Explore the Fabric of Time and Choice

“The Upper World” by Femi Fadugba is an electrifying debut that pushes the boundaries of young adult fiction, fusing theoretical physics with the pulsating energy of London’s streets. At its heart, it’s a story of two teenagers, Esso and Rhia, separated by years but connected by a mysterious phenomenon that allows glimpses into a dimension where time can bend and choices reverberate across realities.

When 16-year-old Esso narrowly escapes death, he begins to see fragments of the “Upper World,” a place that reveals the consequences of past actions and illuminates possible futures. Years later, Rhia navigates her own tough world, unknowingly intertwined with Esso’s past and a pivotal decision that could alter everything for them both.

A Unique Blend of Science and Storytelling

• Quantum Time Travel: Fadugba, a Oxford-trained quantum physicist, grounds his fantastical narrative in real scientific concepts, making the impossible feel plausible and deeply engaging.
• Dual Timeline Narrative: The clever structure alternates between Esso’s and Rhia’s perspectives, building suspense and revealing the intricate connections between their lives.
• Gritty Realism Meets High Concept: The novel stands out for its unique blend of a speculative, high-concept premise with an authentic portrayal of contemporary London youth culture.

Critics have lauded Fadugba’s fresh voice and his ability to make complex scientific ideas accessible and compelling. The Guardian praised it as “a mind-bending, heart-pounding journey,” while The Bookseller called it a “brilliant, gripping, and conceptually bold” work that brings science and destiny into collision. The novel’s cinematic potential has also been recognized, with a film adaptation starring Daniel Kaluuya in the works.

“The future is a choice we make, not a place we end up.”

This thought-provoking narrative challenges readers to consider the impact of their own decisions and the interconnectedness of time. A used copy is available online through Bookshop Near Me.