How would you react if you died at the “pitiful” age of fifteen due to a hit-and-run? That is, if you could react to such a circumstance at all. Liz Hall, the protagonist of Gabrielle Zevin’s novel Elsewhere, faces this challenge in her after-life in the heaven-like land called Elsewhere. Moreover, she must deal with the fact that she will never grow up to accomplish all her dreams and pursuits like any other teenage dream such as, attending college, receiving your driver’s license, dating a myriad of people then eventually getting married. Furthermore to her dismay, life in Elsewhere goes counter-clockwise; that is, backwards. Therefore, she will turn 14 again and never become 16 as she desires with all her heart.

Forced to reside with a grandmother she barely knew on earth, Liz faces her new “life” with bitterness. However, as time will progress, she learns to be optimistic of her new life along with the aid of another murdered 16-year-old named Thandi and Curtis Jest, an overdosed junkie and band member of her favorite band Machine. In addition, she begins to develop feelings for Owen Wells, a reserved 17-year-old, who has been dead for 9 years.

Things, however, become awkward in Elsewhere for Liz as Owen’s wife unexpectedly arrives at Elsewhere. In addition, to make things more uncomfortable or rather worse, Liz’s killer too arrives at Elsewhere. Should she forgive the man who killed her when life was beginning to bloom for her...or not…even, if she unravels the truth behind her sudden death?

Gabrielle Zevin presents a case in Elsewhere that undoubtedly we have all asked ourselves one time or another: Is there an after-life, and if so what is it like? Zevin’s prose is simple—everyday speech—and never supercilious; nonetheless entertaining. The plot flows smoothly page after page. Additionally, she adds some humor to lighten the novel’s seemingly somber mood. Elsewhere is original and poignant, offering much to meditate and discuss after finishing the novel.