Who Are The Siblings In 'The Immortalists' And Their Fates?

I recently finished 'The Immortalists' and was struck by how deeply it explores the idea of fate versus free will. The book follows four siblings who, as children, visit a fortune teller that predicts the exact dates of their deaths. This prophecy shapes their entire lives in different ways. Some become reckless, believing their time is limited, while others try to control every aspect of their existence to outrun their fate. The novel also dives into themes of family bonds, the weight of secrets, and how the knowledge of death influences how we live. It’s a poignant look at whether knowing our future would liberate or paralyze us.

I recently dived into 'The Immortalists' by Chloe Benjamin and was completely captivated by its exploration of fate and family. After finishing it, I was desperate for more and did some digging. Turns out, there aren’t any direct sequels or spin-offs, which is a shame because the characters and their stories left such a lasting impression. The book stands alone, but if you’re craving something similar, I’d recommend 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' by Arundhati Roy or 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Both have that rich, character-driven depth that made 'The Immortalists' so special. While no follow-up exists, the original novel’s themes resonate so powerfully that it’s worth revisiting on its own.

I've read 'The Immortalists' and a ton of other books that explore the theme of fate and mortality, and what stands out about Chloe Benjamin's novel is how deeply it digs into the emotional weight of knowing your death date. Unlike 'Life After Life' by Kate Atkinson, which plays with reincarnation and alternate timelines, 'The Immortalists' sticks to a linear narrative but makes each sibling's journey feel intensely personal. The book reminds me of 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig in its exploration of choices, but 'The Immortalists' is grittier, less fantastical, and more grounded in family dynamics. It's not as action-packed as 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,' but it hits harder emotionally because of how real the characters feel. The prose is beautiful but not overly flowery, which sets it apart from more poetic works like 'The Book Thief.' If you love character-driven stories with a philosophical edge, this one’s a standout.

I remember picking up 'The Immortalists' because the premise about four siblings who learn their death dates from a fortune teller hooked me instantly. While I was reading, I got curious about its accolades and did some digging. It wasn’t until later that I found out Chloe Benjamin’s novel had been nominated for the 2018 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction. That’s a pretty big deal considering how competitive that category is. The book also made waves in literary circles, landing spots on must-read lists from places like The Washington Post and NPR. It’s one of those books that might not have a shelf full of trophies, but the buzz it created was undeniable. The way it blends family drama with existential questions definitely earned it a loyal fanbase, even if it didn’t sweep every award out there.

'The Immortalists' digs deep into the human obsession with cheating death, making it a philosophical playground. The premise—four siblings learning their exact death dates from a mystical fortune teller—forces each to grapple with fate versus free will. The novel dissects how this knowledge shapes their lives: one becomes reckless, another obsessive, a third spiritual, and the last defiantly pragmatic. Their choices mirror existential debates—do we create meaning, or is it predetermined? The prose weaves in Camus-like absurdity and Nietzschean will-to-power moments, especially when characters confront their mortality head-on. The sibling who embraces hedonism echoes Epicureanism, while another’s turn to medicine mirrors Baconian control-over-nature ideals. The book doesn’t preach but asks: if you knew your expiration date, would you live differently? It’s philosophy dressed as family drama, with death as the unspoken narrator.

I remember picking up 'The Immortalists' because the cover caught my eye, and I ended up loving every page. The book was published by Penguin Press, and it hit the shelves on January 9, 2018. It's one of those novels that stays with you long after you finish it, blending family drama with a touch of magical realism. The story follows four siblings who visit a fortune teller as kids, learning the dates of their deaths. The way Chloe Benjamin explores fate and free will is just brilliant. I couldn't put it down, and I've recommended it to so many friends since then.

I'm always hunting for the best deals on books, and 'The Immortalists' is one I’ve bought multiple times as gifts. The cheapest place I’ve found is usually Amazon, especially if you’re okay with a used copy in good condition. ThriftBooks is another great spot—they often have discounts, and shipping is free over a certain amount. For ebook lovers, Kindle versions go on sale frequently, and platforms like BookBub alert you to price drops. Local used bookstores sometimes surprise you with hidden gems, but online retailers tend to be more consistent for pricing. Don’t forget to check eBay or AbeBooks for rare editions or signed copies if you’re into collectibles.

In 'The Immortalists', the fortune teller isn’t just a plot device—she’s the catalyst that fractures the Gold siblings’ lives. Her prophecy about their death dates forces each sibling to confront mortality in wildly different ways. Simon flees into hedonism, Klara chases magic as escapism, Daniel clings to control, and Varya buries herself in science. The irony? Their obsession with the prophecy shapes their fates more than the prediction itself. The novel asks: Does knowing your death date liberate or imprison you? The fortune teller embodies that question, her cryptic words haunting every page. The siblings’ choices reveal how belief bends reality. Simon’s reckless joyride through life mirrors his ‘short’ timeline, while Varya’s sterile longevity research mirrors her ‘distant’ death—yet both are trapped by the prophecy’s shadow. The fortune teller’s role is genius: she’s barely a character, just a voice, yet her influence lingers like a ghost. The book suggests that maybe destiny isn’t fixed—it’s the weight we give to predictions that makes them real.