In her third novel, Suzy Krause delivers a masterful blend of speculative fiction and intimate family drama that challenges our understanding of time, memory, and human connection. I Think We’ve Been Here Before presents us with an apocalyptic scenario that, rather than focusing on global chaos or survival, zeroes in on one family’s experience of their final days together. The result is a deeply moving meditation on what matters most when time literally runs out.
Story & Plot Analysis
The narrative weaves together multiple storylines that converge as the end approaches. At its heart are Marlen and Hilda, Saskatchewan farmers facing not one but two devastating pieces of news: Marlen’s terminal diagnosis and the impending destruction of Earth by a gamma ray burst. Their daughter Nora is stuck in Berlin, where she forms an inexplicable connection with Jacob, a young man who feels strangely familiar. Meanwhile, their nephew Ole goes missing, leading to family tensions that must be resolved before it’s too late.
What sets this apocalyptic tale apart is its warm, often humorous tone and its focus on small, meaningful moments rather than grand dramatic gestures. Krause has a remarkable ability to find light in darkness, crafting scenes that celebrate human connection even as the world crumbles around her characters.
Writing Style & Literary Merit
Krause’s prose shines brightest in quiet moments of reflection and connection. Her writing style is accessible yet profound, peppered with observations that catch readers off guard with their insight:
“Having your heart broken is like finding out you have bedbugs—not in an emotional sense, but practically. Both broken hearts and bedbugs require extreme treatment.”
The author excels at balancing multiple perspectives while maintaining distinct voices for each character. The narrative switches between viewpoints seamlessly, each transition adding depth to the overall story rather than fragmenting it.
Character Development
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character work. Each member of the extended family feels fully realized:
- Marlen, the prophet-teacher whose prescient novel mirrors reality
- Hilda, expressing her emotions through elaborate murals
- Nora, discovering love at the worst possible moment
- Irene, clinging to denial as a form of hope
- Ole, navigating adolescence amid apocalypse
Even secondary characters like Alfie, the town’s ever-helpful presence, and Petra, Nora’s philosophical roommate, leave lasting impressions.
Thematic Analysis
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
Time and Memory: The concept of déjà vu and cyclical existence plays a central role, suggesting that our experiences may be more interconnected than we realize. Krause handles this complex idea with remarkable clarity, making it accessible without oversimplifying.
Family and Connection: At its core, this is a story about the bonds that hold us together when everything else falls apart. The author demonstrates how crisis can both strain and strengthen family ties.
Art and Expression: Through Marlen’s prophetic novel and Hilda’s murals, Krause explores how we process trauma and fear through creative expression.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel largely succeeds in its ambitious goals, there are a few minor weaknesses:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during Nora’s time in Berlin before meeting Jacob
- Some readers might find the metaphysical aspects of the story’s conclusion challenging to follow
- A few supporting character arcs feel slightly underdeveloped
Comparison to Previous Works
Fans of Krause’s previous novels (Valencia and Valentine and Sorry I Missed You) will recognize her talent for balancing humor with heavier themes. However, I Think We’ve Been Here Before represents a significant evolution in her storytelling, tackling broader themes while maintaining the intimate character focus that marked her earlier work.
Target Audience & Appeal
This novel will resonate with readers who enjoy:
- Character-driven speculative fiction
- Family dramas with philosophical undertones
- Stories that blend humor with existential themes
- Authors like Matt Haig and Emily St. John Mandel
Final Verdict
Despite minor flaws, I Think We’ve Been Here Before succeeds brilliantly in its primary goal: examining how humans face mortality, both personal and universal. Krause has crafted a deeply human story that manages to be both heartbreaking and life-affirming.
The novel’s greatest achievement is making readers care deeply about what happens to these characters even when we know the ending is inevitable. It’s a reminder that the journey matters more than the destination, and that love and connection give meaning to our lives, however long or short they may be.
Recommendations for Similar Reading
For readers who enjoy this novel, consider:
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
- Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton
- The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
Impact & Lasting Impressions
What lingers after finishing I Think We’ve Been Here Before isn’t the apocalyptic scenario but the small moments of grace: a father and son baking cinnamon buns at midnight, sisters screaming their love into the wind, a community coming together for one last Christmas celebration. Krause reminds us that even in our darkest moments, human connection and love give life its meaning.
The novel’s exploration of time, memory, and the possibility that we might live our lives over and over until we get them right offers a unique perspective on mortality. It suggests that perhaps what we perceive as déjà vu might be something more profound – echoes of lives lived better each time around.
This is a book that will make readers think differently about their own relationships and priorities, while offering hope that even in endings, we might find new beginnings. It’s a remarkable achievement in storytelling that manages to be both timely and timeless.
