After a fulfilling career, Antonia Vega's world is upended by the unforeseen death of her husband, Sam. As she grapples with this loss, her life takes unexpected turns. Her emotionally volatile sister goes missing, and a pregnant, undocumented teenager appears on her doorstep. Antonia's life has been guided by the wisdom found in her treasured books, but as reality unfolds, she realizes that the true lessons come from engaging with the people and the world around her. 'Afterlife' is an incisive novel that delves into the complexities of family, the pain of loss, and the necessity of compassion in a fragmented world.