The Immortalists
Book Review - The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
Reading The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin at the Grand Basin outside the St. Louis Art Museum
I received this book in the most delightful way - a surprise package from my friend and fellow book blogger, Amy Stewart of The Trendy Reader. She sent along a sweet note that said "Hey Ashley - Missing you here in Chicago so I thought I'd send a little something to your new home in St. Louis. :) The Immortalists is one of my favs of 2018 so far and the bookmark is from local Chicago artist Bethany Wagreich. See her stuff at @vankitzel on IG! Hope to see you soon! xoxo Amy." Isn't that the best way to get a book?! It felt so good to be thought of - the simple act of kindness made my day and is making me smile again now!
Reading The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin at the Grand Basin outside the St. Louis Art Museum
If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?
That's the question at the center of this book. In 1969 the four Gold children visit a traveling psychic who claims to be able to tell you what day you will die. Each sibling takes the prophecy and uses it in different ways throughout their lives. Simon searches for love in San Francisco, Klara becomes a magician in Las Vegas, Daniel becomes a doctor for the army, post 9-11, and Varya dedicates her life to her research. The borders on science fiction, a genre I don't normally seek out, but stays true enough to reality that the story wasn't lost on me.
Reading The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin at the Grand Basin outside the St. Louis Art Museum
If you had the option to know the date of your death, would you choose to find out or would you keep in a mystery? For me, I think if I could know with absolute certainty the date of my death, I would choose to know. But I would have to know without a shadow of a doubt that the date was correct - I wouldn't be going to a traveling psychic. There's just too much doubt - I would be wondering and worrying. But if I knew for certain that my life would be short, I would definitely live it differently than if I knew I would live to old age. Many of our life decisions are based on the fact that we are planning for the long term - buy a house, save for retirement, etc. If I knew my life would be short I wouldn't waste my time or money on saving for the future. But again, I would have to know with absolute certainty.
Reading The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin at the Grand Basin outside the St. Louis Art Museum
The Immortalists was such a unique read - some are comparing it to Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (which I haven't read and before you harp on me, I know I need to read it, like, yesterday!) So if you enjoyed that one, then you might pick up this one next!
Reading The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin at the Grand Basin outside the St. Louis Art Museum
