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nothingforpomegranted's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Four-year-old Noah was conceived as the result of an unexpected fling between his single mother and stranger on the beach in Tobago and has spent his life absolutely beloved by Janie, his mother, and absolutely confounding nearly everyone else he comes into contact with. Without being taught, Noah has extensive knowledge of the Harry Potter universe and guns, and he has a severe phobia of water, including bathtime, and nightmares that lead him to call out for his "other mom." Confused and terrified and at risk of getting kicked out of Noah's preschool, Janie desperately researches doctors and therapists and solutions, eventually finding herself immersed in a documentary about Jerome Anderson, a psychologist who has spent the greater part of his career exploring the possibility that consciousness survives after death.
Skeptical, Janie agrees to meet with Dr. Anderson and allows him to witness one of Noah's nightmares, which sets them off on a course to find Noah's potential previous personality: a boy named Tommy who lived in Ashville Road with his younger brother Charlie. As Janie, Dr. Anderson, and Noah start to connect with the family of a little boy named Tommy, the story gets increasingly complex, and Guskin explores motherhood, consciousness, family, and purpose with dexterity through her characters' complicated, intertwined lives.
Told from multiple perspectives--and narrated excellently by Susan Bennett and David Pittu--and interspersed with excerpts from psychiatrist Jim B. Tucker's real-life book Life After Life, this book acknowledges the ludicrous nature of its premise while inviting both its characters and its readers to suspend disbelief and allow themselves to get lost in the possibilities. I think that Guskin walks this line well, her relatively simplistic writing serving to move the story forward and to highlight the processing of her characters.
Where the book let me down was in Jerry's plotline. Diagnosed with aphasia at the beginning of the novel, he struggles with the eventuality of "losing his words," an immense tragedy for such a devoted intellectual. However, this plot device seemed to be just that--a plot device. It added little to the story or, indeed, to Jerry's character, and, in fact, every mention of his fear pulled me out of the story a little bit (despite his being one of the most compelling characters overall). Furthermore, Janie irritated me. Her love for her son was evident, and I appreciated the way she struggled to reconcile her belief system with what Noah seemed to be experiencing, but I struggled through every section in which she capitulated to Noah's whims without a second thought. The boy needs to take a bath! It frustrated me to see so little discipline and enforcement in their household, and Janie's general helplessness was distracting.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, and I would definitely recommend it to people who are interested in the prospect of reincarnation. As for the writing, despite the heavy subject matter, this is definitely written in a light, airy way, perfect for readers who love Jodi Picoult.
Skeptical, Janie agrees to meet with Dr. Anderson and allows him to witness one of Noah's nightmares, which sets them off on a course to find Noah's potential previous personality: a boy named Tommy who lived in Ashville Road with his younger brother Charlie. As Janie, Dr. Anderson, and Noah start to connect with the family of a little boy named Tommy, the story gets increasingly complex, and Guskin explores motherhood, consciousness, family, and purpose with dexterity through her characters' complicated, intertwined lives.
Told from multiple perspectives--and narrated excellently by Susan Bennett and David Pittu--and interspersed with excerpts from psychiatrist Jim B. Tucker's real-life book Life After Life, this book acknowledges the ludicrous nature of its premise while inviting both its characters and its readers to suspend disbelief and allow themselves to get lost in the possibilities. I think that Guskin walks this line well, her relatively simplistic writing serving to move the story forward and to highlight the processing of her characters.
Where the book let me down was in Jerry's plotline. Diagnosed with aphasia at the beginning of the novel, he struggles with the eventuality of "losing his words," an immense tragedy for such a devoted intellectual. However, this plot device seemed to be just that--a plot device. It added little to the story or, indeed, to Jerry's character, and, in fact, every mention of his fear pulled me out of the story a little bit (despite his being one of the most compelling characters overall). Furthermore, Janie irritated me. Her love for her son was evident, and I appreciated the way she struggled to reconcile her belief system with what Noah seemed to be experiencing, but I struggled through every section in which she capitulated to Noah's whims without a second thought. The boy needs to take a bath! It frustrated me to see so little discipline and enforcement in their household, and Janie's general helplessness was distracting.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, and I would definitely recommend it to people who are interested in the prospect of reincarnation. As for the writing, despite the heavy subject matter, this is definitely written in a light, airy way, perfect for readers who love Jodi Picoult.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Dementia, and Grief