Review by Tarbena45 -- Yesterday by Samyann
-
Tarbena45
- Posts: 11
- Joined: 04 Jun 2020, 04:10
- Currently Reading: Kalayla
- Bookshelf Size: 14
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tarbena45.html
- Latest Review: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
Review by Tarbena45 -- Yesterday by Samyann
[Following is a volunteer review of "Yesterday" by Samyann.]
Yesterday, by the author, Samyann, is a fascinating romantic novel that manages to combine mystery, history and, as the subtitle suggests, reincarnation.
The story opens in the present day in Chicago, where Amanda Parker is sitting in her flat talking to her cat, Oprah. She is resigned to her fate to live a lonely life as it seems to her that everyone she has loved in the past has died. This has produced such anxiety that she refuses to allow herself to be drawn into another close relationship, fearing that it will end in tragedy.
Step forward Mark, the handsome Mounted police officer, who Amanda manages to save after a train comes off the rails, narrowly killing him. The mutual attraction is strong and there is an immediate acknowledgment on both sides that they know each other, but how and where?
Mary, Amanda’s godmother, is a psychotherapist and is therefore well qualified to help solve the riddle. Here begins the regression of Amanda, and subsequently Mark, to 19th century America and the search for answers to the puzzle that connects them.
The story travels back to these tumultuous times and is described in vivid detail. The human cost of the American Civil war, the Great Fire, and the slave trade makes for harrowing reading. These episodes are cleverly woven into the storyline. The stories are full of emotion and the historical characters are beautifully portrayed. I enjoyed learning about this account of American history. The characters are fictitious but the author has made sure the historical events are accurate. For example, despite the emancipation of slaves in 1863, the proclamation did not change the discrimination against Ben and Magdalena who found themselves in real danger because of the color of their skin. The account of the 1871 Great Fire in Chicago was also a revelation to me.
I found Amanda’s character confusing. She is adamant that she wants no relationship with Mark but then seems to capitulate to his charms very easily and often! I prickled at Mark’s attitudes. He comes across as a chauvinistic bully. “I’m not going to allow it. I’ve spoken, and that’s final”, “You Miss Parker are not in charge” and “some cute little nurse I don’t know, standing there and watching.” are a few quotes of a man who has not yet arrived in the 21st century!
Occasionally I found the storyline in the present day contrived and slightly labored. There were too many coincidences in order to tie up the loose ends and arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. However, it is a fascinating read and overall, very enjoyable.
Yesterday would appeal to those who enjoy a romantic story with some mystery and time travel thrown in. I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I found the storyline slightly labored so I have not awarded it a perfect 4.
There are violent episodes and scenes of a sexual nature, none of which are overtly explicit.
******
Yesterday
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Yesterday, by the author, Samyann, is a fascinating romantic novel that manages to combine mystery, history and, as the subtitle suggests, reincarnation.
The story opens in the present day in Chicago, where Amanda Parker is sitting in her flat talking to her cat, Oprah. She is resigned to her fate to live a lonely life as it seems to her that everyone she has loved in the past has died. This has produced such anxiety that she refuses to allow herself to be drawn into another close relationship, fearing that it will end in tragedy.
Step forward Mark, the handsome Mounted police officer, who Amanda manages to save after a train comes off the rails, narrowly killing him. The mutual attraction is strong and there is an immediate acknowledgment on both sides that they know each other, but how and where?
Mary, Amanda’s godmother, is a psychotherapist and is therefore well qualified to help solve the riddle. Here begins the regression of Amanda, and subsequently Mark, to 19th century America and the search for answers to the puzzle that connects them.
The story travels back to these tumultuous times and is described in vivid detail. The human cost of the American Civil war, the Great Fire, and the slave trade makes for harrowing reading. These episodes are cleverly woven into the storyline. The stories are full of emotion and the historical characters are beautifully portrayed. I enjoyed learning about this account of American history. The characters are fictitious but the author has made sure the historical events are accurate. For example, despite the emancipation of slaves in 1863, the proclamation did not change the discrimination against Ben and Magdalena who found themselves in real danger because of the color of their skin. The account of the 1871 Great Fire in Chicago was also a revelation to me.
I found Amanda’s character confusing. She is adamant that she wants no relationship with Mark but then seems to capitulate to his charms very easily and often! I prickled at Mark’s attitudes. He comes across as a chauvinistic bully. “I’m not going to allow it. I’ve spoken, and that’s final”, “You Miss Parker are not in charge” and “some cute little nurse I don’t know, standing there and watching.” are a few quotes of a man who has not yet arrived in the 21st century!
Occasionally I found the storyline in the present day contrived and slightly labored. There were too many coincidences in order to tie up the loose ends and arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. However, it is a fascinating read and overall, very enjoyable.
Yesterday would appeal to those who enjoy a romantic story with some mystery and time travel thrown in. I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I found the storyline slightly labored so I have not awarded it a perfect 4.
There are violent episodes and scenes of a sexual nature, none of which are overtly explicit.
******
Yesterday
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
