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56 pages 1 hour read

Life After Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Kate Atkinson

Life After Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

560

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

970L

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Super Short Summary

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson follows Ursula Todd, who is repeatedly reborn in the same place and time, allowing her to experience and alter events in the tumultuous mid-20th century, particularly the World Wars. Through her various lives, Ursula explores the themes of fate, choice, and the meaning of existence against the broader backdrop of historical events. The book discusses instances of sexual violence, domestic violence, death by suicide, termination of a pregnancy, and child loss.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

3.9

259,090 ratings

66%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kate Atkinson's Life After Life has garnered praise for its inventive narrative structure, exploring themes of destiny and resilience through Ursula's multiple lives. Critics lauded Atkinson's prose and character development, though some found the repetitive timeline confusing. Overall, it's celebrated for its originality and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Life After Life?

Fans of historical fiction and intricate narratives will relish Kate Atkinson's Life After Life. If you enjoyed the complex temporal structures in Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife or the profound historical reflections in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, you'll find this novel compelling and thought-provoking.

3.9

259,090 ratings

66%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Ursula Beresford Todd

The protagonist who lives multiple lives, experiencing different outcomes based on the choices she makes while retaining her sensitive and perceptive personality.

Ursula's mother, who begins as a romanticized figure of motherhood but becomes bitter as time progresses, having been influenced by her past experiences and losses.

Ursula’s beloved younger brother, who embodies loyalty and kindness, representing the cherished aspects of humanity and the hope for the future.

The steady patriarch of the Todd family, known for his warmth, care for others, and enthusiasm for life, which make him a stabilizing force for those around him.

Hugh’s younger sister, who lives an independent and pleasure-seeking lifestyle, often serving as a mentor to Ursula with her willingness to embrace life's pleasures.

Ursula’s older brother, who is ambitious and self-serving, with little empathy for his family, valuing his own accomplishments above relationships.

A retired hospital matron who supports Ursula during World War II, providing moral guidance and demonstrating resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity.

Book Details
Pages

560

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

970L

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