This Book Made Me Want to Join the Afterworld

By Rebecca L.

            The structure of this novel is different and it takes some getting used to. We have all read books that switch narrators or point of views every few chapters, but Afterworlds takes this idea to the extreme. Instead of switching storytellers the author, Scott Westerfeld, switches stories entirely. The first plot that is introduced focuses on the life of young writer Darcy Patel. Patel is barely out of high school when she lands her first publishing deal. She drops her parents' perfect idea of what her future should be and moves to New York where she is to write a trilogy- the first book being Afterworlds. Darcy is clueless about adulthood and must learn how to juggle living on her own and managing her budget all while discovering herself through her books.

            The second plotline is centered around the struggles of teenager Lizzie Scofield. While returning home from visiting her father a terrorist group targets the airport that Lizzie is in. This near death experience changes her in ways that she cannot explain to anyone else- anyone living, that is. Lizzie must learn the rules of the "flipside" with the help of her new not-quite-ghostly friend, Yamaraj.

            The characters in these two stories seem to blur together as we see Darcy's whole writing process. Lizzie feels entirely made-up by this inexperienced novelist. Darcy makes it difficult to be lost in Lizzie's chapters when the book jumps so unexpectedly.

            Both stories are easily enjoyable when disregarding the book's set-up and looking at each story separately. Darcy's story ends happily with a nice "this is just the beginning" vibe. Lizzie's story, though, seems to switch messages completely and adds unnecessary characters to finish it off.

Darcy is easy to get attached to. This is a good thing for Lizzie's story, because it is more difficult to become annoyed when you develop a personal connection to the writer. This being said, no amount of connection makes it possible to forgive Darcy for the amount of "lip-tingling kisses" Lizzie shares with Yamaraj.

This book is definitely full of emotion and although much of the phrases used are cliché, the idea is fresh and leaves an impact. Afterworlds offers interest in many categories and I would recommend it for patient people looking for a dissatisfying ending.