The Lives of Riley Chance

by Robert Bausch

Sometimes harrowing, sometimes funny, often luminously beautiful, and always profoundly imaginative and moving, "The Lives of Riley Chance" is the dazzlingly original new work by the author whose first novel, "On the Way Home," established him as an important and powerful new voice in American fiction.

292 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1984

About the author

Robert Bausch was a college professor and novelist in Virginia.

Reviews

[Siobhan W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is imaginative—three consecutive lives. The narrative is set up as an alibi, which only the reader can accept or reject. The world of multiple lives is not fully embraced or even partially by outside witnesses within the story (nor could it be). To accept the alibi is to accept reincarnation. It is either a work of magical realism (one reading) or the tale of an unreliable narrator who confesses to misdeeds in three lives (a second reading). The narrator is compelling.

[Paul Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of all time.

Robert Bausch is a great descriptive and imaginative writer. His work is polished and subtle, almost poetic. Worth reading when you want something different and unique. His story is believable and heartfelt and the characters are memorable and real.

The storyline is also memorable. You will not forget this book.