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Book Jacket

Until the Next Time:
A Novel
by Kevin Fox

Publisher: Algonquin Books
Publication date: 02/14/2012.
Novels, 400 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 41
Readers' Consensus: 3.5
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First Impressions: Page 5 of 6
Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by David S. (San Diego, CA)

Too Much Slang
An intriguing story line linking the history and troubles of the Irish people with reincarnation -- kept my interest but was also a frustrating read given the overuse of Irish slang that stilted the flow of the book and degraded the intelligence and wisdom of the Irish people.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Jan B. (Tetonia, ID)

Reincarnation, Irish Style
This is an unusual storyline. It is a love story that takes place during "the troubles" of the 60's-70's. Yet it also spans through several lifetimes for many of the characters, as they recognize each other from past lives. I laughed, I was horrified, and I was mad at the American protagonists for their inflexible intellect. The idea of reincarnation as a given for this Irish crowd created a very interesting twist as the author used the past events as a way of looking at the present and the friendships and interactions between the different characters. The story was pretty compelling, and what stands out for me is how much was done for the love of each other and for their country. There were so many twists and turns in the action in both the present and the past, I had to keep reading to keep it all together in my head. It left me really hoping that the two main characters would find each other in this lifetime.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Valerie C. (Chico, CA)

a little slow moving
This book is a bit confusing, both by similarities in names, and in the time difference in chapters. It is also a bit slow moving. It may be perfect for someone with a strong interest in Ireland and its "troubles".

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Judy W. (Tucker, GA)

Until the Next Time by Kevin Fox
My expectations for Kevin Fox's book were high; unfortunately, this book did not capture by interest. The first half of the book is somewhat engaging; then, the author begins to ramble into a mix of politics, romance, spirituality and violence. The book is termed suspense, but the theme drifts into reincarnation and mysticism. Too many characters were introduced who are not particularly reflective of the Irish people. Although some readers may enjoy this book, I found it to be a disappointment.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Gail G. (Northbrook, Illinois)

Difficult to relate to the characters
Because I have no close and intimate relationship with Irish people, I find it difficult to relate to the characters in the book.Their belief in reincarnation is much more personal than mine I do not believe in the closeness of old souls being transported to new souls. I can't share this assumption with them. It seems that at every turning point the characters shared some action with their ancestors and with the past. I do believe in reincarnation but not as developed as do the story's characters. I cannot find sympathy with the books' characters even though the writing is good but if I can't identify with the characters on some level than I really can't enjoy the book/story.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Ann S. (Shenandoah, Iowa)

Irish tale
An Irish tale, full of intrigue and history, Until the Next Time immerses the reader in Irish culture as well as history. Once I understood the connections among the different time frames, it was easier reading. However, I found parts cumbersome and at times repetitious. Even so, the descriptions of Ireland were stunning and the use of the myths and memory provide a thoughtful plot.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Barbra W. (Dexter, MI)

Left me flat
I really wanted to love this book. I'm Irish and I love a good story, especially one that takes place on Ireland. But I got frustrated with how everyone seemed to know what was going on but the main character, and how long that went on for. And while I think the book did capture some of the Irish spirit, there was also rudeness and anger at a level that began to feel trite to me. The back and forth storytelling between the two main characters was interesting in the beginning, but just began to blend together and get confusing by halfway through. Perhaps that is what the author intended but it irritated me more than it kept my interest. Overall, just not to my taste.

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