A review by bjls
The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer

4.0

If half stars were an option, I would have given The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells a 3.5. The premise is intriguing - seeing oneself alive in other times, interacting with the same characters, but in a different setting, with different societal rules. I was drawn into the story immediate and entertained to the end. But something was missing. Perhaps a lack of authenticity to the decades he worked within? I found Greta, Felix, Alan, Ruth and Nathan enjoyable, believable characters in some lives, but not as much in others. Or a bit of a drawn out, unsatisfying ending?

Suspend disbelief and try not to question the world Andrew Sean Greer creates for each of his Gretas and you'll enjoy the book for what it is: an interesting look at how our choices and complete chance shape the life we live and a laugh at the futility in seeking perfection.