Review by juliusotinyo -- Yesterday by Samyann

[juliusotinyo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Yesterday" by Samyann.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The novel Yesterday by Samyann is about reincarnation and romance. The following passage best describes the tale, “No life is free of tragedy… No life is completely devoid of happiness either.” So, join Mark and Amanda as they explore their ancestors’ lives through the American Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Will Amanda ever break? Or will Mark give in to her convictions and leave?

We are first introduced to Amanda Parker, a Chicago native. Amanda risks her life one morning to save a policeman. Mark Callahan is a Chicago mounted policeman. They are instinctively drawn to each other after the rescue. Amanda has built a personal conviction never to allow anyone in her life. She believes that they all end up dying. In his pursuit for love, Mark certainly has his work cut out. But, this has happened before in another life, or so it seems.

All is not as it seems when they are both drawn to an old clock. The scent on her Amanda's hair, the shimmer in her eyes, Mark's arrogant nature is all déjà vu to the pair. They are plagued by visions and feelings of a life they might have had in their common past. In which the clock, and the characteristic chimes played a vital part. All this plays out leading them to attempt to solve this mystery. Mary Axelrod, who is Amanda’s godmother and a psychiatrist, suggests regression therapy. She does this by using hypnosis. During the sessions, both Mark and Amanda separately give accounts about the life and times of their 19th century ancestors. While reading Yesterday, you will experience the love black slaves had for their young white charges in the Southern United States. You will also take a bit of the scenery and history of both Charleston and Chicago (past and present).

The book had well-developed protagonists. The romance was bogged down by Amanda’s convictions. I admired Mark’s maturity and patience in his pursuit for love. I couldn't help cheering him on to keep trying. Amanda’s character came off as impulsive and headstrong – hopeless at times. I found her character very depressing. But, this does not interfere with the story. It actually forms a basis for her path to recovery.

There were some scenes where Samyann blew me away with description of events. The best part was the hospital scene, when Mark had been shot. It was impressive how Mark’s thoughts were described despite the chaos of the hospital ER. I am tempted to reveal more, but spoilers are not allowed.

There were a few negatives. I can’t remember a scene between Mark, Mary and Amanda where coffee, tea, wine or whiskey did not flow. Although, I don’t mind reading stories where the characters drink, in some scenes on this book it appeared forced. Disconnecting you from the narrative, as the author took time to mention different drinks that I don’t believe added any value to the story.

I picked this book because of the reincarnation theme. I became interested in this subject twenty years ago after reading, Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss. Weiss, a renowned psychologist, used hypnotism and regression therapy to treat a patient. Mary utilizes a similar procedure on Mark and Amanda. Although this subject is controversial at best, this book provides further insight on regression therapy. I admired how the two books are quite similar on this regard.

The book is well edited; I failed to pick up any typographical or grammar errors. I would recommend this book to fans of reincarnation and New Age philosophies. I’d recommend it also to those who are going through a hard time. Consider the following passage, “Some people believe that the soul is doomed to repeat painful acts until it learns from its mistakes.” The book is about this and more. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Yesterday
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[Sindhu Srinath]

Nice review! It looks like you liked the book more than I did. The storyline felt slightly sluggish at times but it's alright. Good mention about the drinks, though I never looked at it that way.

[juliusotinyo]

Nice review! It looks like you liked the book more than I did. The storyline felt slightly sluggish at times but it's alright. Good mention about the drinks, though I never looked at it that way.

Swara,
I loved this book for its topic, reincarnation. The drinks part was kinda annoying. I read it twice and the drinks part sounded forced to me.

[Rosemary Okoko]

Thank you juliusotinyo for your nice and honest review. Good to know the protagonists are well developed. The story line sounds interesting.

[ritah]

Great Review! This book sounds really interesting. Thank you for the review.

[juliusotinyo]

Thank you juliusotinyo for your nice and honest review. Good to know the protagonists are well developed. The story line sounds interesting.

Hi,
It really is Rosemary. I pitied Mark in his pursuit for Amanda's love...she was a tough one.

-- 21 Aug 2017, 14:44 --

Great Review! This book sounds really interesting. Thank you for the review.

ritah,
Thanks again for visiting, glad to see my positive views appealed to you.

[Izesicle]

Hello, thank you for stopping by my review. Wow, you're really a prolific reviewer and a fast reader. I remember the sample of this book, it was a vivid description of a vehicular accident. My takeaway from your review was your noticing the drinks. Interesting observation.

[Snowflake]

Nice review. I read this one too and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the way the history and current lives were woven together.

[juliusotinyo]

Hello, thank you for stopping by my review. Wow, you're really a prolific reviewer and a fast reader. I remember the sample of this book, it was a vivid description of a vehicular accident. My takeaway from your review was your noticing the drinks. Interesting observation.

Hi,
Prolific and fast...I've never had such attributes directed at me! Thanks again Izesicle, I usually try to measure up to amazing creative writers like you

-- 22 Aug 2017, 04:19 --

Nice review. I read this one too and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the way the history and current lives were woven together.

Snowflake,
Thanks so much and welcome. I pass by and see your comments on this book. I enjoyed the tale, thanks for sharing.

[Izesicle]

Hello, as thanks for frequently commenting on my reviews and contributing to my scorecard, I've shared this review on my social media.

[juliusotinyo]

Hello, as thanks for frequently commenting on my reviews and contributing to my scorecard, I've shared this review on my social media.

Wow, thanks. Didn't even know someone can do that! I appreciate, and will look it up and return the favor.

[Marylynn]

Seems you enjoyed the book, i hope i too will enjoy reading it when i get it.
This was a wonderful review. Good job.

[juliusotinyo]

Seems you enjoyed the book, i hope i too will enjoy reading it when i get it.
This was a wonderful review. Good job.

Thanks for your kind words of inspiration. Yeah, I enjoyed the book and hope you do too.

[Ayosinmi]

Hey Julius. Nice review. Very nice one. I'm a fan of reincarnation anyway, so I'm going to read this book. You nailed this yet again dear. Cheers.

[juliusotinyo]

Hey Julius. Nice review. Very nice one. I'm a fan of reincarnation anyway, so I'm going to read this book. You nailed this yet again dear. Cheers.

You are a fan of reincarnation? Me too. I strongly believe I was a Japanese fisherman in my past life. My experience with the language and culture is so deja vu. Besides, I am good around water despite never having been taught how to swim. Pick it up and let me know how you enjoyed it.