This was an oddly told story. It is a "Choose Your Own Adventure" type book. OR, you can read it in the traditional sort of way, from start to end. I chose to read it as the 'Baroness" recommended. There seemed to be a whole bunch of new characters in each chapter that I was directed to (or were they new?).

This was a fantastic adventure and I am glad that I read it the way that I did. I will say that I did find the moving around from chapter to chapter a bit frustrating because I was never able to totally immerse myself in the story. I was constantly trying to catch up and wondered where I was in the story.

My thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book is due to release in July 2020.

So lets get the preliminaries out of the way that everyone is putting in there reviews.
1. This book will remind you of stories like Cloud Atlas.
2. There are three distinct story blocks. Education of a Monster, City of Ghosts, and Tales of the Albatross
3. There are two ways to read this book. Straight through reading one story after the other or by following the Baroness's sequence

Now that being said, I read it in the Baroness's sequence because why be boring and read straight through. However I will say that if I had a physical book and not a ebook with a link to the next section I might find the going back and forth annoying. Also having read the story the way I did I could not image finding the straight through reading having the same impact or feel to it. It wouldn't be till the end where it connects.

Okay now lets start. This is the story of Alula and Koahu. They come from a land where people still have the ability to make "crossings" but the Law says there cannot be a crossing without a return crossing. One day when a French ship lands on their island tragedy strikes and Koahu accidentally crosses with the ship surgeon but is fatally wounds in the process. Alula notices that the crossing occurred so she does her own with another sailor, Joubert, in order to save Koahu.

Over the next 170 years Alula travels the world and does six more crossings without a return trying to find Koahu and convince him of the truth. This is a combination of an epic love story and a story of revenge. Anybody that loves historical fiction and fantasy will enjoy this story. And if you read this in the Baroness's order it will end with one of the best half pages I have read in a while.

What a spectacular treat! This is a very unique book with alternate order of chapters, almost like a game or a puzzle. The characters and theme of each story is a must read, for a special treat awaits you. If you  like ghost stories, romance or penned memoirs; stories of love, need and caring this book is perfect. There are amazing ways to read and appreciate this remarkable book. Thank you #NetGalley#Crossings#PicadorAustrailia

I received Crossings by Alex Landragin for an ho eat review. I thought this was well written and very interesting. There are two ways to read this book, straight through as a regular book or follow the links after each chapter. I started to read by following the links but one was broken so I went to the straight through method.

Crossings is about a group of people who are part of the Baudelaire Society who have the ability to cross over into another person and keep their experiences and also bring along their past life experiences too. The ultimate rule is that it must be a two-way crossing, go and come back. Except there are always those that break the rules. As usual, there is the good and evil contingents of those that get greedy and selfish and those that use this for the good of all. Plus there is the murders and why those are happening.

This starts out on an island with a book that needs to be bound. This book is searched for throughout the storyline. There are several main characters that are followed throughout the different sections that provide the answers when the crossings first started and then how it went through history.

I loved the writing but thought the book was confusing. I kept putting it down or getting distracted even though I was interested in the storyline. The last 30 minutes of the book took me over 2 hrs to finish. I will pick up another Alex Landragin book to read to see if this is just the style or just me.
#Netgalley #Crossings #PicadorAustralia

I read this book in the Baroness's alternate order, because I wanted a novel. I do want to try it straight through, but need to let it rest in my head and forget a little. I'd like it to be somewhat new,
-----
This book is something. Is it science fiction, fantasy? I'm not entirely sure. It features two souls over generations, trying to find each other and get back to their home, together. But that turns out to be even harder than it might seem.

I do wish I had taken some notes. Reading the alternate order, on a kindle, made it very hard to find something I vaguely remembered that turned out to be important. There are a lot of characters, of varying social statuses, in varying times and places. Jumping back and forth in time and place and within the book itself got a little confusing. Not too confusing, just enough that I knew there was more detail that I could not remember or re-find.

I think the comparison to David MItchell's work is fair. MItchell is farther into his career, so it's not exactly an even comparison as to where they are in their novel-writing careers, but it is fair. I look forward to Landrigan's future work.

I was tricked into downloading this book by NetGalley publicity! A case of not the right book, right time for me. By all accounts structurally inventive and an enjoyable read.

Crossings is a book that can be read in two ways, and the way you choose to read it makes all the difference. I have to admit that I only read it one way, with the Baroness sequence, but I was super hooked. At some point, I look forward to reading it the other direction as well. This gives the book a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure sort of feel but in a much more sophisticated fashion. It twists up the idea of genre, making it historical, fantastical, romantic, thrilling, and sometimes terrifying. The result is a book that is truly unforgettable and unputdownable. I am blown away by the construct of the book and the kind of planning and foresight that the author had to write such a masterful novel. Absolutely brilliant.

My one suggestion for other readers, however, is to get this one in paper or hardback. Reading it on Kindle was difficult if you lost your place at all because of the way the book flips here and there depending on the choice of reading path that you take.

Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's for the early read.

Book Review: Crossings by Alex Landragin
(Published by St. Martin's Press, July 28, 2020)

4.25 Stars

"Consisting of three manuscripts....."

Written by an hitherto unknown author, described as a book with three tales to be read any of two ways, I opened this novel with a healthy dose of skepticism.

And, to my amazement, discovered a treasure trove of creativity and imagination!

Meticulously weaved and painstakingly pieced together, strewn with seven generations of uniquely unrelated characters - and yet magically intertwined, spanning centuries and continents, the narration is obviously the product of deep, extensive research, circumscribed on the edges of rather remarkable historical and geographical accuracy, if at times dotted with poetic ad libs.

Charles Baudelaire and his works, Coco Chanel (and her controversies?), metempsychosis, retrograde amnesia, psychogenic fugue, the Scheherazade, the bouquinistes of Paris, its "modern" pneumatic mail system, Montparnasse, Quai Voltaire and its quartiers, New Orleans, Mauritius (Ile de France), Nouvelle-Calédonie. And the kava of Melanesia.

The metempsychosis of the living - without constraints.

"We learned there were three different kinds. The first, a crossing between two initiates..." - Alula, Melanesian maiden

Epic. Accolades!

Review based on an ARC from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin Press and Alex Landragin for the ARC of the “Crossing”.

I certainly was entertained by this book. It brought back memories of the “Choice Your Own Adventures” books that my son devoured. The Crossing offers two ways to read the novel: front to back, or the Baroness way. I choose the front to back. And, now plan on reading it the other way...what fun!

The story is multi layered in part a historical fiction, paranormal suspense and a good fictional read.

Wonderfully exciting and suspenseful story in a uniquely genre bending reading sequence. My suggestion is to read it in the “Baroness sequence” to fully enjoy the twists and turns and reveals. Every character is memorable and well established. Superb.

I wish to thank Net Galley and the Publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a book that is well written and will be a great read for a lot of people. However, I just could not get into it. I am not a fan of time travel stories. This one is written in several different ways and kept going back and forth. I just stayed confused by it all. I have to admit I just could not stay with it long enough to finish it. I really tried several times and each time I put it down it was hard to pick it up again.

Crossing is an interesting story about love across different timelines. It can be read two ways; it can be read front to back in order (three separate but somewhat connected stories) or you can read it in chronological order (as the events happen or “the Baroness sequence”). I had a hard time getting into this book but I ended up reading it in “the Baroness sequence” and ultimately ended up lost at times.

It intrigued me in that it almost reminded me of an adult “choose your own ending” book in that you didn’t have to read it the traditional front to back but rather “skip around”.

In all it was a solid storyline about the transcendence of love through time.

Crossings is one of the most imaginative novels you'll ever find. Just deciding how you want to read it-either as three "stand alone" (but vaguely connected) stories or "the Baroness sequence"-hopscotching between the three for a chronological but decidedly head spinning single novel-takes some thought. I chose the Baroness sequence for continuity-but be forewarned-you'll need a scorecard (or an incredible memory and above average analytical abilities) to keep track of the characters and how they fit into the overall plot. An easy explanation is Crossings deals with reincarnation-but this doesn't do justice to the mysterious (yet stunningly simple) "ceremony" that is the heart of Crossings. Intense, moody, and mesmerizing-Crossings is not a light summer "beach read." The preface alone where Mr. Landragin explains the history of Crossings is intricate and detailed. If you have the time and desire to become totally engrossed in a novel Crossings is a deeply satisfying way to do it.

When I read the Chronicles of Narnia, I checked the backs of closets (we didn't own any wardrobes) for weeks. When I read Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko, I would shade my eyes and check if I could accidentally peer into the Gloom. And now after reading Crossings, I have the feeling I'll be staring into people's eyes for longer than usual, just to see how it feels.

Alex Landragin excels at suspension of disbelief. Through both honest and skeptical narrators, he chips away at the characters' doubt as well as the reader's. I love a good slow burn book (or movie, for that matter). This book at times reminded me of Cloud Atlas, of the suspenseful movie Fallen, of Only Revolutions by Mark Z. Danielewski, and even of Lost in Translation. Each of those examples is supposed to be high praise - I loved them all and don't expect everyone to agree with me.

I feel Crossings will be the same way. Those who love it, will love it. It will become a long-time favorite that is always recommended, knowing that it's not everyone's cup of tea. If you're looking for fast-paced, or straightforward, or a strong resolution, look elsewhere. But if you want to be fascinated and curious, if you want to question reality or fantasy, and if you want to be slowly swept away by beautiful writing, you should not miss Crossings.

You should also read it in the Baroness sequence. I can't imagine it any other way. For the next read through (I love to re-read books) I'll try reading it in bound order. I'm sure I'll find something new time and time again.

An interesting book. It gives you two ways to read the book. I read it the way the book recommends. I loved the twists and turns.

"Alex Landragin's Crossings is an unforgettable and explosive genre-bending debut - a novel in three parts, designed to be read in two different directions, spanning a hundred and fifty years and seven lifetimes.

On the brink of the Nazi occupation of Paris, a German-Jewish bookbinder stumbles across a manuscript called Crossings. It has three narratives, each as unlikely as the next. And the narratives can be read one of two ways: either straight through or according to an alternate chapter sequence.

The first story in Crossings is a never-before-seen ghost story by the poet Charles Baudelaire, penned for an illiterate girl. Next is a noir romance about an exiled man, modeled on Walter Benjamin, whose recurring nightmares are cured when he falls in love with a storyteller who draws him into a dangerous intrigue of rare manuscripts, police corruption, and literary societies. Finally, there are the fantastical memoirs of a woman-turned-monarch whose singular life has spanned seven generations.

With each new chapter, the stunning connections between these seemingly disparate people grow clearer and more extraordinary. Crossings is an unforgettable adventure full of love, longing and empathy."

I LOVE books that aren't easily quantifiable but come together in an epic way.

Alex Landragin’s Crossings is the kind of book that I’ve been waiting for, but not because of its content. With the exception of the Choose Your Own Adventure novels—which I was a big fan of when I was younger—we generally read books from page 1 straight through until the end. We might have footnotes to break up our linear progression. Some rare readers might jump back and forth in nonfiction books to read endnotes. I’m surprised that it’s taken someone this long to write a book that capitalizes on the ebook format to give you options as to the order in which you can read it.

An introduction by a modern-day bookbinder sets up the strange journey ahead of us readers. The bookbinder tells us that the baroness who gave him the book to bind dies before he can complete the job. The book binder’s wife reads the manuscript and, together, they tell us that we can read the book either straight from the beginning to the end…or we can read it in the order the baroness presented it in. Being a traditional sort of person—as well as being a little bit paranoid that I might mess up the baroness’ ordering—I read the book from cover to cover. (I did skip around using the links to see what the baroness’ order might be like.)

Funny enough, the traditional ordering tells the overall story out of order. (What even is order, at this point?) We’re taken to Brussels in the mid-1800s. Poet and gadfly Charles Baudelaire is down on his luck. He is living at a down-at-heel hotel in a city he loathes to escape his debts back in Paris. After a disastrous dinner with some of the few people who might be willing to lend him a franc, Charles is approached by a woman who claims to be his long-lost lover. The problem is that his lover disappeared years ago and, more importantly, this woman doesn’t look anything like Jeanne Duval. This meeting is our introduction to a strange story that stretches from the eighteenth century in the South Pacific to 1830s New Orleans to Paris on the eve of World War II.

Landragin blends together actual history—Baudelaire and Walter Benjamin‘s deaths, French colonizing in the South Pacific, American slavery—with fiction to create Crossings. I’m not sure what having two orders for the chapters added anything, to be honest, I really liked reading this book from cover to cover and sinking deeper into the mystery of how souls from a South Pacific island jump from body to body to travel thousands of miles and hundreds of years. The first crossing happened by accident when an indigenous man was killed by a French sailor. He and his lover reflexively crossed into two of the French crew. After that, crossing (and displacing resident souls) turns into a means of perhaps reuniting in the future…and as a method for gaining power and immortality.

Readers who like unconventional stories or stories that blend history with fantasy in original ways might enjoy puzzling their way through Crossings.

First let me say, this book can be read two different ways. The first from page 1 to the end, like most books. The Second way is the baroness way, which is by skipping around the book. I read it the first way, that will probably go back and read it again the other way.

A mystery book and a love story, that kept my attention. I do read some love stories, but mainly crime and mysteries, but I loved this book. It takes you across centuries, from when the world was just being discovered to WWII. The characters are well developed throughout. This book will take you away from this crazy world we are leaving living in at this time.

I highly recommend you read this book. I plan on going back later and reading the other way. I am sure I will see things I missed the first time. Read it anyway you want to, and I hope you enjoy it like I did.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the book for my honest review and opinion.

Phenomenal. Crossings is a wonderful jigsaw puzzle where the pieces all fit perfectly together. The entire experience is very David Mitchell-esque and like he has done with most of his recent novels, I would love to see further exploration of the interconnectivity that is built into this novel.

The book crisscrosses (sorry) the globe and a couple hundred years of history to tell a story of companionship, identity, colonization, and consequences.. I would recommend the Baroness Sequence denoted in 'Note to the Reader.' This allows the book to slowly come together into something unique as opposed to being 3 stories telling a story at a different place and time.

The Law says for every crossing, there must be a return, and to this book I will return.

I found this book intriguing and clever in that it can be read two ways - straight through as a regular book made up of three stories, or in the Baroness sequence which has you jumping around throughout the book. I read it in the Baroness' sequence. Had I read it in the other manner, I may have liked it better.

While interesting at first, it soon became repetitive to me. Hoping that it would get better, I continued on. Some of the Go Here links for the Baroness sequence took me back to a section that had already been read, which had me going in circles for awhile; others took me to a page rather than to a named chapter which also was confusing. (Note: I read an ARC of this book, this may be corrected in the published book.)

Good on concept, not so good on the execution. I might give it a try reading as a regular book, but there are so many books and so little time.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions stated here are my own.