Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, we are all familiar with the effect of a loved one’s impact well after death. We can not avoid thinking, “What would X do”. After a while, we learn that such a reaction is a generally healthy one. “Afterlife” by Julia Alvarez reminds us that this is so in a powerful manner.

However, that is only one of the main threads weaving through this compelling novel. The other is immigration and how it has manifested itself especially over the most recent generations. Americans have always struggled with immigration, forced and otherwise. In a few recent iterations, Hispanic immigration especially was treated with a bit of a “look the other way” approach. As we all know, that time is clearly over. Immigration in all its phases is now fraught with danger and fear. Our surveillance state seems to know no limits.

Alvarez writes movingly about how even recent immigrants who have worked to assimilate into the so-called American melting pot still struggle to do what’s right. Each situation is unique. Every day brings opportunity for new decisions. Doing nothing becomes a decision as well.

Occasionally there are heroes that appear from the least likely of places. Sometimes there is tragedy that may or may not have been avoided. Ms. Alvarez has written a strong story with multiple layers. Her characters are fully believable;, each situation is totally plausible. The novel is cinematic in nature. Beautifully done.

Thanks to Algonquin and NetGalley for the eARC.