I’ve read a lot of books on the subject, so the benchmark is high. Some of the best written and mind opening books I’ve ever read have been the recounting of these kinds of experience. I went for it because of this particular framing. And the prose delivers in connection with the theme.

However the conceit wasn’t enough to differentiate itself from stronger works. It does what it sets out to do. And it’s good. It’s just exactly as I expected. If you’re new to stories like this, I think you will be moved by it. If you’re steeped in classics and historical/modern classics, I think you may find it won’t exceed expectations. Which a perfectly fine thing for a book to deliver, imo. 3 stars, for me, is a good rating.