Life's Lottery

Kim Newman

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Life's Lottery is an adult role-playing novel that offers the reader the opportunity to choose different narrative options, leading to varied plot resolutions that explore the existential nature of life. The story follows the protagonist, Keith Marion, as he navigates through different choices that shape his life, with each decision leading to new chapters and outcomes. The writing style is described as witty, inducing nostalgia with references to TV and games, and seamlessly transitioning between different genres like sci-fi, horror, and whodunit.

The book's structure allows readers to experience a choose-your-own-adventure style narrative set in the real world, where decisions made by the protagonist have far-reaching consequences. The characters are well-developed, and the story spans from the protagonist's childhood in the 60s to later life events, incorporating historic events, politics, and social movements. The vivid and interesting characters encountered in various routes within the book contribute to a unique reading experience that delves into the impact of choices on one's life.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed with rich backstories, and the narrative emphasizes interactions among them rather than focusing solely on the main character.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by witty, intelligent prose that vividly engages the reader and evokes nostalgia through various cultural references.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around an interactive narrative where the reader makes decisions that affect the character's life, leading to various possible outcomes and endings.

Setting:

The setting spans England across several decades, incorporating cultural references and reflecting significant historical and societal events.

Pacing:

The pacing varies significantly based on the chosen path, with some routes offering slow developments and others quick transitions.

Shane laughs and calls you daft. The gang join in. For the rest of the morning break, you play Man From U.N.C.L.E., shooting THRUSH agents with finger guns, escaping from deadly death-traps, saving th...

Notes:

The book is called Life's Lottery, written by Kim Newman.

It's a choose-your-own-adventure style book aimed at adults.

The reader plays as the main character named Keith Marion.

The narrative structure allows readers to make decisions that change the story's outcome.

There are many different paths and endings to explore in the book.

The story reflects on the impact of choices in life, with small decisions leading to significant consequences.

Characters are well-developed and appear in various routes throughout the book.

The book spans from Keith's childhood into his adult life, covering historical events.

There's a mix of genres within the story, including sci-fi, horror, and drama.

The writing is described as witty and engaging, invoking nostalgia for some readers.

The author includes a glossary for references that may not be familiar to all audiences.

Readers can experience different endings, including dark or sad conclusions.

It encourages replayability, as many plotlines can be explored in multiple reads.

The book presents a uniquely interactive reading experience unlike typical novels.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of death and some murder, so it has a medium level of content warnings.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate level of romance present, with choices affecting romantic relationships throughout the narrative.

From The Publisher:

A role-playing novel that reveals how small decisions can have monumental consequences. If you choose the right possibilities you may live a long happy life, or be immensely rich, or powerful, or win the lottery. If you make other choices you may become a murderer, die young, make every mistake possible, or make no impression on life at all. The choice is yours.

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