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The Life Tree
No signs of the Maker. There’s no crash of cymbals as I make my entrance. No Muses or orchestrated choir and strings to announce my presence. There’s no sign of religion.
No sensations of sound or smell. No feelings of remorse, loss, happiness or fear. There’s just me inside this random nothingness. There’s no color, nor light, nor darkness. I feel my own presence but unsure if it exists. I am here, but not. This is not Heaven, Hell or any Purgatory. This is an afterlife and I cannot remember how I arrived.
Launch date to be determined.
No sensations of sound or smell. No feelings of remorse, loss, happiness or fear. There’s just me inside this random nothingness. There’s no color, nor light, nor darkness. I feel my own presence but unsure if it exists. I am here, but not. This is not Heaven, Hell or any Purgatory. This is an afterlife and I cannot remember how I arrived.
Launch date to be determined.
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published March 30, 2013
1 person is currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas A. McGirr
7 books154 followersAUTHOR OF THE AFTERLIFE
Nicholas McGirr is a fantasy writer with themes of the afterlife. Nicholas has 4 novels and 3 novelettes published, all of which can be found on amazon. Nicholas holds a BA in English, another BA in Journalism and is currently working on his MFA in Creative Writing.
A previous musician, Nicholas has been a music critic for Steel Town Reviews, and most of his books hold a musical background theme. When Nicholas isn’t checking out the latest music to write to, he visits cemeteries around Charleston to look for inspiration for his next afterlife tale.
Check out his blog, podcast and published works at www.nicholasmcgirr.com.
Nicholas McGirr is a fantasy writer with themes of the afterlife. Nicholas has 4 novels and 3 novelettes published, all of which can be found on amazon. Nicholas holds a BA in English, another BA in Journalism and is currently working on his MFA in Creative Writing.
A previous musician, Nicholas has been a music critic for Steel Town Reviews, and most of his books hold a musical background theme. When Nicholas isn’t checking out the latest music to write to, he visits cemeteries around Charleston to look for inspiration for his next afterlife tale.
Check out his blog, podcast and published works at www.nicholasmcgirr.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 21, 2013
There isn't hell around, but there isn't heaven. What is it like to be everywhere all at once, and yet to be rooted nowhere? There is only me, and even then, am I truly here? Such is the tone and ideas that are brought to light in the new novella, The Life Tree.
+The author does a really good job in handling the lucidity of the narrator. Though a lot of images were conjured up within these few pages, I didn't find any to be rushed or confusing. Though transitions were often quick, it was easy to follow along and coast along with the character through the vacant space of everything and nothing.
+I felt that this short story gave a pretty interesting viewpoint into the afterlife. The first place that people go to, generally speaking, is that you go to float with the angels in heaven, or get probed by demons in hell. But this idea of a "Life Tree" arouses interest, in that it is a special kind of purgatory where those who commit the ultimate sin are neither rewarded or punished. It's almost like a more metaphysical form of limbo.
+This ebook edition of The Life Tree also includes a further explanation of life trees, as well as the prologue and the first chapter of The Growing Dim Project, the first book in the Crossman McKnight series. Plus, if that isn't enough, an excerpt from Nicholas A. McGirr's book Life of Death.
The Life Tree is a short novella by Nicholas A. McGirr that is set to release on April 1st of this year. Though it is a fast read, it isn't one to be overlooked. This will attract those who are already fans of his work, and fans who just don't know it yet. If this is your first taste of his work, be sure not to skimp on the bonus material!
This review, as well as an interview with the offer can also be found on my new blog, Bitches n Prose later this week!
+The author does a really good job in handling the lucidity of the narrator. Though a lot of images were conjured up within these few pages, I didn't find any to be rushed or confusing. Though transitions were often quick, it was easy to follow along and coast along with the character through the vacant space of everything and nothing.
+I felt that this short story gave a pretty interesting viewpoint into the afterlife. The first place that people go to, generally speaking, is that you go to float with the angels in heaven, or get probed by demons in hell. But this idea of a "Life Tree" arouses interest, in that it is a special kind of purgatory where those who commit the ultimate sin are neither rewarded or punished. It's almost like a more metaphysical form of limbo.
+This ebook edition of The Life Tree also includes a further explanation of life trees, as well as the prologue and the first chapter of The Growing Dim Project, the first book in the Crossman McKnight series. Plus, if that isn't enough, an excerpt from Nicholas A. McGirr's book Life of Death.
The Life Tree is a short novella by Nicholas A. McGirr that is set to release on April 1st of this year. Though it is a fast read, it isn't one to be overlooked. This will attract those who are already fans of his work, and fans who just don't know it yet. If this is your first taste of his work, be sure not to skimp on the bonus material!
This review, as well as an interview with the offer can also be found on my new blog, Bitches n Prose later this week!
June 9, 2013
(Review originally posted on my blog)
(This book was sent to me by the author and does not bias my review. My review is my honest opinion of the book)
I discovered The Life Tree when entering numerous giveaways on Goodreads. I saw the beautiful cover, read the description and new it was a book I wanted to read.
As I mentioned The Life Tree on a previous Waiting on Wednesday post that the reason I was so interested in The Life Tree was the mystery that the back of the book gave. There was no information on the story, no where when why or how. There was only an unnamed (and ungendered) narrator confused about what exactly had happened to them.
At times when reading The Life Tree I felt as frustrated as the narrator, settling in one memory or thought only to be flung into confusion once more. I was frustrated at being just as clueless as the narrator, not knowing where the story was taking place why the story was taking place in this confusing place and what significance the tree in the distance held.
An explanation was given of course, a very satisfying one I might add. I was blown away with what the tree meant and what little back story was given of the narrator.
My only critique is that while I enjoyed The Life Tree it was too short. I know it’s a novelette, but I feel that if this story was expanded a lot more it could be a great novel similar to The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
The Life Tree is a great little read that just ends too soon.
If you are interested in reading The Life Tree go to the page on goodreads. It is currently unknown when the book will be published in book form but it is available online, though I don’t know the details of that.
(This book was sent to me by the author and does not bias my review. My review is my honest opinion of the book)
I discovered The Life Tree when entering numerous giveaways on Goodreads. I saw the beautiful cover, read the description and new it was a book I wanted to read.
As I mentioned The Life Tree on a previous Waiting on Wednesday post that the reason I was so interested in The Life Tree was the mystery that the back of the book gave. There was no information on the story, no where when why or how. There was only an unnamed (and ungendered) narrator confused about what exactly had happened to them.
At times when reading The Life Tree I felt as frustrated as the narrator, settling in one memory or thought only to be flung into confusion once more. I was frustrated at being just as clueless as the narrator, not knowing where the story was taking place why the story was taking place in this confusing place and what significance the tree in the distance held.
An explanation was given of course, a very satisfying one I might add. I was blown away with what the tree meant and what little back story was given of the narrator.
My only critique is that while I enjoyed The Life Tree it was too short. I know it’s a novelette, but I feel that if this story was expanded a lot more it could be a great novel similar to The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
The Life Tree is a great little read that just ends too soon.
If you are interested in reading The Life Tree go to the page on goodreads. It is currently unknown when the book will be published in book form but it is available online, though I don’t know the details of that.
March 22, 2013
This story was well-written. There are parts that can be puzzling, just like any person's thoughts and feelings can be; this story is in first person and we, the readers, are basically put on a carnival roller coaster ride with the main character's thoughts and "memories".
Like in McGirr's "Life of Death", the reader is left to imagine who or what the character is. Is he -or she- of the past, present, or future? Why is this person in the state they are? What makes them so significant to be noticed in our own lives? All is left up to the reader; we come up with our own answers.
I liked this story. Thank you Nicholas for letting me get a chance to read it.
Like in McGirr's "Life of Death", the reader is left to imagine who or what the character is. Is he -or she- of the past, present, or future? Why is this person in the state they are? What makes them so significant to be noticed in our own lives? All is left up to the reader; we come up with our own answers.
I liked this story. Thank you Nicholas for letting me get a chance to read it.
June 5, 2016
Amazing!
July 13, 2016
I wish this book was longer. I am craving more from the author.
May 11, 2017
Tree of Life is an abstract short story. It's the narrator's perception of what could be the afterlife.
This person is genderless and can't feel anything without the mind's eyes. There are recollections or are they memories? It goes from one environment to another, each bringing feelings of some sorts. The Life Tree seems to be the key to the story.
The summary at the end gives hints about going against religious expectations and the repercussions.
This book raises a lot of questions about the afterlife, reincarnation and the life trees. It might appeal to some readers but might not be to everyone's liking.
This person is genderless and can't feel anything without the mind's eyes. There are recollections or are they memories? It goes from one environment to another, each bringing feelings of some sorts. The Life Tree seems to be the key to the story.
The summary at the end gives hints about going against religious expectations and the repercussions.
This book raises a lot of questions about the afterlife, reincarnation and the life trees. It might appeal to some readers but might not be to everyone's liking.
May 7, 2016
I won this book through a giveaway on Goodreads.
My attention was first captured by the cover, then the title. After looking into it and reading the description, I found this book to be intriguing.
To be dead, yet not know what had happened to you, have no emotion, yet be stranded in a state of nothingness, where no angels or demons have come to collect you. No pearly gates, no firey pitt.
I was curious to find out where the author was going with it, so I decided to enter the giveaway. To my surprise, I won. Upon receiving the book, I was surprised to find out it was a novelette and had only 45 pages, making for a quick read.
The authors descriptions are picturesque as he really knows how to form imagery from words.
The concept behind the novelette is interesting, however I have to admit that in the end, this book just wasn't my cup of tea.
I gave this book a 2 star (although if I could I would rate it a 2.5) because my 2 stars are my "it was meh, not terrible but not average. Not something I would read again" category.
I guess I was expecting something a little different, so the low rating could be blamed on me rather than the author.
Because it's such a quick read, if you happen across the book it you should give it a shot. But it isn't something I would reread or go out of my way to buy or recommend.
My attention was first captured by the cover, then the title. After looking into it and reading the description, I found this book to be intriguing.
To be dead, yet not know what had happened to you, have no emotion, yet be stranded in a state of nothingness, where no angels or demons have come to collect you. No pearly gates, no firey pitt.
I was curious to find out where the author was going with it, so I decided to enter the giveaway. To my surprise, I won. Upon receiving the book, I was surprised to find out it was a novelette and had only 45 pages, making for a quick read.
The authors descriptions are picturesque as he really knows how to form imagery from words.
The concept behind the novelette is interesting, however I have to admit that in the end, this book just wasn't my cup of tea.
I gave this book a 2 star (although if I could I would rate it a 2.5) because my 2 stars are my "it was meh, not terrible but not average. Not something I would read again" category.
I guess I was expecting something a little different, so the low rating could be blamed on me rather than the author.
Because it's such a quick read, if you happen across the book it you should give it a shot. But it isn't something I would reread or go out of my way to buy or recommend.
March 23, 2019
Surreal Soliloquy
What happens in the afterlife? Do we get to see angels in full regalia or monsters that mete punishment and havoc? Are we reincarnated or do we find ourselves on a mere infinite void?
This first-person narrative takes us into a world of constant time travels without the scientific terminologies and contraptions, and of experiences and visions with great variations in the intensity or absence of feelings, emotions and normal human sensations.
On a normal day, I would have drastically given this piece a lower rating because I was more confused instead of enlightened along the way. It's a good thing that the afterthought part saved me from my utter ignorance. On its literary value, this albeit-short yet lyrically poetic and symbolism-rich piece is still clearly worthy to grace one's shelf.
Note: This piece has themes not suitable for younger readers. If you or someone you know need help, contact the following:
Lifeline Australia through 13 11 14 or via https://www.lifeline.org.au/about-lif...
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (in the US) through 1-800-273-8255 (toll-free) or via https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
What happens in the afterlife? Do we get to see angels in full regalia or monsters that mete punishment and havoc? Are we reincarnated or do we find ourselves on a mere infinite void?
This first-person narrative takes us into a world of constant time travels without the scientific terminologies and contraptions, and of experiences and visions with great variations in the intensity or absence of feelings, emotions and normal human sensations.
On a normal day, I would have drastically given this piece a lower rating because I was more confused instead of enlightened along the way. It's a good thing that the afterthought part saved me from my utter ignorance. On its literary value, this albeit-short yet lyrically poetic and symbolism-rich piece is still clearly worthy to grace one's shelf.
Note: This piece has themes not suitable for younger readers. If you or someone you know need help, contact the following:
Lifeline Australia through 13 11 14 or via https://www.lifeline.org.au/about-lif...
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (in the US) through 1-800-273-8255 (toll-free) or via https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
June 24, 2013
I didn't realize when the kindle app said 56% that I was so close to the end because I only had a short chapter to go and then the rest was excerpts of other books. I found the story kind of interesting but odd. The end didn't really change any of that. And, it just didn't touch me like I thought it would.
March 26, 2016
Great book! Must read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews