Rachel is a woman with a problem: she can’t die. Her recent troubles—widowhood, a failing business, an unemployed middle-aged son—are only the latest in a litany spanning dozens of countries, scores of marriages, and hundreds of children. In the 2,000 years since she made a spiritual bargain to save the life of her first son back in Roman-occupied Jerusalem, she’s tried everything to free herself, and only one other person in the world understands: a man she once loved passionately, who has been stalking her through the centuries, convinced they belong together forever.

But as the twenty-first century begins and her children and grandchildren—consumed with immortality in their own ways, from the frontiers of digital currency to genetic engineering—develop new technologies that could change her fate and theirs, Rachel knows she must find a way out.

Gripping, hilarious, and profoundly moving, Eternal Life celebrates the bonds between generations, the power of faith, the purpose of death, and the reasons for being alive.

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  When I first read the synopsis to this book, I found myself getting a bit of “The Age of Adeline” vibe, a 2015 movie directed by Lee Toland Krieger. Not an exact replica vibe, mind you, but one of similar context.  The main points being, the female Protagonist couldn’t die, a miracle occurred, only one other person knows the truth about her, a man she once loved passionately, but thought she was dead until a chance meeting. She too had scores of relationships and was being sought after.

If you are looking for a literary fiction written with superb quality, then this book is for you. Her style is unique and so descriptive of human emotion which is perfect for reading about the Protagonist who suffers losing family and friends with each lifetime she lives.  There’s a saying: “No parent should outlive their children.” This story makes you feel this pain deep in your gut.

I loved this book and think everyone who loves this genre and style of writing should give it a try. It’s filled with Roman and Jewish historical references and fills the pages with regret, pain and suffering while making revelations about life and its sacrifices.

It’s so well done. I absolutely loved it.