Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson-Same Old, Same Old

Life after Life is a novel that is in part a time travel epic, part British WWII account, and for the most part, a philosophical examination of reincarnation.  On all parts, it seems never ending.  If you are considering reading this relentless palimpsest, let me save you from squandering your future. This story grows old just as it seemed nouveau.  It is both trite, & preachy.  "Most people muddled through events and only in retrospect realized their significance."  For those who have died in the war, "we must bear witness."  Ursula, born in Britain, Feb. 1910, dies & is reborn, over & over.  Izzie, Ursula's  quixotic aunt believes "life is an adventure."  Sylvia, Urusula's pragmatic mother thinks of life "as more of an endurance race or an obstacle course."  Teddy, Ursula's much beloved baby brother wonders "What if we had a chance to do it again and again, until we finally did get it right?  Wouldn't that be wonderful?" I will steer you in the right direction.  Pass on this indefatigable rehash.  Read Barne's Sense of an Ending & see the effervescent film, About Time.  Life after Life was never ending & life is just too short.