'Elsewhere' by Gabrielle Zevin is a young adult novel that follows the story of fifteen-year-old Liz Hall who wakes up on an ocean liner in the afterlife after dying in a hit-and-run accident. In Elsewhere, the dead age backward until they are infants and sent back to Earth. Liz must come to terms with her death, let go of her past life, and navigate her new existence in Elsewhere. The book explores themes of life, death, grief, acceptance, and the concept of starting anew in the afterlife.

The writing style of 'Elsewhere' is described as imaginative, thought-provoking, and engaging. The author, Gabrielle Zevin, presents a unique perspective on the afterlife, creating a world that is both familiar and different from our own. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, touching moments, and deep reflections on life and loss, making it a compelling read for young adult readers.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with Liz serving as a relatable protagonist who grapples with complex emotions, supported by a range of well-developed secondary characters.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by lyrical and evocative language, effectively balancing humor with emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a teenager's unexpected death and her experiences in a creative afterlife, focusing on the themes of grief and acceptance.

Setting:

The setting is a creative depiction of the afterlife, resembling Earth but with unique rules about existence and aging.

Pacing:

While the pacing may not be fast-paced thriller-like, it effectively allows for character development and keeps readers engaged.

Liz (who is Elizabeth to her teachers; Lizzie at home, except when she’s in trouble; and just plain Liz everywhere else in the world) sits up in bed, bumping her head on an unforeseen upper bunk. From...

Notes:

The book 'Elsewhere' explores a unique take on the afterlife where individuals age backwards, starting from the age they die.

Liz Hall, the protagonist, dies at 15 in a hit-and-run accident and finds herself navigating life in Elsewhere, a realm for the deceased.

In Elsewhere, residents can observe their loved ones on Earth but cannot interact with them, creating a bittersweet experience of watching life go on without them.

The afterlife in this story is depicted as reminiscent of everyday life, with jobs and relationships, but there is an absence of traditional aging and death.

The concept of avocation is introduced, where characters engage in activities they love rather than conventional jobs, creating a fulfilling existence in the afterlife.

Relatable characters and their struggles are portrayed through Liz's experiences, making it easier for readers to connect with her emotional journey.

Through Liz's story, the book emphasizes themes of acceptance, the value of life experiences, and the importance of cherishing loved ones while also letting go of the past.

The writing style is described as lyrical and evocative, contributing to the emotional depth of the narrative and its appeal to both young adults and adult readers alike.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in the story, depicted through the protagonist's developing relationships.

From The Publisher:

Is it possible to grow up while getting younger?

Welcome to Elsewhere. It is warm, with a breeze, and the beaches are marvelous. It's quiet and peaceful. You can't get sick or any older. Curious to see new paintings by Picasso? Swing by one of Elsewhere's museums. Need to talk to someone about your problems? Stop by Marilyn Monroe's psychiatric practice.

Elsewhere is where fifteen-year-old Liz Hall ends up, after she has died. It is a place so like Earth, yet completely different. Here Liz will age backward from the day of her death until she becomes a baby again and returns to Earth. But Liz wants to turn sixteen, not fourteen again. She wants to get her driver's license. She wants to graduate from high school and go to college. And now that she's dead, Liz is being forced to live a life she doesn't want with a grandmother she has only just met. And it is not going well. How can Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?

This moving, often funny book about grief, death, and loss will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin is a 2006 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Ratings (12)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (25):

Read It (12)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

StephB

It Was OK

3 months

Elsewhere was chosen strictly for a challenge read, but ended up being a unique story. Albeit with some less than likable points (mainly due to the fact that this was clearly written for younger readers). The main character, Elizabeth "Liz" Hall, is 14 years old upon her death and very unhappy that she will never have the things she dreamed of, never reach 16, have a boyfriend, go to prom, learn to drive, get married, etc.

The overall story of people ending up in Elsewhere upon their death and aging backwards to babies was very interesting. Those that arrive in Elsewhere take various amounts of time coming to grips with the fact that their lives are over. They are able to view the people they left behind through telescopes and some have even found a way to communicate with their loved ones, although it's not recommended and illegal to do.

Liz does her best to adjust, finding and meeting her grandmother who she never knew in life, getting a job, making friends and meeting a boy. The relationships and ability to meet up with those we've lost, find new friends and loves in this "new life" was a heart warming addition to the story.

I think that younger readers will find this story a lot of fun and enjoy it more than adults.

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About the Author:

Gabrielle Zevin is the author of award-winning books for young adults including Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, and books for adults including The Hole We're In and Margarettown. She was also the screenwriter for Conversations with Other Women, which received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Of her writing, The New York Times Book Review said, "Zevin's touch is marvelously light even as she considers profundities." A dog lover and Harvard graduate, she lives in New York City.

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Elsewhere

Gabrielle Zevin