Life After Life

by Kate Atkinson
Life After Life cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 612
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9780552779685
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2014-01-01
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson is a winner of the Costa Novel Award and a profound exploration of life's possibilities. The novel follows Ursula Todd as she experiences multiple lives, each time learning from her past to shape her future. With wit and compassion, Atkinson weaves a tale that celebrates the human experience in all its complexity. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 20th century, the story delves into the consequences of Ursula's actions and the impact they have on the world around her. Atkinson's ability to evoke the past with vivid detail and emotional depth makes this a standout work of literary fiction.

Reviews
Literary Review · Pamela Norris · 2025-09-19
absorbing 3.50

The novel is described as absorbing yet sprawling, with a focus on the alternative lives of its protagonist.

Pamela Norris finds the novel to be quite absorbing, praising its exploration of the protagonist's multiple lives. However, she also notes that the book can feel sprawling at times, with many different threads and timelines to follow. Despite this, she appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which makes it a thought-provoking read. Norris highlights the author's ability to evoke different eras and settings, making the historical context come alive.

Quick quotes

    Thus, there are all sorts of things you can read into Life After Life, which makes it a fairly absorbing, yet sprawling, novel.

    In the end, I'm left with a sense of the richness and complexity of Ursula's many lives.

    Atkinson's prose is evocative and her characters are well-drawn, making the novel a compelling read despite its sprawling nature.

Dear Author · 2013-10-22
delightful 4.00

The book is serious yet lightened by a droll British humor, making it an enjoyable read with a unique perspective on life's complexities.

The reviewer finds the book to be a serious exploration of life's intricacies, but it is balanced beautifully with a sense of humor that makes it accessible and fun. They appreciate the way the story handles heavy themes with a light touch, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that the British humor adds a layer of charm that makes the book stand out. Overall, they find the book to be a delightful and thought-provoking read that stays with the reader long after they've finished it.

Quick quotes

    Life after Life is a serious book, but it's leavened by a particular, droll British sense of humor throughout.

    It was fun to see some of the darker moments balanced with wit.

    The story handles heavy themes with a light touch.

Medium · Zachary Houle · 2013-10-22
thought-provoking 3.50

Life After Life is an absorbing yet sprawling novel with many layers to unpack. It's a thought-provoking read that keeps the reader engaged.

Zachary Houle describes Life After Life as a fairly absorbing, yet sprawling, novel. They mention that there are all sorts of things you can read into the book, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and the way it explores different aspects of life and death. Despite its sprawling nature, the book keeps the reader engaged with its intriguing narrative and characters. The reviewer finds the book to be a memorable and engaging read, with a lot to think about.

Quick quotes

    Thus, there are all sorts of things you can read into Life After Life, which makes it a fairly absorbing, yet sprawling, novel.

    In the end, I'm still thinking about it.

    It's a thought-provoking read that keeps the reader engaged.

The New York Times · 2013-04-26
challenging 3.50

The novel successfully juggles multiple narratives without becoming confusing, though reading it can be a mildly challenging experience.

The reviewer is impressed by the author's ability to manage a complex narrative structure without losing the reader. They find the book to be a mildly challenging read due to its ambitious scope, but they appreciate the effort and skill that went into crafting such a multifaceted story. The reviewer also notes that the book's exploration of different lives adds depth and richness to the overall narrative. While it may not be an easy read, the reviewer finds it to be a rewarding one that offers a unique perspective on life and its many possibilities.

Quick quotes

    Atkinson's juggling a lot at once — and nimbly succeeds in keeping the novel from becoming confusing.

    Even so, reading the book is a mildly challenging experience.

    The book's exploration of different lives adds depth and richness to the overall narrative.

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