'A God in Ruins' by Kate Atkinson is a companion novel to 'Life After Life' that delves into the life of Teddy Todd, Ursula Todd's brother. The story follows Teddy from his idyllic childhood through his time as a bomber pilot in World War II, marriage, fatherhood, and old age. Atkinson's writing style intricately weaves together Teddy's experiences, jumping back and forth in time while exploring themes of war, family relationships, and the impact of choices on one's life. The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing Teddy's inner struggles, his relationships with his family, and the complexities of postwar Britain.
The book is praised for its poignant portrayal of Teddy's life, the emotional depth of the characters, and the thought-provoking exploration of themes such as the price of war, family dynamics, and the passage of time. Atkinson's storytelling skill shines through in her ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they follow Teddy's journey through different stages of his life, from wartime experiences to the challenges of aging. The novel's surprise ending and the way it ties back to 'Life After Life' adds an additional layer of complexity and depth to the story, leaving readers reflecting on the interconnectedness of lives and the impact of choices.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of war violence, trauma, and family dysfunction.
Has Romance?
The book has a medium level of romance, primarily focusing on Teddy’s relationships before and during the war.
From The Publisher:
'Atkinson's finest work, and confirmation that her genre-defying writing continues to surprise and dazzle' Observer
A God in Ruins relates the life of Teddy Todd - would-be poet, heroic World War II bomber pilot, husband, father, and grandfather - as he navigates the perils and progress of the 20th century. For all Teddy endures in battle, his greatest challenge will be to face living in a future he never expected to have.
This gripping, often deliriously funny yet emotionally devastating book looks at war - that great fall of Man from grace - and the effect it has, not only on those who live through it, but on the lives of the subsequent generations. It is also about the infinite magic of fiction. Few will dispute that it proves once again that Kate Atkinson is one of the most exceptional novelists of our age.
'A dazzling read...ends on one of the most devastating twists in recent fiction' DAILY TELEGRAPH
Ratings (10)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (6) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (20):
Read It (10) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
Did not see the ending coming. Will have to think on this one a bit. Suspect the complexity and nuance will show itself with time
What can you read after
A God in Ruins?
About the Author:
Kate Atkinson is one of the world's foremost novelists. She won the Costa Book of the Year prize with her first novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum. Her three critically lauded and prizewinning novels set around World War II are Life After Life, A God in Ruins (both winners of the Costa Novel Award), and Transcription. She was appointed MBE for services to literature in 2011. Her bestselling literary crime novels featuring former detective Jackson Brodie are Case Histories, One Good Turn, When Will There Be Good News? Started Early, Took My Dog and Big Sky. The Jackson Brodie novels became a BBC television series starring Jason Isaacs.
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