Another Life was the debut novel by Jodie Chapman, published in 2021. It was featured as a new release on series 2 of BBC’s Between the Covers.
It’s been on my bookshelf for a while but I’ve only just got around to reading it. I also have Jodie Chapman’s second novel, Oh Sister, on my TBR pile but I decided to start with her debut.
I didn’t know too much about Another Life other than it was an exploration of relationships and religion. I’d read other people comparing the author and the book to Sally Rooney and David Nicholls. I don’t usually like it when a new author is dubbed as “the new….” as surely any writer wants to be successful in their own right. However I decided to see for myself whether the comparisons were accurate.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Plot
Nick and Anna first cross paths during their youth while employed at the local cinema, where both are working summer jobs. Despite their differences, there is an instant and lasting connection between the two.
Anna has lived a life in a controlled existence preparing for doomsday and living within strict boundaries. Christmas, alcohol, and premarital sex are all strictly prohibited. So when Nick comes into her life, Anna falls passionately in love. Their shared world burns with poetry and music, cigarettes and conversation.
However, despite their love for each other, Anna finds she can’t give up everything she’s ever believed in and so she walks away and Nick doesn’t stop her.
As the years pass Nick and Anna lead completely separate lives. Each has their own burden to carry and their lives are shaped by the hurt they have lived with for years. And yet neither can quite forget the other.
Years later, a tragedy draws Anna back into Nick’s life and as they are unexpectedly reunited they find themselves questioning whether they really could take a chance on another life.
Another Life Book Review
I’m so glad I decided to pick up this book. I really enjoyed it.
It was so beautifully written. The prose was lyrical and poetic in places without distracting from the narrative. There was a real warmth and wisdom to the story and it really tugged on my heart strings.
Another Life is so much more than a love story. It’s an exploration of grief, religion, families and expectations. These other themes add a depth to the story but none of it would have been so gripping if I didn’t care about the characters so much.
Nick and Anna’s feelings for each other transcended the years and I couldn’t help but root for them. I usually become frustrated reading about missed chances and poor communication between a couple but it was so understandable in their circumstances.
While they were imperfect characters, I really liked both Nick and Anna despite their flaws. I found it interesting that the author decided to tell the story from Nick’s perspective but it really worked. Nick was a more calm, down to earth presence than Anna. He was matter of fact and understated which contrasted perfectly with Anna’s more dramatic longings.
The book provided an interesting look at religion and though it was never named, Anna was clearly a Jehovah’s Witness. Anna’s story highlighted that a person isn’t just one thing and people can’t be defined by their religion or relationship.
Overall, I really enjoyed Another Life. It’s a great general fiction novel and the character development, plot and relationships kept me captivated from start to finish. While I can understand the comparisons to Sally Rooney – the book did have a very Normal People vibe to it – I definitely could appreciate the story in its own right.
What books are like Another Life?
Books with a similar theme include:
Related Books
You may also enjoy these book guides from other novels featured on Between the Covers book club.