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The Other Side of Life
December 1941, Pearl Harbor. A peaceful Sunday morning turns into a devastating attack on American soil. Naval officer Malcolm "Mac" Kelsey is severely wounded while defending his ship. A flawed man abandoned long ago by his alcoholic wife, Kelsey has been mired in despair and hopelessness following the accidental death of Lucy, the young daughter he considers the only redemptive aspect of his life. Near the point of death, Kelsey is brought to what he believes to be an afterlife where he is offered an opportunity to shed his past memories and embark upon an alternate path in another place and time. Eager to escape his torment and begin a more tranquil existence, Kelsey accepts, only to feel quickly betrayed as he soon finds himself back in the midst of battle, this time as a Union soldier at the dawn of the Civil War.
Through Antietam, Gettysburg and four years of relentless fighting, Kelsey attempts to cast aside his painful past while trying to survive the horrors of combat. He crosses paths with compelling figures on both sides of the conflict determined to persevere and return to those they left behind. Idealistic Ethan Royston, promoted from the enlisted ranks, believes in preserving the Union but is plagued by insecurity and self-doubt. His closest friend, West Point-trained Cal Garrity, remains loyal to his home state of Virginia despite his misgivings about the virtue of the Southern cause. The war will divide these friends, just as it will divide Garrity from his adoring wife, Emily, the charismatic and headstrong daughter of a prominent Norfolk shipbuilder, forced to face the onset of war alone.
Each will endure unimaginable hardship and brutality that will forever reshape their core beliefs and values. Each will find their strength and resolve tested as they search for self-purpose, humanity, and reconciliation. Most of all, Mac Kelsey will discover the very essence of life and death, and whether the new beginning he has long coveted will bring him the inner peace he has so desperately sought.
Through Antietam, Gettysburg and four years of relentless fighting, Kelsey attempts to cast aside his painful past while trying to survive the horrors of combat. He crosses paths with compelling figures on both sides of the conflict determined to persevere and return to those they left behind. Idealistic Ethan Royston, promoted from the enlisted ranks, believes in preserving the Union but is plagued by insecurity and self-doubt. His closest friend, West Point-trained Cal Garrity, remains loyal to his home state of Virginia despite his misgivings about the virtue of the Southern cause. The war will divide these friends, just as it will divide Garrity from his adoring wife, Emily, the charismatic and headstrong daughter of a prominent Norfolk shipbuilder, forced to face the onset of war alone.
Each will endure unimaginable hardship and brutality that will forever reshape their core beliefs and values. Each will find their strength and resolve tested as they search for self-purpose, humanity, and reconciliation. Most of all, Mac Kelsey will discover the very essence of life and death, and whether the new beginning he has long coveted will bring him the inner peace he has so desperately sought.
364 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2015
21 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Andy Kutler
5 books204 followersAndy Kutler is a writer and author living in Arlington, Virginia. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Andy has served in the United States Senate, the United States Secret Service, and the national security community.
Andy's newest book, THE FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES: A 21ST CENTURY PRIMER ON WORLD WAR II (Black Rose Writing) is a concise but comprehensive account of the most consequential era in world history. His past works include HONORABLE PROFESSION (Black Rose), a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics; THE BATTER'S BOX (Warriors Publishing Group), a Gold Medal winner from the Military Writers Society of America, is the story of a professional baseball player who volunteers during World War II, experiences the horrors of combat, and tries to later resume his playing career; and THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE (Archway Publishing) was awarded a Bronze Medal for Military & Wartime Fiction in the 2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention for War & Military Fiction in the 2016 Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Awards.
Andy enjoys reading, traveling, following his Milwaukee Brewers from afar, and immersing himself in history, especially anything related to WWII.
Andy's newest book, THE FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES: A 21ST CENTURY PRIMER ON WORLD WAR II (Black Rose Writing) is a concise but comprehensive account of the most consequential era in world history. His past works include HONORABLE PROFESSION (Black Rose), a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics; THE BATTER'S BOX (Warriors Publishing Group), a Gold Medal winner from the Military Writers Society of America, is the story of a professional baseball player who volunteers during World War II, experiences the horrors of combat, and tries to later resume his playing career; and THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE (Archway Publishing) was awarded a Bronze Medal for Military & Wartime Fiction in the 2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention for War & Military Fiction in the 2016 Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Awards.
Andy enjoys reading, traveling, following his Milwaukee Brewers from afar, and immersing himself in history, especially anything related to WWII.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 7, 2025
Book Review Day!
The Other Side of Life
Andy Kutler
This is the first book I have read from this Author and the story has many layers to delve into, so let's dive in!
The novel starts off in 1941 during the Pearl Harbor attack and we meet Mac, a Navel officer with a life full of heartbreak, hardship and disappoint. During the Japanese attack, Mac gets severely injured and the story takes a turn to a creative twist exploring the in between of life and death. The fantasy aspect of Mac meeting the spiritual guide changes the tone of the novel from historical fiction to a time travel style read. The sudden change in tone is bit jarring.
During the in between portion of the novel, Mac is offered a chance to get the relief and peace he deeply craves to take away his painful memories but of course it isn't so simple as that..
Mac finds himself from the devastating turmoil of Pearl Harbor to the brutality of the Civil War, this portion of the book shifts focus as the chapters go by from Mac being the main character to becoming a side character to Ethan and Cal as we now read about their life, hardships and friendship that is buckling under the pressure of war. This point in the novel I was starting to struggle to keep up with this story, it feels like to many ideas being packed into 1 novel. It would have been easier to keep up with it if was separated into 2 books.
The Other Side of Life
Andy Kutler
This is the first book I have read from this Author and the story has many layers to delve into, so let's dive in!
The novel starts off in 1941 during the Pearl Harbor attack and we meet Mac, a Navel officer with a life full of heartbreak, hardship and disappoint. During the Japanese attack, Mac gets severely injured and the story takes a turn to a creative twist exploring the in between of life and death. The fantasy aspect of Mac meeting the spiritual guide changes the tone of the novel from historical fiction to a time travel style read. The sudden change in tone is bit jarring.
During the in between portion of the novel, Mac is offered a chance to get the relief and peace he deeply craves to take away his painful memories but of course it isn't so simple as that..
Mac finds himself from the devastating turmoil of Pearl Harbor to the brutality of the Civil War, this portion of the book shifts focus as the chapters go by from Mac being the main character to becoming a side character to Ethan and Cal as we now read about their life, hardships and friendship that is buckling under the pressure of war. This point in the novel I was starting to struggle to keep up with this story, it feels like to many ideas being packed into 1 novel. It would have been easier to keep up with it if was separated into 2 books.
November 6, 2015
I enjoyed the novel but I was also puzzled; it left me with unanswered questions.
I initially decided to read the book because one of its settings is Pearl Harbour during the Japanese attack on the harbour and I’m always interested in wartime novels. So I was somewhat disappointed to find that the majority of the story is set during the American Civil War era. I know little about that period of history and it is not one that I feel drawn to read about. Nevertheless, the author describes the era and the people in vivid detail and I found myself getting caught up in the story and caring about the characters.
One of the details in the novel that I questioned was who was the main character? Although the book opens on the deck of a battleship with Commander Kelsey, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, and he is present throughout most of the novel, the story’s focus shifts away from him once he travels back in time to the Civil War. His life becomes entwined with Ethan Roystan, Cal Garrity and his wife, Emily, and the novel then becomes the tale of their lives. Kelsey plays a minor role in their world. I found this trio of characters compelling and became absorbed in their lives but I kept wondering why Kelsey had taken a back seat.
As well as being historical fiction, the book has an element of fantasy and time travel too. This aspect of the story seems to want to explore the nature and purpose of our existence and the afterlife. This was one of the weaker areas of the novel. At pivotal points in the story Kelsey is pulled from the time period he is in to meet with a Spiritual Guide to discuss the path he will now take. These encounters with the Guide always raise more questions than they answer. Although I believe that it is good to make the reader think, it isn’t satisfying to leave the reader unable to draw logical conclusions from what they discover while reading the novel.
The story does end on a positive note: during Kelsey’s last encounter with his Guide information is revealed which suggests that in his future he will resolve one issue that is most important to him. Although there are still questions remaining, this gives the reader a sense of satisfaction.
What I most enjoyed about this book was the historical story set during the Civil War. That story could stand alone without the rest of the novel. The lack of development of the world where the Spiritual Guides reside is the weakest part of the book. The story may even have been better without the interludes in this realm. I found it an unnecessary diversion. Despite this weakness, readers who enjoy stories set during times of war and conflict will enjoy this novel. The characters and the conflicts they experienced were vivid and compelling.
Note: I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
I initially decided to read the book because one of its settings is Pearl Harbour during the Japanese attack on the harbour and I’m always interested in wartime novels. So I was somewhat disappointed to find that the majority of the story is set during the American Civil War era. I know little about that period of history and it is not one that I feel drawn to read about. Nevertheless, the author describes the era and the people in vivid detail and I found myself getting caught up in the story and caring about the characters.
One of the details in the novel that I questioned was who was the main character? Although the book opens on the deck of a battleship with Commander Kelsey, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, and he is present throughout most of the novel, the story’s focus shifts away from him once he travels back in time to the Civil War. His life becomes entwined with Ethan Roystan, Cal Garrity and his wife, Emily, and the novel then becomes the tale of their lives. Kelsey plays a minor role in their world. I found this trio of characters compelling and became absorbed in their lives but I kept wondering why Kelsey had taken a back seat.
As well as being historical fiction, the book has an element of fantasy and time travel too. This aspect of the story seems to want to explore the nature and purpose of our existence and the afterlife. This was one of the weaker areas of the novel. At pivotal points in the story Kelsey is pulled from the time period he is in to meet with a Spiritual Guide to discuss the path he will now take. These encounters with the Guide always raise more questions than they answer. Although I believe that it is good to make the reader think, it isn’t satisfying to leave the reader unable to draw logical conclusions from what they discover while reading the novel.
The story does end on a positive note: during Kelsey’s last encounter with his Guide information is revealed which suggests that in his future he will resolve one issue that is most important to him. Although there are still questions remaining, this gives the reader a sense of satisfaction.
What I most enjoyed about this book was the historical story set during the Civil War. That story could stand alone without the rest of the novel. The lack of development of the world where the Spiritual Guides reside is the weakest part of the book. The story may even have been better without the interludes in this realm. I found it an unnecessary diversion. Despite this weakness, readers who enjoy stories set during times of war and conflict will enjoy this novel. The characters and the conflicts they experienced were vivid and compelling.
Note: I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2015
Books by first time authors are often characterized by stilted prose and uneven character development, resembling an early spring training baseball game more than a well-played, mid-season win. However, this is not the case with The Other Side of Life, Andy Kutler’s debut book. Mr. Kutler has given us a book in full mid-season form, an intriguing plot that starts with an interesting literary device, characters that grow as the book is consumed, and an ending that offers a delicious conundrum that leaves the reader with a smile.
The most engaging aspect of the book may be the theological ambiguity that Mr. Kutler introduces at several points in the story. The main character Malcolm Kelsey is seriously wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor and finds himself somewhere that he doesn’t recognize and can’t explain. There, he is offered a choice by an infinitely patient Mr. Leavitt. The author never makes it clear if this place is heaven, purgatory, or something else – leaving it up to the reader to interpret through his or her own frame of reference. Moreover, the choice Mr. Leavitt offers Kelsey begs the reader to ask, which option would I take?
As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the lives of Ethan Royston, Cal and Emily Garrity, and a retinue of supporting characters that make up the tableau of Kelsey’s chosen path. The villain of the book, despite the abominable acts hinted at in the story, is treated even handedly by Kutler. Although the villain disappears for much of the book, he seems to hover over the story like a dark cloud. The reader may find some aspects of the story predictable, these few instances are soon passed by as the reader negotiates the next sudden plot turn tossed out by the author. The pacing that Kutler has built in keeps the reader engaged; it is a difficult book to put down.
The Other Side of Life is an extremely enjoyable yarn that is well worth an exploration. If he chooses to write again, and he should, Mr. Kutler may be hard pressed to top his debut book.
The most engaging aspect of the book may be the theological ambiguity that Mr. Kutler introduces at several points in the story. The main character Malcolm Kelsey is seriously wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor and finds himself somewhere that he doesn’t recognize and can’t explain. There, he is offered a choice by an infinitely patient Mr. Leavitt. The author never makes it clear if this place is heaven, purgatory, or something else – leaving it up to the reader to interpret through his or her own frame of reference. Moreover, the choice Mr. Leavitt offers Kelsey begs the reader to ask, which option would I take?
As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the lives of Ethan Royston, Cal and Emily Garrity, and a retinue of supporting characters that make up the tableau of Kelsey’s chosen path. The villain of the book, despite the abominable acts hinted at in the story, is treated even handedly by Kutler. Although the villain disappears for much of the book, he seems to hover over the story like a dark cloud. The reader may find some aspects of the story predictable, these few instances are soon passed by as the reader negotiates the next sudden plot turn tossed out by the author. The pacing that Kutler has built in keeps the reader engaged; it is a difficult book to put down.
The Other Side of Life is an extremely enjoyable yarn that is well worth an exploration. If he chooses to write again, and he should, Mr. Kutler may be hard pressed to top his debut book.
September 5, 2015
The Other Side of Life is a story of life and death in America during World War II and the Civil War, with these two eras linked by an unusual twist. Interesting, relatable characters make it hard to put the book down. It’s one of those stories that’s an “experience” you don’t want to end, covering war, love, loss, friendship, and even the afterlife. Over the course of this novel, Andy Kutler manages to address some of life’s toughest questions in a thoroughly enjoyable way. What an accomplishment. Looking forward to the next one.
June 7, 2025
I am quite surprised there aren't more positive reviews for this charming novel. I was captivated by the story, and I found the characters not only believable but enduring. I didn't have a problem with the time jumping of 80+ years, given most of the TT books out there cover far more lengthy periods of time. At least there weren't any aliens waiting to bite heads off and devour bodies for fuel!
I don't review books to parse the script line by line, if someone wants to read a book, they will, and my silly reviews are not ever going to be the clinchers for anyone to keep scrolling and find something more to their liking, based upon my opinion.
I will say I found it charming, even though it describes bloody war from several points of view; still, there is a unique voice to the story that many other TT books just don't seem to offer.
IMO, if you want to read a book that was captivating and full of intrigue, plus a really inventive form of afterlife mentorship, this would be right up there.
It isn't Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind" nor it is "Jumanji", but nevertheless, it is a book I was sorry to turn the final page upon.
I will keep this in my library for another read in my own future.
I don't review books to parse the script line by line, if someone wants to read a book, they will, and my silly reviews are not ever going to be the clinchers for anyone to keep scrolling and find something more to their liking, based upon my opinion.
I will say I found it charming, even though it describes bloody war from several points of view; still, there is a unique voice to the story that many other TT books just don't seem to offer.
IMO, if you want to read a book that was captivating and full of intrigue, plus a really inventive form of afterlife mentorship, this would be right up there.
It isn't Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind" nor it is "Jumanji", but nevertheless, it is a book I was sorry to turn the final page upon.
I will keep this in my library for another read in my own future.
January 6, 2025
Captivating Read!
If you had the chance to go back in time and have a second shot at life, would you take it? That’s the predicament the protagonist is faced with in this debut fiction novel by Andy Kutler. The story begins in the midst of the December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor but the majority of the novel is set during the American Civil war which makes it perfect for historical fiction lovers and war buffs alike. I thoroughly enjoyed the interesting characters and creative time traveling storyline not to mention impressed by the historically accurate details. Highly recommend!
If you had the chance to go back in time and have a second shot at life, would you take it? That’s the predicament the protagonist is faced with in this debut fiction novel by Andy Kutler. The story begins in the midst of the December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor but the majority of the novel is set during the American Civil war which makes it perfect for historical fiction lovers and war buffs alike. I thoroughly enjoyed the interesting characters and creative time traveling storyline not to mention impressed by the historically accurate details. Highly recommend!
January 4, 2025
A powerful and moving narrative that about time, tragedy, and new beginnings into a cohesive story of human emotion and historical facts. Malcolm "Mac" Kelsey, deeply scarred by the sorrows of Pearl Harbor and his personal losses, is given an extraordinary chance to erase the pain of his past and start over. However, instead of the peace he seeks, he is thrown into the chaos of the American Civil War.
Interesting read for anyone interested in the personal stories behind significant historical moments. It ponders the nature of second chances and the force of destiny.
Interesting read for anyone interested in the personal stories behind significant historical moments. It ponders the nature of second chances and the force of destiny.
January 7, 2025
Be Careful What You Wish For
This was a brilliant novel with evocative writing and a masterful plot. The characters are nuanced and come to life.
In a story that captures the essence of an age old question "if one could exchange their present struggles for..." the author provides a potential answer that the reader must always consider.
There is a mighty philosophical undertone to this entire novel if one chooses to examine it.
Highly recommend for those wanting a reading diversion and those wanting a deeper thought provoking read
This was a brilliant novel with evocative writing and a masterful plot. The characters are nuanced and come to life.
In a story that captures the essence of an age old question "if one could exchange their present struggles for..." the author provides a potential answer that the reader must always consider.
There is a mighty philosophical undertone to this entire novel if one chooses to examine it.
Highly recommend for those wanting a reading diversion and those wanting a deeper thought provoking read
March 22, 2019
It took me almost 5 months to finish this book. It started off very slow and I put it down for quite some time and only read it when I was exercising.
Finally at about 80% through the story caught my attention and I liked how it ended. I just wish the whole story would have grabbed my attention the entire time.
Finally at about 80% through the story caught my attention and I liked how it ended. I just wish the whole story would have grabbed my attention the entire time.
October 24, 2017
Thought provoking
This story reads roughly at times, but makes up for later. The characters are very real to life with everyday flaws and worries. A book I would recommend to all
This story reads roughly at times, but makes up for later. The characters are very real to life with everyday flaws and worries. A book I would recommend to all
October 31, 2025
Another great Kutler book!
Amazing historical research and writing. I've read all of Andy Kutler's books and they never cease to draw you in and keep you hooked!
Amazing historical research and writing. I've read all of Andy Kutler's books and they never cease to draw you in and keep you hooked!
September 20, 2015
Let me start by saying that I liked this book. It was a good story. BUT, man did I have a hard time with it at first. I like to read a book having only the most basic understanding of the content. My dad asked me to read this and gave me a deadline, and that didn't help me. I wasn't really in the mood to read a war-type book.
Book starts out in 1941 in pearl harbor. We meet Mac Kelsey. He is a tortured soul suffering from loss (his young daughter was just killed) and almost immediately after we meet him the Japanese start bombing. He was on the Nevada and was issuing order to try to save his men and his ship. I was actually enjoying this part of the story (well, not ENJOYING, but it was interesting) and then the book went all weird.
So I guess the author was interested in exploring this 'afterlife/other life/etc' and Kelsey finds himself at a train station. He is given a choice to return to Pearl harbor or have a new life with no memories. He chose the latter except it didn't work and he kept his memories.
So now we find Kelsey in the southwest in the 1860s (61, i think?). I was a little disjointed from the random jumping of the story and it got worse, because it seemed that for the next 100+ pages very little had anything to do with Kelsey. Wasn't he supposed to be the main protagonist of the story? What is going on!? Instead we meet Ethan Royston, Cal Garrity and his wife Emily. Ironically, I grew to enjoy the story once Kelsey left the picture. I thought that the character's stories during the civil war were well told and kept my attention.
Basically everyone dies but our main four characters. Kelsey is given a chance to kill the ancestor of the man who killed his daughter (Travers) but he chooses not to. Cal and Emily reunite again (she thought he was dead in the southwest due to a lie Travers had told) after Cal was captured by Union soldiers (he lost an arm in the war) and Ethan managed to get him released. (Cal was from Virginia so after they served together in the southwest, Cal joined the South, and Ethan stayed with the North; though Cal's sympathies were of the North). Emily had born him a son during the war (Charlie) and was forced to sleep with an officer to be able to afford to feed him. She never told Cal. Ethan's father left him money when he died so he bought the land and house Cal and Emily were about to lose to the state and they started a horse breeding business together. Before Kelsey left to go kill Travers, he told Emily part of his story.
Kelsey is returned to the in-between land and is given a choice to work there, but he has to finish his life in Hawaii but this time will have no memory. He also discovers his daughter is there. He wakes up in Hawaii after being in a coma for 2 weeks. He meets a woman (rachel garrity) who had a letter from her great-grandmother for him. So the reader got closure on our characters from th 1860s.
Honestly, I almost wish the author had left Kelsey and this who afterlife thing out of it and just focused on the story of the civil war. This is the part of the story where he excelled and was the most enjoyable to read. The 'afterlife' and unfortunately even Pearl Harbor didn't have enough meat to really add anything to the story. Still, it wasn't a bad book and I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
Book starts out in 1941 in pearl harbor. We meet Mac Kelsey. He is a tortured soul suffering from loss (his young daughter was just killed) and almost immediately after we meet him the Japanese start bombing. He was on the Nevada and was issuing order to try to save his men and his ship. I was actually enjoying this part of the story (well, not ENJOYING, but it was interesting) and then the book went all weird.
So I guess the author was interested in exploring this 'afterlife/other life/etc' and Kelsey finds himself at a train station. He is given a choice to return to Pearl harbor or have a new life with no memories. He chose the latter except it didn't work and he kept his memories.
So now we find Kelsey in the southwest in the 1860s (61, i think?). I was a little disjointed from the random jumping of the story and it got worse, because it seemed that for the next 100+ pages very little had anything to do with Kelsey. Wasn't he supposed to be the main protagonist of the story? What is going on!? Instead we meet Ethan Royston, Cal Garrity and his wife Emily. Ironically, I grew to enjoy the story once Kelsey left the picture. I thought that the character's stories during the civil war were well told and kept my attention.
Basically everyone dies but our main four characters. Kelsey is given a chance to kill the ancestor of the man who killed his daughter (Travers) but he chooses not to. Cal and Emily reunite again (she thought he was dead in the southwest due to a lie Travers had told) after Cal was captured by Union soldiers (he lost an arm in the war) and Ethan managed to get him released. (Cal was from Virginia so after they served together in the southwest, Cal joined the South, and Ethan stayed with the North; though Cal's sympathies were of the North). Emily had born him a son during the war (Charlie) and was forced to sleep with an officer to be able to afford to feed him. She never told Cal. Ethan's father left him money when he died so he bought the land and house Cal and Emily were about to lose to the state and they started a horse breeding business together. Before Kelsey left to go kill Travers, he told Emily part of his story.
Kelsey is returned to the in-between land and is given a choice to work there, but he has to finish his life in Hawaii but this time will have no memory. He also discovers his daughter is there. He wakes up in Hawaii after being in a coma for 2 weeks. He meets a woman (rachel garrity) who had a letter from her great-grandmother for him. So the reader got closure on our characters from th 1860s.
Honestly, I almost wish the author had left Kelsey and this who afterlife thing out of it and just focused on the story of the civil war. This is the part of the story where he excelled and was the most enjoyable to read. The 'afterlife' and unfortunately even Pearl Harbor didn't have enough meat to really add anything to the story. Still, it wasn't a bad book and I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2015
Officer Malcolm Kelsey is aboard the USS Nevada the morning of December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attack. He makes the difficult decisions to maneuver the ship and save crew members. During the attack, Kelsey receives a head injury and goes into a coma. While unconscious, he is taken to the other side and given a choice. Kelsey can stay in his current timeline with his painful memories of his deceased daughter and wayward wife or be placed into a different timeline with no memories of his current life. The decision is not difficult for Kelsey, he takes the deal and is transported back to the eve of the Civil War. Kelsey feels duped, transported from one war to another with all of his memories from his past life in tact. There must be a purpose to all of this though, and Kelsey might have found it in a name he remembers from his past life, Travers. There are also new people that bring hope to Kelsey's new life, like Garrity.
I was really intrigued by the time travel aspect of the book as well as the historical fiction. The whole other side was very interesting and I loved the scenes that happened there between Kelsey and his guide, Leavitt. Kelsey was also an amazing and well developed character: brave and determined, he has pain hidden deep inside, is a self-described ass-hole, but would do anything to help another member of his team. This made him perfect to go back to the Civil War. One thing that threw me though was the changing point of view between Kelsey and Garrity, an officer in the Dragoons where Kelsey first awakes in 1861. I wasn't really expecting so much of the book to focus on someone else, especially so soon. For much of the book the perspectives are taken back and forth between Kelsey's experience and Garrity's. This does have a purpose in the end, but at first it was a little disorienting. Anyhow, the context into the Civil War with a view from each side was very detailed and graphic. Much of the battles, prison conditions and medical treatment was done with historical accuracy. The ending was inspiring and surprising, nothing that I saw coming.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
I was really intrigued by the time travel aspect of the book as well as the historical fiction. The whole other side was very interesting and I loved the scenes that happened there between Kelsey and his guide, Leavitt. Kelsey was also an amazing and well developed character: brave and determined, he has pain hidden deep inside, is a self-described ass-hole, but would do anything to help another member of his team. This made him perfect to go back to the Civil War. One thing that threw me though was the changing point of view between Kelsey and Garrity, an officer in the Dragoons where Kelsey first awakes in 1861. I wasn't really expecting so much of the book to focus on someone else, especially so soon. For much of the book the perspectives are taken back and forth between Kelsey's experience and Garrity's. This does have a purpose in the end, but at first it was a little disorienting. Anyhow, the context into the Civil War with a view from each side was very detailed and graphic. Much of the battles, prison conditions and medical treatment was done with historical accuracy. The ending was inspiring and surprising, nothing that I saw coming.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2016
Time travel books have become a favorite of mine these days. With the Other Side of Life the protagonist is male verses the more common female. Beginning in 1941 Malcolm Kelsey is an officer aboard the USS Nevada during the bombing of Pearl Harbour. As you can read from the synopsis above this is an interesting and unique twist to time travel.
With the promise of the memories of his life being erased Kelsey's frustration upon learning that isn't the case adds to this story. Once Kelsey arrives in 1861 much time is spend introducing the reader to key players, meshing the story together nicely. I got to know Kelsey and his personality, outwardly a harsh officer but inside still grieving the death of his daughter years earlier.
I really like the authors writing style, his knowledge of the time period, especially the Civil War is evident. With vivid details it wasn't hard to visualize the living conditions, battles scenes and medical treatments there.
This book is not just about war, but also friendship, heartache and love (to name a few). Though at times predictable there were enough twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Overall a solid debut that has me looking forward to what the author is working on next.
With the promise of the memories of his life being erased Kelsey's frustration upon learning that isn't the case adds to this story. Once Kelsey arrives in 1861 much time is spend introducing the reader to key players, meshing the story together nicely. I got to know Kelsey and his personality, outwardly a harsh officer but inside still grieving the death of his daughter years earlier.
I really like the authors writing style, his knowledge of the time period, especially the Civil War is evident. With vivid details it wasn't hard to visualize the living conditions, battles scenes and medical treatments there.
This book is not just about war, but also friendship, heartache and love (to name a few). Though at times predictable there were enough twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Overall a solid debut that has me looking forward to what the author is working on next.
September 30, 2015
Let me start by saying that this is not TYPICALLY the sort of book you would find me reading on any given day. I read Stephen King and Kim Harrison. Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, yes. I love a good scare, and I like a book with intensity. If I have a chance to figure out a good who-done-it, all the better. I didn't expect to fall in love with this book. BUT I DID. Kutler brings together several genres with a fluidity I've never experienced before. Mystery, intrigue, suspense, romance and a hint of the supernatural all flourish in a tale told in a vivid, historically accurate setting. I was invested in the characters from the beginning and found it difficult to put the book down. Do yourself a favor, and READ THIS BOOK. You won't regret it.
February 25, 2016
"The Other Side of Life" by Andy Kutler was read with mixed feelings. I gess it was partly my fault, I should have read the preview completely. Instead, I saw that it was about WWII and Pearl Harbor and dove in! It was frustrating to find that it was a type of time travel which really doesn't interest me. Both places in time that the author wrote about were excellent stories, but combined, it was frustrating. It took me 3 weeks to read the novel and I almost put it down after the first third of the book. But I have a motto, if I start a book I will force myself to read it. I owe that much to the author. The novel was well written. In the end, it did pull all ties together, which was a fete in itself. Historically it was accurate and interesting.
December 22, 2015
Very intriguing premise
This was a very intriguing premise of a soldier caught up in the attack on Pearl Harbor who is given a chance to go to a different life, and ends up being transported to the Civil War. It's an interesting story, and I would have given it more stars except that I didn't like the wrenching ugliness of that brutal war. The writing and characters were very good, but it was the subject matter that I found kind of gory and painful to read. If you like war stories, you'll enjoy this book.
This was a very intriguing premise of a soldier caught up in the attack on Pearl Harbor who is given a chance to go to a different life, and ends up being transported to the Civil War. It's an interesting story, and I would have given it more stars except that I didn't like the wrenching ugliness of that brutal war. The writing and characters were very good, but it was the subject matter that I found kind of gory and painful to read. If you like war stories, you'll enjoy this book.
January 2, 2016
Time travel with a twist
An author that creates characters that cause the reader to become attached to them and situations the reader hungers to see resolved is worth five stars. I was a little dismayed when the protagonist disappeared shortly after the start as the other characters were fleshed out. As the story progressed I began to understand why and that contributed to my enjoyment of the book.
If you are a time-travel fan and interested in alternative views of the afterlife don't miss this one. Plus, the author is a fellow Spartan !
An author that creates characters that cause the reader to become attached to them and situations the reader hungers to see resolved is worth five stars. I was a little dismayed when the protagonist disappeared shortly after the start as the other characters were fleshed out. As the story progressed I began to understand why and that contributed to my enjoyment of the book.
If you are a time-travel fan and interested in alternative views of the afterlife don't miss this one. Plus, the author is a fellow Spartan !
January 31, 2016
This is a very well done novel about life after death, sort of. Set against a backdrop of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and then the Civil war, 1861-1865, the book introduces us to large cast of engaging characters, all struggling with their purpose and making difficult choices.
See my full review: The Other Side of Life by Andy Kutler (No spoilers in the review.)
See my full review: The Other Side of Life by Andy Kutler (No spoilers in the review.)
June 23, 2016
I wanted to like this book and tried to do so. Unfortunately, I couldn't. I gave up on it, which I am loath to do. I hate wasting reading time.
A naval officer is blown up in Pearl Harbor on 12/07/41. He finds himself on a mystery train to the nether worlds. He is given a chance at an unexplained task and is dropped off in the Southwest in 1861. Then the story shifts to other people and he is on the side lines. I think it winds up as some time warp love story. Who knows?
A naval officer is blown up in Pearl Harbor on 12/07/41. He finds himself on a mystery train to the nether worlds. He is given a chance at an unexplained task and is dropped off in the Southwest in 1861. Then the story shifts to other people and he is on the side lines. I think it winds up as some time warp love story. Who knows?
August 7, 2015
I just finished reading and reviewing Andy Kutler's debut novel, release date August 11th, The Other Side of Life. To see my full review visit my blog, Historical Fiction Addicts or clink on the link provided: https://kellylynnereimer.wordpress.co...
October 20, 2015
What a ride! From the bombing of Pearl Harbor to he civil war in the west...Andy Kutler takes you on an action packed ride through history. Like Clive Cussler and Steve Berry, I had to stop occasionally and read up on my American history to catch up on what I should have learned in school. I love the education part of entertainment!
I can't wait for your next one, Andy!!
I can't wait for your next one, Andy!!
December 25, 2017
Hmm, this one was interesting...some very strong, likable characters. The way the story flipped to 'the other side' was unique but not sure I really liked it. I dunno....need some of my GR friends to read this one and chime in :)
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December 3, 2015Review available on Foreword Reviews.
May 16, 2016
An interesting twist on the time travel theme. But an awful lot of the book switches point of view frequently and concentrates on events in the lives of characters that really don't affect to story.
January 2, 2016
Good read even if a bit weird in some respects
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