more so after I heard her interviewed about it on NPR - she's delightful, and the book sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne, It's fantastic. I think it's probably going to be one of my favorite reads of a lifetime. That says a lot. Hopefully everyone enjoys it as much as I did! I haven't seen a bad review yet so that's promising.

      Delete
  9. Sounds great! Ive heard and read great reviews on this one. I can't wait to read it for myself

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melinda, Everyone is showering it with praises. It totally deserves all the hype. Let me know if you decide to pick it up!

      Delete
  10. I haven't read any Kate Morton yet but I plan to soon because I hear great things!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...