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Parallel Lives

Martin Gwent Lewis
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2011)
ISBN 9781432772093
Reviewed by Tia Bach for RebeccasReads (10/11)

Can you imagine being at the lowest point in your life and reviewing all your past decisions? Not just reviewing them, but meeting your alter egos who made different decisions. Thus is the basis of "Parallel Lives," an intriguing story about a man struggling with life and past decisions. The story opens on Richard’s darkest day; he is about to end it all when a voice yells, “Don’t do it! The repercussions are beyond your wildest dreams.” His savior is his counterpart in another reality, known as Historian.

As the story progresses, Richard meets three versions of himself, each formed by a major decision in his life. Known as Historian, Singer, and Missionary, they are all Richard in a parallel universe. Important events in Richard’s life create a strong pull through the dimensions to bring them all together. The suspense builds from there and takes the characters through London, Geneva, and Africa.

Between realizations and pangs of regret, Richard finds a new job with the World Health organization and also falls in love. His new job responsibilities send him on a dangerous mission to Africa where nothing is as it seems. The mission culminates in an entertaining and unique battle with unexpected participants.

The scenes where Richard meets with his doppelgangers are intriguing. Who hasn’t looked back on past decisions and wondered how their life would be different if only they had taken another path? Richard gets to see several paths, none perfect, and realize the potential in his own life.

The last half of the book is a thrill ride, and I felt more and more invested in the story. I only wish the first half was as successful. To be fair, there was a lot of necessary explanation and scenes where Richard meets his counterparts and discovers how each came to be. In the end, it all comes together. The love story with Madeline, although rushed, adds a softer side to Richard. My biggest complaint, the story deserves a much more interesting cover. There are so many possibilities for an amazing cover, and the author missed a great opportunity to better showcase his work.

If you enjoy twists and turns, action, and thought provoking themes, this book is for you. Don’t give up in the beginning or you’ll miss the best parts.

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