Synopsis
HOW MANY LIFETIMES DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN HOW TO LIVE?
Tom Hazard has a dangerous secret. He may look like an ordinary 41-year-old history teacher, but he’s been alive for centuries. From Elizabethan England to Jazz-Age Paris, from New York to the South Seas, Tom has seen it all. As long as he keeps changing his identity he can keep one step ahead of his past – and stay alive. The only thing he must not do is fall in love . . .
But what if the only thing he can’t have is the only thing that might save him?
Source: Matt Haig
My Thoughts
I find living for 100’s of years intriguing. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live for centuries on end? The concept of immortality is as fascinating as it is perplexing, evoking questions about the purpose of an endlessly long life.
The story takes us on a rollercoaster of time jumps. It takes us through different eras, forcing us to confront the ever-changing nature of life itself. I especially liked this however, I found it difficult settling into a rhythm.
Tom, has a knack for embracing the “poor me” perspective. This makes him almost unlikable, but it is a portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster immortality can be. I find it very strange that a boring ordinary person like Thom met so many famous people. Not entirely impossible, just a bit far-fetched. With 37 years under my belt, I’m yet to meet a history-changing celebrity. The skepticism is real!
The story’s lack of a clear plot and somewhat underdeveloped characters could deter some readers. But midway through the book, the pace picks up, and the story becomes gripping.
Matt has the ability to write a story that is thought provoking. Even if the story is not all you hoped it was going to be.
In this sense, the story accomplishes this—it nudges us to reflect on the wonder of immortality and life.
People you love never die. That is what Omai had said, all those years ago.
And he was right. They don't die. Not completely. They live in your
mind, the way they always lived inside you. You keep their light alive. If
you remember them well enough, they can still guide you, like the shine of long-extinguished stars could guide ships in unfamiliar waters. If you stop
mourning them, and start listening to them, they still have the power to change your life. They can, in short, be salvation.
“…THE WAY YOU STOP TIME IS BY STOPPING BEING RULED BY IT.” Page 325
History was, is, a one-way street. You have to keep walking forwards, but you don’t always need to look ahead. Sometimes you can just look around and be happy right where you are.
…we aren’t just who we are born. We are who we become. We are what life does to us.
All this being said, I can not stop thinking about this book. It is not a 4- or 5 star book, but it was enjoyable.
I gave it a 3 star. See my rating system here.
Have you read it? If so, what did you think?
E xx
The Travellingmind 