In her third novel, Suzy Krause masterfully weaves together elements of speculative fiction with intimate family drama to create a story that is both haunting and hopeful. Following the success of her previous works “Valencia and Valentine” and “Sorry I Missed You,” Krause ventures into new territory with “I Think We’ve Been Here Before,” tackling themes of mortality, family bonds, and the nature of time itself against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse.
Story Overview
Set in rural Saskatchewan, the novel follows the interconnected lives of the Schmidt family as they face not one, but two devastating pieces of news: patriarch Marlen’s terminal illness diagnosis and the announcement that a cosmic gamma ray burst will soon end all life on Earth. As Christmas approaches, each family member processes these revelations in their own way, leading to a rich tapestry of human responses to mortality.
Character Development & Relationships
Krause excels at creating multidimensional characters whose reactions to impending doom feel authentic and relatable. The ensemble cast includes:
- Hilda, the matriarch who channels her grief into painting intricate murals throughout their farmhouse
- Marlen, the prophetic writer whose novel eerily predicts their circumstances
- Nora, their daughter stranded in Berlin who finds unexpected love
- Irene, Hilda’s sister who clings to denial through a mysterious letter
- Ole, Irene’s missing son who seeks refuge with his grandfather
- Iver, the elderly patriarch whose arcade machine collection becomes a bridge to memory
Each character arc is carefully crafted, with their individual stories weaving together to create a larger narrative about family, forgiveness, and the cyclical nature of existence.
Writing Style & Narrative Structure
The author’s prose is both accessible and lyrical, with moments of unexpected humor lightening what could otherwise be an overwhelmingly heavy narrative. Krause employs multiple perspectives and timelines with skill, creating a sense of déjà vu that mirrors the novel’s central themes about memory and time.
Notable strengths include:
- Strong dialogue that reveals character and advances plot
- Vivid sensory details that bring rural Saskatchewan to life
- Masterful pacing that builds tension while allowing for meaningful character moments
- Seamless transitions between perspectives
Themes & Symbolism
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
Time & Memory
The concept of déjà vu runs throughout the narrative, suggesting that time might be more circular than linear. This is reinforced through Marlen’s prophetic novel and the characters’ recurring sense of familiarity with unfamiliar situations.
Family & Connection
At its heart, this is a story about the bonds between family members – both blood relations and chosen family. The approaching apocalypse serves to highlight these connections rather than diminish them.
Art & Legacy
Through Hilda’s murals and Marlen’s novel, the story examines how we leave our mark on the world and process our experiences through creative expression.
Critical Analysis
While the novel largely succeeds in its ambitious goals, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
Strengths:
- Innovative blend of science fiction concepts with literary fiction sensibilities
- Well-developed characters with distinct voices and motivations
- Beautiful prose that captures both the mundane and the extraordinary
- Thoughtful exploration of complex themes
Areas for Improvement:
- Some secondary plot threads could be more fully developed
- The scientific explanations of the gamma ray burst occasionally feel simplified
- The pacing in the middle section sometimes loses momentum
Comparative Literature
The novel sits comfortably alongside other works that blend speculative elements with literary fiction, such as Emily St. John Mandel’s “Station Eleven” and Karen Thompson Walker’s “The Age of Miracles.” Like these works, Krause’s novel uses its science fiction premise to explore deeply human stories.
Impact & Relevance
Published in 2024, the novel resonates particularly strongly in our current era of global uncertainty. Its themes of family connection in the face of catastrophe feel especially pertinent, while its ultimately hopeful message provides comfort without becoming saccharine.
Final Thoughts
“I Think We’ve Been Here Before” is a remarkable achievement that manages to be both intimate and epic in scope. While it may occasionally stumble in its ambitions, the novel succeeds in creating a moving portrait of family life in extraordinary circumstances. Krause has crafted a story that lingers in the mind long after reading, prompting reflection on our own relationships and what truly matters when time grows short.
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy:
- Character-driven literary fiction
- Thoughtful speculative fiction
- Family dramas
- Stories about hope in the face of adversity
- Innovative narrative structures
About the Author
Suzy Krause is a Canadian author based in Regina, Saskatchewan. Her previous novels “Valencia and Valentine” and “Sorry I Missed You” established her as a voice to watch in contemporary fiction. With “I Think We’ve Been Here Before,” she demonstrates continued growth as a writer, tackling more complex themes while maintaining her signature warmth and insight into human nature.