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  • Published: 3 December 2018
  • ISBN: 9781101994801
  • Imprint: Speak
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $29.99

Whichwood




Tahereh Mafi brings readers on a dark and lush adventure about a girl who is fated to wash the bodies of the dead in this companion to her bestselling Furthermore.

Embark on a wondrous journey through the land of Whichwood in this stunning companion to Tahereh Mafi’s acclaimed bestseller Furthermore.

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year!

★ "Deliciously descriptive prose. . . . Darkly fascinating." −Kirkus
★ "Unforgettable heroine." −Booklist
★ "Mafi's language choices create visually arresting moments." –Shelf Awareness

Our story begins on a frosty night . . .
Laylee can barely remember the happier times before her beloved mother died. Before her father, driven by grief, lost his wits (and his way) and she was left as the sole remaining mordeshoor in the village of Whichwood, destined to spend her days scrubbing the skins and souls of the dead in preparation for the afterlife. It’s become easy to forget and easier still to ignore not only her ever-increasing loneliness, but the way her overworked hands are stiffening and turning silver, just like her hair. 

But soon, a pair of familiar strangers appear, and Laylee’s world is turned upside down as she rediscovers color, magic, and the healing power of friendship. 

Lush and enchanting, critically-acclaimed author Tahereh Mafi weaves together an all-new magical adventure in this dark, Persian fantasy, a companion to the New York Times bestselling Furthermore.

★ "In deliciously descriptive prose, the confiding, familiar narrator directly engages the 'dear reader' with witty asides, explanatory footnotes, and cautionary warnings as Laylee’s woeful tale unfolds... Mafi uses her built world to interrogate norms and relationships in our own while never losing sight of her story. Memorable new characters experience the restorative power of friendship in this darkly fascinating, somewhat ghoulish sequel to Furthermore. −Kirkus, starred review 

★ "It's Laylee's personal transformation that shines brightest, giving Mafi's singular fantasy an equally unforgettable heroine." −Booklist, starred review 

★ "Whichwood, Tahereh Mafi's companion novel to Furthermore, is as absorbing as (if not more than) its predecessor.... Mafi's language choices create visually arresting moments.... Deftly explores several appealing themes, including the healing power of friendship and the resilience to overcome adversity in her whimsical, Persian-inspired fantasy world." −Shelf Awareness, starred review

  • Published: 3 December 2018
  • ISBN: 9781101994801
  • Imprint: Speak
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $29.99

About the author

Tahereh Mafi

Tahereh Mafi is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Santa Monica, California, with her husband, fellow author, Ransom Riggs. She can usually be found overcaffeinated and stuck in a book.

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Praise for Whichwood

Praise for Whichwood:

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2017 List

*"More focused than Furthermore, but no less imaginative, this story paints Laylee's inner world as richly as it does her ghost-plagued town. However, it's Laylee's personal transformation that shines brightest, giving Mafi's singular fantasy an equally unforgettable heroine."--Booklist, starred review

*"In deliciously descriptive prose . . . Mafi uses her built world to interrogate norms and relationships in our own while never losing sight of her story. Memorable new characters experience the restorative power of friendship in this darkly fascinating, somewhat ghoulish sequel to Furthermore."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This story provides mystery, suspense, and die-hard friendships as readers follow Laylee and her new friends on their exciting quest to save not only her village, but also her life."--VOYA

"A great addition to middle-grade fantasy."--Booklist

"Fans of the book's companion piece, Furthermore, will flock to this, but Laylee's story easily stands alone while offering an invitation to further explore Mafi's fascinating world."--BCCB

"Fantasy fans looking for something new will find much to enjoy here."--SLJ