Our Infinite Fates by Anisha Shrestha: A Heart-Wrenching Journey Through Time
Have you ever picked up a book that practically thrummed with an electric energy, beckoning you into its pages? That was my experience with Our Infinite Fates by Anisha Shrestha. The moment I read the premise—“They’ve loved each other in a thousand lifetimes. They’ve killed each other in every one”—I was all in, ready for a journey through love, pain, and the complexities of fate. Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy; my heart will forever thank you!
At the core of this novel is Evelyn, a character whose essence feels raw and beautifully layered. Imagine the weight of knowing that in every life, the person you love most is also the one you must destroy. That mixture of yearning and acceptance weaves through the narrative, crafting a story that is as gripping as it is heartbreaking. As Evelyn traverses her lives, each chapter reveals tantalizing glimpses of her past, compelling readers to turn page after page, desperate for answers yet dreading the outcome.
The dual timeline structure is nothing short of genius. Shrestha effortlessly alternates between Evelyn’s present and her past lives, each life revealing more heartache and truths. The anguish of loving someone across centuries, only to be torn apart at age 18, creates an emotional toll that has left me breathless. Those snippets of their shared history—often poetic and tragic—echo through the pages and linger long after the book is closed.
One of the standout aspects of Our Infinite Fates is the way Shrestha captures a sense of saudade—a deep, existential longing. Lines such as, “The cruelest fate the gods and stars had ever written…” resonate throughout the book, perfectly epitomizing the overarching theme of love amidst inevitable tragedy. The moments when Evelyn and Arden dance around their affections, exchanging sharp banter with an underlying sweetness, left me both chuckling and sniffling, as one moment would sweep you into light-heartedness before crashing down into the depths of despair.
And let’s not forget about the exquisite writing style! Shrestha crafts prose that is lush and lyrical, each sentence a visual masterpiece. The blend of humor, heartache, and longing had me under its spell. I found myself highlighting so many quotes, particularly one that struck me deeply: “If a hero is someone who will give up love to save the world, then a villain is the reverse.” This encapsulation of sacrifice in love drew tears from my eyes as I reflected on its gravity.
Our Infinite Fates is not just a love story; it is an exploration of what it means to be human, to feel deeply, and to navigate the complexities of love against insurmountable odds. It’s perfect for fans of reincarnated enemies-to-lovers narratives, filled with yearning, pain, and the heady rush of fate. Anyone who adores intricately woven romances that echo through time will find solace in these pages.
In conclusion, reading Our Infinite Fates was an experience that I will cherish. It reminded me of the beauty and complexity of love, making my heart ache and soar all at once. If you’re ready for a story that will pull on your heartstrings and challenge your very understanding of love, then pick up this book. You won’t regret it!