Reincarnation (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Reincarnation April Spisak Weyn, Suzanne Reincarnation. Scholastic, 2008 [416p] ISBN 978-0-545-01323-9$17.99 Reviewed from galleys Ad Gr. 7-10 The concept of a love destined through the ages is an appealing one: if it doesn't work out as planned the first time, try again in Greece in 400 B.C., Salem during the Witch Trials, or modern-day New York. Two prehistoric souls that meet briefly and feel a powerful connection before plummeting over a cliff to their deaths do just that, and they are reincarnated over and over again as they each learn the lessons or life skills (letting go of addictions, learning to not fear fire) necessary to be true soul mates. Although there is little uncertainty as to whether or not the modern day Samantha and Jake will finally get it all right, Weyn ably injects dramatic tension into each of the earlier attempts as the lifespan, race, gender, and socioeconomic status is almost entirely fluid (though they are always a heterosexual pairing), leading to widely varied interactions between the two protagonists. Unfortunately, the book is vague and fantastical with its history (Weyn has her character executed for witchcraft by burning at Salem, where no such burnings took place), and it reads more as a collection of (mostly tragic) romance vignettes that are intriguing on their own but seem forced together herein—even firm believers in love at first sight may struggle to see a brief moment of connection millennia ago powerful enough to warrant this much effort. In addition, the fact that each character only ever meets shady, lecherous, disrespectful alternative potential partners is far too convenient; of course they would be drawn to each other. However, the final pairing, after so much struggle and so many foiled attempts, is undeniably the sweeping conclusion for which romance readers will be fervently hoping. Copyright © 2008 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois