4 out of 4 stars
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Life Before is a captivating historical fiction novel written by K. L. Romo. This novel tells the story of a middle-aged woman who discovers she is able to connect with one of her past lives. In Life Before we meet Elaine of Dallas, Texas. Elaine is trying to determine her new purpose in life now that her children have gone off to college. Like many of us, she struggles to find her passion. For many years, Elaine has put off becoming a writer. Running out of excuses, she decides to give it a go. Through modern technology, Elaine is transported through time and finds herself in 1907 Dallas. Here Elaine lives out the life of a reformed prostitute named Eliza Darling. Elaine digs deeper into the world of prostitution during her trips in the past. Through her journey, Elaine wonders if this underground world still exists today.
It is no easy task to take on a subject as touchy as prostitution. Romo shines a brand-new light on an old practice by describing prostitution as a form of slavery. Through this novel, readers are able to experience the different forms of prostitution. Romo discusses the motivation to partake in this line of work in great detail. She also explains that some women were forced into this business while other women chose it on their own. The main theme in Life Before is the desire to feel empowered. This is something that many readers can relate to.
This novel offers the readers real characters that are complex. The author describes them in a way that is authentic in a way that prostitutes are rarely portrayed. Romo provides the back stories for many characters. It is fantastic the way that the author goes further into the past to show the characters as young girls. This allows the reader to understand where these girls are coming from and why they chose this life. The backstories of these characters are heartbreaking. What they experience and feel are relatable.
Life Before brings readers face to face with the realities that the lower-class face. It shows the circumstances that forced many young and innocent girls into prostitution. The crime and atrocities committed against these girls were beyond imagination. The worst part was the lack of concern for these girls. That made the crimes that more dangerous. There were many instances that made me cry. There are several graphic sexual scenes in the book, so I would only recommend it for adult readers. I would recommend this to readers who love time travel stories time or historical fiction.
Overall, I would rate Life Before 4 out of 4 stars. This is a book that was hard to put down. It is a book that makes the readers think about the multiple sides of human nature. This is not a simple story. It is an experience. The story is neatly written and the plot is easy to understand despite jumping from one date to the next.
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Life Before
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