*Old Soul* by Susan Barker is a beautifully written and haunting exploration of life, death, and reincarnation, blending elements of spirituality, memory, and the supernatural into a profound narrative. The novel spans generations, centuries, and even lifetimes, weaving a tale about the unbreakable thread that connects people, souls, and experiences. With its evocative prose, complex characters, and philosophical underpinnings, *Old Soul* is a work that demands deep reflection and engages the reader’s heart and mind in equal measure.

### Plot Overview:
At the heart of *Old Soul* is **Juliet**, a woman who is born with the unique ability to remember her past lives. Throughout the novel, she is caught in a continual cycle of death and rebirth, each life offering her both answers and new questions about her existence. As Juliet ages and accumulates memories from her past selves, she grapples with the idea of identity and how each lifetime shapes who she is in the present moment.

The novel traces her journey through multiple lifetimes, each of which is framed in a different historical and cultural context, creating a sense of timelessness. Juliet's past lives reflect not only her individual experiences but also the cultural shifts and personal struggles that resonate through time. As she moves through the centuries, her understanding of life, love, and loss deepens, and she begins to question whether there is a greater purpose to her eternal cycle or if she is doomed to repeat the same patterns without resolution.

The structure of the novel is non-linear, with different chapters exploring various periods of Juliet’s reincarnated lives, as well as her attempts to understand the world around her from the perspective of her past selves. This gives the book an episodic quality, allowing the reader to experience multiple layers of narrative while also creating a deep, philosophical exploration of existence and the concept of eternal return.

### Character Development:
Juliet is a fascinating and multi-dimensional protagonist. Her struggles with the weight of her memories are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making her both relatable and enigmatic. As she recalls the lives she’s lived before, she is confronted with questions of personal agency, fate, and whether the accumulation of lifetimes leads to wisdom or simply adds to her confusion and emotional burden. Juliet’s search for meaning and understanding, as well as her relationships with those she meets in each life, makes her a compelling figure whose journey is both personal and universal.

The supporting characters, who come in and out of her various lifetimes, are equally well-crafted. Each person represents a different facet of Juliet’s journey and serves as a reflection of the evolving themes of the novel. From romantic partners to friends and even enemies, these characters provide important insights into Juliet's development and into the nature of human connection across time.

The interactions between Juliet and the people she encounters allow the novel to explore a variety of emotions—love, loss, betrayal, and hope—offering a deep dive into the complexity of relationships. There is a constant tension between the knowledge that she will eventually lose those she cares about (as they pass on while she reincarnates) and her desire to fully experience love and human connection in the present.

### Writing Style:
Barker’s prose is rich and evocative, with an almost lyrical quality that enhances the novel’s spiritual and emotional themes. Her writing has a reflective, meditative tone that complements the novel's philosophical nature. The structure, which moves through different time periods and perspectives, can be disorienting at times, but this only adds to the sense of mystery and wonder that permeates the story.

The narrative weaves between past and present effortlessly, and Barker uses vivid, sensory language to transport the reader to different worlds, eras, and environments. This ability to evoke the feel of different times and places is one of the strengths of the novel. Whether exploring ancient civilizations, early 20th-century life, or modern-day concerns, the settings come alive through Barker’s careful descriptions.

The pacing of the novel is slower, allowing for deep introspection and a gradual unfolding of the mysteries surrounding Juliet's existence. However, this pace is never tedious—rather, it invites the reader to engage with the material thoughtfully and to ponder the larger themes at hand.

### Themes and Symbolism:
*Old Soul* is rich with themes of **reincarnation**, **identity**, **love**, **loss**, and **memory**. The novel questions the nature of the self and how much of who we are is shaped by our past experiences. Through Juliet’s multiple lives, the reader is invited to explore the idea of continuity and change—how we are both the same and different with each new iteration of our lives.

**The passage of time** is another central theme. Barker deftly explores the cyclical nature of existence, showing how each life, though distinct, is inextricably linked to the others. The idea that souls are reborn over and over again is not presented as a simple metaphysical concept but as something that carries with it both the burden and beauty of memory. Juliet’s memories of her past lives influence her actions and emotions in her present life, making her journey a perpetual quest for understanding and closure.

Another important theme is **human connection**. The novel examines how deeply we are impacted by the people in our lives and how those relationships transcend time. Juliet's experience of love, grief, and connection across lifetimes suggests that some bonds are too strong to be broken by death and time.

The **symbolism** of reincarnation itself is pervasive throughout the novel. The way Juliet lives multiple lives is a metaphor for the human desire to find meaning in the cycle of life and death. It raises questions about destiny, free will, and the possibility of learning from our past mistakes, as well as whether we can ever truly escape our past selves.

### Emotional Impact:
*Old Soul* is deeply moving, and its philosophical explorations of life, death, and rebirth have the potential to resonate with readers on an emotional level. The novel does not shy away from the profound sadness of losing loved ones, nor does it overlook the beauty of connection and love that persists beyond time. Juliet’s journey is as much about personal evolution as it is about the universal search for meaning in the face of mortality.

The emotional weight of the novel comes from its exploration of the fragility of life and the enduring nature of love, making it a meditation on the cyclical nature of human existence. The connections between people, even when they are only fleeting in one life, are shown to have a lasting impact.

### Final Thoughts:
*Old Soul* by Susan Barker is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of reincarnation, memory, and the connections that transcend time. Through the lens of Juliet’s multiple lives, the book invites readers to reflect on the nature of identity, love, and human connection, while also challenging us to consider the larger questions of existence. Barker’s evocative prose and well-crafted characters ensure that *Old Soul* is a powerful and memorable read that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

For those who enjoy philosophical fiction with elements of magical realism and deep emotional resonance, *Old Soul* is a book worth reading. It is a complex, deeply reflective work that will leave you contemplating your own soul's journey through time.

Susan Barker’s Old Soul is a dive into the dark and chilling world of a 200-year-old predator who feeds a tyrannical force. From the first page, Barker captures the reader with an eerie, foreboding tone that grips you and refuses to let go.

The story weaves through layers of mystery, each plot shift unraveling secrets that deepen the sense of unease. The protagonist’s morally ambiguous existence creates a fascinating tension, pulling readers into their internal conflict .

Barker’s prose is hauntingly poetic, painting vivid images of shadowy landscapes and sinister forces. The pacing is deliberate but never drags, allowing the mystery to build with each chapter. The plot twists are brilliantly executed, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. And what an ending it is—completely somewhat unexpected, yet it ties the narrative together with a chilling sense of inevitability.

Old Soul is a dark, mysterious, and unforgettable tale that lingers in the mind long after the last page.

Book of two halves, over-long + repetitive. Inventive but also gratuitous + violent 2.5 rating

I read Barker’s earlier novel, The Incarnations, with some interest, reviewing it a little more positively than this. I noted that she was inclined to repeat her journeys a little too often, and had, also, a rather unfortunate tendency to the kind of overdone and unlikely gratuitous violence that smacks of something probably designed for Netflix, or B-movies. Lacks a certain subtle finesse, in other words.

But I was interested to read this new novel, as of course, writers develop and refine, and what might jar or not quite work in an earlier novel can be something the writer solves, going forwards.

Unfortunately I think these may be repeating habits in her writing, from this one.

The premise is interesting, initially, and Barker writes well, particularly in the earlier part of the book before she starts repetition without really advancing plot or narrative drive.

A young English man, missing a flight on his way back from Japan, has a chance encounter with a wealthy Japanese woman, similarly arriving too late for her flight. The woman reveals a strange and shocking story, about her estranged twin brother, who died in horrific and frankly, very peculiar circumstances.

The story is a terrible shock to the English man, as he is still, years on, mourning the death of his closest friend, someone from his very young childhood. Something incomprehensible had happened to her, and there seem to be some parallels, as a mysterious woman, possibly the same person, a photographer from Germany, was part of the story in both cases.

The young man, Jake, begins to follow a trail, building up more and more stories of similar tragic and horrible deaths, all across Europe, and into America. These are the various ‘Testaments’ the gathering of evidence.

Interspersing each ‘Testament’ story is the intercut ‘in the present’ story, in sections entitled ‘The Badlands’ We realise we are in the presence of the mysterious photographer, and it's obvious that we are following the journey of a new victim.

The ‘Badlands’ sections, are, the weakest part of the journey. Basically, it’s the action cutaways, going on and on, and we kind of know we are probably heading for some kind of impossibly chasey chasey gory action sequence. Or several. Extended. Because there are so many sections without anything new happening, merely repetitions of the somewhat ditsy, new-agey, wanna be influencer whining and naively self absorbed, and the curiously sinister photographer, oddly putrescent, focused on her strange encounters on the dark side with some demonic being, this is the very antithesis of on-the-edge-of-the-seat-page-turning.

The Testament Sections are interesting, because we meet different people, at different times. But even they go on too long and ultimately don’t add anything new, after a while

A MUCH shorter book would not have dissipated its power, as this does

Probably the most unusual book I have ever read. Totally addictive; chilling and terrifying and challenging. I will read this book a second time, quite soon I think. I can't bear that it has ended. Of course, it hasn't ended. It started with a young British man, questioning. He followed all the clues, incredible clues and traces of coincidences spanning many decades. Read the book and you'll do the same, not understanding the words at first. A terrible, terrible book. I can't recommend it highly enough.

This thriller is both disturbing and creepy, with a dark atmosphere that left me feeling uneasy throughout. The plot is twisted, full of unsettling moments that kept me on edge, unsure of what was coming next. I was impressed by how effectively it built tension and horror, a really good horror book very much reminded me of Stephen king.

I wasn't sure about this book at first. I found it disturbing but gradually the story drew me in. I like the two different perspectives and on balance would recommend it. It is not a horror story in the usual sense of the world but it is not inaccessible. Requires the reader to put a bit of effort in which I think is well worth it.

This was absolutely not at all what I expected and maybe not something I would have gone for without a strong recommendation from someone whose taste I really respect.
The opening of Jake meeting Mariko was instantly gripping and probably my favourite of all the stories. I really liked the way this was structured with the main narrative of Rosa interspersed with Jake’s research.
By the end it was no idea what I expected and reminded me a lot of Stephen King.
A weird and wonderful ride.
4 stars.

I enjoyed this book a lot. In equal parts spooky, disturbing and thrilling - keeping my attention throughout. I like the way the story is told differently from the viewpoints of the Woman and Jake, but you also get the rich detail of the 'testimonies' which fill in the history of the Woman, and her various encounters, and bring a lot of the creepiness!

I found this so compelling to read and loved the gradual progression to the modern day experience of Jake, who is behind pulling at the testimonies together. The final few chapters are exciting as everything comes to a head, with more shocks provided as well. The author has a lovely writing style, bringing everything to life for the reader and the experience was very visual for me. Highly recommended.

3.75 ⭐️

I’m rating this one relatively highly because, simply put, i had a very enjoyable time reading it. I was sucked in by the mystery, the plot held together relatively well, and I couldn’t put it down.
I do think that it does itself a disservice by jumping from backstory to backstory, it never really gave me much time to settle in with the characters, and the ‘snapshot’ writing style has never been something I’m fond of, but all in all I think this was still pretty successful.

A very addictive but at the same time unsettling story about the perennial battle between good and evil. Jake is haunted by the death of his long time friend Lena and the circumstances surrounding it. After a chance meeting with a woman in Osaka with a similar unsettling event in her life he sets out to locate others with the same experiences. Documenting his interviews with the various people he meets Jake starts to get closer to the understanding he craves . This is a dark and somewhat supernatural tale which grabbed me but at the same time was difficult to read for long periods and after finishing it I am still unsure how’s I feel about it.
A book I am glad I read but would not read again.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

When you are really enjoying a book and are engrossed and/or engaged, you normally don't want to put it down. I was surprised at how long it took me to read this book. I did enjoy it but I suppose I was not fully engaged with it.. It is a good concept and it is mysterious enough that you don't immediately know what exactly is going on with Eva.

I wouldnt class it as horror, more of a mystery/thriller. The problem might be that of course, each encore Eva has is quite samey and they all end the same way too so that takes some of the suspense out of it, especially as the book goes on. I am unclear about why the Venusian was called The Tyrant or indeed what he actually wanted. If he has the power to reward Eva with new life, what does he lack that the humans provide?

i did like the actual ending , but I was not as satisfied with the epilogue.

This is a chilling and creepy story about how far someone will go to extend life and essentially live forever. When Jake misses his flight from Osaka airport he finds Mariko also at the gate demanding to be allowed to board. They are both turned away but meet later in the evening whilst buying food. Although they apparently have nothing in common, after some drinks and a lot discussion it seems that Mariko's brother died in strange circumstances and in a similar way to an old school friend of Jake's. In the days before each of them died Hiroki and Lena each was befriended by a dark haired stranger who posed as a photographer.
Searching for answers and the woman sets Jake off on a long journey, uncovering more and more strange stories of people dying in a similar way and each time having mingled with this Eastern European woman.
On the plus side this story was a great mystery and I had no idea how it would pan out. I was completely hooked and invested in Jake as he searched for information. The story ploughs ahead full steam bringing the reader along with it as it reaches the climax.
On the negative side I hated that there were no speech marks in the text - making it in my opinion difficult to read. There was also many shifts in time and place and although they are clearly marked at the chapter beginnings, it jerked the story around a bit. I also found the ending a bit of a let down. I can't explain why or what would have been better but somehow, right until the very last page I was expecting a bit more.
Having said that I found it an enjoyable read and it will haunt me for days as it is a very creepy premise. Would make a good film!
With thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business for an arc copy in return for an honest review.

Old Soul was a disturbing read, an ancient legend and an entity’s thirst for survival spanning over hundreds of years. It took me a while to get used to the skipping forward and back in the woman’s timeline, but it had just the right amount of lure to keep me reading. The characters were great, some are fleeting as they are used, their friendships with the woman being short lived, others have a long history with her and these enable you to get to understand what the woman is doing and who she might be. I enjoyed the read and had no idea how the story would pan out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK for this ARC. Old Soul is a supremely creepy and unsettling gothic novel which begs the question of how far someone might go to live forever. When Jake and Mariko both miss their flight in Osaka airport, they go for a drink and discover they have something very disturbing in common. Both of them have loved ones who died suddenly and in uncanny and eerily similar ways. In the days before their deaths, they seemed to be going mad and autopsies later revealed that all of their organs had flipped to the opposite side of their bodies. Even more strangely, in the days before their deaths both became close with a mysterious and alluring photographer who completely disappeared in the aftermath of their demises. Surely this can’t be a coincidence? Who is this woman and how is she connected to these deaths? This is what drives Jake to go down a rabbit hole of rumour and legend to unfurl a story that spans across continents and has been centuries in the making. This novel is twisty, spooky and has an absolutely mind-melting ending – a perfect read as the nights get longer.

There is something so gradual about this. Even though it’s not a particularly long book, it took me a while to finish.

First of all, the lack of quotation marks. I really hate that this is becoming a common thing because it makes it harder to read and understand who is speaking and what parts are spoken or not. This was likely the main reason why it took me longer to finish this book.

Initially I was annoyed at the constantly shifting perspectives but actually each time I got sucked in to a new person’s story. This does mean that you’re having to mentally reset each time for new characters and settings despite their stories being repetitive in nature - this also meant I was taking a break after each story, so progress felt slow.

The concept here was great - I thought the characters were all really well established in their sections (ironically, Eddy and Jake probably the least so) and I was invested in them all.

Where this was let down was in the final 1/4. I think we deserved a better ending than that. I won’t go into details so as not to spoil it but it felt unsatisfying.

The epilogue…I dunno I didn’t get it.

This was so close to being a 5 star read for me but I just didn’t get along with that ending.

This would make an awesome TV series.

This is my second book by the author, and I’m loving the consistency of quality her works exhude. While Old Soul is perhaps a little less straightforward than the previous one I read (The Incarnations), the fantastical elements and horrific situations were up to par with my expectations.

Barker uses again the multiple points of view to chain together different stories, perfect strangers linked by the presence of a woman fleeting through their lives and somehow wreaking havoc and leaving no trace behind her.

Her characters are flawed and perverse and violent and I loved reading about them.

I would like to read more of her books both because I enjoyed reading them, but also because I want to check whether she keeps relying on the same literary devices to write her stories.

Access to the ARC acquired thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Why no quotation marks through out the book? It really made it difficult to read in places.

Your concentration must be on full alert for this book otherwise you totally loose the plot. Different people that come at you thick and fast in the beginning then tend to fade a little. Pity the editing was not better.

I really wanted to immerse into this book. The plot sounded great and I loved the creepy premise. I just can't stay in the narrative because of the lack of speech punctuation. Because there are different stories and characters it requires a lot of concentration I couldn't give this book. It is generally well written just not for me.

A fresh approach.

This story is unlike any other. It gathers speed with interest. A crashing ending.

A running story from main characters and testimonies to give depth.

How does this "woman" live her live and take others. There are love stories here too.

Would highly recommend to like-minded readers

This is a great read in a similar style to Stephen King, with just a small dash of horror which could easily exist alongside a normal world if you managed not to get drawn in.
A mysterious and charismatic woman seems to be avoiding aging and death while those near her suffer premature death often by their own hand. Are the two connected? You bet!
Really enjoyed reading this book and loved the ending.