Review by cozark38 -- Life Before by K.L. Romo
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cozark38
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Review by cozark38 -- Life Before by K.L. Romo
[Following is a volunteer review of "Life Before" by K.L. Romo.]
4 out of 4 stars
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K. L. Romo has created a realistic work of fiction in her novel Life Before that resonates with the struggles a person may experience in every life. Most of us will experience some type of struggle that will test our faith in ourselves and others at some point in our lives. How we choose to channel those feelings will determine our future.
Now that her children are grown, Elaine is overwhelmed by the idea of finally writing a novel. It creates fear and a certain amount of emotional distress in her life. She is distracted, which seems to leave her open to unbelievable happenings that are extraordinary. She finds gaps in time where she feels she is not at home sitting at her desk, but watching the lives of people born years before her. She questions her own sanity at times, but she is certain what is happening to her is real.
She begins researching the life of a young woman, Eliza, who seems to share more than just the same initials. She is strongly connected to Eliza, a reformed prostitute who lived right here in Dallas many years before. Elaine travels between her own life and Eliza's at different times. She knows things she could not possibly know. She battles her fear of what is happening and gradually accepts her experience of living the life of Eliza and those around her.
Eliza spends a good deal of her life caring for young women and trying to provide a better life for them, as any mother would. Elaine has done the same for her two boys but now is destined to discover her own past. How she comes to terms with it will be key in moving on with her life. Could she be going insane? She is uncertain of how much she will share with her husband and finds solace in a newly formed friendship with a professor of women's studies. Together they will slowly unravel the lives of Eliza and Elaine.
Disturbing and compelling to read but each character was so aptly described that you could picture them, and you felt what they were feeling. It causes a keen sadness while reading it. You actually are horrified by the feelings you have regarding the vile atrocities one human being can inflict on another. It is so well written and flowing that the end came far too soon for me. I would give this a 4 out of 4 rating. It was difficult to read at times, but the compassion and understanding of her characters are superb and quite believable. The balance of Elaine's present life and of Eliza's life was perfect for the reader. It brings you back to a safe place just in time. Be prepared to be emotionally drained, but it will be worth it.
I feel an accomplishment in allowing myself to acknowledge these horrible truths by reading this book to the very end. It is a privilege to be part of Elaine's journey to ensure we keep trying to better ourselves and rid our lives of evil. Be grateful for the blessings in our own lives. We are all human beings, but we can always strive to be better by helping others.
******
Life Before
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
K. L. Romo has created a realistic work of fiction in her novel Life Before that resonates with the struggles a person may experience in every life. Most of us will experience some type of struggle that will test our faith in ourselves and others at some point in our lives. How we choose to channel those feelings will determine our future.
Now that her children are grown, Elaine is overwhelmed by the idea of finally writing a novel. It creates fear and a certain amount of emotional distress in her life. She is distracted, which seems to leave her open to unbelievable happenings that are extraordinary. She finds gaps in time where she feels she is not at home sitting at her desk, but watching the lives of people born years before her. She questions her own sanity at times, but she is certain what is happening to her is real.
She begins researching the life of a young woman, Eliza, who seems to share more than just the same initials. She is strongly connected to Eliza, a reformed prostitute who lived right here in Dallas many years before. Elaine travels between her own life and Eliza's at different times. She knows things she could not possibly know. She battles her fear of what is happening and gradually accepts her experience of living the life of Eliza and those around her.
Eliza spends a good deal of her life caring for young women and trying to provide a better life for them, as any mother would. Elaine has done the same for her two boys but now is destined to discover her own past. How she comes to terms with it will be key in moving on with her life. Could she be going insane? She is uncertain of how much she will share with her husband and finds solace in a newly formed friendship with a professor of women's studies. Together they will slowly unravel the lives of Eliza and Elaine.
Disturbing and compelling to read but each character was so aptly described that you could picture them, and you felt what they were feeling. It causes a keen sadness while reading it. You actually are horrified by the feelings you have regarding the vile atrocities one human being can inflict on another. It is so well written and flowing that the end came far too soon for me. I would give this a 4 out of 4 rating. It was difficult to read at times, but the compassion and understanding of her characters are superb and quite believable. The balance of Elaine's present life and of Eliza's life was perfect for the reader. It brings you back to a safe place just in time. Be prepared to be emotionally drained, but it will be worth it.
I feel an accomplishment in allowing myself to acknowledge these horrible truths by reading this book to the very end. It is a privilege to be part of Elaine's journey to ensure we keep trying to better ourselves and rid our lives of evil. Be grateful for the blessings in our own lives. We are all human beings, but we can always strive to be better by helping others.
******
Life Before
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like cozark38's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Something About Ann by J. Everett Prewitt
