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Judi R. (Jericho, NY)
Be careful what you wish for
While today, scientists are studying how to prolong life and delay death, Rachel, in Dara Horn's new novel, Eternal Life, is trying not to live any longer. She has lived now for 2000 years. She begins each new life as an 18 year old but she brings the memories of all those centuries with her. Be careful what you wish for. Rachel has watched her husbands, children and grandchildren die while she keeps living. The only person who knows her true secret is her first love, Elazar, who is blessed, or cursed, with the same ability. Horn tells us this story in beautiful prose. This book will have you asking many thought
…more provoking questions. One is literally, what is the meaning of life? I'm sure book clubs will have a field day discussing many of the issues Dara Horn raises in a splendidly written novel. (less)Fans of Paul Auster's 4321, Kate Atkinson's Life After Life, Andrew Sean Greer's The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells, and Jo Walton's My Real Children will enjoy Dara Horn's novel. What doesn't change for Rachel across her many lifetimes is her love for her children. This makes her a sympathetic character and one readers will root for.
Caryl L. (Richmond, VA)
Eternal Life
A most unusual book! I would classify this book as sci-fic, which, admittedly, are not my favorite. The book consists of a series of vignettes in which the main characters appear. The message is that living forever is not great; in fact, pretty negative. The author points out all the unhappy sides of forever alive, i.e. watching your children grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc,etc, grow old and die.
The book is well-written and enjoyable to read. Each vignette can catch your interest.
Rose N. (Saginaw, MI)
Eternal life
The idea of having an eternal earthly existence is a captivating premise. However the character of Rachel, the heroine of "Eternal Life", seems underdeveloped. Her various transformations through the ages are unsatisfying and somewhat shallow. This extends to the relationship with her many families, her supposed lover and their meetings through the years. I really tried to feel more attachment to and empathy for these characters and this story but I was left wanting more depth.
Barbara K. (Brooklyn, NY)
Eternal Life
Although it is well written, I couldn't 'bond' with Rachel, the main character who apparently cannot die. She raises a family, grows old, then at some point returns as an 18 year old and again forms a family. Also, the book is advertised as hilarious but I saw none of this hilarity in the writing. in good conscience, I cannot recommend this novel.
Lisa G. (Wheeling, IL)
Eternal Life by Dara Horn
I am only rating this book average since I found it hard to maintain my interest as the main character Rachel came back over and over as an 18 year old and watched many of her descendants die.She made a bargain that she would never die if her son, the famous biblical scholar, Yohanan Ben Zakkai, was allowed to live. The book alternated between the past and present with Rachel's granddaughter, another one of the many Hannah's, was trying to figure out why her grandma had the DNA of an 18 year old. The blurb on back cover called the book hilarious which I found disturbing since I thought it was anything but funny.
…more I do not think it would be a good choice for my book group. (less)As a long-time fan of Dara Horn's writing, I was eagerly awaiting her latest novel. Eternal Life explores an interesting premise--the concept of living forever on earth. However, I found the "magical realism" aspect of the novel a bit off-putting. Many sections of the book seemed somewhat vague and repetitious. Although Horn remains a favorite of mine, I enjoyed this novel less than I did her earlier works.
Erin C. (Clawson, MI)
Average writing and a protagonist eternally lacking depth.
If you and your lover were cursed to never be able to die, how would you spend your eternity? Hopefully more wisely and reflectively than the narrator, Rachel. After living thousands of years, loving a procession of husbands and raising dozens of families, she is still obnoxiously as immature as the 18 year old who made the life for death bargain in the first place. She is forever gasping in surprise, and having the world fall out from beneath her feet at every revelation. This is a quick read, fortunately, and does have a few redeeming ideas, and characters with slightly more depth. If you are a fan of Dara
…more Horn, I imagine you might enjoy this book, but if you are looking for something more literary, look elsewhere. (less)
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