The Upper World by Femi Fadugba: Your Complete Guide
The Upper World by Femi Fadugba is a science-fiction thriller for young adults that blends physics, time travel and a gripping story set in South London. In Sri Lanka, you can buy The Upper World online with island-wide delivery from Bookshop Near Me. The book follows two teenagers, separated by decades, whose lives connect through a mysterious dimension where the past, present and future collide. It’s ideal for readers aged 14 and up who love smart, fast-paced fiction.
If you’ve been searching for “the upper world Sri Lanka” to find where to read or purchase this acclaimed debut novel, this complete guide covers everything — the plot, the author, what makes it special, similar books, and how to get your copy delivered to your door.
Key Takeaways
- The Upper World is a young-adult sci-fi thriller by British author Femi Fadugba, published in 2021.
- The story uses real physics concepts — like the speed of light and time — to explore time travel in a believable way.
- It is told across two timelines, following teenagers Esso and Rhia in South London.
- The book was optioned by Netflix, with actor Daniel Kaluuya attached to the project.
- You can buy The Upper World in Sri Lanka online with delivery across the island from Bookshop Near Me.
Quick Facts About The Upper World
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | The Upper World |
| Author | Femi Fadugba |
| Genre | Young Adult / Science Fiction / Thriller |
| Published | 2021 |
| Series | Book 1 of a planned duology |
| Format | Paperback |
| Availability in LK | Buy online with island-wide delivery |
What is “The Upper World” about?
The Upper World is about two teenagers, decades apart, who both discover a strange dimension where time behaves differently — and the choices they make there ripple across the past and future. The novel weaves together two timelines into one tense, emotional story about fate, family and the power of a single decision.
In the first timeline, we meet Esso, a teenager living in South London who becomes caught up in a dangerous situation after an accident. He starts experiencing glimpses of another reality — the “Upper World” — where he can see moments of the future. But seeing the future comes with a heavy question: can it be changed, or is everything already set?
Years later, in the second timeline, we follow Rhia, a foster teen and talented footballer searching for answers about her past. Her story gradually connects to Esso’s in ways that are best discovered as you read.
What sets this book apart is how it grounds time travel in genuine science. Femi Fadugba uses real ideas from physics — about light, speed and how time can stretch — to make the “Upper World” feel possible rather than magical. There’s even a short appendix explaining the science behind the story.
You can find the full details and secure your copy on the Upper World product page.
Who is Femi Fadugba?
Femi Fadugba is a British author and physicist whose debut novel, The Upper World, marked him as one of the most exciting new voices in young-adult science fiction. He brings a rare combination of scientific training and storytelling talent to his work, which is exactly why the physics in his novel feels so convincing.
Fadugba studied physics and has a background that spans science, technology and education. This expertise directly shapes his fiction — instead of hand-waving over how time travel might work, he builds his story on real theories, making the impossible feel within reach.
His writing also draws on the world of South London, giving the book an authentic sense of place, community and character. The result is a story that is both intellectually clever and emotionally real.
The Upper World quickly earned attention beyond the page: it was optioned for a Netflix adaptation, with Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya involved. That kind of recognition is remarkable for a debut author.
You can explore more about his work and background on the Femi Fadugba author page.
What makes “The Upper World” worth reading?
The Upper World is worth reading because it delivers a thriller’s pace, a scientist’s precision and a genuinely moving human story all at once — a rare combination in young-adult fiction. It rewards readers who like to think while they’re being entertained.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Real science, real stakes: The time-travel concept is built on actual physics, which makes the plot feel smart and believable rather than far-fetched.
- Dual timelines that pay off: The two stories of Esso and Rhia are told separately but connect in satisfying, surprising ways.
- Diverse, authentic characters: The book centres Black British teens and the community of South London, offering representation that many readers rarely see in sci-fi.
- Fast, tense pacing: It reads like a thriller, with short chapters and constant momentum that make it hard to put down.
- Big questions: Free will, destiny, and whether we can change our future are woven naturally into the plot.
For readers who enjoy stories that make you think about time, choice and consequence, this book offers plenty to discuss — making it a great pick for book clubs and classrooms too. Reserve your copy through Bookshop Near Me.
Who should read this book?
The Upper World is best suited to readers aged 14 and up who enjoy science fiction, thrillers, and stories with emotional depth and clever ideas. It appeals to both teenagers and adults who love fast-paced, thought-provoking fiction.
You’ll especially enjoy this book if you are:
- A student or young adult who loves science and wants fiction that respects your intelligence.
- A fan of time-travel stories and want a fresh, grounded take on the concept.
- A reader who likes dual-timeline mysteries where separate stories cleverly link together.
- A teacher or parent looking for engaging fiction that could spark interest in physics.
- A book collector or gift buyer wanting a modern, award-nominated debut with a Netflix future.
Because it blends real science with adventure, it’s also a wonderful bridge book for readers who usually stick to non-fiction but want to try a novel. Its themes make it suitable for classroom discussion and independent reading alike.
Books similar to “The Upper World”
If you loved The Upper World, several other titles offer the same mix of big ideas, emotional storytelling and page-turning momentum. Here are some recommendations available at Bookshop Near Me:
- If you liked the smart science and romance angle, try Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood — a witty, character-driven story set in the world of neuroscience and research.
- If you enjoyed dual timelines and emotional depth, read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, which follows two sisters across two timelines during World War II.
- If you love stories about fate, memory and interconnected lives, explore The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., a sweeping historical novel about destiny and survival.
- If you’re drawn to epic tales of choice and consequence, discover Mahabharata: Stories of Valor and Virtue — timeless stories about duty, fate and moral decisions.
Each of these titles echoes something readers love about The Upper World — whether it’s the intelligence, the emotional stakes, or the exploration of destiny and time.
Where can I buy “The Upper World” in Sri Lanka?
You can buy The Upper World in Sri Lanka online from Bookshop Near Me, with convenient island-wide delivery to your home or office. Ordering online means you don’t have to travel or search bookshop shelves — your copy comes straight to your door.
Here’s why book lovers across Sri Lanka choose Bookshop Near Me:
- Island-wide delivery to Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna and everywhere in between.
- Genuine, quality copies of popular international titles.
- Easy online ordering from your phone or computer.
- A wide catalogue so you can order similar books in the same purchase.
To order, simply visit the Upper World product page, add it to your cart, and check out. You can also browse the author’s page and related recommendations to build your reading list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Upper World suitable for young readers?
Yes. The Upper World is a young-adult novel recommended for readers aged 14 and up. It contains some tension and mature themes typical of thrillers, but it’s widely enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike.
Is The Upper World based on real science?
Yes. Author Femi Fadugba is a physicist, and the book uses genuine physics concepts about light, speed and time to build its time-travel story. The book even includes an appendix explaining the science.
Is The Upper World part of a series?
Yes. The Upper World is the first book in a planned duology, so the story continues in a follow-up novel. It works as a compelling standalone read while leaving room for more.
Is The Upper World being made into a film?
Yes. The Upper World was optioned by Netflix, with acclaimed actor Daniel Kaluuya attached to the project. This makes it a great time to read the book before any adaptation.
How long does delivery take in Sri Lanka?
Bookshop Near Me offers island-wide delivery across Sri Lanka. Delivery times vary by location, but you can order online from anywhere on the island and have the book brought to your door.
What genre is The Upper World?
The Upper World is a young-adult science-fiction thriller. It combines elements of mystery, adventure and speculative fiction, with a strong grounding in real physics.
Final Thoughts
The Upper World by Femi Fadugba is a standout debut that proves science fiction can be both intelligent and deeply human. With its grounded physics, dual timelines, authentic characters and a Netflix adaptation on the horizon, it’s a book worth reading now — before everyone’s talking about it.
Ready to explore the Upper World for yourself? Order your copy today from Bookshop Near Me and enjoy convenient island-wide delivery anywhere in Sri Lanka. Happy reading!