Emma and her parents share recurring dreams, in which they are a different family, living 100 years ago in an unfamiliar place, and heading toward tragedy. When Emma’s parents discover their dream family actually existed, it becomes clear that these visits to the past are more than mere dreams—they are playing an unseen role in this historical family’s lives. As the century-old history of this troubled family materializes, it reveals the truth that the impending tragedy spells doom for both families. Only five-year-old Emma has the power to avert disaster, but it will require extraordinary courage against overwhelming evil for Emma to save both families from destruction in The Other Place.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Nagele has crafted a clever and suspenseful sketch of a family desperate to undo their tragic fate. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes throughout, with quick, steady pacing and action that moves the story forward in a logical, linear fashion.
Prose: The prose flows smoothly, and Nagele builds uneasiness so delicately that readers will sense, more than see, the tension escalating.
Originality: This is a stunning work in its ability to slowly create almost unbearable tension. That, combined with the memorable characters, makes The Other Place stand out in a crowd.
Character/Execution: Nagele does a stellar job with characterization, particularly for five year-old Emma, who undergoes a tremendous ordeal on her way to saving the day.
Date Submitted: August 08, 2023
Quick paced and unsettling, The Other Place offers readers teasing mysteries to work through along with Emma’s parents. One surprising thread: what is the connection between The Gatekeeper and the song version of William Hughes Mearns’s poem “Antigonish”? As Emma’s dreams increasingly seem like they might be real, she finds herself inside Mary Ellen’s mind, fighting to keep Mary Ellen from being driven to murder, while Rob and Marcia eventually accept that their daughter is not delusional, they struggle to save both girls from The Gatekeeper.
Nagele weaves an intriguing story about families, childhood, the supernatural, self-sacrifice, and innocence both lost and saved, though the pace and pared-down language come at the expense of fleshing out the characters, especially Emma and her family. Scenes of abuse and terrorized children will put off some readers, but Emma’s fight to save Mary Ellen from evil is admirable, her determination and kindness shining through. The Other Place is rich in detail of the places past and present, and readers of horror-tinged historical mysteries will be intrigued to learn more about Glen Miller and William Hughes Mearns.
Takeaway: Unsettling supernatural story of a determined young girl’s dreams of a horrific past.
Comparable Titles: Penelope Farmer’s Charlotte Sometimes, Sarah Waters’s The Little Stranger.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
