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Another Life
Imagine... if we could combine dreams and reality in a world where we live forever. Oliver believes his life to be one of disappointment and failure. Haunted by the memory of a mysterious woman he encountered thirty years ago, and obsessed with finding her, he embarks on a strange journey of grief, hope, myths and legends where dreams and truth merge.
296 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Owen W. Knight
6 books25 followersOwen W. Knight writes contemporary and speculative fiction.
He creates worlds based on documented myths, with elements of dystopia, mystery and science fiction to highlight the use and abuse of power and the conflicts associated with maintaining ethical values.
His works include Conditions Are Different After Dark, which combines contemporary horror with alternative history, The Visitors, a grounded sci-fi ‘first contact’ novel, Another Life, a retelling of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for the 21st Century’ and The Invisible College Trilogy, an apocalyptic dystopian conspiracy tale for young adults, described as ‘1984 Meets the Book of Revelation’.
Owen lives in Essex, England, close to the countryside that inspires his writing.
He creates worlds based on documented myths, with elements of dystopia, mystery and science fiction to highlight the use and abuse of power and the conflicts associated with maintaining ethical values.
His works include Conditions Are Different After Dark, which combines contemporary horror with alternative history, The Visitors, a grounded sci-fi ‘first contact’ novel, Another Life, a retelling of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for the 21st Century’ and The Invisible College Trilogy, an apocalyptic dystopian conspiracy tale for young adults, described as ‘1984 Meets the Book of Revelation’.
Owen lives in Essex, England, close to the countryside that inspires his writing.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 1, 2020
Intriguing metaphysical folk-thriller
A fusion of reality, dreams and time jumps - that shines a light on the classic folklore legends of the green man and mixes lost love with a mystery tale.
Good stuff to ponder for those looking for some engaging speculative fiction.
A fusion of reality, dreams and time jumps - that shines a light on the classic folklore legends of the green man and mixes lost love with a mystery tale.
Good stuff to ponder for those looking for some engaging speculative fiction.
July 31, 2020
Another Life is the thought-provoking and spiritual tale of Oliver, a fictional protagonist whose flaws and insecurities make him seem as real as anyone you may pass in the street. The book seeks to challenge concepts of modern identity and guilt, by presenting readers with an alternate perspective to the misfortunes presented to Oliver throughout his life. As a whole, the story is a charming journey which alternates between the protagonists everyday life, and a surreal, almost dreamlike glimpse into the world of fantastical pagan beliefs which seem to underpin every twist and turn along the way.
May 10, 2021
A thought provoking and life-affirming story.
This book has so many different elements that it is difficult to know where to start.
Fundamentally, it follows the story of Oliver Merryweather, a likeable protagonist, who feels that most of the things he has tried to do in his life have failed in some way – at times, also negatively for those around him (despite his obvious best intentions.) Many of these episodes are recounted in flashback, and as the story progresses, we realise that Oliver has been forced to deal with some very significant and unfortunate events over the course of his lifetime.
The recounting of these life events is interwoven with a personal quest. During an unintended visit to the mysterious village of Durncot, he has a chance encounter with a woman, who waves to him from a window. The encounter stays with him, and he regrets not engaging with her further at the time.
Many years later, he decides to try re-visit the village to find her, which isn’t easy as nobody seems to know exactly where it is! His quest also seems linked to many dreams he has experienced, and the Green Man from folklore. In fact, there appears to be a connection with the woman at the window, who bears a distinctive tattoo, and the Green Man himself.
As this quest becomes ever more intriguing, so the full extent of Oliver’s troubles are revealed.
At its conclusion, a new and unexpected twist occurs, which I won’t spoil here.
There is fantastic imagery throughout, perfectly capturing time and place. I found the history of the Green Man very interesting, and really cared that Oliver succeeded after everything he had been through.
Ultimately, the story is life-affirming, and I recommend that you read it.
This book has so many different elements that it is difficult to know where to start.
Fundamentally, it follows the story of Oliver Merryweather, a likeable protagonist, who feels that most of the things he has tried to do in his life have failed in some way – at times, also negatively for those around him (despite his obvious best intentions.) Many of these episodes are recounted in flashback, and as the story progresses, we realise that Oliver has been forced to deal with some very significant and unfortunate events over the course of his lifetime.
The recounting of these life events is interwoven with a personal quest. During an unintended visit to the mysterious village of Durncot, he has a chance encounter with a woman, who waves to him from a window. The encounter stays with him, and he regrets not engaging with her further at the time.
Many years later, he decides to try re-visit the village to find her, which isn’t easy as nobody seems to know exactly where it is! His quest also seems linked to many dreams he has experienced, and the Green Man from folklore. In fact, there appears to be a connection with the woman at the window, who bears a distinctive tattoo, and the Green Man himself.
As this quest becomes ever more intriguing, so the full extent of Oliver’s troubles are revealed.
At its conclusion, a new and unexpected twist occurs, which I won’t spoil here.
There is fantastic imagery throughout, perfectly capturing time and place. I found the history of the Green Man very interesting, and really cared that Oliver succeeded after everything he had been through.
Ultimately, the story is life-affirming, and I recommend that you read it.
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February 4, 2021Another Life by Owen W Knight @OwenKnightUK @lovebooksgroup
#lovebookstours
Synopsis
Imagine if we could combine dreams and reality in a world where we live forever. Oliver believes his life to be one of disappointment and failure. Haunted by the memory of a mysterious woman he encountered thirty years ago, and obsessed with finding her, he embarks on a strange journey of grief, hope, myths and legends where dreams and truth merge.
This diligently written novel has been described as 'It's a Wonderful Life for the 21st Century'. Oliver is drawn into diverse worlds, from ancient rural beliefs and traditions to emerging medical science, as he and the reader are led to question the boundaries between dreams, reality and imagination.
What a thought provoking story about life!
Oliver Merry weather is a good family man who just wants a meaningful and lovely life for his family. When he visits a special village with architectural and rural special things from the eighteenth and nineteenth century he got lost in a special world about The Green man.
When he finally returns it looks this place never has existed but was it a dream or maybe an alternative world?
This is a book about a man and his trip in life. It tells about his way to get wiser, to learn, adapt and to get through sad stuff or his misfortunes.
Oliver is described like a man of real flesh and blood and by his literary fiction filled with myths and paranormal twists this is a story that made me think.
Maybe this book is not for everyone because you have to be concentrated and willing to rethink things but it definitely was a sensitive and wise one for me.
****
#lovebookstours
Synopsis
Imagine if we could combine dreams and reality in a world where we live forever. Oliver believes his life to be one of disappointment and failure. Haunted by the memory of a mysterious woman he encountered thirty years ago, and obsessed with finding her, he embarks on a strange journey of grief, hope, myths and legends where dreams and truth merge.
This diligently written novel has been described as 'It's a Wonderful Life for the 21st Century'. Oliver is drawn into diverse worlds, from ancient rural beliefs and traditions to emerging medical science, as he and the reader are led to question the boundaries between dreams, reality and imagination.
What a thought provoking story about life!
Oliver Merry weather is a good family man who just wants a meaningful and lovely life for his family. When he visits a special village with architectural and rural special things from the eighteenth and nineteenth century he got lost in a special world about The Green man.
When he finally returns it looks this place never has existed but was it a dream or maybe an alternative world?
This is a book about a man and his trip in life. It tells about his way to get wiser, to learn, adapt and to get through sad stuff or his misfortunes.
Oliver is described like a man of real flesh and blood and by his literary fiction filled with myths and paranormal twists this is a story that made me think.
Maybe this book is not for everyone because you have to be concentrated and willing to rethink things but it definitely was a sensitive and wise one for me.
****
January 20, 2021
I have to be honest in my book reviews and I honestly think that this book was perhaps too over my head intellectually. Towards the end I thought I had worked things out but I was actually just left with more questions. Maybe it's the fact I love a romance and I had expected a bit of that here from the blurb but it wasn't like that.
Positives - beautiful writing, scenery descriptions were stunning, Oliver was fantastically written with depth and understanding. The historical elements learning about the Green Man were interesting and for someone who knew nothing about the legend was described very easily. The chapters jump back and forth between Oliver reminiscing and Oliver present day until near the end when Olivers daughter Freya tells part of the story. The jump backwards and forwards was done well, sometimes I can find this rather confusing but I could follow the story easily where it had left off 2 chapters before.
A negative in the physical book is the writing is tiny, I found it so difficult to read and concentrate for long periods due to this.
I definitely found the last quarter of the book when you started seeing some answers the easiest to read and got through that much quicker than the beginning.
Overall I really can't make up my mind on this book but it was very well written and I think many will enjoy it.
Positives - beautiful writing, scenery descriptions were stunning, Oliver was fantastically written with depth and understanding. The historical elements learning about the Green Man were interesting and for someone who knew nothing about the legend was described very easily. The chapters jump back and forth between Oliver reminiscing and Oliver present day until near the end when Olivers daughter Freya tells part of the story. The jump backwards and forwards was done well, sometimes I can find this rather confusing but I could follow the story easily where it had left off 2 chapters before.
A negative in the physical book is the writing is tiny, I found it so difficult to read and concentrate for long periods due to this.
I definitely found the last quarter of the book when you started seeing some answers the easiest to read and got through that much quicker than the beginning.
Overall I really can't make up my mind on this book but it was very well written and I think many will enjoy it.
May 19, 2020
Another Life is speculative fiction with elements of myth and paranormal. This story is set in England and revolves around the life of Oliver Merryweather, a family man who prefers a peaceful life and who tries to be kind and do the best for his household.
Oliver tells a story about a trip to the Cotswolds, where he discovers a rural village of particular architectural interest. Durncot consists of seventeenth and eighteenth century stone cottages, a village school with a maypole, pretty cottage gardens and a stone carving of a folklore figure: the Green Man. While he is looking around the village, a women waves to Oliver, and he notices an unusual tattoo on her arm. Afterwards, Oliver couldn’t locate the village on his map, nor could he find it when he returned years later.
I enjoyed the folklore and the mystical elements of this book and I could have happily read a whole story about them without the need to interchange them with Oliver’s life story. The history behind The Green Man was of particular interest and I have visited the Cotswolds on a number of occasions, so the setting was very pleasing. Recommended to those who enjoy folklore and mysticism. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fs9
Oliver tells a story about a trip to the Cotswolds, where he discovers a rural village of particular architectural interest. Durncot consists of seventeenth and eighteenth century stone cottages, a village school with a maypole, pretty cottage gardens and a stone carving of a folklore figure: the Green Man. While he is looking around the village, a women waves to Oliver, and he notices an unusual tattoo on her arm. Afterwards, Oliver couldn’t locate the village on his map, nor could he find it when he returned years later.
I enjoyed the folklore and the mystical elements of this book and I could have happily read a whole story about them without the need to interchange them with Oliver’s life story. The history behind The Green Man was of particular interest and I have visited the Cotswolds on a number of occasions, so the setting was very pleasing. Recommended to those who enjoy folklore and mysticism. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fs9
January 28, 2021
Trigger warnings - Death of a child, suicide.
A writing style and voice which I find to be unique in this day and age and put me in mind of Mark Twain and his book A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Both for the tone of the writing and the merging of reality with the another world.
I do like a mystery and this book certainly contained one. Oliver visited a village 30 years ago, although he never found it on a map and I doesn't know how to get back there to hopefully meet the woman he fleetingly saw all those years ago. He does know she had an unusual tattoo on her wrist.
Oliver narrates the story and takes us to and fro through his past and his dreams. We find out that he has suffered losses in his life and he feels his life is meaningless. At times I wasn't sure what was real and what was a dream. My advice is to stick with it, there is a reason behind all of it and your perseverance will be rewarded.
When I got near the end of the book and the message of cause and effect became evident I did get a little emotional. This is where the comparison with the film "It's a Wonderful Life" became clear to me. Certainly an interesting and different book which was well researched as showed in the writing.
A writing style and voice which I find to be unique in this day and age and put me in mind of Mark Twain and his book A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Both for the tone of the writing and the merging of reality with the another world.
I do like a mystery and this book certainly contained one. Oliver visited a village 30 years ago, although he never found it on a map and I doesn't know how to get back there to hopefully meet the woman he fleetingly saw all those years ago. He does know she had an unusual tattoo on her wrist.
Oliver narrates the story and takes us to and fro through his past and his dreams. We find out that he has suffered losses in his life and he feels his life is meaningless. At times I wasn't sure what was real and what was a dream. My advice is to stick with it, there is a reason behind all of it and your perseverance will be rewarded.
When I got near the end of the book and the message of cause and effect became evident I did get a little emotional. This is where the comparison with the film "It's a Wonderful Life" became clear to me. Certainly an interesting and different book which was well researched as showed in the writing.
August 13, 2021
This was a very unusual story and very different to books I have read in the past. It has certainly left an impact on me and has left me mulling over lots of questions and topics that the tale raised.
It tells the story of Oliver who narrates throughout, we learn that he believes he has made many mistakes in life and that he feels he could have done better, or helped people more. Throughout his narration there is a sense of sadness, disappointment and loneliness which is written beautifully.
Reading the blurb I expected a much more light hearted tale, I can see why it has been compared to 'Its a wonderful life' however this is a much more complex and detailed story. It is a slow burner and I found it a little tricky to become fully absorbed in the story as there was so much description and I found I really had to concentrate on it. However once I got into the flow and the mystery started to unravel I saw the beauty in the prose and enjoyed the authors lyrical descriptions. The nine gardens were just magical and I felt I could see them all In finite detail.
There was a fabulous twist at the end which I won't discuss but it was gorgeously written. I recommend this for lovers of mystery, mythology and science as all bases are covered here.
It tells the story of Oliver who narrates throughout, we learn that he believes he has made many mistakes in life and that he feels he could have done better, or helped people more. Throughout his narration there is a sense of sadness, disappointment and loneliness which is written beautifully.
Reading the blurb I expected a much more light hearted tale, I can see why it has been compared to 'Its a wonderful life' however this is a much more complex and detailed story. It is a slow burner and I found it a little tricky to become fully absorbed in the story as there was so much description and I found I really had to concentrate on it. However once I got into the flow and the mystery started to unravel I saw the beauty in the prose and enjoyed the authors lyrical descriptions. The nine gardens were just magical and I felt I could see them all In finite detail.
There was a fabulous twist at the end which I won't discuss but it was gorgeously written. I recommend this for lovers of mystery, mythology and science as all bases are covered here.
March 14, 2021
***Please note: I received a free copy of Another Life in return for an honest review***
Another Life was a fascinating read for me. It has an interesting writing style that pulls you in, and I love how the author blends speculative fiction with real folklore and spiritual ponderings. Oliver is an intelligent and curious protagonist who sadly is wracked with grief and feelings of failure, which makes him a very interesting character to follow. There is so much mystery within this book - some that Oliver seeks to understand, and some that Oliver reveals to us as we read his story. I enjoyed how the book switches between past and present, drip-feeding context and creating a real need to understand exactly why Oliver is the way he is, and what his current journey could possibly be leading to. A strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys philosophical and symbolic books such as The Shack and The Celestine Prophecy.
You can read my full review here:
https://pagesplacesandplates.com/2021...
Another Life was a fascinating read for me. It has an interesting writing style that pulls you in, and I love how the author blends speculative fiction with real folklore and spiritual ponderings. Oliver is an intelligent and curious protagonist who sadly is wracked with grief and feelings of failure, which makes him a very interesting character to follow. There is so much mystery within this book - some that Oliver seeks to understand, and some that Oliver reveals to us as we read his story. I enjoyed how the book switches between past and present, drip-feeding context and creating a real need to understand exactly why Oliver is the way he is, and what his current journey could possibly be leading to. A strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys philosophical and symbolic books such as The Shack and The Celestine Prophecy.
You can read my full review here:
https://pagesplacesandplates.com/2021...
February 2, 2026
This book is a haunting and beautifully written exploration of memory, longing, and the thin line between dreams and reality. Oliver is a deeply relatable protagonist, shaped by disappointment and haunted by a mysterious woman he encountered thirty years ago. His obsession with finding her becomes a powerful symbol of regret, hope, and the search for meaning in a life that feels unfinished.
What makes this story stand out is its seamless blend of myth, legend, and emotional truth. The concept of living forever is portrayed not as a gift, but as a quiet burden, especially when grief and unanswered questions refuse to fade. As Oliver’s journey unfolds, the narrative takes on a dreamlike quality, pulling the reader into a world where truth and imagination intertwine.
The prose is atmospheric and reflective, encouraging you to slow down and truly feel the weight of each moment. Thought-provoking and emotionally rich, this novel lingers long after the final page, making it a memorable and deeply satisfying read.
What makes this story stand out is its seamless blend of myth, legend, and emotional truth. The concept of living forever is portrayed not as a gift, but as a quiet burden, especially when grief and unanswered questions refuse to fade. As Oliver’s journey unfolds, the narrative takes on a dreamlike quality, pulling the reader into a world where truth and imagination intertwine.
The prose is atmospheric and reflective, encouraging you to slow down and truly feel the weight of each moment. Thought-provoking and emotionally rich, this novel lingers long after the final page, making it a memorable and deeply satisfying read.
January 25, 2021
This has definitely earned the banner of a 21st Century its a wonderful life!
It’s a story that drops between times past and present moment. Like it’s banner line it’s not as light and frothy a read as you think starting off. A book that blends fact, fiction and mythology into a very neatly woven and extremely readable narrative that keeps you turning the pages. I loved how the main character embraces things that others might think unusual.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it might make you think a lot reading it. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the advanced reading copy of this book to LoveBooksGroup and the Author.
It’s a story that drops between times past and present moment. Like it’s banner line it’s not as light and frothy a read as you think starting off. A book that blends fact, fiction and mythology into a very neatly woven and extremely readable narrative that keeps you turning the pages. I loved how the main character embraces things that others might think unusual.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it might make you think a lot reading it. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the advanced reading copy of this book to LoveBooksGroup and the Author.
February 1, 2021
This is a story about grief hope myths and legends and the author throws you into great detail about the green man the author cover the history of the green man very well. The story goes back and forth present day and past in the story. The author has research the story in great detail you uncover dreams of the garden and where ever the green man goes Oliver wants to go. The story draws you into the green man history I’ve never heard of the green man till now and the history and story is very good how the author described places in the book he visited make you want to go there. This is a lovely mystery book about the green man I enjoyed the book. Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
Blending the protagonist's earlier life with the present day, Another Life tells the story of a mystery from Oliver's past that he's desperate to unravel. Engaging from the very first chapter, it's a story that blends fiction with claimed happenings from the author's own life, as well as plenty of history and mythology. It's clearly a book that has been incredibly well-researched, with some of the narrative (the story of the Green Man, for one) leading me to want to learn more about the subjects he covers. Recommended!
February 2, 2021
The book cover was very intriguing and I didn't realise this was the Green Man.
The story is about Oliver Merryweather who is searching for a mysteripus woman from his past. The book goes back and forth between now and Oliver's past. It is beautifully written and so descriptive I could imagine myself in some of the places Oliver is.
I found the story fascinating and intriguing but more so I gained some knowledge of pagan rituals and christianity, myths and symbols as well as the story of the Green Man. I did, however, find the book a little confusing at times but overall I enjoyed it.
The story is about Oliver Merryweather who is searching for a mysteripus woman from his past. The book goes back and forth between now and Oliver's past. It is beautifully written and so descriptive I could imagine myself in some of the places Oliver is.
I found the story fascinating and intriguing but more so I gained some knowledge of pagan rituals and christianity, myths and symbols as well as the story of the Green Man. I did, however, find the book a little confusing at times but overall I enjoyed it.
December 18, 2025
"Another Life" is a stunning exploration of dreams, memory, and the power of hope. Owen W. Knight’s writing is both lyrical and immersive, pulling you into a world where reality and imagination intertwine. Oliver’s journey of love, loss, and self discovery is deeply moving, and the mysterious woman he seeks adds an enchanting layer of intrigue. This book is unforgettable poetic, thought provoking, and beautifully crafted."
December 11, 2025
Another Life is a captivating blend of mystery, folklore, and emotional depth. Oliver’s journey—caught between dreams and reality—pulls you in from the first page. The writing is vivid, the atmosphere enchanting, and the themes of purpose and memory are truly moving. A thought-provoking and beautifully crafted novel. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2026
Another Life is a beautifully written and deeply moving story that stayed with me long after I finished it. The characters feel real, the emotions are powerful, and the message about growth and second chances is truly inspiring. The author’s writing is heartfelt and captivating from start to finish.
An unforgettable read highly recommended!
An unforgettable read highly recommended!
July 31, 2020
Thoughtful and wide-ranging, with an unexpected ending. I loved this book. Don't be beguiled by its gentle bucolic and domestic chapters, they lead to so much more ...
September 7, 2021
Lovely book, beautifully written with Oliver's stories blending innocence and dark themes, interesting pagan details, all under a stark reality.
June 8, 2024
Didn't finish this. Wasn't sure book was over my head, or highfalutin hogwash.
November 19, 2020
Really liked this book on the whole. I loved the way it flipped back and forwards between past and present, all linking together well at the end. At one point it got quite emotional, with a tragic incident and the main characters reflections on this.
The author had quite clearly done a lot of research, particularly into the Green Man mythology. However at points it felt as though the reader was being overloaded with history and facts, when perhaps this could have been weaved into the story more naturally.
However this is the only criticism I have, and overall it was pretty good, particularly for a new, unknown author. Always a risk that these books are going to be rubbish!
The author had quite clearly done a lot of research, particularly into the Green Man mythology. However at points it felt as though the reader was being overloaded with history and facts, when perhaps this could have been weaved into the story more naturally.
However this is the only criticism I have, and overall it was pretty good, particularly for a new, unknown author. Always a risk that these books are going to be rubbish!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews