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zannmato's review
3.0
I was a great fan of the film and only recently noticed that it had been based on a book. The film is the better expression of the work and its ideas (that I have no doubt), but even the film had its issues that I believe now stem from the core of the book's premise and worldbuilding.
You have to commend Matheson at least because he attempted to rework Dante's Divine Comedy. Still, even Matheson was unable to altogether remove himself from the religious (in part because the spiritual knowledge was gleening parts of the afterlife in his novel) self-improvement, based mostly on the protestant work ethic, aspect of the salvation of one's soul; further feeding into the idea that we inherently live in a cruel universe generated by a vast yet uncaring God.
Suicides are punished but explained as punishing themselves and the rebirth process sounds a lot like Southpark's difficulty slider from the Stick of Truth, explaining people's suffering (race, gender, sexuality, and disability) as a choice and put through the lens of spiritual improvement.
Otherwise, the love story at the heart of the novel is beautiful although I do appreciate the changes the film made to enhance its impact.
You have to commend Matheson at least because he attempted to rework Dante's Divine Comedy. Still, even Matheson was unable to altogether remove himself from the religious (in part because the spiritual knowledge was gleening parts of the afterlife in his novel) self-improvement, based mostly on the protestant work ethic, aspect of the salvation of one's soul; further feeding into the idea that we inherently live in a cruel universe generated by a vast yet uncaring God.
Suicides are punished but explained as punishing themselves and the rebirth process sounds a lot like Southpark's difficulty slider from the Stick of Truth, explaining people's suffering (race, gender, sexuality, and disability) as a choice and put through the lens of spiritual improvement.
Otherwise, the love story at the heart of the novel is beautiful although I do appreciate the changes the film made to enhance its impact.
smolhandsdan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
I don't think I like the concept that rebirth/reincarnation partly is for those who have to "balance thre scale" and take on a deformity or illness to essentially cleanse and add karma to their soul. I get what the author is implying but it kinda gives me the ick.
janscrazylife's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
witpip's review
3.0
The book definitely gives you food for thought. Beautifully written. I wouldn’t really call it a page turner but it wasn’t so boring that I put it down. The concept is different than the movie but both are incredible pieces of art. The book is sad but it also did not make me cry. It has a happy ending.... as happy as it can go I suppose.
deidregraham's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
_cmcole_'s review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A novel that explores the possibility of afterlife, and how choices in life affects our “life” after death. A novel that helped me become un-afraid of death and dying. An unforgettable story of eternal love.
labunnywtf's review
5.0
I changed the edition of the book again. I decided not to read Somewhere in Time. I might come back to it.
This was beautiful. Different from the movie, but still powerful, and the imagery is vivid and wonderful. I only cried half the time, so that's a plus. As someone who lost someone important, there are no words for how good this book was.
Just amazing. I can't say it enough.
This was beautiful. Different from the movie, but still powerful, and the imagery is vivid and wonderful. I only cried half the time, so that's a plus. As someone who lost someone important, there are no words for how good this book was.
Just amazing. I can't say it enough.