Julia Gray’s The Otherlife is an extraordinary read that defies expectations. Norse mythological themes are at work here but this is not a mythic adventure story in thetradition of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. This book is firmly grounded in reality; myth brings meaning to this work and to the struggles and complexities encountered by the lead characters.

The narrative focuses on the unlikely friendship between two boys, Ben and Hobie, who come from very different social backgrounds. Their friendship is founded on a mutual goal to secure a scholarship to an elite private school. Both boys must submit to a gruelling study program overseen by personal tutors employed to raise the boys’ academic standard to the highest level.

Several years pass and Ben is struggling to maintain the standard of excellence required in order to hold onto his scholarship. His mother’s expectations, too, weigh heavily on him. For respite, Ben channels his anger and frustration though heavy metal music and develops an addiction to painkiller medication.

A chance encounter with Zara, Hobie’s younger sister, triggers Ben’s recall of the competitive envy that once characterised his friendship with Hobie. It has been years, too, since the Norse gods made their presence known to Ben and they return with an important message to deliver: ‘He is dead’. But they don’t say who.

It is at this point that the narration shifts to Hobie, a disturbed character who finds depraved amusement in unbalancing the equilibrium of those around him. Hobie’s preferred target is his sister Zara and he manipulates her cruelly, causing her great distress. But it is the fate of Ben’s former mentor and tutor, Jason, that really provides the mystery and tension.

Natalie Platten