The Life Tree by Nicholas McGirr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What happens in the afterlife? Do we get to see angels in full regalia or monsters that mete punishment and havoc? Are we reincarnated or do we find ourselves on a mere infinite void?
This first-person narrative takes us into a world of constant time travels without the scientific terminologies and contraptions, and of experiences and visions with great variations in the intensity or absence of feelings, emotions and normal human sensations.
On a normal day, I would have drastically given this piece a lower rating because I was more confused instead of enlightened along the way. It’s a good thing that the afterthought part saved me from my utter ignorance. On its literary value, this albeit-short yet lyrically poetic and symbolism-rich piece is still clearly worthy to grace one’s shelf.
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Note: This piece has themes not suitable for younger readers. If you or someone you know need help, contact the following:
Lifeline Australia through 13 11 14 or via https://www.lifeline.org.au/about-lif…
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (in the US) through 1-800-273-8255 (toll-free) or via https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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I wonder how the time jumps occur without resorting to the typical sci-fi devices. And I applaud that the author of the review had the open-mindedness to admit a change of heart. As they say in my country: only wise people change their minds.
Indeed. It was craftily-written in a way that makes you focus on other things and not look for the more technical details. I may have merely skipped parts or perhaps been too distracted by my propensity to make sense of the other facets of the piece. Nonetheless, it was a read worth spending time on and eventually change minds for. Thank you for the wise quips and deeper thoughts that bring more significance to this review.