In Any Lifetime

Book Review

Marc Guggenheim’s In Any Lifetime is a thrilling yet mind-bending exploration of love, loss, and science. At its heart, this novel follows Jonas Cullen, a physicist whose greatest achievement—the Many Worlds Proof—opens doors to parallel universes. But when tragedy strikes, and his wife Amanda dies in a horrific car accident, Jonas’ life spirals into a relentless quest across dimensions, searching for a universe where Amanda survived.

The Multiverse and Jonas’ Obsession

The novel plays with the popular concept of the multiverse, but it doesn’t stop at simple alternate realities. Jonas is desperate to find the version of his life where Amanda didn’t die, but in doing so, he walks a dangerous path, defying what the universe seems to want. Guggenheim paints Jonas as both a brilliant scientist and a flawed human being, consumed by his grief. The journey he embarks on is as much about his internal battle as it is about hopping from universe to universe.

In the middle of all this, Jonas’ old colleague-turned-rival Victor looms large as the antagonist. Victor believes Jonas stole his research, and the book dives deep into the madness that drives Victor to hunt Jonas across dimensions. While Victor’s hatred at times feels exaggerated, it serves to heighten the tension, creating a cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps the plot moving at a fast clip. There’s a comic-book-like quality to their confrontation, reminiscent of larger-than-life action movies.

Character Depth and Development

Jonas is a fascinating character. His intellect, while unmatched, is not enough to save him from the emotional devastation of losing Amanda. This vulnerability makes him relatable, despite the high-concept science driving the plot. The love between Jonas and Amanda, explored in flashbacks, is tender and sincere. Yet, as much as the reader can sympathize with Jonas’ quest, the lack of depth in Amanda’s character leaves something to be desired. We see her more as Jonas’ motivation than a fully realized character, making it harder to fully invest in his obsession to bring her back.

On the flip side, Victor’s transformation into a nearly maniacal villain, while entertaining, lacks nuance. His vendetta against Jonas is rooted in professional jealousy, but his methods—following Jonas through dimensions with deadly intent—seem extreme. The depth of his hatred is not adequately explained, leaving readers questioning his motivations beyond surface-level resentment.

Writing Style and Structure

Guggenheim’s writing is vivid and cinematic, likely a byproduct of his experience in screenwriting. The novel’s pacing shifts between tense, fast-moving scenes and quieter, more introspective moments as Jonas reflects on his love for Amanda and his guilt over the dangerous road he’s chosen. The scientific explanations, though dense at times, are delivered in a way that doesn’t alienate the reader, even if some of it flies over our heads. However, the repetitive nature of Jonas’ jumps from one universe to another can feel redundant, with little variation in the worlds he encounters.

One of the novel’s stronger points is its exploration of the idea that the universe—or universes—favors certain outcomes. This philosophical question adds layers to the science fiction, pushing readers to consider whether Jonas is truly defying fate, or if his efforts are futile from the start.

Final Thoughts

In Any Lifetime is an ambitious mix of science fiction, romance, and thriller. While it doesn’t shy away from complex scientific theories, the emotional core of the story—Jonas’ devotion to Amanda—is what keeps the reader engaged. Though the characters beyond Jonas feel underdeveloped at times, and the villain’s motivations are somewhat thin, the novel’s exploration of grief and determination through a sci-fi lens makes it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre. This story has the potential to appeal to readers who enjoy both science fiction and action-packed narratives with a heart.