"After the First Death" by Robert Cormier is a gripping tale about a group of terrorists who hijack a summer camp bus full of children. The story follows the intertwining lives of three teenagers - a bus driver, a hijacker, and the son of a general who is used for negotiating. The narrative delves into the complexities of the characters, showcasing their multi-layered personalities and the moral dilemmas they face. The author's writing style effectively portrays the terror, deception, and inner struggles of the characters, making the readers empathize with even the most flawed individuals in the story.

The book is a dark and brutal reflection of the real world, presented in a literary form. It explores themes of guilt, fear, secrecy, and loyalty, exposing the harsh realities faced by the characters as they navigate through a terrifying ordeal orchestrated by the terrorists. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the readers engaged and intrigued as they witness the characters' desperate attempts to survive the harrowing situation.

Characters:

The characters are multi-layered, each facing internal struggles that reflect broader themes of guilt, fear, and moral complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is concise and vivid, effectively conveying dark themes and deep empathy for its characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around a hijacking incident involving terrorists and a bus full of children, presenting unpredictable twists through multiple character perspectives.

Setting:

The setting centers around a school bus during a hostage situation, with a backdrop of political unrest and terrorism, enhancing the story's tension and stakes.

Pacing:

The pacing is consistently engaging, with short, impactful scenes that keep the content tense and absorbing.

I keep thinking that I have a tunnel in my chest. The path the bullet took, burrowing through the flesh and sinew and whatever muscle the bullet encountered (I am not the macho-muscled type, not at fi...

Notes:

The book features a hijacked camp bus full of children by terrorists.

Miro and Antibbe are the main terrorists in the story.

The General's son is a key character who negotiates with the terrorists.

The narrative shifts between multiple points of view, including that of the hijackers and the bus driver.

The story explores dark themes like guilt, fear, and emotional trauma.

Robert Cormier is known for his hard-hitting young adult fiction.

The book's themes remain relevant decades after it was written, especially post-9/11.

Characters are complex, showing both the perpetrators' and victims' perspectives.

The atmosphere of suspense is maintained throughout the book with unpredictable twists.

The ending is intentionally tragic with no characters escaping unscathed.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings due to themes of terrorism, death, emotional trauma, and violence.

From The Publisher:

Who will be the next to die?

They've taken the children. And the son of a general. But that isn't enough.

More horrors must come…

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
After the First Death?

See the list (42 books)

About the Author:

Robert Cormier (1925-2000) changed the face of young adult literature over the course of his illustrious career. His many books include The Chocolate War, I Am the Cheese, Fade, Tenderness, After the First Death, Heroes, Frenchtown Summer, and The Rag and Bone Shop. In 1991 he received the Margaret…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

After the First Death

Robert Cormier