OnlineBookClub.org

The afterlife has always been one of humanities big mysteries. But while religions and belief-systems of old often has given images of what happens next that serves a certain purpose, today it seems that the idea of what comes after life is more open to interpretation than ever. And interest in After Life literature, such as the whole category of Near Death experiences, is huge. It is a great thing then, to read something as understated, direct and open-minded as Rita's world. What I really like about this book is that the whole premise is the friendship built up between Frank, and Rita. A respectful friendship, centered around their common interest in spirituality and philosophy in life, that simply doesn't end when Rita dies, but rather expands. From where she is on the other side, Rita has access to knowledge about existence that is far beyond ordinary knowledge. Through daily conversations Frank and Rita covers areas such as 'The nature of time,' 'Unlived potential' and 'Good and evil'.

Frank style is meticulous. Dates, time and pauses in the conversation is duly noted. He leaves room for Rita's views and everything seems transcribed word by word. For those tired of the After-life literature's somethings grand, sweeping interpretations of, for example, Near death experiences, this is a great contrast. It is truly Rita's world we enter, and not the ego of Frank DeMarco, which unfortunately is the case for many other writers in the genre. Rita's World is partially created in collaboration with Charles Sides, who helped him structure the questions and subquestions. This has probably enhanced the structure of the book.

For me, this is more than anything a book about a great, and touching friendship. And I leave the book feeling more convinced than ever that death is no end to special relationships, but that a lot of the After-life literature out there simplify the concept of death. This book does not.