SUM - Forty Tales from the Afterlives product reviews

A light-hearted collection of ecclectic musings on the afterlife (or lack thereof). These brief views, each expressed in just a few pages, range from pithy cynicism to profound reflection on the value of your life before the hereafter.

Most have a certain level of humour, some whimsical or philosophical and others cynical. I did enjoy a few that were like a good Punch and Judy show - causing self reflection in the face of apparent absurdity. My favourite is 'Subjunctive', in which you must learn to live with all the alternative versions of 'you' that might have been.

It should be noted that many of these tales tackle issues of the nature and relationship of 'God' in our life, (and subsequent afterlife) - none of which conform to standard religious views.

Overall, the various 'afterlives' are highly immaginative. Some are intellectually amusing ideas (like the quark that is drawing our illusions of reality), others an amusing poke at aspects of the lives we live. A quick easy read, probably best taken in random small doses.

This was an utterly astounding journey into 40 places that made me sit back and exclaim "What the...?!" - each story was between 2-5 pages, and was over within minutes... but what minutes! Some of the 'afterlives' were just too wierd... but some were almost downright appealing!

The biggest problem with this book was that because the stories are numerous and brief, it's hard to say much about the book without giving away some of the 40 plots. So... I will just say this...

Overall, a great book. The stories can be read during even the briefest gaps in your day, and even if you read it twice, you can finish it the same day you started it. Great 'quick and light' reading.