Review by Zelinda -- Life Before by K.L. Romo

[Zelinda]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Life Before" by K.L. Romo.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Life Before is a novel set in Dallas, Texas in 2011 and begins with the story of Elaine Grace Dearborn. In this first-person narrative, Elaine identifies herself as a stay-at-home mom and housewife whose youngest child has recently left home. Faced with the prospect of having no one to care for and nothing to do, Elaine decides that she will become the writer she always dreamed of becoming.

As she sits down to begin writing, it seems as though her laptop starts displaying words on its own. Elaine enters a trance-like state in which she envisions a young girl named Elizabeth who, like her, lives in Dallas. Only the Dallas of Elizabeth takes place in 1907, and Elizabeth’s life is the life of a prostitute. When Elaine comes out of her trance, she wonders if she has had a hallucination and worries that she is losing her mind. In spite of her fears, she begins to write and research her story about prostitution in the early 20th century. She feels a particularly strong connection to the character of Elizabeth, one that could almost be described as psychic. While this is disconcerting to her, she continues to write her book.

The story Elaine writes is compelling. K. L. Romo makes it so through her own insightful and finely tuned prose. Life Before is a real page-turner and an incredible eye-opener. The reader learns not only about the kinds of prostitution that existed in old Dallas, but also about the mores and values of many of its inhabitants. The author reveals the hypocrisy and cruelty that existed at every level of society in the early 1900s. She made me question if those same qualities are just as present in today’s society. She also introduces us to characters that are loving, compassionate and willing to take risks to help those in need. Through these heartwarming and heartbreaking characters, examples of decency and integrity are imprinted on the reader. So, too, is the belief that this goodness can also be seen in all levels of society.

In spite of the bleakness of the lives presented in the book, a hopeful theme runs through it. The belief that people can change the world is pronounced and demonstrated. This is an inspirational work of fiction that left me with a determination to seek out the best in people and to do good in the world. It will appeal to anyone who likes a story of triumph over evil. Because of some of its mature content, I would not recommend it to young adults.

There were no grammatical or spelling errors; nothing in the writing indicated anything other than being edited very well. I would enthusiastically give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

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Life Before
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Like Zelinda's review? Post a comment saying so!

[normakirk]

I'm hooked! On reading 'Life Before' that is. While I'm not a huge Sci-Fi fan and 'Life Before' is not of that genre', I'm immediately caught up first by the revelation of Elaine's laptop displaying words on its own, and second by the subtle touch of a time travel element with her ensuing trance. The review is riveting!

[Manang Muyang]

Exceptional review, Zelinda! I also dream to be a writer, but I would prefer not to go into a trance. LOL

[Zelinda]

Exceptional review, Zelinda! I also dream to be a writer, but I would prefer not to go into a trance. LOL

Haha. Are you sure?

[Manang Muyang]

Sure about the writing or the trance? LOL

[Zelinda]

Sure about the writing or the trance? LOL

The trance. The writing is a no-brainer. Writing is
balm to my soul; how about yours?

[Manang Muyang]

Same here. I am having the time of my life here in OBC. I have a captive audience to my writing haha.

[kislany]

Wonderful review and I actually chuckled reading the comments here. Gosh, I love the OBC forums!

[Malfoyy Slitherin]

Good job with the review.. Seems like a book I might get into.

[Carolivia Herron]

I am always on the lookout for USA fiction that uses fantastic realism to convey experience. Your review of Romo's "Life Before" is tantalizing in that respect, and I'd like to know more. One remaining question - your phrase "it seems as though her laptop starts displaying words on its own" makes me want to reach through my own computer and make your word "seems" make up its mind. Does the computer . . . does not the computer . . . I want to know. Thanks.

[Zelinda]

Ha. I deliberately use the word "seems" in order to not put in a spoiler. . You will just have to read it to find out for sure.

[Anns88]

Clear and concise review that convinced me to read the book.

[JasperH]

Nice review. Always up for historical fiction! Dallas in 1907 was prolly pretty wild and scary! I may have to look this up next. Thanks Z!

[ReviewerDiksha]

I have this one already on my Kindle. I look forward to reading it. I love such time travel, historical fictions. Your review has only hiked my interest in it.

[ganttmann]

Sounds like a good book! Will put it on my list! Thanks!