kate's Reviews > At the End of Everything

A heart pounding and gripping story of the resilience and strength of those forgotten and overlooked.

I’ll admit, due the inspiration behind this book and the painful reality of it, I was apprehensive going into this book. Is it too soon to read a covid inspired story? Did I really want to immerse myself even more in a pandemic world? Was it going to be feel ‘too’ real? But in all honesty, I think Marieke did a wonderful job with this book and perfectly balancing the ‘real’ with the dramatised. I flew through this book in two sittings and whilst there were moments that were undoubtedly uncomfortable to read, for the most part, it felt like the exciting, nail biting and anger inducing apocalyptic thriller it is and would have been in a pre-covid world. The timeframe in which the pandemic grew was accelerated and exaggerated in a way that just about managed to feel far enough removed from the current covid situation to enjoy it and feel like an apocalyptic story, rather than a covid-set one. That being said, there were moments and terms that hit a little too close to home and somewhat pulled me back into covid life (but I’m not sure any kind of plague, virus etc. narrative will ever not do that now?)

I also loved the way Marieke handled the different characters and their backstories, identities etc. It was wonderful to follow such a diverse and ignored cast of characters being so resilient and basically kicking butt, whilst also not having their identities, disabilities or pasts overlooked, sensationalised or pitied. Each character had their own, individual and endearing voice and I loved following each of them.

Overall, whilst I appreciate that this story won’t be for everyone (and wholly understand why) I thoroughly enjoyed it. Marieke’s approach to this narrative and it’s characters was empathetic and exciting, their writing style easy to read and gripping and I have to say, they may have convinced me not to totally avoid all covid inspired/related work in the future (although not fully because I’m not sure I trust that everyone will execute it so brilliantly.)

TW: transphobia, ableism, abuse, mention of sexual violence and racial profiling.