The Stats

Title: The Immortalists

Author: Chloe Benjamin

Narrated By: Maggie Hoffman

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (09 January, 2018)

Time: 11 Hours 30 Minutes

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Literary Fiction

Trigger Warnings: Death, Occult, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, AIDS

Read if you like: The Cloisters

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

---

Another book I read awhile ago that I never posted a review for.

---

The Review

“The Immortalists” by Chloe Benjamin is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that delves into the themes of destiny, mortality, and the choices that shape our lives. Benjamin’s storytelling ability shines through as she weaves an intricate narrative that spans decades and explores the lives of four siblings who visit a fortune teller in their youth and are told the dates of their deaths.

What sets “The Immortalists” apart is its compelling and well-developed characters. Benjamin does an exceptional job of delving into the psychology and emotions of each sibling as they navigate the paths laid out for them by the fortune teller’s predictions. Readers will find themselves drawn to each character’s unique struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities, as they grapple with the knowledge of their supposed death dates.

The book’s structure, divided into four sections, each following a different sibling, allows the reader to intimately connect with each character. The writing is vivid, evocative, and emotionally charged, making it easy to get lost in the lives of these complex individuals. Benjamin’s exploration of the human condition and the impact of beliefs on our choices is both compelling and thought-provoking.

“The Immortalists” effectively addresses questions of fate and free will, and it encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make. The novel’s themes are poignant and resonate long after the final page is turned.

Overall, Chloe Benjamin’s “The Immortalists” is a captivating exploration of the intersection of destiny and choice. It is a book that will make you ponder the paths you’ve taken and the ones you have yet to explore. Despite some pacing issues and open-ended conclusions, the richness of the characters and the philosophical questions raised make it a worthwhile and memorable read, earning it a solid four stars.

Short Review (AKA TLDR)

Chloe Benjamin’s “The Immortalists” offers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration of destiny, mortality, and the choices that shape our lives. With well-developed characters and a narrative structure that intimately connects readers with four siblings who learn the dates of their deaths, this novel excels at delving into the psychology of its protagonists. While it occasionally slows in pacing and leaves some character arcs with ambiguous resolutions, the book’s compelling themes on fate and free will encourage readers to reflect on their own choices, making it a captivating and memorable read. A four-star book that masterfully delves into the profound interplay of life’s uncertainties.