All Is Song by Samantha Harvey (2012): A Review

Title: All Is Song

Author: Samantha Harvey

Publication Year: January 4, 2012

Pages: 320

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Literary fiction, Philosophical Fiction

Source: Audiobook @storytel.tr

Opening sentence: THEY’VE COME, THEY’VE come, he was thinking, and there they were all around him spinning through the darkness, and lighting the darkness. It was all just an illusion, they said. You weren’t ever alone.

There is no surprise that Samantha Harvey, a graduate in philosophy, naturally writes philosophical fiction: “All Is Song.” I noticed it received mixed reviews, which made me apprehensive about potentially being disappointed; no one enjoys a lackluster read. However, I’m pleased to report that, at least in the beginning, the book exceeded my expectations.

The first 70 to 80 pages were quite engaging, as the story centers on two brothers, William and Leonard. Leonard comes back to London after their father's death and the end of a romantic relationship, embarking on a quest to better understand his brother and figure out how William thinks and views the world. Their conversations touch on deep themes such as religion, freedom, philosophy, politics, and democracy, which I found compelling.

Initially, I was truly captivated, but as the narrative progressed, William’s struggles with authority and his philosophical musings began to feel overwhelming. Although his character embodies the essence of an ideal philosopher, I found myself wishing for a bit more connection to the practical realities of life, as his views often made his family quite miserable. It is admirable to stand firm in one’s beliefs, but not at the expense of ruining one's life and the lives of others. I must admit, I started drifting off during the latter half of the audiobook. It felt reminiscent of engaging in an endless dialogue with Socrates, and I could understand why it might lead someone to feel exasperated at times. I DID!

That said, if you have a passion for philosophy, this book has a lot to offer. It could benefit from a little more brevity to maintain its momentum.