The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | April 2014 |
| Founder | Claire North (pen name of Catherine Webb) |
| Products | Science fiction novel |
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August is a novel authored by Claire North, the pen name of British writer Catherine Webb, released in April 2014. This work received the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, earned a nomination for the Arthur C. Clarke Award in the same category, and was selected for both the Richard & Judy Book Club and the BBC Radio 2 Book Club.
Plot introduction
Born in 1919 at Berwick-upon-Tweed station, Harry August lives an ordinary existence until his death in 1989, after which he is reborn into 1919, retaining complete memories of his previous lives. Identified as an Ouroboran or Kalachakra, he experiences his life repeatedly and becomes a member of the Cronus Club, a group composed of others with similar abilities who assist him through his cycles.
Leveraging his accumulated experience, Harry pursues studies in biology, chemistry, and physics, ultimately securing a position as a physics professor at the University of Cambridge. There, he forms a friendship with Vincent Rankis, an undergraduate who is also an Ouroboran. The Cronus Club eventually alerts Harry to an accelerating timeline in which the world ends progressively earlier with each reincarnation.
Reception
- Eric Brown writing for The Guardian describes the book as "a compelling read... emotionally powerful and intellectually challenging," emphasizing its thematic focus on determinism, free will, camaraderie, and the nature of existence.
- Nancy Hightower from The Washington Post highlights the intricate dynamic between Harry and Vincent, noting how their friendship becomes increasingly complex through mutual betrayals that blur lines between rivalry and loyalty.
- Ana Grilo at Kirkus Reviews characterizes it as "Groundhog Day energized by Red Bull," commending its captivating concept of cyclical lives while critiquing Harry’s somewhat detached narrative tone for diminishing emotional authenticity despite a compelling storyline.
See also
- Eternal return
- Life After Life
- Groundhog Day – film exploring similar themes
- Sliding Doors
- Replay
- The Devil's Hour