The world of young adult fiction has a new addition that promises to captivate readers with its unique blend of fantasy and coming-of-age themes. Peggy Payne’s My Life on Earth and Elsewhere, published by Hydra Publications, tells the story of a teenage girl named Darcy who finds herself caught between two worlds.
The novel begins with Darcy feeling a sense of unease, as if something bad is about to happen and then it does. She feels herself leaving her body and soaring into the air. As she hovers weightlessly in a backyard tree, she encounters a shy teenage boy who disappears as quickly as he appeared. Darcy’s life is about to change in ways she never could have imagined.
As she returns to her body, Darcy learns that her parents are separating, a revelation that shocks her to the core. She struggles to come to terms with this new reality, while also exploring the spirit realm she has discovered. Darcy finds herself torn between two worlds, unsure of where she truly belongs.
One of the most intriguing aspects of My Life on Earth and Elsewhere is the relationship between Darcy and Risto, the tree boy she encounters in the spirit realm. Risto is a fascinating character, and readers will be eager to learn more about him as the story unfolds. Darcy must navigate the complexities of their relationship, as well as the larger questions of what it means to be alive and what happens to those who exist in the spirit realm.
Throughout the novel, Peggy Payne weaves together themes of family, identity, and belonging in a way that will resonate with young readers. My Life on Earth and Elsewhere is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that is sure to capture the imaginations of its audience. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story with a fantastical twist.
