A Mind-Bending Journey in Eric Heisserer’s Simultaneous
As a lifelong fan of speculative fiction, I’ve often found myself enchanted by the tales that blur the boundaries of reality. When I learned that Eric Heisserer—an Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind cinematic masterpieces like Arrival and Bird Box—was stepping into the literary world with his debut novel Simultaneous, my heart raced with excitement. Knowing his knack for weaving complex narratives, I couldn’t wait to dive into this story that promised a fantastical journey through time, identity, and the essence of existence itself.
At the heart of Simultaneous is federal agent Grant Lukather, who works for a clandestine division of Homeland Security called Predictive Analytics. Tasked with eradicating impending threats by analyzing patterns in chatter, Grant’s world flips upside down when he receives a tip about a potential explosion in New Mexico. What unfolds is a pulse-pounding thriller that connects Grant with Sarah Newcomb, a therapist dabbling in past-life hypnosis, and Marigold, a patient entangled in a web of shared souls.
The premise is intriguing: a world where souls are limited and therefore shared among multiple bodies simultaneously. This creative spin provides an opportunity for exploring identity in ways I’ve never encountered before. Heisserer’s unique concept kept me utterly captivated as the narrative peeled back layers of reality and morality—always teetering on the brink of comprehension while leaving you hungry for more understanding.
What struck me most about Heisserer’s storytelling was his ability to maintain a fast pace while still anchoring the reader in vividly rendered character moments. Each character—Grant, Sarah, and Marigold—felt distinctly realized. I was particularly drawn to Marigold’s experiences as she navigated her shared existence, raising haunting questions about the lines that differentiate individuality from collective experience. The chemistry between the characters effortlessly drew me in and made the unfolding mystery all the more gripping.
Throughout the novel, Heisserer employs a cinematic flair in his writing style, which is no surprise given his background. The narrative flows seamlessly between action-packed sequences and reflective character development, allowing readers to inhale the tension while still teasing out deeper themes. I found myself chuckling along with the well-placed humor, which provided a delightful balance to the otherwise intense plot. His keen insight into the human psyche, echoes from his screenwriting days, glimmers through the text.
One of my favorite passages reminded me of the intricate tapestry that binds us as humans, “We’re all echoes of one another, fragments spinning in a shared dance.” It’s moments like these that left me reflecting long after I’d put the book down. This blend of philosophical exploration with a thrilling narrative made my reading experience both exhilarating and thought-provoking.
Simultaneous is a bold debut that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of speculative crime fiction. If you’ve ever marveled at the complexity of existence or enjoyed Heisserer’s work on screen, you will find this novel a compelling page-turner. It’s a story that challenges our perceptions of identity while keeping us on the edge of our seats. As October 28, 2025, approaches, I wholeheartedly recommend setting aside time for this immersive, mind-bending read!
Can’t wait to hear what you all think as this novel hits bookstores everywhere—trust me, you don’t want to miss out!
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