Replay by Ken Grimwood Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Replay
Book Review: Return of a classic
Summary: 5 Stars
The 'what would you do if you could live your life again?' scenario has been well explored, but this is a good take on it. (The recent film 'butterfly effect' is a recent example of this genre).The central two characters get the chance to relive their lives not once but many times, but each time their 'life-span', and the point in their lives where they re-emerge after death is shorter. This is an exploration of how things could have been different for them, their friends and family, and the world in general. It is the story of their discovery of what is happening to them, but also what it allows them to discover about themselves. With the history of (mainly) the US since the 1960's to play with there is plenty of material.
One episode, where an increasingly desperate US attempts to intervene in world affairs based on their 'knowledge' of future events, only to see it spiral our of control as events diverge from previous history with terrorism and increasing attacks on the US has some relevance to recent events.
This is a book I have read several times now. Although at times it is in danger of becoming bogged down in the scenario he has created, the next 'replay' is never that far away, so it keeps you hooked to the end.
Some of the questions it poses are almost too big for the book. Can a relationship last more than one lifetime? What are the things that really matter in life? Can we really make a difference to other people's lives?
I heartily recommend this book.
Book Review: Absolutely Fantastic.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best work of fiction that I have ever read (and I have read a few ); and the only book I have read at least FOUR times. I just wish I could find some other work by the same author. It is a fascinating story of the 'hero' having to re-live his life over and over. But don't take my word for it; read it yourself, you will not be disappointed !Book Review: My Favourite Book, Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
A Stunning piece of workI have read this book several times and each time it never fails to move me. It is my favourite book, ever. The premise of what would you do if you had the chance to re-live your life? What would you do the same, or differently? This is a theme that haunts us all. I strongly recommend this book to everyone who has ever had any regrets, or wishes they could have done things differently or wishes that they had some knowledge of the future. It poses questions of morality and allows us to come to terms with our own mortality. I have never read a book which even comes close.
Book Review: One of the finest books I have ever read
Summary: 5 Stars
There are many questions people ask themselves about their own lives, probably the most terrible questions we ask ourselves relate to things that we cannot change - what would you do differently if you had the chance of living again. Would you turn left or right?
This book looks at that ultimate question - what if you could go back and do it all over again? Be born into a young body at a point in your life where nearly anything is possible. That is the story of Replay, as the middle-aged Jeff, stuck in a dead-end job and whose marriage is breaking apart, dies of a heart-attack and awakes as his 18 year old self. The book deals superbly with his initial confusion and then the slow realisation that it is a second chance, too that his knowledge of the future can bring him great wealth and even power.
The book I have loved because it is so clearly honest even when showing the darker side to foresight, it looks at what most people would want to do: make money, travel around, not have to work, turn dreams into reality. Jeff is believeable as he does not become a superhero nor does he want to run for President, he is just a normal person doing what a normal person would do. At the same time it serves as a moral tale as through Jeff you learn that perhaps living your life again and again would not be as easy nor as welcome as you would want. Ultimately the story has a profound ending with a statement that has stuck with me.
I would have to say that this is the best book I have ever read. It is touching, original, sad, funny but most importantly of all you believe it.
Book Review: Nothing too special, but still enjoyable.
Summary: 4 Stars
Well, I just finished the book so this review should be fresh with thoughts. I think on the whole I enjoyed it, but would have to excuse it from my 'favourites list'.... maybe my expectations were a little too high? But then it is in the Fantasy Masterworks. Either way, from me it gets a 8/10.It starts off with the death of the main character in 1988 (heart attack), which is always an interesting way to start a book. He finds himself in his college dorm 20 years earlier, unable to understand exactly what just happened. Infinite future possibilities become aparent. I'll leave the story there so as not to spoil anything.
Naturally, the first few chapters had me pinned down, eager to find out what happens next, but after a while I found myself losing a little interest in some parts. I didn't really care about what was happening in the world during the late 60s onwards, but was more interested in finding out about this strange phenomenum had occured. I read more, however, and again became intrigued. A few fantastic plot twists occured, and another spell passed where I couldn't put the book down. The book seemed to be a steady flow of slightly boring to absolutely fascinating, but then I guess all books can be similar. For the story's overlying theme it was important to know of some major world events in the past 30 years, and much of the book is to do with altering them and creating new realities, which was another part I loved.
I wouldn't say this book is a favourite, but deffinately one I'm glad to have read. If you have seen the Butterfly Effect, then this book is an enjoyable alternative. Or simply, if you are interested by time-travel or alternate realities, this is a must read.