Melissa’s Review: Hindsight by Mindy Tarquini

Hindsight
written by Mindy Tarquini
published by Sparkpress, 2016

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book: It’s a cool concept, but Tarquini struggles to keep the (many, many) story lines straight. This book fights entropy the whole way through. I mean, I understand why–no doubt it’s difficult to look at every person and see not only their current incarnation, but also their entire collection of past lives–but I could have done with a few, um, fewer layers, as it were. I like the writing style–it’s delightfully irreverent–and I must say the back-and-forth between Eugenia and Mary made me LOL more than once. Plus, I mean, Chaucer. So. Epically cool idea, fun writing, but a bit more (too?) confusing for me to fall completely in love.

 

Would I recommend it: It’s worth the read if you keep all the story threads organized.

 

About the book – from Goodreads:

Tarquini’s innovative concept is paired with realistic characters and sparkling wit, making this enjoyable novel a keeper.”
–Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Finalist, General Fiction — 2016 USA Best Book Awards

Redbook Magazine, Best Books of 2016

EUGENIA PANISPORCHI LIVES WITH HER MOTHER, TEACHES CHAUCER, AND REMEMBERS ALL HER PAST LIVES. SHE IS DESPERATE TO CHANGE HER FUTURE

Born this time around into a South Philadelphia Italian-American family so traditional, she and her siblings are expected to marry in birth order, Eugenia lives a simple life―no love connection, no controversy, no complications. Her hope is that the Blessed Virgin Mary (who oversees her soul’s progress) will grant her heart’s desire, the option to choose the circumstances of her next life. But when a student reveals he shares her ability, Eugenia suddenly finds herself setting up a Facebook page and sponsoring a support group for others like her, an oddball odyssey, during which she discovers she must confront her current shortcomings before she can break the cycle and finally live the life of her dreams.

A layered contemporary fable, Hindsight reminds us to live this life like it’s the only one we’ll have.