University Honors

Nation of Sorrow' is a polyphonic YA fantasy novel that follows the perspectives of five young adults, ranging from sixteen to nineteen years old. Through diverse characters, readers will be able to see everyday young adults' struggles with the exploration of minor themes, such as domestic violence, poverty, exploration of identity and sexuality, and the injustice of social hierarchies. However, the major theme explored is grief, specifically the wide range of responses of teenagers to the loss of a loved one. The first grief experience and the aftermath are shown through the fantasy element because the story is set in a world where, for some, there is no grief as the spirits of past loved ones remain and live ordinary lives among the living. Five families were chosen by the four Elemental Gods and the God of Death to receive abilities. The next inheritors of powers are from the youngest generation, and the main character is Dean Romero, the Chosen of Death, but when his brother is killed, he is unable to find his brother’s spirit, making it the first loss in centuries. In a world where grief is nonexistent, Dean and the rest of the Chosens must travel on a journey to find the truth behind Dean’s brother’s death and discover why public opinion has turned against the Chosen families. With this novel, I aim to provide adolescents with a world of fantasy that not only intrigues them but also helps them understand and process their emotions and problems.