This is an interesting tale on two levels. The basic milieu is an alternate reality--a world in which the Black Death killed off three times the number of Europeans than it did in our world, 99% of the total population. The role that European nations played in world history is now taken by other nations, other cultures. Mr. Robinson postulates the rise of Chinese and Islamic empires that create a history that only vaguely reflects our own. The other premise that makes this novel worth reading (and rereading) is that reincarnation is real. We follow the lead characters from life to life, with a brief scene in the bardo between incarnations. I suppose there might be some spiritual/philosophical insights in the tale, but to be honest, I was too busy enjoying the variety of stories as the characters progressed through a new and intriguing history. Oh, well, it's a good excuse to keep this one on my shelf so I can pull it down for another read someday.
--J. ( )

One of the the most complex, multi-layered and absorbing novels I’ve read, which would definitely benefit from multiple rereadings.

Set in an alternate history where the Plague wiped out 99 percent of Europe’s population instead of just one-third – effectively decimating white, Christian culture – the novel follows 700 years of history as Arab, Asian and Native American cultures flourish and the religions of Buddhism and Islam spread throughout the world. One assumption the novel makes is that reincarnation is real, so the same set of characters (a jati, or group of souls linked by fate) come together in life after life and either witness or instigate the great events, scientific discoveries, political movements and philosophical writings of human history.

This novel is more than just an entertaining series of adventures, though. It has a lot to say about the human condition, religion, philosophy and history itself. How do cultures rise and fall? What small events can create or destroy empires? The section that tells the story of the earth’s world war – called the Long War and lasting more than 70 years – is one of the most harrowing depictions of war and its aftermath I have ever read. This is a weighty book, with a lot of big ideas to captivate and absorb the reader through many visits to this alternate – but very realistic – history of humankind. ( )

Quite intriguing concept for an alternate history. The black plague wipes out Europe (except for a handful of survivors) and changes history beyond recognition.

However I found the story tedious to read. It was hard to connect with the characters in the story and the main characters weren't always interesting to read about. Also the reincarnation of the different main characters made it hard to keep track of who's who (which sometimes only becomes 100% clear when they die).

Although it did have it moments. The moments the entire Jati is in the Bardo can be very hilarious or riveting, depending on the mood the characters have due their death and experiences. Also the first part of the book contains the best 'stories' of the characters. Later on in the book the stories tend to become more philosophical

The global politics and the way technology develops during the centuries in the book is believable. And most certainly the best part in the book. ( )

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