Thursday 15 September 2016

The Readers #2 The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

As mentioned in my last Readers club post this session’s book was my choice. Having looked on my bookshelves for some inspiration I came across The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North. I had forgotten I had it so seized the opportunity and swiftly recommended it for book club-and I am glad I did.

"Harry August is on his deathbed. Again.
No matter what he does or the decisions he makes, when death comes, Harry always returns to where he began, a child with all the knowledge of a life he has already lived a dozen times before. Nothing ever changes.
Until now.
As Harry nears the end of his eleventh life, a little girl appears at his bedside. 'I nearly missed you, Doctor August,' she says. 'I need to send a message.'
This is the story of what Harry does next, and what he did before, and how he tries to save a past he cannot change and a future he cannot allow."

Harry August, as he is known in the book, lives no ordinary life-over and over again. As the name suggests he possesses an ability that no mere human possesses. When Harry dies he is swiftly born again at the exact same time, place and circumstances as he originally was- in a bathroom somewhere between Edinburgh and Newcastle-with all the memories of his past life. As an illegitimate child with a mother who dies in childbirth and a father from high society he finds himself adopted by his aunt and uncle and working for the family he could possibly bring shame upon.

Harry’s first life is nothing exciting-a standard life. His second is short and tragic; having gained his memories he was left feeling confused and committed to a Mental Institute at a young age. From this he commits suicide by jumping out a window. A sad story but sprinkled with humour as he lets the readers know that 3 stories isn’t enough to cause death but thankfully he landed on his head. We soon realise that death is just an escape plan to Harry. For ‘linears’ it means the end but on more than one occasion Harry has had to use death to remove himself from tricky situations. A trait I’m sure we all wish we had sometimes.

The book gets more interesting when Harry learns of the Cronus Club and that he is not the only person in the world like him. We know from the first chapter that his life has purpose. The world is ending and he needs to stop it. The Cronus Club has rules-don’t drastically change the world and don’t do harm to other members. But members are being destroyed before birth-the only true death for people like Harry, or have had their memories wiped. Harry never forgets and the world is ending, quicker and quicker each year. Harry then finds himself in world vastly developed way before its time in pursuit of the man responsible.

The book describes the world, science and communism perfectly. It is a known fact the author Claire North had walls covered in spreadsheets to make sure the timelines were accurate. A fact that makes me love this book even more. The theme of good and evil plays heavily throughout this book. I mean if you are going to live your life over and over again what’s the harm in doing what you want? Even Harry, driven by the need to free the world from the inevitable doom, has to commit acts that would shock and appal the reader. Does this make him a good or bad person? This book highlights the fluidity of this concept and nothing is black or white.

Everyone from the book club agreed they loved this book, possibly the best choice so far. Although one member did say they found the timeline a bit confusing as it jumps from one life to another but I found that highlights how our memories work and the non-linearity of Harry’s life. I loved reading this book and the relatively short chapters make it perfect for the daily commute if like me you also despise stopping mid chapter.

Our next book is The Wolf Road by Beth Lewis something again different from previous books. Join me next time to hear all about that but before I go I want to pose one question to you…

What would you do if you could repeat your life?

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24 comments

  1. This sounds like a different kind of story, not heard one like it before. Very interesting, glad you all have liked the choice x

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    1. Yeah it's not the typical "time travel" book which is what interested me the most!

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  2. Sounds fascination and you have described it so well I want to pick it up and read it .. something a bit different

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    1. Thank you! You should read it! Can get it really cheap on Amazong :)

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  3. If I could repeat my life over again I would have to spend a lot more time with my grandfather why he was still alive! xxx

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  4. Just looking at the title and cover of this book I knew it was one I would probably enjoy, and reading your description of it I am absolutely convinced that it needs to be added to my TBR pile!

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  5. Sounds like an interesting story! I love the cover of the book as well :)

    Sarah | lavenderlife.co

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  6. What an unusual story line. Another one to keep an eye out for at the library.

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  7. I think once you get used to the jumping between different lives this sounds like a really interesting read x

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  8. This sounds like a really interesting read and not like anything I've read before. Will definitely put it on my list!

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  9. This sounds really intersting and different! I'd love to give this a go!

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  10. I've read a few reviews of this book now, and they all sound very positive.

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  11. It sounds like a very unusual book. I've just finished mine and I could try that one! I like it when it's a bit peculiar and unconventional.

    Mika | www.la-french-connection.com

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  12. Not heard of this book before but it does sound like a very interesting read :)

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  13. This is my second time seeing this book. The cover is intriguing enough to flip a page.

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  14. This sounds interesting and I will have to check it out!

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  15. Well it sounds intriguing and you have explained the storyline so well without revealing too much x

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  16. Sounds like an interesting read, even though I don't read much fiction.

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  17. I've never read anything like this before but it sounds really interesting!
    Amelia | ameliamaryx

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  18. This book seems like a really good read! I will have to pick it up!

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  19. ah an interesting story line. not like your typical fiction

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  20. This sounds like a very interesting read, I might get a copy myself.

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  21. This sounds like something different from what I would usually read, but that's a good thing.

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  22. Decided to read t his post because I'd already and commented on the bar burrito post....

    A great review - it sounds different to any book I've heard of before which definitely appeals to me :)

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