Woman Who Died A Lot

Thursday Next, recently returned to and recuperating in the real world, is not as young as she used to be. With SpecOps returning, she's looking forward to finally being promoted to Head of LiteraTec. But instead she gets passed over in favor of a younger woman, and given a post as Chief Librarian of the multi-million dollar Swindon All-You-Can-Eat-at-Fatso’s Drink Not Included Library—which is about to face some alarming 100% budget cuts.

Meanwhile sixteen-year-old genius Tuesday is working feverishly on the Anti-Smite shield in order to ward off the impending wrath of the Global Standard Deity upon downtown Swindon. And Friday is wrestling with his focus in the wake of the non-existence of his career in the Chrono Guard. When someone begins to send ex-Chrono Guard members letters about their future, he finds that his destiny will lead him to make a heart-wrenching choice.

Thursday's old enemy Aornis has mysteriously escaped from time enloopment and is on the loose, and yet another old enemy from Goliath is cooking up an evil scheme to get back into the Bookworld—one which may involve finally finishing Thursday off in the process. Is this all too much for Thursday to handle?

It didn't seem possible for a Thursday Next book to become even more frenetic and fast-paced, but in Woman Who Died a Lot Jasper Fforde has done it. He juggles multiple plot threads masterfully, winking at you as they slip in and out. It's yet another thrill ride for fans of the fantastic Thursday Next, but this time with a more bittersweet tone.

As Thursday grows older she begins to take stock of what really matters—her relationship with her husband Landen, and the future of her children. She does so wistfully, realizing that she will soon have to put aside her life of action, but also realizing that she is truly fulfilled by the good things she has all around her.

But with an eighth book on the horizon, rest assured that Thursday's retirement will have to wait for at least one more outing.

Review by Lauren Shearer
Lauren Shearer writes words for fun and profit. She also makes films, but everyone knows you can't make a profit doing that. Her other hobby is consistently volunteering way too much of her time. You can read more of her reviews here.