4 out of 4 stars
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Can reincarnation play such a powerful effect, that it puts the person in an unending enigma, and this enigma evokes fear, anxiety, hope, and love in two souls? Yesterday by Samyann is a classical, historical romance fiction, which is built around two main characters: Amanda Parker and Mark Callahan and many charming supporting characters. The story is full of suspense and keeps the reader guessing as Amanda and Mark pass through their intersectional journey of reincarnation.
The story opens with cynical, heart-broken Amanda; depressed and uncertain about her life. After losing many loved ones, her heart fluctuates between denial and acceptance. Mary (Amanda’s godmother), Tom (Amanda’s brother) and his wife help her lots to return to her normal life. One day on her way to the job, she accidentally saves a life of a handsome Chicago policeman, Mark Callahan, who later on changed her own life to a great extent. After the accident, the wounded Amanda came across an old clock in an antique shop. Amanda remains stuck with all those incidents; Mark, clock and their love. Mark fell in love with Amanda, but he could not convince her because Amanda is still apprehensive about losing him as she has lost many people close to her. Both decide to go through the clinical sessions of past life therapy (PLT) under Mary’s guidance to get to the bottom of this unknown familiarity. Will they come up with the clue of their mysterious intimacy? Will Mark be able to win Amanda’s love by overcoming her anxiety? Readers will find it an all-out impressive and intriguing story.
The story is compelling and beautifully written. All characters are relatable and the author successfully creates a link between the present and the past life session of reincarnation. Samyann narrates the characters of Mark and Amanda so deeply that you consider yourself part of this scenario. Mark’s strength and loyalty bring new hope in Amanda’s sorrow-stricken life. Apart from this, the relating characters of Mary, Tom and Amanda’s sister-in-law have a powerful place in the story, as they fill Amanda’s empty life. Especially I am really impressed with Mary’s character. As an altruistic guardian, she brings great to soothe and comfort in Amanda’s life. The story is told from the alternating point of view and is well developed.
Personally, I don’t believe in the theory of reincarnation since it is a controversial idea. Every soul has its unique identity and none of the heavenly religion supports this theory. According to the Holy Books, “real reincarnation” will happen on the Day of Judgment. However, the beauty of the story lies in the skillful interpretation of this heavy topic into a light-hearted story that doesn’t offend the sentiments of readers.
The book includes many interesting facts. During the past life therapy, Amanda watches herself in the American Civil War period of the 19TH century, in form of little Bonnie. Here, Samyann omnisciently depicts the lifestyle of those times, the miseries people faced during the war and how this war brought havoc in all spheres of life and affected the lives of common people. Apart from this, The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 also helps Amanda to find out more about her. Moreover, I appreciate the author for adding the chronology of events with their factual background in the end of the book. After reading this novel, one thing is clear that PLT technique helps a person a lot to come out of any traumatic condition, happened in past life.
One thing, I dislike about the book is its vague starting. You can’t understand for a while, where the story is going to take you. It has an almost abrupt ending which leaves many things unanswered. I think Samyann should bring the sequel to this book for its justified ending. I am confident that the readers would admire her second book too. Another thing, which takes the story in a fantasy realm, is the inclusion of very minute details from the account of little Bonnie, in regression sessions. A six-year-old child can’t predict, understand and accurately explain the deep political and social changes taking place in a country. I don’t think so that any regression session can take you back to discover such exquisite details. Anyhow, I enjoyed these past life therapy sessions.
Though the book is a bit slow paced, the realistic and explicit explanation of each character keeps the reader intact throughout the story. Overall, the entire book format is very comfortable and appealing. It is professionally edited, and I couldn’t find any noticeable mistake. So I feel no hesitation to rate this fabulous piece of writing 4 out of 4 stars. The story picks up the reader on a unique plot which deals with reincarnation, PLT sessions, mystery and love and contains some philosophical touch. So I would recommend this book to those readers who understand the theme of reincarnation and have interest in Civil War incidents.
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Yesterday
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