"The Immortalists" by Chloe Benjamin is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the idea of fate and the consequences of knowing when we will die. The story follows the lives of the four Gold children—Simon, Klara, Daniel, and Varya—after they visit a fortune teller who reveals the date of their deaths. The narrative is divided into four sections, each focusing on one of the siblings and their unique journey to confront the prophecy. Simon, the youngest, runs away to San Francisco to escape his fate and finds love and acceptance in the city's vibrant gay community. Klara becomes a magician, using her art to challenge death and bring joy to others. Daniel, a military doctor, becomes obsessed with extending his life, while Varya, a scientist, conducts experiments on aging and longevity. Benjamin's prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of each character and their struggles. The novel raises philosophical questions about the nature of fate and free will, and whether knowing the date of our death would give us the power to change it or simply make us prisoners of our destiny. The Immortalists is a beautifully written and deeply moving exploration of the human condition, family, love, and loss. It challenges the reader to consider the impact of fate on our lives and the choices we make. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction that delves into the complexities of the human experience.
Neil Gaiman
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The Dream Life of Sukhanov
This novel follows a Soviet art critic, Anatoly Sukhanov, as he navigates the changing political landscape of the Soviet Union and his own personal demons. Fans of 'The Immortalists' will appreciate the exploration of fate, free will, and the consequences of choices.
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