Hi book friends,
After this novel lived on my reading list for quite some time, after I started it, re-starting it, and finally finished it – I’d love some discussion around it’s plot, it’s characters, and it’s unique manipulation of time and philosophical underpinnings.
Without spoiling anything about the book – I felt like I was missing something the whole time I was reading it. I kept flipping back and forth to the timeline in the table of contents to ensure I wasn’t getting too lost – and that took me out of the story. I appreciated how the characters stayed true to themselves despite existing in tumultuous times.
Anyone read and care to discuss? Has anyone read this story twice? What was that experience like?
Edited: added depth to the post.
by susanhashotpants
7 Comments
[removed]
It has been a while since I’ve read it, but I remember that I didn’t really check where I was in the timeline. I just let the story sort of flow over me. I actually enjoyed some of the confusion that I had about the timeline, because I think it would be confusing to live through something like that. So I felt like my confusion was a parallel to the confusion that I think would come up when you keep living over and over again.
There is a [“sequel” that follows Teddy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3722183-a-god-in-ruins). I haven’t read it yet, but it looks very interesting.
It took me six tries to finish this book but once I did, I read it again immediately and now it’s one of my comfort food books – I pick it up any time I need to be distracted from the real world.
It’s a difficult writing style to get into but every time I read it I find more to appreciate.
I really enjoyed it more than I thought. I’ve not read the sequel yet though. I remember being a bit confused while reading and had some questions of my own but I thought that was part of the point. It’s been years since I read but I would definitely read it again.
Teddy is a great character. He grows- literally and physically- in so many ways. I’d be interested to see where his arc goes in a sequel.
I’m reading it now and am enjoying it with a couple of caveats. How did Sylvie turn into such a cold, angry person. I really liked her in the early part of the book, but she’s so ugly now. Of course I’m curious about her affair and wonder if she was aware that Ursula saw her, which would explain why she’s so awful to Ursula. I guess I’ll have to wait to find out. Of course I hate that after all Ursula has gone through she ends up with Derek, so I’m very eager for her next life. I’m hoping to see some fire in her soon. I hate that she’s only been a victim so far (excepting the first scene of the book of course). I had to stop reading for the day when Derek turned up at her door after she escaped him. I’m about to take up the story again and am hoping Ursula gets a better life this time around.
SUCH a beautiful, interesting, comforting book.