Steph Bowe’s Sunny at the End of the World is a striking and thought-provoking posthumous novel that blends the tropes of dystopian fiction with psychological depth and a compelling narrative structure.
Discovered by her family after her passing in 2020, this novel stands as a testament to Bowe’s talent for weaving humour, humanity, and insight into stories that resonate beyond their immediate genre.
Set across two timelines, the novel follows Sunny and Toby, two teenagers navigating a world overrun by a mysterious zombie outbreak in 2018, and a now-undead Sunny in 2034, held captive in an underground facility. What at first seems to be a standard YA post-apocalyptic survival story quickly unfolds into something more intricate, as Bowe deftly layers mystery and suspense, prompting questions about the nature of the catastrophe itself. Was it a disease, a government conspiracy, or something else entirely? As the novel progresses, Sunny’s search for the truth challenges both the reader’s expectations and the assumptions of its characters.
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is its handling of perspective. Bowe plays with the reader’s understanding of events, turning the tables multiple times as the story unfolds. Sunny’s unique condition in 2034—her mind remaining intact despite her zombified state—adds a fascinating psychological dimension to the narrative, raising questions about identity, autonomy, and what it means to be alive. Through Sunny’s eyes, Bowe explores the paradox of consciousness within decay, a metaphor that deepens the novel’s emotional and philosophical impact.
Despite its weighty themes, Sunny at the End of the World is infused with Bowe’s trademark humour and warmth. Sarcasm and morbid wit act as coping mechanisms for the characters, balancing the horror of their circumstances with moments of levity and endearment. The found-family dynamic between Sunny, Toby, and baby Veronica adds emotional depth, reinforcing the novel’s core themes of resilience and connection in the face of devastation.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the novel, written before the global COVID-19 pandemic, feels eerily prescient in its engagement with biological disasters, government secrecy, and societal collapse. Reading it in a post-pandemic world adds an extra layer of relevance, making its questions about truth, misinformation, and survival feel even more pertinent. However, rather than simply leaning into apocalyptic despair, Bowe crafts a narrative that ultimately centres on hope, even in the face of irreversible change.
The Australian setting also provides a refreshing contrast to the predominantly American-centric tradition of YA dystopian fiction. The novel’s sense of place is strong, from the initial outbreak on the Gold Coast to the facility in Sydney, grounding the story in a distinctly Australian voice that adds richness to its worldbuilding.
Sunny at the End of the World is a remarkable novel that transcends its zombie premise to become a poignant journey through memory, loss, and survival. It is a must-read for fans of YA dystopian fiction, particularly those drawn to narratives that challenge conventions and leave readers rethinking what they thought they knew. Bowe’s final work is both a thrilling adventure and a heartfelt farewell, ensuring her voice will endure in the literary world.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Text Publishing