Book 22: The Reincarnationist by M. J. Rose
Book 22: The Reincarnationist.
Author: M. J. Rose, 2007.
Genre: Mystery/Thriller. Reincarnation
Other Details: Paperback. 472 pages.
Photojournalist Josh Ryder survived a terrorist's bomb though now finds he is haunted by what seems to be memories of a past life. In these hallucinatory episodes he is Julius, a pagan priest in 4th century Rome, facing the destruction of the temples as Christianity is established as the official and only religion. Julius is in love with Sabina, one of the last Vestal Virgins. Theirs is a forbidden love and if caught they will both be put to death.
Sixteen months after the explosion Josh has become involved with The Phoenix Foundation, an organisation engaged in collecting evidence of reincarnation from children using past life regression. Although they don't work with adults, one of the prominent members, Dr. Malachai Samuels, offers to help Josh deal with his episodes in return for his services as a photographer. When a tomb is uncovered near Rome, the scientists studying it believe they may have found the fabled Memory Stones, which are reputed to hold the key to accessing past lives. Josh accompanies Malachai to Rome to visit the dig. He becomes convinced that the mummified remains of the woman found within the tomb are those of Sabina.
As to be expected in this kind of novel, sinister parties desire the stones for themselves and naturally are prepared to go to any lengths to obtain them. Interwoven with the present day intrigues is the story of Julius and his forbidden love for Sabina. There is also another past life connection, based in the 19th century, that surfaces in Josh's and another character's memories. The interweaving of present and past is done with great skill and Rose also incorporates information about the belief in reincarnation and research in an accessible way.
It was the subject matter that drew me to this novel as it has been an interest of mine for many years. M. J. Rose openly states her own interest and the reading list that she gives at the end of the novel reflects my own bookshelves.
Although I enjoyed the novel it did have some flaws. Sometimes the frantic pace and bouncing about from place to place that seems typical of this genre became a little wearing and I felt characterisation suffered for it.The book also ended in a rather abrupt way leaving me with a feeling of incompleteness. Still, I felt that overall the premise of the book was so original and the storyline was engaging enough that I could live with this ending. As this is the first of a series, perhaps Rose will return to some of these characters and address threads that I felt were left hanging. I shall certainly be reading them as they become available in the UK.
M. J. Rose's Page on 'The Reincarnationist' - includes links to excerpt and promotional video.