Review of Liane Moriarty's Book - Momentary Instability
Liane Moriarty's latest offering, "Here One Moment," is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of life, death, and the choices we make. Set on an ordinary flight, the story unfolds as an older lady predicts the deaths of the passengers, causing a ripple of fear, doubt, and introspection.
The book is written in short, clear chapters, making it an easy read, yet the themes it explores are anything but simple. "Here One Moment" is a thought-provoking read that encourages readers to contemplate how they would react if they thought they were going to die soon.
Moriarty uses humor effectively to balance out the heavy questions, preventing the story from feeling too dark. The characters are real and relatable, each reacting differently to the situation, making the book a rich tapestry of human emotions and reactions.
As the predictions start to come true, the passengers are left questioning whether they should trust the older lady. This premise serves as a backdrop for the book's exploration of philosophical and psychological perspectives.
From the tension between freedom and determinism, the value of mystery, to existential responsibility, the book provokes deep thought. It delves into the psychological implications of knowing one’s exact time of death, exploring the potential effects on behavioral and emotional adjustment, motivation, decision making, coping mechanisms, identity, and self-concept.
While some characters become scared, others start to live more fully, and some don't believe the predictions at all. The character progressions are enjoyable, with many characters to like and become invested in.
If you enjoy stories about people, feelings, and mysteries, "Here One Moment" is definitely worth picking up. It may inspire you to think, laugh, and potentially feel a little braver. Reading it could serve as a reminder of the value of each day and the choices we make, making it a thought-provoking addition to any book lover's collection.
This book, "Here One Moment," not only offers entertainment but also delves into profound lifestyle questions, as readers are prompted to consider how they would respond to impending death. The engaging exploration of diverse human emotions and reactions, presented through relatable characters, is further complemented by Moriarty's skillful use of humorous chapters, balancing out the Philosophical and psychological perspectives that the story champions.