Plot Synopsis: Hmm, how to describe the plot of this book. Life After Life is the story of Ursula Todd, an unusual child who is born, dies, and then sort of picks up her life before the last time she's died to do a "re-do." There is no central plot other than that this is Ursula's life...but the author covers a myriad of personalities in Ursula's world - from her sarcastic mother, Sylvie, to her brute of a brother, Maurice. Real world events such as World Wars I and II heavily influence the progression of the novel.
Literary Analysis: This is a book about character development. Each character is given a special personality, a different perspective, an unusual voice that makes them interesting and unique. There are quite a number of characters, so if you're one who can't keep many characters straight, it would be in your best interest to make a list. It's Atkinson's style and snide comments that moves the reader through the story, since the plot is slow moving at best. A great deal of the pages are dedicated to details and character development with a few major events thrown in (and re-done again and again). In some ways, because the story jumps between significant time periods in Ursula's life, and then repeats itself with small, yet important changes, the book itself reads as if this is a draft of a book, rather than an actual refined book.
Personal Reaction: I previously read a Kate Atkinson book, Case Histories, which was a mystery novel. So, I had expected Life After Life to have a bit of mystery to it. It didn't. It took me almost 2 months to complete. The novel is very long - 529 pages - and as there is no central plot and so much character building, it does not make this book a quick read-through. It's certainly an interesting book. The quirky, witty comments from some characters make it fun to read. And if you're into historical fiction, this book has some fascinating events. But it's a heavy book, with so much detail and time juggling that it is a saga you must trudge through, rather than run freely through.
Final Rating: 7/10. It wasn't a bad novel, but it was rather long for what it provided the reader in the end.
