The Otherworld
Publisher: Orlando
A moving and humorous novel about lost intuition, anticipatory grief, and what we can learn from swans
Marius is a bus driver, an aspiring birdwatcher, and a caregiver for his wife, Philo, who has outlived medical expectations for years. As a game developer, she introduces him to The Otherworld, a virtual space where people can be themselves or someone entirely different. In this realm, Marius starts a cruelty free tiger farm on a tropical island where he hosts online parties every Friday night. As he meets new people, he prepares for life after Philo’s eventual passing.
Despite their long relationship, cracks appear in the symbiotic bond between Marius and Philo. Marius receives advice from real life sheep, ants, and his cat, while a swan tries to console him. The imbalance escalates until a tiger unexpectedly appears in his living room.
The Otherworld is a poignant and humorous exploration of lost intuition, anticipatory grief, and lessons from animals.
Praise:
‘Bouwman has skillfully constructed her original narrative. […] As the novel is written in the first-person, you slip smoothly into Sarlag’s fantasies.’ – •••• NRC on Hard Skin
‘It is impressive how Bouwman builds the kind of suspense that makes you want to keep reading, both through the way she reveals information and through her vivid, visceral prose.’ – Trouw on Hard Skin
