I really enjoyed this book, I liked all of the characters especially Eva and really cared about what happened to them in every version
It was a bit confusing remembering who was who but it all fell into place
It reminded me of Life after Life by Kate Atkinson

It was slightly confusing to alternate between different universes - regardless, it was a really enjoyable novel.

Interesting premise but I had difficulty connecting to the characters. I felt the plot dragged as well. Overall a forgettable read.

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for this free readers edition. In exchange I am providing an honest review.

What an interesting book. In some ways it felt like Barnett couldn't decide which version of Jim and Eva to write about so she decided to write about all three. Even if that is the case it works, or rather Barnett made it work.
Jim and Eva meet three times in 1958, but in the same moment. And each moment takes the story of them on a different path that lasts the rest of their lives. We read their stories as versions - and some details are the same in all three versions, while some details are very different. The idea that they know each other in a way they can't explain runs through all three versions, whether they know each other or not. This reveals itself in Jim's painting titled "The Versions of Us" that is created in version 2 of Jim and Eva's story. To say much more gives away the intricacies of this story.
My only real complaint about the book is keeping straight who was what, etc in each version. When a new chapter started I had to really think for a moment what was going on in that storyline. Otherwise it was an engaging story that explores the "what if" we all have of meeting someone in our younger days and thinking of them later in life. It explores the idea that life doesn't have one clear way, there can be several paths to chose - the choice is ours.

I chose this book on NetGalley because the premise, that a singular moment could open up three distinct possibilities, was appealing. “The one thing that's certain is they met on a Cambridge street by chance and felt a connection that would last a lifetime. But as for what happened next . . .” Barnett has set the book up in a rotation for each of the different storylines, so you follow the thread of a particular future every three chapters. I think she did this to keep everything chronological; with the three stories side by side you are able to compare the different paths in real time. However, in a kindle format this can be confusing — challenging to go back and find out who’s with who.

As a fan of stories about artists and writers, I appreciated the way Barnett wove these elements into the plot. Barnett writes with wit, charm and an eye for detail, but even her eloquent prose cannot overcome a less than captivating group of characters. While these main characters loomed large over everyone else, most of the minor characters remained virtually the same no matter what happened in the different plots, which was a shame, because I liked many of them. While I am not an unbridled romantic, I did find it unrealistic that no couple in this book could remain faithful in marriage. There are all sorts of rationalizations and “higher art” themes to justify this, but I found it annoying, and, in some cases, Woody Allen-esque-ridiculous in terms of highly unlikely pairings. I did appreciate (but also, sadly, unlikely) that Eva was wildly successful no matter which path she followed — so yes, girl power and all that, but still. Some of those comments make me feel silly and prudish, but if none of that would bother you, have at it. I remain hopeful that Barnett’s best is yet to come.




For Goodreads:

Why I picked it – It had a compelling premise.
Reminded me of… As they said in the blurb, it did remind me of One Day and also a Choose Your Own Adventure book.
For my full review – click here

I love the premise, this idea is always fascinating, but I just never cared about the characters.

I recommend this book on my podcast What Should I Read Next. itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/what-should-i-read-next/id1073499086