Review: The Wanderer by Josie Williams

Seventeen-year-old Ryder Edmonds died five years ago. Stuck on Earth, he spends his afterlife with his best friend Jade wandering amongst the living as a ghost. When Ryder encounters fifteen-year-old Maggie Nichols, a shy redhead
who enjoys listening to Queen and reading fantasy novels, he falls head over heels in love. After saving Maggie from a dangerous situation, Ryder realises that he will do anything to spend more time with her — including possessing one of her schoolmates.

Josie Williams’ debut presents a nuanced love story that deals with difficult issues such as death and bereavement while also enthralling the reader with a light-hearted teen romance. Despite Ryder’s mistakes, the reader cannot help but sympathise with him and Maggie as they seek out happiness and companionship in a lonely, cruel world.

The Wanderer is a poignant narrative that tackles the impact of death and loss while depicting a moving account of the joy and warmth of first love. Williams presents the reader with a vividly realised setting and a cast of colourful characters as the story of Maggie and Ryder’s growing love for each other unfolds.

A beautiful novel about finding the positives during times of difficulty, this book discusses death and grief with gravitas and sensitivity, while also reminding the reader to enjoy the little things in life.

Joanna Geoghegan