A Lesson of a Lifetime

by Julie Kononova, Jane Red (Editor)

Welcome to Project "Earth" - an organization whose goal is to help individuals gain the necessary understanding they need. The condemned, the adventurous seekers, or those aspiring to love life are embodied on Earth, living individually designed life paths. A young intern Emeric, who dreams of becoming a life path developer, finds himself in the midst of a battle of conflicting interests on his very first day of work, the outcome of which could determine not only the fate of Project "Earth" but also the destiny of all humanity.

78 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2023

About the author

Julie is a young writer of Russian origin. She has had a strong bond with a pen since her childhood, constantly writing everything from poetry for family members' birthdays to fantasy fiction and articles for a teenager's newspaper. A turning point in her life was her move to the United States. Immigration, especially at a young age and all alone, can transform people's lives, making them wiser, stronger, and undoubtedly more mature. The overwhelming emotions triggered by recent changes in the world, particularly the war in Ukraine, have motivated her to write stories about compassion, love for humanity, spirituality, and a refusal to engage in games of power and influence.

Reviews

[Julia L]

I really enjoyed this novella! The writing is absolutely beautiful — rich, elegant, and incredibly atmospheric. The style pulls you into the story so naturally that you quickly feel completely immersed in its world.

I especially loved the characters. They are complex, morally gray, and genuinely interesting. There are no clear heroes or villains, and you constantly find yourself questioning who is actually right or wrong.

The idea behind the experiment was probably the most intriguing part for me. I kept thinking about all the other people who took part in it and what their lives must have been like. I would honestly love to read their stories too — to see the different paths they took, the choices they made, and how each of them lived their life on Earth.

It feels like there are so many more stories hidden inside this world, and I would happily read every one of them.

[Drew Harrison]

In science fiction, I've always been drawn to stories that leave you thinking. This book's central premise is one of those that will stick with you; it's also ontologically (and spiritually) comforting.

The book offers no easy answers, but it does pose questions that are fascinating to think about. It ponders things like choices and agency, criminal reform, the razor-thin distinction between guidance and steering, and that classic, all-encompassing question that humanity can never stop (and should never stop) examining: what is the point of this life we're given?

Its short length makes it an easy read for a single afternoon; the print edition's typography has a great sense of style and fun creative choices. A compelling read!

[Valeriia Muradian]

Loved the story!

[Daniel Quilter]

A very well written, and thought provoking read. I'm surprised I'm not seeing it in more places. It was really short, but impactful. If you're looking for an afternoon read that'll make you think about the meaning of life, without force feeding you an answer, this is the book for you.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a free copy.