When a revolutionary drug that halts aging becomes available, married couple Yuki and Sam find their relationship torn apart as Sam chooses immortality while Yuki opposes it, forcing them—and a diverse cast of characters—to confront the personal, ethical, and societal consequences of living forever. Through multiple perspectives and timelines, the story explores themes of love, loss, privilege, and the profound impact of technology on identity and society.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world where a pharmaceutical breakthrough called Yareta allows humans to extend their lives for centuries, the novel follows the relationship between Yuki and Sam, a married couple in London whose lives diverge when Sam chooses to take the drug while Yuki campaigns against it. The story unfolds across multiple decades, from the late 2010s into the 2030s, and is told through a range of perspectives, including not only Yuki and Sam but also other characters affected by Yareta, such as the drug’s inventor and individuals from different continents. The narrative explores the societal, political, and personal ramifications of life extension, touching on themes like inequality, privilege, ambition, and the meaning of love and mortality. The book is structured with frequent shifts in time and point of view, and includes vignettes from the perspective of nature, such as cherry blossoms and the wind, to reinforce its meditations on time and existence. The audiobook, narrated by Lydia Wilson, is 9 hours and 33 minutes long and has been noted for its subtle delivery and technical clarity.

Readers praised the book’s thought-provoking exploration of the ethical, social, and emotional consequences of immortality, with many highlighting its nuanced depiction of both sides of the Yareta debate. The character-driven narrative, especially the portrayal of Yuki and Sam’s relationship and their diverging values, resonated with many, as did the inclusion of a diverse cast in terms of race, sexuality, age, and socioeconomic status. The writing style was frequently described as beautiful, immersive, and emotionally impactful, with several readers noting the book’s ability to prompt self-reflection about what they would do in the characters’ situations. The world-building, particularly the depiction of how different cultures and classes respond to the advent of life extension, was also singled out as a strength. Many found the philosophical questions raised—about love, time, ambition, and the cost of living longer—compelling, and some compared the book favorably to works like 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' and 'Black Mirror.' The audiobook narration was generally well received, with some listeners appreciating the subtlety and range of accents.

Some readers found the book’s pacing slow, especially in the final quarter, and noted that the frequent shifts in time and perspective could be confusing, particularly in the audio format. A number of reviewers felt that the ending was abrupt, ambiguous, or emotionally unsatisfying, with some expressing disappointment that the narrative did not provide a more dramatic or conclusive resolution. Several readers struggled to connect with the characters, describing them as self-absorbed or unlikable, and a few felt that the book’s focus on personal stories came at the expense of deeper exploration of the broader societal implications of Yareta. Others mentioned that the narrative’s literary style, including the use of nature vignettes and a lack of overt drama, made the story feel meandering or lacking in intensity. The audiobook format was sometimes cited as making it harder to keep track of the timeline and characters, and a few readers preferred the idea of reading a physical or digital copy instead.

The book has received an average rating of 4.25 out of 5 from 101 reader ratings and 49 full reviews, with a mix of highly positive and more critical responses. It is categorized as science fiction, contemporary, and literary fiction, and is being marketed as a romance without a traditional happy ending. The narrative spans multiple locations, including London, Tokyo, and California, and incorporates political, corporate, and personal dimensions of the life-extension debate. The story is described as character-driven and philosophical, with a focus on the consequences of technological advancement for individuals and society. The book is Hanna Thomas Uose’s debut and is set for publication on March 27, 2025.