Book Review-Life after Life

What if your life has a purpose, but you die before you are able to fulfill it?  Kate Atkinson explores this question in Life After Life. Ursula is born with the cord wrapped around her neck so she dies. Immediately, Ursula is born with the cord wrapped around her neck, but the doctor is there and is able to save her.  A few years later when her family is at the beach, she and her older sister wade into the ocean where they are overcome by a large wave.  Ursula drowns. Immediately, Ursula is born with the cord wrapped around her neck, but the doctor is there and is able to save her.  A few years later when her family is at the beach, she and her older sister wade into the ocean where they are rescued by a man who sees them having trouble. As Ursual grows she becomes subtley aware of knowing what is going to happen and she is able to change the trajectory of her life.  Does she have a purpose and if so, what is it. Set against World Wars I and II, this is a fascinating look at how simple decisions can change where life takes you and how some events are inevitable. I thought parts of the book were quite witty and the depictions of the British living during the two wars was very good.  It made me think a lot, not just of where things were going, but the what if's that were implied.  I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Life After Life By Atkinson, Kate 2013-04 - Reagan Arthur Books 9780316176484 Check Our Catalog BookPage Notable Title 2013 Costa Novel Award Winner In 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. She dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, and embarks upon a life that will be unusual. Does Ursula's infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? …More

Other books by the same author.

Case Histories By Atkinson, Kate 2005-10 - Back Bay Books 9780316010702 Check Our Catalog This new novel from award-winner Atkinson is a breathtaking story of families divided, love lost and found, and the mysteries of fate. As Private Detective Jackson Brodie investigates three cases, startling connections and discoveries emerge. …More

Started Early, Took My Dog By Atkinson, Kate 2011-10 - Reagan Arthur Books 9780316066747 Check Our Catalog One moment of madness is all it takes for Tracy's humdrum world to be turned upside down. Witnesses to Tracy's Faustian exchange are Tilly, an elderly actress teetering on the brink of her own disaster, and Jackson Brodie, who has returned to the land of his childhood. Variously accompanied, pursued, or haunted by neglected dogs, unwanted children, and keepers of dark secrets, soon all three will learn that the past is never history--and that no good deed goes unpunished. 400 pp. …More

One Good Turn By Atkinson, Kate 2007-09 - Back Bay Books 9780316012829 Check Our Catalog Following her mystery debut "Case Histories" with this percipient, funny, and totally satisfying read, Atkinson once again features ex-cop turned private investigator Jackson Brodie--except this time he is the prime suspect in a deadly crime. …More

Behind the Scenes at the Museum By Atkinson, Kate 1999-11 - Picador USA 9780312150600 Check Our Catalog This 1995 Whitbread Book of the Year paints a rich, vivid portrait of heartbreak and happiness, recounting the story of Ruby Lennox, a narrator who will leave no stone unturned in her account of family life above a pet shop in England. "A poignant and beautifully wrought portrait of a young girl's growth".--"Seattle Times". …More

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