The Extincts
Veronica Cossanteli
BOOK REVIEW

In a world where the echoes of the past linger like shadows in a dimly lit room, The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli emerges as a beacon for those wrestling with the intangible dread of loss and longing. This novel is a resounding call to the heart, a masterful fusion of adventure, nostalgia, and the profound connections we forge with those who have left us-whether through death or memory.
At the heart of this enchanting tale lies a hauntingly unique premise: what if, instead of merely vanishing, those we loved could return, albeit for a brief moment? A concept that dances tantalizingly close to the realm of magical realism, Cossanteli weaves a narrative that is both whimsical and deeply poignant. As our protagonist, a young girl named Holly, embarks on a quest to find her missing friend, she steps into a surreal landscape where extinct creatures roam free-dinosaur skeletons spring from their graves, and the spirits of the lost shimmer in the air like forgotten dreams.
Each character she encounters reveals layers of loss, opening wide the wound of grief while simultaneously nurturing the balm of hope. The emotional weight of The Extincts is undeniable and hits hard-a testament to Cossanteli's skill in expressing the intricacies of human emotion. Readers are drawn into a whirlpool of feelings, from the bittersweet pangs of nostalgia to the exhilarating rush of rediscovery, inviting us to face our own ghosts and confront the fractures of our past.
The relationships crafted within these pages echo long after the final sentence. Reviewers have hailed the authenticity of Holly's journey. Critics praise how Cossanteli seamlessly blends humor with heartache, creating a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the sting of absence. One reader noted, "Cossanteli has a way of making the unreal feel profoundly real, allowing us to explore the depths of our emotions while frolicking with fictional monsters." Others have commented on the rich imagery that brings this fantastical world to life, with lush descriptions that tantalize the senses and stir the imagination.
As you dive deeper into the fabric of the story, Cossanteli invites you to reflect: What would you do if you could bring back someone you've lost, even if just for a fleeting moment? This question pulsates through the narrative, igniting introspection and forcing us to reckon with our own experiences of loss and the lengths we would go to reclaim a piece of our past.
Given that The Extincts was published in 2016, it also serves as a mirror reflecting our evolving social constructs around death, memory, and mourning-an introspective look at how modern society grapples with the impermanence of life amidst a backdrop of technological advancement. It subtly critiques our obsession with forgetting, suggesting that, instead, we should embrace our memories, however painful they may be.
The power of Cossanteli's prose lies not only in its surface beauty but in its ability to provoke thought and invoke emotion. Readers are left questioning the nature of existence and the memories we carry, realizing that perhaps the extinction of relationships is merely an illusion. The poignant truth weaves through each page, reminding us that love persists, even in the face of oblivion.
As you close the book, the final echo reverberates-The Extincts is not just a journey through whimsical lands filled with the remnants of yesteryears, but a passionate examination of human connection. It beckons you to look within and embrace the beautiful chaos of existence. Will you step into this world and confront your own ghosts? The choice is yours, but one thing is certain: you won't be the same after the experience. 🌌✨️
📖 The Extincts
✍ by Veronica Cossanteli
🧾 240 pages
2016
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