Book Review: I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O' Farrell

 Today, after quite the hiatus, I wanted to review a book that I was so swept away by, that I finished it within twenty-four hours. 

I Am, I Am, I Am is O' Farrell's only memoir, each section divided by anatomy of the body, each section gripping and pertinent. 

The stories within the pages tell of the author's brushes with death. Seven times during her lifetime, she comes close to dying and yet, as she doesn't. 

Her stories are succinct, harrowing and captivating - yet all have the same message. That it truly is a lucky thing to be alive. That sometimes the stars align seemingly in your favour, until one day they don't. That you have to make the most of it until then. 

I have read two other works of fiction by O' Farrell, Hamnet and A Marriage Portrait, both exceptional. I was so eager to read a reflection of her life, knowing how she is able to tell a story with crisp clarity. However, this isn't a story, this is her memories, written so simply and yet what she experiences isn't simple at all. Each one is profound and life-altering. Both for O' Farrell first experiencing it, and then for the reader as we comprehend it. 

A brilliant read and one I will be recommending for years to come. 

Love, Molly