Joanne Taylor's The After is a compelling middle-grade/YA dystopian novel that blends survival with emotional depth. Set in a post-pandemic world where societal structures have crumbled, The After delivers a story of resilience and growth through the lens of a young protagonist. Published by FriesenPress and sponsored by iRead Book Tours, this October 2024 release promises to captivate readers aged 10 to 15—and adults alike! Check out my review, read Joanne Taylor's guest post about what inspired her to write this book, and be sure to enter the giveaway!
What Inspired Me to Write "After"
by Joanne Taylor
When I taught in the high Arctic, I marveled at the resilience, adaptability and resourcefulness of the Inuit people. Many of my students, some as young as six, would go out on the land with their parents for months at a time. While living in a very harsh and unforgiving environment, they were taught to hunt, fish and live off the land.
Not to the same extent, of course, but many of my young students in rural Nova Scotia are also taught to hunt, fish and grow a lot of their own food.
When Covid hit, I was living on a small acreage in rural Nova Scotia. Due to government restrictions, we were very isolated. The border closings, food supply disruptions/shortages, lack of outside contact or travel got me thinking, “What if . . . What if things do not go back to way they were . . .”
That is how The After was born. I wanted my main character (Charlotte) and her family to have some survival skills. I also wanted them to have strong connections to others in their community.
For The After, I envisioned (hoped for) a place where the majority of people would help each other (and not just turn into zombies-haha).
Takeaway for Young Readers:
It was important to me that Charlotte and Anna be strong female characters (for all those young girls out there). I wanted them to be innovative, creative, good problem solvers, resilient and kindhearted. I was hoping young girls could see themselves being Charlotte or Anna—with the takeaway being that nothing is impossible if you are willing to put your mind to it and work together.
Thank you, Joanne, for your guest post. I always think the best stories result from hard times and "What ifs" like yours. Also, I loved your characters. You did a wonderful job creating strong female characters that many middle graders and young adults will love.
Be sure to read my review below and get a copy of the book "The After".
My Review
The story follows fourteen-year-old Charlotte, who has spent the past decade isolated on a rural Nova Scotia farm with her family. Despite the chaos outside, Charlotte’s life has been a fragile balance of peace and survival. When a stranger breaches the safety of her family’s fence, Charlotte faces a dilemma: should she report the intruder or take a chance on the companionship she secretly yearns for? This choice sets off a chain of events that challenges Charlotte’s bravery and reshapes her understanding of family, trust, and self-reliance.
What Makes The After Shine
🌟 Charlotte’s Character
Charlotte is the heart of this novel. Her tenacity and fierce love for her family make her instantly relatable and likable. Readers will root for her as she navigates complex decisions and faces her fears in a world devoid of easy solutions. Taylor writes Charlotte with depth, balancing her youthful innocence with the heavy responsibility thrust upon her.
🌟 Immersive Setting
The stark, rural Nova Scotian landscape becomes almost a character in its own right. Taylor’s descriptions of the farm, the surrounding wilderness, and the remnants of the fallen world immerse readers in the story. This isolation amplifies the tension, underscoring the stakes of Charlotte’s decisions.
🌟 Themes of Growth and Survival
At its core, The After explores what it means to grow up in extraordinary circumstances. Themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of connection weave through every chapter, resonating deeply with readers.
Why You’ll Love This Book
Taylor’s writing is both accessible and evocative, making it perfect for middle-grade and young adult readers while maintaining the emotional complexity that older readers can appreciate. Charlotte’s journey is gripping, and the pacing keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The balance of action and introspection ensures that the story never feels stagnant.
My Thoughts
The After is a triumph in middle-grade dystopian fiction. I was particularly moved by Charlotte’s bravery and the raw emotions she exhibits in protecting her family. Taylor crafts a story that is as heartwarming as it is suspenseful. Charlotte’s evolution from a cautious girl to a courageous young woman is inspiring.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book earns a glowing five stars for its masterful storytelling, relatable protagonist, and vivid world-building. Joanne Taylor has delivered a novel that readers will remember long after turning the final page.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of dystopian tales or simply enjoy stories with strong, well-drawn characters, The After is a must-read. It’s a story about family, survival, and the courage to face the unknown—perfect for readers young and old. Don’t miss this poignant and beautifully written novel.
Have you read The After? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below! 😊
Thank you for writing such a detailed review! Your valuable contribution will inform & inspire others when they are looking for a YA novel to read. ❤️