ALL THAT’S LEFT IN THE WORLD by Erik J. Brown

Sometimes you are recommended a book by someone you love and cherish, you hope that they aren’t steering you wrong and then you start said book and realize they steered you so wrong that you may question their taste forever more. Thankfully this particular recommendation does not fall into that category.

All That’s Left in the World is set in the near future when a “super flu” has ravaged the world. Set post COVID-19, it tries to paint a picture of the lessons that we have learned and not learned from our time in lock down.

When two young men are brought together under unfortunate circumstances, they must try to figure out how to survive in a hostile world while figuring out if they can trust each other.

Young Andrew arrives at a, seemingly, deserted cabin in the middle of the woods and soon finds that another young man, Jamison, is hiding out within, waiting for the inevitable to happen: succumbing to death. In an effort to survive, Jamison and Andrew decide to trust each other while venturing out of the cabin to find a rumored sanctuary. As they embark on their journey, they begin to realize that their trust, initially, seems to be just as fractured as the unknown frontier they are set to encounter, post global pandemic. Through their journey, we are treated to a series of thrilling encounters, heartbreaking experiences, and a bond that transcends the fear of the unknown.

Erik J. Brown has crafted a dystopian story that finally brings queer characters to the forefront of the post pandemic world. Although we may not be certain what kind of relationship will blossom between the characters, we are shown a true portrayal of questioning our feelings for another human being in the most unlikely of places and times.

It is not just a story for queer people, it is a story for anyone who has ever felt affection for another person in uncertain times. A truly beautiful story that not only will bring a smile to your face but many tears to the eye.