About The Possible World
Ben is the sole survivor of a crime that claims his mother and countless others. He is just six years old, and already he must find a new place for himself in the world.
Lucy, the doctor who tends to Ben, is grappling with a personal upheaval of her own. She feels a profound connection to the little boy who has lived through the unthinkable. Will recovering his memory heal him, or damage him further?
Clare has long believed that the lifetime of secrets she’s been keeping don’t matter to anyone anymore, until an unexpected encounter prompts her to tell her story.
As they each struggle to confront the events – past and present – that have defined their lives, something stronger than fate is working to bring them together...
My review of The Possible World
The Possible World is one of those books that touches the heart and soul. It's one that is not easily forgotten. It's a story about the human condition, about living, about friendship, and of how we make our way in the world. It's also a story about how fate plays a huge role in all our lives, and that life can never be truly planned. It's such a beautiful story.
So, ultimately what we read is three individual stories. At first it is unclear how they are connected, but by the end of the novel all is made clear. I enjoyed all three individual stories, each with their own unique perspective and individual voice.
Ben is a six-year-old little boy who is the sole survivor of a shooting massacre. This little boy instantly touched my heart. I connected to him. and his story within the first page of meeting him. We are then introduced to Lucy, an ER Resident (the novel is set in the US), who treats Ben when he is first admitted. Again, I instantly connected to her professionalism, warmth, and undercurrent of vulnerability. We are then introduced to Clare, a woman who is nearing her one hundredth birthday. Living in a care facility, Clare pretty much keeps herself to herself, and is a mystery to to both residents and care staff. But, when a new resident arrives, they strike up an unlikely friendship and we begin to learn more about Clare and her life.
All of these stories were fascinating and heart-breaking in equal measure. I wanted to mother Ben, and found it difficult at times to read about what had happened to him. I wanted to protect this little boy and shield him from everything he had gone through. Lucy's story is one of a young professional woman whose entire life revolves around medicine. Struggling with her own demons, she finds herself connecting to Ben and wanting to help him. I resonated most with this character. Perhaps because of my own nursing background or maybe because I have boys. I'm not sure, but I instantly understood her. I wanted her to be happy.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Clare's story. A woman who has been fiercely independent all her life finds herself suddenly dependent upon others. I understood completely where she was coming from. She's the kind of lady you'd want to sit down with and have a cup of coffee, while listening to some interesting stories.
This book simply was an absolute delight to read. It's a story of epic proportions spanning a hundred years. It tells of impossible things made real. It blurs boundaries and spans generations. The writing flows and before you know it you're hallway through the book. It's such an uplifting story about the kindness of human nature and what it means to be alive. I love every word.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
The Possible World is publushed by Hutchinson on 12th July.
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