At the End of the World by Nadia Mikail

With the world about to end, Aisha and her family undertake a road trip to find her estranged sister in this blazingly original and wonderfully affecting young adult debut.

When the world is ending, what matters most to you?

Seventeen-year-old Aisha hasn't seen her sister June for two years. She has no idea where she is, but that hasn't stopped her from thinking about her every day and hoping she's okay.

But now that a calamity is about to end the world in nine months' time, she and her mother decide that it's time to track her down and mend the hurts of the past. They don't have any time to spare—if they don't resolve their issues now, they never will.

Along with Aisha's boyfriend Walter and his parents (and a stray cat named Fleabag), the group embarks on a roadtrip through Malaysia in a wildly decorated campervan to put the past to rest, to come to terms with the present, and to hope for the future, even with the world about to end.

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In At the End of the World by Nadia Mikail, readers join Aisha on a journey that’s as much about mending relationships as it is about discovering what truly matters in the face of impending doom. With just nine months left until a mysterious global catastrophe is set to destroy the world, seventeen-year-old Aisha, her mother, her boyfriend Walter, and his parents set out to find Aisha’s estranged sister, June, who she hasn’t seen in two years. They travel in a brightly painted campervan, crossing Malaysia in search of closure, forgiveness, and one last chance at family.

The novel is a deeply moving exploration of reconciliation, forgiveness, and resilience, presenting a road trip unlike any other. Aisha’s desire to reconnect with June and face the unresolved tensions in her life is heartfelt and compelling, bringing a sense of urgency to every mile traveled. The story’s emotional depth is heightened by the end-of-world backdrop, giving readers a profound sense of the fragility and beauty of human connection. There’s even a stray cat, Fleabag, who adds a layer of humor and warmth to the group’s journey.

Mikail’s debut is a refreshing take on both young adult and apocalyptic fiction, filled with poignancy and an underlying hopefulness that lingers long after the last page. With its quiet reflections on family and love, At the End of the World will appeal to fans of introspective, character-driven novels.

Readers who enjoy bittersweet coming-of-age tales may find parallels in novels like They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera, which similarly explores love and family in the face of limited time. And for a film pairing, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World captures the same mix of humor, introspection, and connection that makes this story unforgettable.

At the End of the World publishes on the 5th of November, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.