They Both Die at the End

This thought-provoking novel is set in a near future New York where everyone is told of their imminent death so they have 24 hours to fulfil their last wishes.  An entire industry has grown up around this premise offering virtual reality experiences, virtual visits to countries and free last meals.

When Mateo Torrez gets the call, he at first holes up in his room deciding carefully what he should do. His mother is dead and his father is in a coma in hospital.  He wants to visit his father one last time and tidies up the flat before leaving but he also realises he does not want to be alone on his last day so connects with the Last Friend app on his phone.  That same day Death Cast has also called up Rufus Emeterio while he is beating up his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend and he could do with some company also as the police are on his trail and his friends have dispersed.  After a few false starts the two arrange to meet to face their last day together.  The pairing of these two unlikely teens is inspired and brings out the best in them both.  Mateo is naturally more cautious and anxious while Rufus is the more reckless and open of the two although he suffers terrible guilt as his parents and sister were killed in a car accident.  He has lived in a children’s home during the past few months.

With chapter-headings counting down time which adds to the urgency, the boys embark on a whistle-stop adventure giving away their possessions, seeing friends and family, and discussing their hopes of what they might have aspired to had they had a future.   Naturally they become inexorably closer as the day ensues.   This is a well written novel about the power of friendship, hope and love written in an authentic teen voice.  Although perhaps a little too drawn out in places, this book is both heart-breaking and heart-warming and is far more about living life to the full and not letting fear hold you back than a novel about death.