A Magical Journey Through Grief and Hope on The Elsewhere Express

Samantha Sotto Yambao blends dreamlike fantasy with profound reflections on grief, love and purpose in this imaginative novel.

Key Points:

The Elsewhere Express blends fantasy and emotional storytelling to explore grief, love and healing.

The story follows Raya as she is transported from an ordinary subway ride into a surreal world of wonder.

Through vivid imagery and memorable dialogue, the novel reflects on purpose, loss and the power of imagination.

I only have one word to say about this book – wow.

OK, two – wow and magical!

Samantha Sotto Yambao has merged dreams with reality within these pages, as she brings the train, The Elsewhere Express, to life.

One night on the subway, Raya allows her mind to wander and carry her away from the depressing, grey reality that she hides in every day… except she doesn’t stay seated in the crammed, smelly subway carriage. Instead, she finds herself transported to a mystical world that defies all reason and logic.

Whether it’s jumping through an empty picture frame, chasing songs along the seashore, or painting and creating twinkling stars out of thin air, The Elsewhere Express invites its passengers to find their place, encouraging them to drop their heavy baggage of heartbreak, regret and illness as it chugs along its seemingly endless track.

Grief, loss and questioning your purpose are all very normal chapters of life, but inside the crystal carriages of this train, we are shown the beauty in these seasons. Grief and love can co-exist. Guilt does not define you. Loss is not the end of the road.

I honestly don’t want to give too much away, except to say that as someone who usually speed reads, I found myself intentionally re-reading paragraphs just to fully visualise the world Raya and Q find themselves in. It’s beautiful.

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Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book:

“Thoughts are fragile things. Great ideas are born every day and killed by a whisper or a shred of doubt. People talk themselves out of thoughts as fast as they create them.” (Rasmus)

“Ideas and dreams aren’t broken by hammers. They’re shattered by worries and doubts.” (Rasmus)

“I don’t want to kill time. I need to make the most out of every second we have left and use them to get to know as much about you as I can.” (Q)

Pick it up. Sit in silence for a few minutes once you’re done. Pass it on to a friend. Buy more of her books!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book discusses the topic of losing your sight. Reader discretion is advised.

Feature image: Supplied (Penguin Books )