It had been five years since the accident that derailed Veronica’s life, which left her suffering from a strange flu-like illness ever since. Thanks to a barrier set in her mind at birth, she can’t remember her name is Harmony and that this is not her real life. She has no memory of the many lives she had lived before this one and how several of those lives had been cut short. How she must uncover the reason why those lives had ended so early, and how this moment may hold the key, or she risks losing herself and Earth forever.
As Harmony, she wants to uncover the reason why her lives keep ending so soon. As Veronica, she wonders how much longer she has to live like this? What could possibly be left for her? Little did she know, she was about to get her answers...
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Kowalewski's novel has a confusing, enigmatic start, but as the story goes on and the true home for souls is built up, readers are left with a thoughtful, romantic book. Readers are also left with a shocking ending that will leave them needing book two as soon as possible.
Prose: Kowalewski's first person prose allows the narrator to talk directly to the reader. Much of this writing is very reflective, almost philosophical, which is very fitting for a novel revolving around the concept of souls and soulmates.
Originality: Our Lives in Between refreshingly turns conventions surrounding the idea of 'soul mates' on their heads. Even though Harmony and Kaleb are destined to be together for eternity and have been reincarnated over and over, their eternity is not limited to their lives on Earth (which Kowalewski has also creatively established as just being a way for souls to become educated).
Character/Execution: As Harmony discovers she is an extreme soul and has an extreme soulmate, the reader is benefitted by Kowalewski's inclusions of what happened in her past lives. As she comes to make sense of everything that's ever happened between them, so do the readers--if they hadn't inferred it already. Harmony's journey is also positively impacted by her mentor/guide Luke, an exemplary supporting character.
Date Submitted: August 17, 2023
