As a Russian literature major, there were some authors whose names I knew but whose works I simply did not get around to reading. P. D. Ouspensky (to use the old-style but common spelling) was one. I was therefore glad to have the opportunity to review this new publication of the text of The Strange Life of Ivan Osokin, unchanged from the 1940s Faber & Faber edition. Strangely, this edition does not credit a translator, and I cannot find one listed for the F&F edition online--perhaps it could be found in a paper copy. Anyway, not having read the original, I can't speak to the quality of the translation. I didn't notice any obvious errors or inconsistencies though.

This book has enjoyed some notoriety because Harold Ramis mentioned it in connection with Groundhog Day, and even wrote a foreword to a different edition. It is a depiction of Nietzsche's theory of eternal return, with a similar kind of pathos. Osokin was not an appealing character to me, and some of the others in his world are more unlikable still. But it is a unique story that tests the reader's imagination and sense of time.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really liked the idea of this book the premise sounded really interesting but I had a hard time getting into it and had to force myself to finish it.

I enjoyed this and recommend it for literature and even scifi fans. The book has been around for decades and there are many helpful reviews from readers smarter than I, so I'll let those stand.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!

A fictional take on Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence; the narrative is engaging and easy to read which makes the novel both a quick, one-sitting, and an absolutely compelling read.