The Longest Year

Starred review from July 1, 2018
Thomas was born on February 29, a leap year. That makes him special, says his French Canadian father, Albert. Also special is a distant ancestor, Aim� Bolduc. Research on Aim�'s life consumes Albert, who soon abandons Thomas and his wife, Laura, to return to Quebec. Part one of this tripartite novel is Thomas' story, featuring the death of his mother in a plane crash; his falling in love with Mary, 17 years his senior; and receiving a letter from his long-absent father that will send him to Canada for a reunion. Part two is Aim�'s story. Also born on February 29, Aim�?thanks, it seems, to a special configuration of the stars?ages only one year for every four. Thus, at 200, he appears to be no older than 50. His story moves backward and forward over not years but centuries of time. Part three finds Thomas reunited with his father, growing up, marrying Mary, and becoming a distinguished scientist whose research is on not aging but youthening. The stories, with their element of magic, are endlessly fascinating and extraordinary in their breadth of imagination. Interestingly, the novel contains almost no dialogue; it's told by an omniscient narrator as if it were a story shared by a campfire. This lends it?this story about time?a timeless quality that proves irresistibly readable. The ending is ironic but absolutely apposite, inviting readers to continue the story on their own.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)