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The Afterlife of Alice Watkins #1
The Afterlife of Alice Watkins
You don't always go to heaven when you die. Alice didn't. She ended up on a space station five hundred years into the future! Then the real mystery began... A tale of second chances, mistaken identity, cool spaceships, aliens, and of course, romance!
Time’s attention must have been elsewhere the moment the old-before-her-time, unsophisticated Alice Watkins died in her armchair a few days before her birthday in November 2016. It still wasn’t minding what it was doing on Saturn Station in the year 2513. Dr Jim Grossmith, one of the most eminent scientists of the age has devoted his career to The Sleeping Beauty Phenomenon, guarding the beautiful, red-haired young woman who sleeps peacefully, in a mysterious sarcophagus, her life perfectly suspended, her body preserved in a strange fluid. The woman, cocooned in her protective shell has defied scientific analysis for almost four hundred years. History recorded little, only that she is Dr Alexis Langley, a noted scientist of her time. When the sarcophagus opens and vanishes without a trace, leaving the young woman in his care, Jim Grossmith eagerly awaits the day when she can tell him the manner of her preservation. A strange science, lost in the annals of the past? Alien technology? But as he learns her story, Jim Grossmith finds himself faced with an even deeper mystery. He is certain the physical form of Dr Alexis Langley emerged from the sarcophagus, but as for anything else… A Time Travel novel with an alien twist.
Author's note: Alice's new life takes place in a fictitious world that grew with the development of the story. As with all societies, there is a light and a dark society. The author does not agree with all the laws or societal norms depicted.
Time’s attention must have been elsewhere the moment the old-before-her-time, unsophisticated Alice Watkins died in her armchair a few days before her birthday in November 2016. It still wasn’t minding what it was doing on Saturn Station in the year 2513. Dr Jim Grossmith, one of the most eminent scientists of the age has devoted his career to The Sleeping Beauty Phenomenon, guarding the beautiful, red-haired young woman who sleeps peacefully, in a mysterious sarcophagus, her life perfectly suspended, her body preserved in a strange fluid. The woman, cocooned in her protective shell has defied scientific analysis for almost four hundred years. History recorded little, only that she is Dr Alexis Langley, a noted scientist of her time. When the sarcophagus opens and vanishes without a trace, leaving the young woman in his care, Jim Grossmith eagerly awaits the day when she can tell him the manner of her preservation. A strange science, lost in the annals of the past? Alien technology? But as he learns her story, Jim Grossmith finds himself faced with an even deeper mystery. He is certain the physical form of Dr Alexis Langley emerged from the sarcophagus, but as for anything else… A Time Travel novel with an alien twist.
Author's note: Alice's new life takes place in a fictitious world that grew with the development of the story. As with all societies, there is a light and a dark society. The author does not agree with all the laws or societal norms depicted.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2018
325 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Matilda Scotney
14 books49 followersI am a former professional singer and actor who only realised I was ageing when I was offered the part of the ancient, grey-haired Granny in a stage production of The Addams Family. I decided then I had matured enough (physically and mentally) to give away theatre and turn to my other passion; writing, specifically, science fiction and even more specifically, time travel and space opera.
When my mind is not scouring the galaxy for new stories, my trust chihuahua sidekick Oggie by my side, I can be found in Australia with sand between my toes, collecting teapots and nerding out over everything Star Wars.
When my mind is not scouring the galaxy for new stories, my trust chihuahua sidekick Oggie by my side, I can be found in Australia with sand between my toes, collecting teapots and nerding out over everything Star Wars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 23, 2020
Very interesting story.
The story is not hard core science fiction, but it is thoroughly enjoyable. Old Alice Watkins from the 21st century closes her eyes and thinks that she is dead. She opens her eyes and nothing is what it seems. It is a new world, with a different culture and people around her think that Alice is the young and brilliant Dr. Alexis and Alice even has memories – two memories – out of which life, Alice does not remember living.
The plot was intricate and woven beautifully well and Alice’s life as she tries to adjust in the future was brought out very well.
The mystery was the story was also excellent. Very interesting read.
The story is not hard core science fiction, but it is thoroughly enjoyable. Old Alice Watkins from the 21st century closes her eyes and thinks that she is dead. She opens her eyes and nothing is what it seems. It is a new world, with a different culture and people around her think that Alice is the young and brilliant Dr. Alexis and Alice even has memories – two memories – out of which life, Alice does not remember living.
The plot was intricate and woven beautifully well and Alice’s life as she tries to adjust in the future was brought out very well.
The mystery was the story was also excellent. Very interesting read.
September 26, 2018
Closing your eyes and dying…yet waking up in the future to find everything changed (as you would expect), customs changed (another expectation), cultures and norms changed (evolution, as expected) and you’re apparently not the same person - Whoa! What? How can you possibly die as one person, but wake up as a completely different person? But that’s what happens to 65 yr old Alice…or is she really 30ish Alexis - and a doctor to boot? And even weirder, why does she have the memories of two different people? Enter the bewildering world of this lady in the 1st book of the series. All I can say is - enthralling!
May 18, 2020
Unfortunately, not for me. This was a slog. Spoilers, as it were.
It starts off promising. Alice is perfectly summed up as the type of person who heard on the news she can get better efficiency out of her oven by cooking dinner and dessert together, so she does so every night. And then throws the dessert out. Because nobody eats it.
After that was where it pretty much stumbled.
Narratively, there was a lot I couldn’t get past. I read a lot of third person narration, but this was an unsettling third person omnipresent narration style. As in:
“Jane passed the cup to Bob, wondering what he thought about her. Bob took the cup, wishing desperately he could ask Jane to marry him, knowing he’d never have the courage to say it.”
Knowing what everyone in the room thought about everyone else in real time made it more into a campfire story. I was there, but being told what was happening instead of being able to get into the story on my own.
Another narrative quirk involved first names. We’re told in the future everyone goes by their title and surname, but during a meeting of three medical professionals, we get something along the lines of:
“Dr. Smith handed the file to Dr. Jones. Bob Jones reviewed the file and passed it to Supervisor Brown. Jack Brown also read the file.”
Again, just awkwardly written.
The biggest issue I had is very little happened. For 400 pages. The awakening of Alexis’ consciousness during the night and the appearance of the white-haired apparition was buried by the overwhelming conflict of Alice not having enough underwear. I thought it was foreshadowing to Alice’s unexpected period and being able to have a child without the knowledge of the state, but turns out, it was just about not having pads and needing underwear. If that was a plot device left for the second book, it dragged too far.
Everyone was nice. We had repetitive scenes of everyone having purple tea and going out to dinner or shopping. Everyone was very nice. And that’s it.
I’ve read 400+ books over the past few years, and I’ve abandoned four or five of them. Usually they’re offensive or so far from my comfort zone I can’t continue. I was very tempted to DNF here. I generally read every word of every page. I’m not one of those people that reads a chapter and marks the book as read, because I didn’t read it. I’ll admit skimming the last third of this book, possibility the first time I’ve ever done that, because nothing of substance was happening. Alice gave the President of the World hair advice and taught her to knit. Something about making a hamburger and losing her underpants while she slept.
I know these reviews are for the readers, not the authors, and I give this author credit for the attempt at world building, and the high ratings for this one shows this is resonating with a lot of readers, but perhaps only a certain type of reader will get the most from it. I love slow burns, but this was just too slow for me. The science fiction elements are what drew me in and the initial transition after the first chapter implied a lot of promise, but it never paid off.
UPDATE: I did speak to someone else who read both books in the series and said the second book really picks up and builds on the setup from the first book. Eyeballing it, it looks like both books together were released within a few weeks of each other and come to nearly 900 pages. I’d say 440 pages to get to where the first book ended was excessive and could have easily been trimmed down, and while I’m glad to hear the storyline got a satisfactory ending, I’m wishing it was compressed into one book. This one just didn’t stand well on its own.
It starts off promising. Alice is perfectly summed up as the type of person who heard on the news she can get better efficiency out of her oven by cooking dinner and dessert together, so she does so every night. And then throws the dessert out. Because nobody eats it.
After that was where it pretty much stumbled.
Narratively, there was a lot I couldn’t get past. I read a lot of third person narration, but this was an unsettling third person omnipresent narration style. As in:
“Jane passed the cup to Bob, wondering what he thought about her. Bob took the cup, wishing desperately he could ask Jane to marry him, knowing he’d never have the courage to say it.”
Knowing what everyone in the room thought about everyone else in real time made it more into a campfire story. I was there, but being told what was happening instead of being able to get into the story on my own.
Another narrative quirk involved first names. We’re told in the future everyone goes by their title and surname, but during a meeting of three medical professionals, we get something along the lines of:
“Dr. Smith handed the file to Dr. Jones. Bob Jones reviewed the file and passed it to Supervisor Brown. Jack Brown also read the file.”
Again, just awkwardly written.
The biggest issue I had is very little happened. For 400 pages. The awakening of Alexis’ consciousness during the night and the appearance of the white-haired apparition was buried by the overwhelming conflict of Alice not having enough underwear. I thought it was foreshadowing to Alice’s unexpected period and being able to have a child without the knowledge of the state, but turns out, it was just about not having pads and needing underwear. If that was a plot device left for the second book, it dragged too far.
Everyone was nice. We had repetitive scenes of everyone having purple tea and going out to dinner or shopping. Everyone was very nice. And that’s it.
I’ve read 400+ books over the past few years, and I’ve abandoned four or five of them. Usually they’re offensive or so far from my comfort zone I can’t continue. I was very tempted to DNF here. I generally read every word of every page. I’m not one of those people that reads a chapter and marks the book as read, because I didn’t read it. I’ll admit skimming the last third of this book, possibility the first time I’ve ever done that, because nothing of substance was happening. Alice gave the President of the World hair advice and taught her to knit. Something about making a hamburger and losing her underpants while she slept.
I know these reviews are for the readers, not the authors, and I give this author credit for the attempt at world building, and the high ratings for this one shows this is resonating with a lot of readers, but perhaps only a certain type of reader will get the most from it. I love slow burns, but this was just too slow for me. The science fiction elements are what drew me in and the initial transition after the first chapter implied a lot of promise, but it never paid off.
UPDATE: I did speak to someone else who read both books in the series and said the second book really picks up and builds on the setup from the first book. Eyeballing it, it looks like both books together were released within a few weeks of each other and come to nearly 900 pages. I’d say 440 pages to get to where the first book ended was excessive and could have easily been trimmed down, and while I’m glad to hear the storyline got a satisfactory ending, I’m wishing it was compressed into one book. This one just didn’t stand well on its own.
June 11, 2024
Little House meets Star Trek
This is not my normal genre, but it was free…
This was a refreshing and original story. The idea that a woman from the 20th Century was “reincarnated” in the 25th Century—in a stranger’s body that was frozen in the 22nd century—is ludicrous. However, Matilda Scotney crafted a story that completely works. She has created a futuristic world that is very much Star Trek-ish, though original, and was able to blend it well between the centuries and added some aliens to the mix. While the world she created is fantastical, it is not as “out there” as something like Star Wars or other futuristic fantasy novels. She sticks to logic, as strange as that seems. It is because, as she is introducing us to this world she has created, she is teaching Alice Watkins/Alexis Langley all of the “modern” things that have occurred in the 400 years she was in stasis. Having to break it down so “Alice” can understand things (she was an uneducated housewife born in 1950’s Australia) due to her amnesia (not “remembering” that she was Dr. Langley from the 22nd century) without overwhelming her or using too scientific explanations, gets the reader to understand the imagery and make it seem plausible.
This is not my preferred genre of reading; however, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily and totally I became engrossed in the story. For those that normally read these types of stories, it may be trite or formulaic, but it kept me fascinated. I had to purchase the second book so I can find out what happens to Alice and how she is related to Alexis. How could the memories of a dead woman from the 20th century get into the body of a frozen 22nd century woman? So weird. So intriguing. I may have to check out more of Matilda Scotney’s work. This is a refreshing escape from my normal mystery/thriller/murder/suspense books.
This is not my normal genre, but it was free…
This was a refreshing and original story. The idea that a woman from the 20th Century was “reincarnated” in the 25th Century—in a stranger’s body that was frozen in the 22nd century—is ludicrous. However, Matilda Scotney crafted a story that completely works. She has created a futuristic world that is very much Star Trek-ish, though original, and was able to blend it well between the centuries and added some aliens to the mix. While the world she created is fantastical, it is not as “out there” as something like Star Wars or other futuristic fantasy novels. She sticks to logic, as strange as that seems. It is because, as she is introducing us to this world she has created, she is teaching Alice Watkins/Alexis Langley all of the “modern” things that have occurred in the 400 years she was in stasis. Having to break it down so “Alice” can understand things (she was an uneducated housewife born in 1950’s Australia) due to her amnesia (not “remembering” that she was Dr. Langley from the 22nd century) without overwhelming her or using too scientific explanations, gets the reader to understand the imagery and make it seem plausible.
This is not my preferred genre of reading; however, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily and totally I became engrossed in the story. For those that normally read these types of stories, it may be trite or formulaic, but it kept me fascinated. I had to purchase the second book so I can find out what happens to Alice and how she is related to Alexis. How could the memories of a dead woman from the 20th century get into the body of a frozen 22nd century woman? So weird. So intriguing. I may have to check out more of Matilda Scotney’s work. This is a refreshing escape from my normal mystery/thriller/murder/suspense books.
February 2, 2020
Impeccable storytelling and an intriguing mystery.
Looking forward to getting stuck in to book 2!
Looking forward to getting stuck in to book 2!
April 21, 2020
Loved it!!
What a delightful yet intriguing story. This author pens scenes that are mesmerizing. And the character development is superb. I truly enjoyed this story and absolutely devoured it.
I cannot wait to read the next part of this treat.
What a delightful yet intriguing story. This author pens scenes that are mesmerizing. And the character development is superb. I truly enjoyed this story and absolutely devoured it.
I cannot wait to read the next part of this treat.
January 27, 2023
See my review for The Afterlife of Alice Watkins #2.
July 17, 2019
Writing: 4/ 5
Story 3/5
Total 4/5
I liked Matilda Scotney’s Soul Monger books, so I got myself a copy of the Afterlife of Alice Watkins
I must say straight away That the Afterlife of Alice Watkins is not as good as The Soul Monger books. This is a compliment to Matilda’s development as an author as The Soul Monger books are newer releases than the Alice books.
I recognised Matilda’s writing style from the Soul Monger book, and Alice is competently written. Matilda’s writing is easy to follow and deals with some interesting topics without being overly technical. Matilda’s books are slow-paced and give the reader time to savour, but I must say this worked better in the Soul Monger, as there are more twists and revelations as the plot moves along.
My biggest concern with Alice book 1 was the main character, Alice Watkins/ Dr Alexis Langley. Alice is a socially repressed and boring grandmother that dies in the 21st Century and wakes up in the 26th after 400 years in cryogenic sleep. Everyone in the 26th century insists that Alice, in fact, is Dr Alexis Langley, a brilliant scientist who received global academic fame being the sole survivor of cryogenic sleep. Sadly, Alexis is not seen much through the plot, and all we find out about her is that she is highly intelligent and likes to play the piano, while Alice is dumb and doesn’t play the piano. It would be more interesting if the two personalities clashed a bit more.
Alice’s problems seem very trivial and wouldn’t interest a male reader. For instance, she struggles because she has a period but no tampons. Well, ask the medical staff for some? Alice suddenly has a smoking hot body and a sexy womaniser pursue her? Well, have sex with him. You haven’t got laid for 400 years, and you didn’t even like your ex-husband. She doesn’t by the way.
The best part of the book for me is the world-building. I like how the author has imagined future society. The future utopian society (or is it, these things usually changes in the second book) is an enlightened meritocratic dictatorship. Said utopian society has quite limited civil freedoms and deport people that dissent to enclosed societies where they are sterilised. The dissent in Alice’s world is anything from homosexuality, biracial relationships, to marrying someone of another profession. The last part is interesting, I cannot recall that ever being illegal in any real human society, but I might be mistaken.
One would ask whether such a dictatorship would really be as harmonious as the book depicts, but since it’s written in 3rd person limited, and we only see what Alice sees, one can only guess. I would also question whether the head honcho of Earth, Principal Katya would clear her schedule for days on end to hang out with Alice. While I am sure she’d be interested in meeting the scientific curiosity, her interest seems a bit exaggerated. That is of course unless the mysterious Alien overlords of which the book doesn’t say much has specifically ordered Katya to keep Alice close. The book hints about this.
To conclude: The Afterlife of Alice Watkins is a well-crafted and consistent book that is primarily meant for older women. Since I am not in the target group I was hesitant between a 3 or 4, but Matilda has read some of my books, and I want to keep the reader (Yup more or less singular, unfortunately) happy so a 4 it is.
Story 3/5
Total 4/5
I liked Matilda Scotney’s Soul Monger books, so I got myself a copy of the Afterlife of Alice Watkins
I must say straight away That the Afterlife of Alice Watkins is not as good as The Soul Monger books. This is a compliment to Matilda’s development as an author as The Soul Monger books are newer releases than the Alice books.
I recognised Matilda’s writing style from the Soul Monger book, and Alice is competently written. Matilda’s writing is easy to follow and deals with some interesting topics without being overly technical. Matilda’s books are slow-paced and give the reader time to savour, but I must say this worked better in the Soul Monger, as there are more twists and revelations as the plot moves along.
My biggest concern with Alice book 1 was the main character, Alice Watkins/ Dr Alexis Langley. Alice is a socially repressed and boring grandmother that dies in the 21st Century and wakes up in the 26th after 400 years in cryogenic sleep. Everyone in the 26th century insists that Alice, in fact, is Dr Alexis Langley, a brilliant scientist who received global academic fame being the sole survivor of cryogenic sleep. Sadly, Alexis is not seen much through the plot, and all we find out about her is that she is highly intelligent and likes to play the piano, while Alice is dumb and doesn’t play the piano. It would be more interesting if the two personalities clashed a bit more.
Alice’s problems seem very trivial and wouldn’t interest a male reader. For instance, she struggles because she has a period but no tampons. Well, ask the medical staff for some? Alice suddenly has a smoking hot body and a sexy womaniser pursue her? Well, have sex with him. You haven’t got laid for 400 years, and you didn’t even like your ex-husband. She doesn’t by the way.
The best part of the book for me is the world-building. I like how the author has imagined future society. The future utopian society (or is it, these things usually changes in the second book) is an enlightened meritocratic dictatorship. Said utopian society has quite limited civil freedoms and deport people that dissent to enclosed societies where they are sterilised. The dissent in Alice’s world is anything from homosexuality, biracial relationships, to marrying someone of another profession. The last part is interesting, I cannot recall that ever being illegal in any real human society, but I might be mistaken.
One would ask whether such a dictatorship would really be as harmonious as the book depicts, but since it’s written in 3rd person limited, and we only see what Alice sees, one can only guess. I would also question whether the head honcho of Earth, Principal Katya would clear her schedule for days on end to hang out with Alice. While I am sure she’d be interested in meeting the scientific curiosity, her interest seems a bit exaggerated. That is of course unless the mysterious Alien overlords of which the book doesn’t say much has specifically ordered Katya to keep Alice close. The book hints about this.
To conclude: The Afterlife of Alice Watkins is a well-crafted and consistent book that is primarily meant for older women. Since I am not in the target group I was hesitant between a 3 or 4, but Matilda has read some of my books, and I want to keep the reader (Yup more or less singular, unfortunately) happy so a 4 it is.
August 11, 2020
I'm sorry but I'm shocked that no one who has read this book has pointed out the casual racism, homophobic and elite society references in this book.... I'm sure I've read a different book to everyone else here.
Segregation of those in 'unholy' alliances ie gay or interracial (putting aside the fact that this world is supposed to have no religion so how is it unholy!) even though its supposed to be just as good as where everyone else lives is still homophobic! They can't travel out of the clamaties together because its forbidden.... I'm sorry but what the actual....! You may dress it as being what they want but I can assure you it isn't!
Turning again to the fact that there are no disabled children in the world... Yep if it can't be fixed in the womb then that life is just thrown away because it doesn't fit!
I'm all for writing about differing opinions etc. But its the fact that this book is aimed at young adults and it just casually, insidiously almost explains all the above away as if it's the right thing to do and that we should all stay on our little racial bubbles and have perfect babies - only when they disable that little chip to let you have a baby mind! And she makes it sound like it's all for the best for this perfect society!?
Putting the above aside I'm so sad because the actual book and story line is a lovely story and I like Alice and I wish all of the above things just weren't in there.
I am going to read the second book because I do want to see how it ends but it's definately not one that I will be recommending to others because of the underlying issues within this book.
Segregation of those in 'unholy' alliances ie gay or interracial (putting aside the fact that this world is supposed to have no religion so how is it unholy!) even though its supposed to be just as good as where everyone else lives is still homophobic! They can't travel out of the clamaties together because its forbidden.... I'm sorry but what the actual....! You may dress it as being what they want but I can assure you it isn't!
Turning again to the fact that there are no disabled children in the world... Yep if it can't be fixed in the womb then that life is just thrown away because it doesn't fit!
I'm all for writing about differing opinions etc. But its the fact that this book is aimed at young adults and it just casually, insidiously almost explains all the above away as if it's the right thing to do and that we should all stay on our little racial bubbles and have perfect babies - only when they disable that little chip to let you have a baby mind! And she makes it sound like it's all for the best for this perfect society!?
Putting the above aside I'm so sad because the actual book and story line is a lovely story and I like Alice and I wish all of the above things just weren't in there.
I am going to read the second book because I do want to see how it ends but it's definately not one that I will be recommending to others because of the underlying issues within this book.
December 17, 2020
A truly awful book, for one thing the author doesn’t know how to write a sentence, it was full of comma splices, that made it well nigh impossible to read. (Sorry, can’t keep that up even if the author can. It was enough to make my nose bleed. Where in heaven’s name was the copy editor?) Secondly, there are enormous problems with sexism, racism and homophobia. Everyone is so nice, it’s skirted over, but it’s horrendous - disability has been swept under the carpet by genetic engineering and anyone else who’s inconvenient such as non heterosexual partners and religious believers is confined to living on reservations. Nice ones, but still prisons. It’s also deeply snobbish and elitist. The basic plot idea was good; but that’s all I can say in its favour.
August 26, 2020
Good book
Not a bad book but nothing particularly outstanding, it isn't the whole story either. I hate it when you get to the end of the book and have to get another one to see what happens. Not this time.
Not a bad book but nothing particularly outstanding, it isn't the whole story either. I hate it when you get to the end of the book and have to get another one to see what happens. Not this time.
November 9, 2021
An Intriguing View of the Future
The Afterlife of Alice Watkins has a truly intriguing premise and we begin with Alice at 65 just having a nap in her chair before going to the day spa with her daughter - although to be honest Alice seems closer to 85 than 65 in the 'napping in her chair' thing. But when Alice awakens she is not in the same chair nor even in the same century and definitely not in the same body. And to add to poor Alice's confusion everyone seems to believe she is someone called Dr. Alexis Langley...
There is a lot of really great stuff in this book, the worldbuilding is fascinating and it's quite nice to read a book in which people actually seem to have 'we get along' as a default setting.
'Crochet, such a commonplace craft in her time, but here, the greatest minds on the planet were enjoying the simple task of hooking yarn and shaping it into patterns, all the while creating a happy social group of which she was glad to be a part.'
But much that was presented as being desirable in this brave new world I was not so enamoured by and at times I wondered if this was supposed to be a Utopia or the exact opposite. For me, it was the biggest motivation to read on so as to find out which it was supposed to be. Sometimes that can be very hard to judge as one person's idea of Utopia can be another's living hell. By the end, I had decided that for all the apparent emotional warmth, it was pretty dystopic.
There were high degrees of prejudice against such as interracial marriages and homosexuality - so you can see why I came down on the 'dystopian' side of the fence. There was even a notion of caste and very little compassion in evidence. Oh and I realised early on that sexism is still alive and well in this future - Dr. Grossmith, the male doctor who revives her, calls Alice 'my dear' in a very patronising way.
The writing is good and easy to flow along with, apart from the occasional irritating dives we take out of Alice's head into those of others in some scenes. The only real issue for me was the incredibly slow pace and lack of action. Most of the book is a kind of grand exposition, which had me wanting to skip pages at times.
As this is book one I'm going to guess that book two probably has the action - hopefully the destruction of this chilling dystopia - and this volume the worldbuilding. If that is so, it could really have done with being a good chunk shorter, in my view. But there is a lot about the concepts and the way the story unfolds that make this a fascinating book on many levels and for those who love a really slow burn and want to enjoy reading about a future society where people are not all blaster toting types, this is going to be a very rewarding read.
The Afterlife of Alice Watkins has a truly intriguing premise and we begin with Alice at 65 just having a nap in her chair before going to the day spa with her daughter - although to be honest Alice seems closer to 85 than 65 in the 'napping in her chair' thing. But when Alice awakens she is not in the same chair nor even in the same century and definitely not in the same body. And to add to poor Alice's confusion everyone seems to believe she is someone called Dr. Alexis Langley...
There is a lot of really great stuff in this book, the worldbuilding is fascinating and it's quite nice to read a book in which people actually seem to have 'we get along' as a default setting.
'Crochet, such a commonplace craft in her time, but here, the greatest minds on the planet were enjoying the simple task of hooking yarn and shaping it into patterns, all the while creating a happy social group of which she was glad to be a part.'
But much that was presented as being desirable in this brave new world I was not so enamoured by and at times I wondered if this was supposed to be a Utopia or the exact opposite. For me, it was the biggest motivation to read on so as to find out which it was supposed to be. Sometimes that can be very hard to judge as one person's idea of Utopia can be another's living hell. By the end, I had decided that for all the apparent emotional warmth, it was pretty dystopic.
There were high degrees of prejudice against such as interracial marriages and homosexuality - so you can see why I came down on the 'dystopian' side of the fence. There was even a notion of caste and very little compassion in evidence. Oh and I realised early on that sexism is still alive and well in this future - Dr. Grossmith, the male doctor who revives her, calls Alice 'my dear' in a very patronising way.
The writing is good and easy to flow along with, apart from the occasional irritating dives we take out of Alice's head into those of others in some scenes. The only real issue for me was the incredibly slow pace and lack of action. Most of the book is a kind of grand exposition, which had me wanting to skip pages at times.
As this is book one I'm going to guess that book two probably has the action - hopefully the destruction of this chilling dystopia - and this volume the worldbuilding. If that is so, it could really have done with being a good chunk shorter, in my view. But there is a lot about the concepts and the way the story unfolds that make this a fascinating book on many levels and for those who love a really slow burn and want to enjoy reading about a future society where people are not all blaster toting types, this is going to be a very rewarding read.
Read
June 26, 2019Dnf
I really liked the writing. It was easy on the eye, nicely descriptive and flowed well, but I couldn't believe in Alice. She sounded JUST like my grandmother who was born in 1893, but apparently Alice was only 65 when she died!
My granny believed the adverts on tv, believed that shaving would make hairs grow thicker (as did my mother who was born in 1928). Granny said a women who was pregnant should never sit on a toilet for too long, and you should never wash your hair when you had your period. She believed that when the advert came on tv that showed a cat dipping its paw into a tin of cat food to eat, it was doing it - for real - on the tv, at that very moment.
I am 65. I don't believe any of that. And I don't know ANYONE of that age - or even older - who has such dated beliefs as Alice had. And I had to give up reading because I got so dammed angry that a 65 yr old woman could actually still - in this day and age, and with a granddaughter who should have dragged her kicking and screaming into the modern world - could be so .... stupid.
And what's wrong with not shaving? Just because some people do it, it doesnt make it wrong or disgusting to have 'hairy armpits' and if people were so revolted by her having hairs on her chin, why didn't they buy her a pair of tweezers? She's only 65!! Spring chicken!!
(And why did she die anyway? She wasnt old, or ill.)
Not rating. The writing style is fine, but I could not continue.
I really liked the writing. It was easy on the eye, nicely descriptive and flowed well, but I couldn't believe in Alice. She sounded JUST like my grandmother who was born in 1893, but apparently Alice was only 65 when she died!
My granny believed the adverts on tv, believed that shaving would make hairs grow thicker (as did my mother who was born in 1928). Granny said a women who was pregnant should never sit on a toilet for too long, and you should never wash your hair when you had your period. She believed that when the advert came on tv that showed a cat dipping its paw into a tin of cat food to eat, it was doing it - for real - on the tv, at that very moment.
I am 65. I don't believe any of that. And I don't know ANYONE of that age - or even older - who has such dated beliefs as Alice had. And I had to give up reading because I got so dammed angry that a 65 yr old woman could actually still - in this day and age, and with a granddaughter who should have dragged her kicking and screaming into the modern world - could be so .... stupid.
And what's wrong with not shaving? Just because some people do it, it doesnt make it wrong or disgusting to have 'hairy armpits' and if people were so revolted by her having hairs on her chin, why didn't they buy her a pair of tweezers? She's only 65!! Spring chicken!!
(And why did she die anyway? She wasnt old, or ill.)
Not rating. The writing style is fine, but I could not continue.
March 30, 2021
I gave up, I got to about chapter 30 ish and a comment about the shopping trolley in the duck pond got to me when I realised the character and therefore probably the author is the kind of person who will moan about the trolley but is not prepared to do anything about it.
The premise was good. An ageing granny (who was not that much physically older than me, but eons older in attitude) wakes up, not in heaven but in some kind of unrealistic fascist Utopia. I carried reading on thinking it was going to develop but far too much story line was devoted to sanitary towels and the colour of the regulation clothing we could look foreword to in the future world. I just got bored.
I watched a film yesterday about Jamal Khashoggi and his experience of a real word absolute state, maybe I think too much?
The premise was good. An ageing granny (who was not that much physically older than me, but eons older in attitude) wakes up, not in heaven but in some kind of unrealistic fascist Utopia. I carried reading on thinking it was going to develop but far too much story line was devoted to sanitary towels and the colour of the regulation clothing we could look foreword to in the future world. I just got bored.
I watched a film yesterday about Jamal Khashoggi and his experience of a real word absolute state, maybe I think too much?
August 22, 2023
Wow, this book is slow.
So little happens in more than 400 pages. I thought the idea of Alice and Alexis was interesting, but there was a lot of Alice being concerned with underwear and periods instead of just asking about them.
The relationship with Patrick didn't sit well with me either. Alice is very confused about who she is and doesn't understand a lot of this new world she finds herself in,
It also seems strange that this future is just this lovely utopia, where everyone is just so nice. Except they segregate gay people and people who don't want children, because the most important thing to the society is having babies.
I am continuing on with the second book because surely something has to happen in another 400+ pages, right?
So little happens in more than 400 pages. I thought the idea of Alice and Alexis was interesting, but there was a lot of Alice being concerned with underwear and periods instead of just asking about them.
The relationship with Patrick didn't sit well with me either. Alice is very confused about who she is and doesn't understand a lot of this new world she finds herself in,
It also seems strange that this future is just this lovely utopia, where everyone is just so nice. Except they segregate gay people and people who don't want children, because the most important thing to the society is having babies.
I am continuing on with the second book because surely something has to happen in another 400+ pages, right?
January 4, 2023
I don't usually read romance books, but the idea of time travel got me into reading this one. The character arc of the main character, Alice Watkins, was intriguing if not complicated by her time travel and apparent body transposition. I found the description of the future and Alice's development the more interesting parts of the story. The prospect of romance was always imminent if not quite consummated. I found little conflict, apart from the romantic kind, and I thought this could have been developed further. For example, why didn't she have more frustration and tantrums? Perhaps things will develop further in book two. I gave the story four stars.
October 18, 2020
I wasn't engaged by this story until I had read 40% (I was reading on my Kindle); from that point onwards I came to love the well crafted characters and looked forward to starting book 2.
I won't spoil things for those that have not begun reading, but I wonder if Matilda has amongst her possessions a crystal ball as she predicts an event that you will recognise only too well.
It is because of the slow start that I have awarded this book 4 stars instead of 5; I'm glad I persevered as book 2 is a delight.
I won't spoil things for those that have not begun reading, but I wonder if Matilda has amongst her possessions a crystal ball as she predicts an event that you will recognise only too well.
It is because of the slow start that I have awarded this book 4 stars instead of 5; I'm glad I persevered as book 2 is a delight.
December 25, 2022
The start of the book lays out the life of Alice Watkins just as it seems to come to an end waiting for a visit from her daughter and she seems to come back to life in the future on a Saturn space station sharing a body or a mind with Alexis Langley who is a complete enigma. No-one knows how she came to be preserved or how she is related to Alice except they share a genetic ancestor. It makes a change not to read about post apocalyptic views of the future and as the second book is available at a reduced price I now look forward to reading it.
February 21, 2023
Alice Watkins is from the 21st century. She's waiting in her house for her daughter and granddaughter to pick her up. When she wakes up, she thinks she's in the hospital. But soon learns she is 500 years in the future in the body of a young woman who's been asleep for 400 years. She is on a station on Saturn and later goes to earth. She learns about the future world, makes friends, falls in love, etc. But who is Alexis Langley? Why is Alice in her body?
An amazing description of a possible future world. And an interesting story. Couldn't stop reading it.
An amazing description of a possible future world. And an interesting story. Couldn't stop reading it.
May 14, 2021
Half a possibly interesting story, poorly executed.
The concept of this story is intriguing, and the characters are mostly likeable. Unfortunately it moves at a glacial pace and is so poorly edited that it’s distracting to read. Run-on sentences and an excess of commas are the hallmark of this book. The disturbing social issues (eugenics, racial purity, cultural brainwashing) are icing on the cake.
The concept of this story is intriguing, and the characters are mostly likeable. Unfortunately it moves at a glacial pace and is so poorly edited that it’s distracting to read. Run-on sentences and an excess of commas are the hallmark of this book. The disturbing social issues (eugenics, racial purity, cultural brainwashing) are icing on the cake.
February 2, 2023
The book started with a good premise and the mystery keeps you hooked. I enjoy low stakes, slice-of-life stories and it was almost comforting to read during the first half. Then, it meandered into being a constant debate about the differences between 21st century and the future timeline that Alice ended in. The romance didn't work for me at all and there was just too little detail about the aliens. I suppose all of this is addressed in the second book, but I doubt I'll read it.
May 15, 2018
I just finished this book for the 2nd time. I love love love it. The characters are really likeable and you can relate to the dilemma poor Alice Watkins finds herself in. This is soft science fiction that you can understand. The relationships between the characters from the different levels of society Matilda has created is fabulous. Can't wait for book 2....
January 16, 2021
Not your garden variety time travel
This is really the most amazing time travel story I have read. Now having read book 2, I recommend you read both. Alice Watkins finds herself waking up 500 years in the future. What happened to her? How did the world change during all those years? I would love to visit the inside of Matilda Scotney's head. It must be a wondrous place.
This is really the most amazing time travel story I have read. Now having read book 2, I recommend you read both. Alice Watkins finds herself waking up 500 years in the future. What happened to her? How did the world change during all those years? I would love to visit the inside of Matilda Scotney's head. It must be a wondrous place.
January 11, 2023
This is amazing!
Tremendous world building! A post apocalyptic story told from a time after the rebuilding. Helpful aliens play a part that it subtle and not overwhelming. Excellent problem/challenge is provided by a woman out of time. Who is Alice/Alexis? What is the mystery presaged by the figure in white with the rainbow aura? I can’t wait to find out!
Tremendous world building! A post apocalyptic story told from a time after the rebuilding. Helpful aliens play a part that it subtle and not overwhelming. Excellent problem/challenge is provided by a woman out of time. Who is Alice/Alexis? What is the mystery presaged by the figure in white with the rainbow aura? I can’t wait to find out!
January 12, 2023
A Surprising Novel
Like no other sci-fi book that I have read. A famous young woman in appearance and capability, but only the thoughts and memories of a poor old woman did not look like a very good start. Plus her actual age of over 400 years was unthinkable. How could this have happened. I do recommend this novel.
Like no other sci-fi book that I have read. A famous young woman in appearance and capability, but only the thoughts and memories of a poor old woman did not look like a very good start. Plus her actual age of over 400 years was unthinkable. How could this have happened. I do recommend this novel.
September 22, 2022
Found this a tad slow but there is an undercurrent of something to come, I am going to persevere and hopefully it will develop into something special, would certainly recommend reading as it is well constructed. Will let you know the outcome of book 2.
January 16, 2023
started well but fizzled out with teen angst!
I love how it started and the premise of the story. However I began to skim as the protagonist starts falling in love with the most handsome man’s in the universe..read last few pages but I remained unsatisfied. Sorry to the author.
I love how it started and the premise of the story. However I began to skim as the protagonist starts falling in love with the most handsome man’s in the universe..read last few pages but I remained unsatisfied. Sorry to the author.
January 23, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up.
A pleasant light read, not heavy on the sci-fi, but rather uses sci-fi to explore the human condition. Loved the small changes in Alice throughout, looking forward to read book 2.
A pleasant light read, not heavy on the sci-fi, but rather uses sci-fi to explore the human condition. Loved the small changes in Alice throughout, looking forward to read book 2.
January 25, 2023
A good book for thinking. I just want a little more.
A book with a twist. I am happy that the Alexis manages to come through hope she will get stronger as time goes on. But, although I have my theories on what happened the book is very slow moving. Very little happens.
A book with a twist. I am happy that the Alexis manages to come through hope she will get stronger as time goes on. But, although I have my theories on what happened the book is very slow moving. Very little happens.
September 19, 2018
Alice or Alexis? Will she regain her memory and whose memory will it be? An intriguing look at Time Travel with a difference. I have to buy the second book to find out what happens
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