Four children set off to see a fortune teller one of them had heard about. Varya is the oldest, then Daniel, Klara and youngest child Simon. When the children get to the fortune teller, she only tells people the date of their death. The children agree to hear this and then leave scarred forever. Those who are to leave early go to find their dreams, those who will live longer have to live with the guilt and loneliness of losing their family.
The children grow up and the rest of the book tells each child's story as they grow and make a life for themselves. Simon becomes a dancer in San Francisco. Klara becomes a magician and after she marries, has an act in Las Vegas. Daniel is a doctor who makes the decision whether or not a soldier is fit to go to combat. Varya becomes a scientist and works to find out how to extend human life.
Chloe Benjamin has written a novel I won't soon forget. Each of the children has a distinct personality and each a different dream. The tension comes from each following their dreams and whether they will all learn the meaning of family. I found the book fascinating and I'm glad I chose it to read. This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction and family dramas.
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