Here's a more detailed summary:
The novel begins with Sheppard Lee waking up in a strange place with no memory of his past. He gradually discovers he's in a futuristic society, where technology and advanced science dominate. He begins to learn about his past through memories that flood back to him in fragmented flashes.
He remembers being a prince in ancient Egypt, a slave in ancient Greece, a soldier in the Roman Empire, a nobleman in Medieval Europe, a farmer in Colonial America, a revolutionary soldier, and even a woman in the 19th century. Through these lifetimes, he witnesses major historical events, falls in love, experiences joy, sorrow, and loss, and leaves a mark on the world in various ways.
However, Lee's reincarnation is not a cycle of blissful or even predictable experiences. He's confronted with the horrors of war, the injustice of slavery, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. He encounters both the sublime and the grotesque, the noble and the corrupt, within the tapestry of human history.
As he unravels his past, Lee grapples with profound questions about his identity, purpose, and the meaning of life. He wonders if he's merely a pawn of fate or if he has any control over his destiny. He struggles with the notion that his choices in one life might influence the lives he leads in the future.
Ultimately, "Sheppard Lee Written by Himself" explores the complexities of human existence through the lens of reincarnation. It invites readers to contemplate the nature of time, the cyclical nature of history, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The novel also offers a critique of social injustices and the challenges of navigating a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.
It's a unique and thought-provoking work that blends historical fiction with philosophical inquiry. Its fragmented narrative style and complex themes make it a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in exploring the boundaries of human experience and the mysteries of the universe.