Audiobook Review: Another Life – An Audible Original by Karla Marie Sweet

When the External Womb Programme is launched, the news is controversial. Hundreds take to the streets in protest, feeling strongly that growing a baby outside of the human body is “unnatural”. But thousands more people rejoice: at last, an alternative for those who wish to have children but worry about the physical toll it may take. A chance that throwing a baby-shaped grenade into one’s career path might not derail it entirely.

For Lucy, whose acting career is finally taking off, the news is well worth celebrating. Could having a baby this way mean she can have it all? As she and her husband James embark on their journey, however, it becomes clear she’s not being entirely honest with him and, as an old flame returns, everything is thrown into jeopardy.

Decades later, the use of external wombs is commonplace. But a corrupt government stepping into power leads to this groundbreaking piece of technology falling into the wrong hands, forcing everyone to reckon with a challenging new world and their place within it.

Performed by Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley: One Love), Another Life marks the arrival of a brilliant new literary talent that will thrill, entertain and challenge you from beginning to end.

Another Life is part of Audible Originals showcasing new and original fiction from talented British authors commissioned exclusively by Audible. These handpicked “audio first” stories cannot be found anywhere else or in any other format (such as print or eBook) and are at the heart of Audible’s mission to offer the most captivating and compelling audio content to book lovers.

*****

Another Life by Karla Marie Sweet is an Audible Original and I was offered the chance to gain access to this novel prior to its release. I have to say, the premise of it intrigued me. As a huge fan of dystopian fiction, I couldn’t wait to get started.

Narrated by Erin Doherty (who played Princess Anne in series three and four of The Crown,) and Kingsley Ben-Adir, both do an excellent job of pulling you into the story. Not that the narrative requires much help to do this. Immediately I was hooked to Lucy’s tale. 

Told from the first person point of view, this novel starts by looking at Lucy’s life. It was interesting to see how she reacts to the technological changes that will allow her to have a family without having to give up her career as an actress – something she has worked hard for. 

Like Margaret Atwood before her, Karla Marie Sweet gives a fascinating commentary about the roles of women in the world and the expectations surrounding them. It had me completely immersed. 

Even though the idea put forth in this book isn’t a thing (as far as I know,) it hits hard especially with the current debate around reproductive rights. 

I felt a particular kinship with Lucy. Not that I had a lot in common with her but she felt real and relatable. 

In danger of giving more away, I’ll leave it here. Another Life is a compelling view of the world that holds a mirror up to society – how our growth as a species affects the very way in which we live. Whether it’s for the better or worse…well, I’m hoping you’ll read and decide for yourself. 

I know I will be waiting to see what Karla Marie Sweet does next because this debut was amazing. 

(Thank you to Audible and It’s Pretty Green for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.) 

About Karla Marie Sweet –

Karla is an incredibly experienced writer for TV (BBC, Channel 4,Netflix, Hulu), theatre (Royal Exchange, The National, Box of Tricks, Windmill) and media (The Guardian, Elle, Stylist).

Her debut novel Another Life is only available via Audible, and not to be missed.

Say hello via her website, Instagram, Substack and X. 

Another Life was released by Audible Originals on 19th September. Click here to buy. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.