BOOK BY: Sara Brunsvold
What an extraordinary debut novel!
The title in itself is intriguing. It has nothing to do with Mrs. Kip dying over and over (which made me think it might be a book about reincarnation or something like that!). It is a clever device that is revealed about halfway through the story (and isn’t about dying and coming back to life only to die again).
Aidyn Kelley is a young reporter who messed up big time. Now she’s been giving the menial task of writing an obit for a woman who is still alive. Armed with a list of questions, Aidyn goes to the hospice centre where Mrs. Kip isn’t expected to live much longer. A sweet friendship is forged between the two women, where Aidyn learns that life isn’t just a list of facts.
The story leads readers through events in Mrs. Kip’s life as she answers Aidyn’s questions. Glimpses into the past bring clarity to the true mission of Mrs. Kip and readers can expect to see how these events will shape the brief encounter with the young reporter. Readers of split time/dual time stories will enjoy the ease of passage from one time period to another.
Mrs. Kip is a firecracker, a loveable character who has gone through a lot. One gets a real sense of who the woman is, and she’s someone everyone can relate to.
Aidyn Kelley is another relatable character. She’s a bit naive in the beginning, but she grows through the story as she listens to Mrs Kip’s stories. Readers can empathize with her situation. However, her friend Rahmya gets her into hot water and isn’t the least bit sorry for it. This character was selfish and easily dislikable.
Many characters in the story are Christian, or at least are alluded to being one (including one character who is described as a difficult person to work with). In my humble opinion, this was the only downside to the story. Not everyone in every work setting is a believer, or demonstrates a silent testimony.
There’s a lot of history packed into the historical timeline, but easily digested.
This novel has all the feels that readers of women’s fiction stories want. Add a faith thread woven into nearly every page, it’s an excellent choice for readers who want the faith aspect included.
I received an e-copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.