When Time Runs Out by Elina Hirvonen

This is a haunting novel that deals with the interpersonal relationships within a traditional family unit.  Set against the backdrop of Climate Change and the ever-widening gap between the haves and have-nots we are introduced to this modern world of anger, confusion, fear and love through Laura.

Young Laura who visits in flashback to show that she had a deprived childhood at the hands of her abusive mother.  The youthful Laura who lives her own life on her own terms.  Taking life in both hands and joyfully moving from scenario to scenario with no thought of what others think.  Newly in love Laura who finds that her passionate nights with Eerik lead to a domesticity she never envisioned for herself and, with a need to please him, motherhood.  Maternal Laura, mother to Aava and Aslak, struggling with her loss of identity to the need to be mother.  Academic Laura lecturing on Environmental Politics.  Finally lonely and griefstricken Laura, unhappy in her marriage but unable to truly leave.  Mourning the loss of her chidren's innocence and their disinclination to enter any meaningful relationship wit their parents.

Told poignantly we can all see reflections of the struggle that it can be to exist in a modern world.  A world where we can reach each other in a myriad of ways but none of them meaningful.  A world where consumer is king and the more you have to spend the more valid you are as a person.  A world where radicalisation exists and reaches out to the vulnerable through fibre optics.

I felt chills more than once whist reading this modern fable.  I did not expect to particularly like this book but found that I really enjoyed the perspective of the tale.  No attempt is made to sugarcoat the many roles that the main character, Laura, has to take on in order to negotiate her life and this makes the character entirely believable and real.  I don't think I would necessarily have someone like Laura as a friend but the character is so well written you do suffer her lows and rejoice in her highs.

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

**Review originally published October 20th, 2017**