Review of Yesterday

[Pearl Thomas]

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

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Yesterday by Samyann is a tale of love and reunion based around the concept of reincarnation. When Amanda Parker meets Mark Callahan through an unfortunate train accident, where Amanda saves Mark's life, both feel an instant connection. A connection that goes back to their past lives. But in spite of this connection that they experience, Amanda has lost faith in love as life keeps on challenging her ability to love with grief. Who is Mark Callahan and how is he connected to Amanda? What happened to Amanda that left her afraid to love and will she be able to love again?

The plot in itself is a bit underwhelming, but the author's writing style brings it to life with a beautiful visual way of storytelling. All the little bodily gestures done by the characters, especially during a dialogue, are written in a way that moves along with the dialogue smoothly. It creates an almost movie-like experience when you read the interactions between the characters. Although, the character's self-talk seems unnatural at places and takes the reader away from the visual experience to focusing on the unnatural thoughts or self-talk.

From the beginning, when Mark and Amanda feel a connection between them and go ahead to exploring that connection through Past Life Therapy, there is no strong motive, logical or emotional, provided for following that idea up until the 14th chapter where their connection and love feels real enough to explore their past. And in my opinion, the pacing of the story is slow to the point of it being a negative aspect of the book. To add to that, the book also has unnecessary subplots that do not contribute to the main plot or carry the story ahead in any way. For example, in chapter 12, when Amanda's aunt is hospitalized after a heatstroke, it gave Mark an opportunity to meet Amanda's brother and his family. But apart from that nothing significant happened to dedicate a whole chapter for that incident.

The author starts each chapter with an elaborate scene set up, which was interesting and necessary in the initial parts of the story but as the story progresses and as the emotional weight increases, starting a new chapter with an elaborate scene set up creates a break in the emotional flow of the story. At some points just continuing with the emotional thrill of the previous chapter is necessary to keep the reader engaged. Readers must be forewarned about the usage of strong language in order to portray the racism of the time.

The book is edited exceptionally well. The author's ability to write visually is the strongest aspect of the book in my opinion, and compromises for the lack in the plot and pacing of the story. I will give this book 3 out of 4 stars only because of the author's amazing storytelling despite the lack observed in the plot, pacing, and underwhelming climax. This book would be appropriate for a mature audience due to its slightly graphic sexual content and abuse.

******
Yesterday
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Precious DA]

Seems like a story with an interesting plot. I'm a fan of romance fiction and I like the fact that this book focuses on reincarnation and love at the same time. I would love to see where this goes. Thanks for the detailed review!

[Saint Bruno]

Reincarnation? I am interested. I want to see how that is fused into this story. Thanks for the amazing review and recommendation.