Possible Life, A
Faulks, SebastianSubtitled a novel in five parts, this book transports the reader to different settings and time periods while encountering diverse characters. Whether it is Geoffrey Talbot in World War Two, Billy Webb in a Victorian workhouse, Elena Duranti, a 2029 neuroscientist, Jeanne a servant from 19th century France, or Anya King, a 1970s singer/songwriter, each story is beautifully rendered and can stand alone.
However the intriguing connections between stories, the most notable being love and loss bring the work to a complete and satisfying whole.
Comments from Groups
Great book which led to a robust discussion. Dunedin 001 Extremely well written, vibrant characters. Enjoyed by most of us, although we did feel it was not up to his usual standard. Rotorua 006 Not so much a novel as five random stories not making a novel. Seemed to have little cohesion or direction. Auckland 174 Very well written. Enjoyed all of it. Characters very well drawn and believable. Wellington 178 Feelings were mixed about this. Everyone thought it was short stories. We felt the author wasn't really successful in connecting things in a meaningful way. Dunedin 033 Some stories were preferred over others and we all agreed the writing was excellent. We didn't regard this book as a great read like, for example, 'Birdsong' by the same author. Characterisation quite well developed but some of us felt the stories were quite detached and emotionally cold. Auckland 037 This is a beautiful book and we all loved it. There was great sadness, love, poverty, hardship - all portrayed in the five stories. The interconnections we found fascinating. Wellington 041
Pages
294
294
Year
2012
2012
Reviews
11-03-2024
The group really enjoyed the book and it provoked good discussion. We enjoyed the versatility in Sebastian Faulk's writing, amazing research done to pull 5 characters, time periods and lives together. Masterful writing and so engrossing. The notes were very good in providing a synopsis of each story, vignette and identifying themes, which we hadn't considered.
24-09-2021
The majority of the group was not overly excited. The links were too obscure and there was little room for hope. The last story was generally considered a waste of time.
24-09-2021
Mixed feelings about this book but all agreed it had a depth and complexity that meant it was far more enjoyable on a 2nd reading!! Also a book to be discussed rather than just read, as the connections and links between characters were brought out in round the table talk and personal understandings of the book.
24-09-2021
This book went down very well. We all had some different ideas on the stories, making it a very interesting meeting.
24-09-2021
This book gave rise to different responses. A majority found the stories rather depressing, one said "weird". Others really appreciated Faulk's writing skill and the mood he created. The concept of the stories being a novel was challenging - it required some real wrestling with what the author was trying to achieve.
24-09-2021
We had a detailed discussion about what the links between stories might be.
17-09-2021
The majority of us loved it, although had difficulty finding some of the connections - definitely a book that would benefit from reading twice!
17-09-2021
Some thought the stories needed more relief from sadness. Those who liked it, liked it wholeheartedly.
17-09-2021
Worth a second reading. Challenging and thought-provoking.
17-09-2021
We enjoyed the 5 individual stories but failed to find a so called connection between them! A worthwhile choice nevertheless.
17-09-2021
Our discussion by email. Book well liked. Interesting thread of love gained and lost through all the stories.
30-10-2020
Interesting use of structure in the formation of this novel! But as always with Faulks, great taut and expressive writing. Much food for thought.
30-10-2020
We all appreciated the wonderful writing and the way the author captured the characters in each story. Some members could see links - others just enjoyed the book.