By: Jason Gerber
The Nearly Departed, by Jeanne K. Johnson, is an invitation to reflect on our lives, choices, and what lies beyond. This novel centers around Julie Ann Wilson, a 15-year-old whose dreams are interrupted by an unexpected death.
From a life full of promise and ambition, Julie goes on a journey in the afterlife, confronting not only her own story but the lives she left behind and the unresolved mysteries around her. Her journey brings readers to the threshold of self-reflection, challenging them to think about the meaning and value of each fleeting moment.
Set in 1975, Julie is at the cusp of adulthood, with aspirations of becoming an investigative journalist. She’s intelligent, fearless, and eager to make a difference.
Yet, in a tragic twist, her life is cut short, forcing her to struggle with a new existence among others who share her unfinished dreams. An ethereal space filled with those caught in between life and the great unknown.
The Timeless Questions
Julie’s character embodies the restless curiosity of youth and the timeless desire to leave an impact. She wonders why some people get so much out of life while others are left behind.
Now, in her journey through the “In-Between Land,” she’s surrounded by souls, The Discontents or The Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda People, who also linger with unresolved regrets. This rich setting allows readers to explore their lingering questions about missed opportunities, regrets, and the relentless pursuit of happiness.
Johnson’s prose reflects the universal feeling that life is fleeting yet full of moments that demand our attention and appreciation. In Julie’s story, readers will see their aspirations and the desire for meaning that fuels each of our lives.
By following Julie, we are invited to ask ourselves: What do we truly value? What would we regret if tomorrow never came? And ultimately, what might lie beyond our mortal existence?
Suspense and Mystery
Julie’s journey takes on darker hues when a charismatic yet enigmatic widower moves into her family’s lake community. His arrival disrupts her “Forever Summer,” an idyllic existence meant to comfort her spirit. Julie, with her youthful tenacity, senses something sinister beneath his friendly facade.
The innocence and the sinister mystery that takes place lead to a sense of suspense and urgency that will keep readers on edge, urging them to dig deeper not only into the story but into their reflections on life and death.
Julie’s relentless pursuit of finding the truth about the new resident brings her face-to-face with the weight of human choices. The struggle for closure and the reality that some questions may forever remain unanswered.
As she seeks to protect those she loves, even from beyond, readers will feel her desperation, courage, and fierce loyalty, qualities that remind us of the enduring power of love and purpose.
Reflections on the Afterlife
Through Julie’s eyes, Johnson explores the afterlife in a way that is neither preachy nor prescriptive. Instead, The Nearly Departed allows readers to approach questions of the afterlife from a personal and open-ended perspective. Her encounters with others in the “In-Between” offer a sense of wonder and comfort, allowing readers to imagine their visions of what might await us all.
The concept of an afterlife as a space of healing and understanding where one’s life can be fully appreciated is beautifully defined, providing solace and a quiet hope for readers pondering what comes after life.
Johnson’s story invites each of us to consider how our lives will be remembered and what mark we wish to leave behind.
Through Julie, readers are reminded that while we cannot change the past, we have control over the choices we make today. Choices that define who we are and how we will be remembered.
Life, Love, and Legacy
In the book, Jeanne K. Johnson delivers a narrative that is at once heart-wrenching and life-affirming. By bringing readers into the emotionally charged world of Julie Ann Wilson, she inspires us all to live each moment fully, to love deeply, and to cherish the time we have.
Through her journey, readers experience the resilience of the human spirit, the enduring nature of love, and the impact we have on the world, even after we’re gone.
Takeaway
This novel is a coming-of-age story interrupted by death. It is a powerful reminder to all of us to live without reservation. The Nearly Departed is also for those who may feel caught up in the daily grind to take a step back, breathe, and find meaning in each day.
If you’re searching for a novel that challenges you to reflect, brings you to tears, and leaves you with a newfound appreciation for life, The Nearly Departed is the one to read. With each page, Jeanne K. Johnson guides you through a journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Whether you’re young and ambitious like Julie or well into the seasons of life, this book will resonate, inspire, and encourage you to live with purpose and embrace each day with gratitude. Purchase your copy today!
Published by Iris S.
