Death and Romance: Afterlove by Tanya Byrn

Gaia Kinder-Hine

The book ‘Afterlove’ is about two girls who meet during a school trip and fall for one another. Tragically, their time is cut short, and the couple are separated by death. As the one who remains living battles with the loss of a love with so little time to blossom, the other has to fight her own war as she comes to terms with her death and becoming a reaper, someone who escorts the souls of the deceased to their final resting places.

The book is beautifully written and the love between the two is that of a fairy-tale as they fight to find one another again following their separation. The representation in this book gives me hope that one day there will truly be widespread inclusion for all, and we can come to accept that

I think what resonated most for me at least, is how the two girl the experience sexuality and discover their own place in this world. The fact Ash falls in love but has been hurt by it so many times really shows the reality of the way queer women fall in love, sometimes with the wrong people, only to turn the corner and find the right one. In a way, I suppose, it can be said for all relationships, but for queer women this is an entirely new narrative. Finally, we all have a book to relate to, with good representation free of stereotypes. The beating heart of this narrative is our queer couple, Ash Persaud and Poppy Morgan, which is truly comforting and gives me hope to find my other half the same way these two do, although I wouldn’t mind less death!

Poppy Morgan and Ash Persaud are a beautifully crafted couple, who complement each other perfectly and seem to balance and encourage each other to try something new or expand their lives. The positive representation is relatable not only to queer women but the entire community and beyond, through their healthy but also beautiful relationship connecting with all who read this book.