Reincarnation Blues summary

The Journey of a Thousand Lifetimes

In Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore, we are introduced to a unique protagonist, Milo, who has lived 9,995 lives and has only five more chances to achieve perfection and be united with his true love, Death. In this universe, reincarnation is a fact, and Milo has experienced a myriad of existences, from the mundane to the fantastical, across different time periods and even in other worlds.

These lives are not always easy. In one existence, Milo is a soldier in a war-torn country, in another, a creature living in a water world. Despite the variety, the underlying theme of love and the quest for self-awareness is a constant. Throughout the book, we see Milo's deep affection for Death, whom he calls Suzie. He yearns for her presence and is willing to undergo any number of reincarnations to be with her.

The Eternal Love Story

As we follow Milo through his various lives, we see him and Suzie sharing tender moments in the afterlife. Suzie, who is a sympathetic and loving figure, watches over Milo's journeys, providing him with encouragement and comfort. Their love story, which spans across time and space, serves as a poignant and central narrative in Reincarnation Blues.

Despite his deep love for Suzie, Milo remains curious about the nature of existence. He seeks answers to profound questions such as the meaning of life and the nature of the universe. He engages in conversations with a wise, enigmatic figure known as the Tathagata, who appears in various forms throughout Milo's lives and provides cryptic but insightful advice.

The Quest for Perfection

As Milo progresses through his final lives, he becomes increasingly aware of the significance of his choices. He grapples with the idea of perfection and whether it is attainable. The concept of perfection, as presented in Reincarnation Blues, is not about being flawless, but about achieving a sense of self-realization and acceptance.

As Milo's lives begin to dwindle, he becomes more reflective, savoring each existence and attempting to learn from his experiences. He also becomes more determined to find a way to be with Suzie permanently, even if it means challenging the rules of the afterlife.

The End of One Journey, The Beginning of Another

As Milo's 10,000th life approaches, he faces his final and most challenging existence yet. He is determined to make it count and to find a way to stay with Suzie. This life, set in a futuristic world, presents Milo with a unique set of obstacles and opportunities for self-discovery.

Without giving away the ending, Reincarnation Blues offers a surprising and deeply satisfying conclusion. In the end, it's not just about Milo's journey, but about the nature of existence itself. The book leaves us with a sense of wonder and the realization that the quest for understanding and love is an eternal one, transcending time and space.