A novel that personifies the perfect use of first person narrative, the author opens up the story in the apartment of a person recently passed but to reasons unknown. The author launches quickly into plot as protoganist Malena (Mal) comes to terms there is no judgment but is introduced to the “afterlife”. I really enjoyed the quick pace of the beginning; not only was I drawn in but I didn’t want to put the story down either. 

How unexpected; a heartfelt story of grieving laced with dark humor. I would have enjoyed a little more set up with Ren; they fell into that friendship a little too quickly and he was a much deeper character than that. The love story between the two just got in the way of the depth of the story for me. The pacing in the back half felt completely different from the first, so that threw me off. And the “love story” just overall made me sad. 

Overall, this was a great read, if you can handle someone facing their inner demons with a little dark humor too. Definitely add this one to your reading wishlist 

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for an early release copy