The End of the World Is Bigger than Love

She said we didn’t know what the world out there had become. We had been alone there so long on that tiny island, in that tiny church. But in the night, I couldn’t bear it. My chest beat like wings.

Identical twin sisters Summer and Winter live alone on a remote island, sheltered from a destroyed world. They survive on rations stockpiled by their father and spend their days deep in their mother’s collection of classic literature—until a mysterious stranger upends their carefully constructed reality.

At first, Edward is a welcome distraction. But who is he really, and why has he come? As love blooms and the world stops spinning, the secrets of the girls’ past begin to unravel and escape is the only option.

A sumptuously written novel of love and grief; of sisterly affection and the ultimate sacrifice; of technological progress and climate catastrophe; of an enigmatic bear and a talking whale—The End of the World Is Bigger than Love is unlike anything you’ve read before.

‘An extraordinary, marvellous work; the writing is staggeringly beautiful, the scope is majestic and breadth astonishing. A gigantic rollercoaster ride of emotion, The End of the World Is Bigger than Love is highly recommended for ages 13 up to (and including) adult, especially for bookish readers who love language and would savour the many references to books from classic literature.’ Readings

‘The most outstanding young adult novel I read in 2020…[Davina Bell] has ascended into another sphere with this intuitive, surreal and assured literary work. The End of the World is Bigger than Love invites multiple readings and will imprint the imagination.’ Australian

‘This book is magical realism at its finest — a story that is utterly unique and beautifully executed, filled with ethereal imagery and descriptive language.’ CBCA Judges’ Comments

‘Sparkles with magic and hope…Stunningly creative…While [it] is technically billed as a YA novel, it’s one for adults too. Don’t miss it.’ Good Reading