Original, intelligent, funny

Fasten your seatbelts, because this is a hell of a ride!
But you can take my word: you'll be glad that you tried

To discover what it must feel like to reincarnate as a chicken, a salmon, a few humans or a tree
I wouldn't be amazed if this would be the winner, if there existed a 'Most Original Book' Grand Prix


****************************************

Original, intelligent, funny

This is how the book could be described in 3 words.
But of course there's much more to say about this intriguing story which is like nothing you've ever read before.

As the title already indicates, this book is about the reincarnation of Tom.
Over and over and over again.
Despite the innumerable amount of characters (animals, people, …) in which Tom reincarnates and thus the many different chapters, a beautiful whole is formed by the clever links that are made between all these lives. Masterfully done.

Actually this book would be great material to use in high schools.
In a playful and fascinating way different themes and ethical questions are raised, without coming across as preachy (as is the case in many books today).
Moreover, there are references to so many different fields: periods of history, biology, art, movies,….

Even though the themes may sometimes be a bit more serious, it will never feel too heavy.
Firstly because the harsher things happen mostly out of sight.
Secondly - and above all - because there's lightness brought in by the ubiquitous humour. Some reviewers talk about 'laugh out loud'-funny, but this may not apply to everyone. One thing's for certain though: there's really nice humour in this book, laugh out loud or not.

Do you know the kind of movies that you can watch over and over again?
This book has exactly the same vibes.
There's just so much going on that you can't remember everything.
Every re-read thus includes a new discovery of the story where different details may catch your attention.

The end was satisfying and leaves a door open to a potential sequel.
Who knows?
Daba dee daba daa
(after you've read the book, you'll understand)


Aden Simpson

As the author states himself at the end of the book:
Aden Simpson grew up in Sydney, Australia. He completed a degree in Commerce but then thought:
"Nuts to that, I want to be a successful writer."
He is still working on the "successful" part.

Well, looking at the praising reviews for 'The Reincarnation of Tom', it shouldn't take too long before that success comes his way. It would be totally deserved.

Some people assume this book is a debut, but actually it's the second title of Aden Simpsons hand.
His debut The Illusionists was published in November 2016.
More about the books of this young Australian talent can be found on his interesting website where you can also read some short stories, poems and thoughts & an illustrated story.

Aden Simpson is a unique voice in the book world and really an author to take an eye on.
Whatever the future may bring (really curious about that btw), one thing's for sure: he has a new fan!


*Thanks to NetGalley, author Aden Simpson and the Independent Book Publishers Association for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.