This is a thoughtful look 300 years into a dystopian future. After the
Before is about two young people on a journey of discovery in more ways than
one and the challenges they face along the way. It is set in a small part of
the United States that has been ravaged by an apparent war. The landscape is
distressed, and people are forced to scavenge for things they need. But all the
while, they must also be aware of the machines they call the A-Eye, which are
also scavenging for people.
This novel is an easy to access sci-fi story that will leave the reader with
many questions. I think the story could be easily enjoyed by readers who aren't
necessarily sci-fi fans because of the many varied themes. Along with the
dystopian elements, there is a little romance, a lot of tension, some triumph,
and some tragedy. It is loaded with unexpected twists and turns, and there are
mysteries that will leave the reader wondering.
In a scarred land ravaged by a past catastrophe, two young people search
craters for items that may be useful. When Sophie and Markus discover a box
they cannot open. The box is translucent, and there is an item inside that may
hold answers to questions the pair have wondered about. They take the box to
their village leader, who suggests a trip into the city where there may be
someone who can figure out how to open the container and reveal long-forgotten
secrets.
Sophie, Markus, Jen and Barth depart on a journey of discovery and peril,
hoping the rewards will outweigh the risks.
Their journey is fraught with obstacles that must be overcome. The quartet encounters
good people just looking to survive, a fanatic with a nefarious agenda, and the
dreaded, flesh-eating A-Eye.
I enjoyed reading the story chiefly because of the well-developed
characters.
The principal characters, Sophie and Markus, face many challenges, not the
least of which are a discovery of themselves. They have been together all their
lives, searching the landscape for helpful things. As they spend time together,
they find feelings awakening in them they don't understand, especially about
each other. They have also had to grow up fast and learn the ways of survival
in a hostile land. Their plight is compelling and fascinating.
Jen is a wise older woman whose guidance is invaluable to the two
youngsters. Her past has a big influence in the story. She is mysterious, while
at the same time, endearing. Her companion, Barth, is also a bit of an enigma.
He is a man of few words, but he is also a man of action. He appears to have
devoted his life to keeping Jen safe. The reader will also find Barth a
character who is captivating through his actions.
The chief antagonist is a fanatic who seems to be able to justify anything
he does as right. He is cruel and doesn't have any redeeming qualities.
Then, there are the A-Eye that are artifacts from a past long forgotten.
They move about the landscape in search of anything they can use for energy,
but especially human flesh. The A-Eye are a constant threat, always present
even in their absence.
My favorite plot point in this story is more in what is not explained. As I
read through the narrative, I kept looking for reveals.
Foremost in my mind was the question of what apocalyptic event took place to
create the world's condition in After the Before? There are small hints, but no
conclusions. Another was the item in the box. What was its nature, and does it
have the answers everyone seems to have on their minds about the past?
Personally, I love a story that leaves questions unanswered.
The theme that stands out the most for me involves the box. Is it just an
item to advance the story, or is it a metaphor for a deeper theme? Does it
symbolize hope? My takeaway from After the Before is to think about the goal
(or what's in the box?), or is it more the journey? The item in the box may or
may not have the answers everyone is seeking, but the characters in the story
learn so much more as they traverse the landscape on their way to the city,
where they might uncover wonders they have never dreamed of.
After the Before is an excellent book for those who enjoy dystopian science
fiction. However, the characters and their adventure could be appealing to
anyone who enjoys a great story. While the principal characters are young
people, I would not call it a YA novel. Young readers in their late high school
years may find some of the content appeals to them. There are some intense
scenes of violence therein. It isn't a long read, coming in at 236 pages that
can be read in a couple of sittings, but there is a lot of story packed into
those pages. The pacing is steady. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and
turns.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Although he wrote his first science fiction story when he was 12 years old,
most of his writing has been as a songwriter. Whether it's a song, a short
story, or a novel, it's all stories. Truth be told, he prefers writing fiction
because it has fewer limitations than a song with its meter, rhyme scheme, and
phrasing constraints.
As a musician, Ernie has appeared twice on PBS's Austin City Limits and is a
member of the Texas Songwriters Association Texas Music Legends Hall of Fame.
As an artist, he exhibits at art markets around the state. His art, music
videos, and writing can be found on his website, www.ernies-artmusic.com.
Well, there it is...
Qapla!
