What Dreams May Come: A Novel

This novel is the most vivid, complex, and surprisingly convincing depiction of afterlife I have ever encountered in a work of fiction. Nothing else I have seen on the subject, in literature or in film, comes close--certainly not the 1998 film. Before I read the novel, I had no idea that a story about Heaven and Hell could have such a profound effect on me. In the metaphysics of the film and the book, dying involves shedding your physical body and entering a mental environment shaped by thoughts. Your fate in such an environment is largely self-imposed. That much of the movie intrigued me, the first time I saw it. The problem was the schmaltz. I mean real schmaltz, piled on in large mounds, in place of strong narrative. It's hard for me to convey just how very different the novel is. Of course there are major differences in the plot. One such difference is the ending. (Even Roger Ebert, who heaped high praise on the film, was disappointed by the ending.) Another is the beginning, where the film adds Chris's children to the list of characters who die and go to Heaven. In doing this, the movie (1) makes the early scenes so depressing they become surreal (2) needlessly clutters the story with extra characters (3) introduces a silly and confusing subplot about Chris's attempts to find his children, who are in disguise. In the book, Chris's children are adults, not youngsters, and they're minor characters who never die in the course of the story. The details of Chris's life on Earth differ so greatly between the book and the film that it's like reading about a completely different person. Even though I saw the movie first, the image of Robin Williams completely vanished from my mind as I read, because he was so unlike the character described in the book. The entire feel of the book is different, telling a touching love story that uses real characterization, not cheap manipulation, to move the audience. And Matheson's vision of the afterlife truly comes alive on the page. The Hell scenes are actually terrifying, reminding us, as the movie does not, why Matheson is primarily famous as a horror writer. I won't overlook the movie's gorgeous visual effects, which earned the film a well-deserved Academy Award. They just aren't put to good purpose. The movie's vision of the afterlife as like being inside giant paintings fails to evoke a sense of reality. The book, in contrast, bases its afterlife imagery (vividly brought to life by Matheson's skillful prose) much more on Earth-like scenery. This approach ironically leads to far more exotic ideas, such as architects who build things using their minds, and a library containing history books more objective than those on Earth. One of Matheson's unique qualities as a fantasy writer has always been his almost scientific approach to the supernatural. Here, Matheson makes Heaven and Hell seem like a scientific, natural process, and one of the joys of the book is discerning all the intricate "rules" of how everything works. (That's another area where the movie falls short.) What needs to be kept in mind, however, is that Matheson doesn't do this just for entertainment purposes. In the novel's introduction, he tells his readers that the characters are the only fictional component of the novel, and that almost everything else is based on research. The book even includes a lengthy bibliography. Thus, the afterlife that Matheson describes isn't some fantasy world he concocted from his own head, but something he believes to be an accurate description of reality. Some people may wonder, at this point, about Matheson's religious background. He was raised a Christian Scientist, but gradually developed what he calls his own religion, taking elements from many sources. One of the book's main influences, I believe, is eighteenth-century Christian mystic Emanuel Swedenborg. From what I've seen, people react negatively to this book based on how far it departs from their personal beliefs. Christians complain about the absence of Jesus, while those who don't believe in any afterlife consider the story too nonsensical to accept. Most readers, it seems, are put off by the New Age terminology and concepts scattered throughout the book. These reactions are puzzling, if you stop to think about it. Books about elves, fairies, dragons, and wizards remain popular even though nobody believes in any of those things. Why should people be bothered by a fiction book portraying a Heaven and Hell that conflicts with what they believe? The book is perfectly enjoyable whether or not you accept Matheson's metaphysics. Of course, I personally do think Matheson provides insight into the subject--though I admit I'm a little wary of his acceptance of paranormal phenomena. But it amazes me how so many people refuse to even touch the book, thinking that any story with such a plot must automatically be hokey. In most cases, they'd be right. "What Dreams May Come" is a big exception. It suggests the endless possibilities in a subject that normally is dead weight for fiction. And it really makes you think.

“We are part of a plan, never doubt that. A plan to bring each one of us to the highest level of which we are capable. The way will be dark at times but it leads, assuredly, to light” (p. 265) In this gripping story of undying love and devotion, Chris Nielsen’s life is cut short by an untimely car crash, separating him from his beloved wife, Ann. As Chris learns the true nature of survival after death, he also realizes that Heaven itself isn’t complete without Ann. Will these two soul-mates manage to reunite against seemingly impossible odds? This frame tale comes to us in the form of a manuscript communicated by the narrator's deceased brother, providing his personal account of the great beyond. While I can’t claim to have read extensively on the subject, this vibrant novel is a surprisingly convincing depiction of the afterlife. And Richard Matheson's vision of the hereafter truly comes alive on every page. In the metaphysics of What Dreams May Come, death involves the shedding of one’s physical body and entering a cerebral environment shaped entirely by thought. One’s fate in such an environment is largely self-imposed. Everyone makes their own existence in the afterlife, and only those who’ve improved themselves and become better individuals can move on to an even higher realm. With expert prose and a style that is welcoming to a broad audience, Matheson employs Earth-like scenery as the basis for the imagery of the afterlife, which helps pave the way for some resplendent concepts, including ethereal architects who use only their minds to create buildings and landscapes, and a library housing historical books far more objective than anything on Earth. The depiction of Summerland (one of the heavenly planes and the story’s central setting) is so reassuring and familiar, complete with dogs and comfortable clothing. Matheson applies a rather scientific approach to the supernatural—a method that failed to serve his previous novel, Hell House, but works astonishingly well here—making Heaven and Hell seem like a wholly logical and natural process. One of the pleasures of this touching masterpiece is fathoming all the complex "laws" governing life and death. The lengthy bibliography at the end of the book underscores the extensive research Matheson conducted, taking elements from many religions to bring together what he perceives to be an accurate depiction of reality. The legendary author makes numerous unpretentious statements on such existential topics as the meaning of life and morality, contending that compassion and empathy are evolutionary traits of the ascending soul—whose purpose exists as a unique and subjective truth that is transcendent of life itself. What Dreams May Come urges readers to carefully reflect on their lives and the people in their respective lives whom they love and, perhaps, take for granted. If Matheson’s version of the afterlife proves correct, then death is not to be feared and there is tremendous hope for us all. Ultimately, though, it's each of us that holds ourselves back. Readers of all walks of life, regardless of their beliefs, can find enjoyment and inspiration from this tale, this thought-provoking journey into the human experience as both physical and spiritual beings.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is an exquisite, genius blend of metaphysical knowledge into what we're told is a fiction story. I'm not ashamed to admit that I wept with joy and sorrow through much of the first third of the book, especially Chris's death at the very beginning. I thought the entire book resonated quite well with my own belief system, which has been aquired from many books on mysticism, spiritualism, and metaphysics in general. While I speak about the ending in the sentences that follow, I will attempt to not put out any spoilers and try to speak about things in broad, general terms. I was very disappointed and upset by the ending of this book. More than disappointed, angry, enraged. Upon reflection I felt that the ending was a complete contradiction of the principles established in the first third of the book. It felt like an immoral and contradictory conclusion to an otherwise flawless masterpiece. The ending for me was nothing more than dogma. Having read it, I understand now why the movie's creators were so conflicted about how the story should end, but I believe that the movie got it right here and the book, wrong. I prefer the book to the movie's everything else for the most part though. And the following paragraphs DO CONTAIN SPOILERS... As a hopeless, head over heals romantic, I more than identified with the story. It felt like I was reading a real account of the afterlife from a real person. The ending felt as hollow as Ann did in hell. It felt like a punishment, not like a balancing of the scales. And I do not accept the idea of karma as described by the author. The idea of karma ends when a soul realizes, learns, accepts, and repents the wrong of their actions, no further action is required. Why would there be? If the requisite knowledge becomes a part of the soul, it does not need to be learned again through some forced action of retribution. There is no karma as retribution. Karma is a tool to teach, empathy, compassion, patience, and so on. Not a tool of punishment. I do not believe that a soul would ever be forced to be reborn, first, without their own choice in the matter, and, second, with any handicap or ailment that soul hasn't specifically selected for itself for it's personal growth, no matter what its past life deeds. And I do not accept that any person so brought to the pit of despair to commit suicide will have any conclusion forced on them as a result of leaving the earthly plane before their scheduled departure. As the book establishes, reality for any soul is a result of that soul's thoughts, this is as true for a soul that has been taken naturally or one that takes itself through suicide. It is also unacceptable that the hall of records would not have known about this potential suicide. Each thought is a chain, one leads to the next, the examiners there would have certainly known of Ann's plan to take her own life, especially at that moment of her intense suffering and despair on earth. She would have been surrounded by guides and helpers to help her at the moment of her crossing to attempt to prevent her from sinking into the turmoil of hell. The ending was completely unacceptable to me. So much so that I feel that every single copy of this book should be recalled and the ending rewritten completely. Keeping two souls, who love and are devoted to each other so completly, apart from each other after so much anguish and despair and toiling just feels cruel and way over the top. Even if they were eventually brought together in a new life. What about their children? Wouldn't they like to see their parents in the great hereafter after /their/ heartache? It makes no sense. I do not accept (at least in the context of this story) that rebirth could possibly take place so quickly. Furthermore, if a soul's thoughts and will create their own reality, how can it be said that Ann must be reborn immediately? No one would possibly choose such a path after that experience. I have other issues with the story here and there. The concept of a soul's ultimate goal being to be reunited with God is written about an awful lot. Personally, I believe we all already reunited with God since we all contain the essence of God already, as does everything around us. So, what would be the point? I can imagine no greater boredom than becoming little more than a fixture. Perhaps there is more to it that my tiny, feeble mind does not yet understand. But this thought goes to my greater point, life, afterlife, whatever, is what God does to keep eternity interesting. The book was so much more detailed, expansive. I hated that the movie dumbed down so much, introduced unnecessary characters, and added far more drama and grief to a story that already had more than enough grief. This is just Hollywood making things more dramatic than necessary.

I loved this book. It's such a wonderful take on the afterlife. Beyond that is the ultimate love story of sacrifice & dedication. Definitely recommend to any interested in a book that will change your way of thinking.

Bought this book ages ago but finally got around to reading now. No point going over the plot since most will be familiar with it from the movie, but in terms of writing, I thought it was a little schmaltzier than the movie, though something feel good is always nice. It's also a lot more 'tell' rather than 'show' so to speak, large chunks of it are just the protagonist listening to angels (or friendly companions, more specifically) explaining stuff about etheric bodies and all that the author obviously read in some of the 'occult' books listed in the bibliography. I enjoyed it, though. I'd give it 4.5 stars but I'll round it up to 5. For my copy, printing and binding were clean too, so thats good.

What Dreams May Come, by Richard Matheson, is a book about the afterlife. Chris Nielson dies in an automobile accident, but he doesn’t realize that he is dead for a while. He tries to speak to his beloved wife (Annie), but she doesn’t seem to hear or see him. Eventually he finds himself in a beautiful place (Summerland), which he is surprised to learn is in the afterlife. However, he cannot bare to leave his wife suffer without him and he becomes obsessed about needing to be with her. He has been informed that they will be together in the afterlife when her life ends, 24 years in the future. However, things go badly for her and he must try to help her. This book is a love story that provides a very interesting version of life-after-death.

Really interesting read. Enough different from the month at it is worth the read. Makes you really think about the afterlife.

Overall: 3 ½ stars. Plot/Storyline: 3 ½ stars I love the concept here, the idea of the story, but I think this is somewhat a case of "you had to be there." In short, this felt dated - very Age of Aquarius - and repetitious. It's possible that the concepts he presented felt new at the time - think of white lights, and silver cords - but are almost clichéd now. Because they might have been new at the time, he went into these ideas at great length, as if each one was a revelation. I would have preferred more story instead. Beyond the white light and thoughts are everything - which I suppose I do believe, but would like a new take - the most dated scene was also perhaps the most touching. I just imagine it was even more touching back then. Chris, despairing of reaching his wife, settles for saying to her all the things he's never said before. He appreciates that she's kept up her personal appearance and baked when so many women had abandoned that womanly art. If regular baking and keeping a clean house is what's needed to make a husband battle hell, I'm in for one - ahem - hell of a wait. I feel this scene should have been set to Escape (The Pina Colada Song) and he should have told her that she was a "really special lady." Okay, okay, I was still moved. Also, this version of heaven, where lakes are clear and oceans are calm, doesn't rock my gypsy soul. Hell and, I suppose you'd call it, purgatory, were a lot more interesting to me - particularly the version his wife Ann finds herself a willing captive to. I'd dare say anyone who has known depression will recognize a grayed out existence where any effort to improve your lot is just too much. I like that all dogs apparently do go to heaven - birds, too. I'm seriously a sucker for that and a full-on believer it wouldn't be heaven without `em. According to the book, the most loyal of canines might even end up in more unsavory places rather than abandon a loved on. I don't feel like the ending had the closure I wanted, but was instead about yet another journey. Characters: 4 stars I really felt like I knew Chris and, to a lesser extent, Ann. Chris was just too damned perfect though. The term we use today is a Gary Stu. His worst crime not was telling his wife more often how much he appreciated her. (For, you know, the baking.) I knew the other characters he encountered deserved heaven because they never lost patience with him. I suspect I'm punishing him for being a guy when Alan Alda was the role-model of sensitive manhood. Writing style: 3 1/2 stars Richard Matheson is a highly acclaimed author and respected across many genres and has written many things I've adored. His book, Bid Time Return, was the basis for Somewhere in Time, one of my late mother's favorite movies. He also wrote that Twilight Zone in which William Shatner freaks out on an airplane. Also, Incredible Shrinking Man and I Am Legend. He is a good, perhaps even great writer, but some of the repetition here drove me nuts. Still, many of the descriptions of life after death were wonderfully vivid. As mentioned, the scene with Ann's hell being a state of powerlessness, where everyone dies and everything falls apart, was both moving and chilling. Editing: No Rating I'm going to hold off on giving an official rating on this one since the version I purchased seems to be unavailable (when I access it from my Kindle/The Kindle Store.) I`d purchased my copy back in 2009, and I suspect that version is missing because they fixed the issues I found that probably occurred in the conversion process. Most of the errors were missing letters and orphaned quotation marks. I cannot say for sure that the new version doesn't have the same errors.

Da ich keine deutsche Übersetzung gefunden habe, habe ich mich an das Original gewagt und es nicht bereut! Auch wenn ich mit meinem durchschnittlich gutem English immer wieder mal ein Wort nachsehen musste, war der Lesegenuß ungetrübt. Wer an einen "Live-Bericht" von den Vorgängen nach dem Tod interessiert ist, wird hier viel erfahren. Auch wenn es für jeden anders ist, so sind doch die Nach-Todes-Erlebnisse von Chris Nielson spannend und aufschlussreich.

Excelente libro. Una historia que te envuelve y deja pensando en como vemos la vida y lo que pasa después. Me encanto.

Non è assolutamente all'altezza del film. Grande il regista Vincent Ward a ricavare un film così stupendo da un racconto così mediocre. Valido come esercitazione per lettura dell'inglese.

After seeing the film over the years on several occasions, I have now read the wonderful book. As a Medium, and having seen my loved-ones on a regular basis over the years, I smiled while reading Richard Matheson's story as a lot of the detailed information within it is indeed factual and true. Of course, I respect that not everyone in this world believes in an afterlife, but one day they will see - to their surprise and happiness (and relief) - that there is one and that life goes on. Mr Matheson conveys detailed imagery and mentions what many NED's (near death experience) survivors have documented over many decades, that there is something on the 'other side'. Richard Matheson is one of my favourite authors, he was an amazing writer; not just because this is my favourite book (and film) but because he was a gifted writer who carries readers on a fantastic journey throughout time, beautiful experiences, he gets to the heart of the matter in an eloquent and moving manner and you just cannot get enough of his work as you turn each page eagerly and feel genuinely sad when you reach the final page, as you truly want to read more, and more, and more of this talented man's inspiring and interesting words. He doesn't just stimulate your mind, he touches your heart and soul too and that is rare of most storytellers. I highly-recommend this book - What Dreams May Come - to anyone who is ever curious as to what lies behind the thin veil that we call 'the spirit world' and how we can still interact with our loved-ones once we have passed (or crossed-over) from this realm of existence into the next, and that love really does conquer everything. Just because we die physically, that is not the end of us as a soul...far from it. I'm not religious, but I do know that there is an afterlife for us, and many beautiful things (the spirit world is very much like here on earth - but colours and scenery are more vivid - seeing our loved-ones and even pets again) awaits us. It truly is comforting and provides much hope for anyone grieving the loss of a loved-one. Nothing (and no-one) is ever really lost. The consequences of suicide are described within the book but, from my understanding, those who take their own lives in real life are not punished (my sister wasn't), they are given help and comfort to see where they went wrong on their life path and are given opportunities to put it right in a future life. After reading What Dreams May Come, you will question everything about life and 'death' and you will come to the conclusion that there must be something more than our existence here on earth... That there is more. And it's all great. Despite this story in the book being labelled as fictional, there is a lot of truth within it and I believe that Mr Matheson knew this... The man had a glimpse of the other side for real, and through his written work he has helped and has comforted countless people worldwide, and has instilled much hope to them - how wonderful is that. Although the details in the film version contain different things in parts, compared to what is in the book version, the lessons are the same; that life - and love - are eternal, and the dreams that await us after physical death are very much real and spectacular. What Dreams May Come. A brilliant wonderful book. No doubt Mr Matheson is still telling fabulous stories to friends and family in the spirit world. What a lovely man. I sincerely hope that anyone who has read his book, regardless of whether they have had a loved-one pass away or not, feels comforted and happier as a result of reading this breathtakingly-beautiful story.

Je me suis tellement attachée à ce livre, quand je l'ai fini j'ai ressenti un vide. J'aimerai trouver un livre similaire afin de rester dans la même ambiance.