'Public Access Afterworld' Is a Brilliant Mess That 'Camp Miasma' Fans Need to Read ASAP
The I Saw the TV Glow filmmaker trades the camera for unlimited scale in a sprawling, first novel about obsession and escape.
In 2009, two teenagers discover a strange TV program that alters their lives and perspectives. Jane Schoenbrun, a filmmaker and trans advocate, captures this moment in her novel Public Access Afterworld, released this week. The book follows David Sawyer, a boy in love, and Erin Morrison, his best friend, who stumble upon the mysterious show on the night of the last analog TV broadcast.
Intrigued, David shares the recording online, attracting a community of people who believe the program offers a portal to another reality. Fast forward to 2026, where Bethany Peters, a trans woman living in Austin, finds herself working at a YouTube-focused company. Struggling to find meaning in her job, she stumbles upon Public Access Afterworld and becomes determined to unravel its secrets.
As the novel unfolds, it weaves together themes of isolation, connection, and the search for identity in the digital age. Schoenbrun's storytelling is expansive and ambitious, pulling readers through time, alternate dimensions, and an ensemble cast of characters. While the novel is at times humorous and self-serious, it raises questions about the appeal of fantasy and whether any escape can truly make us happy.
The book contains bizarre comedic moments, such as an evil corporate figure taking over the internet connection to call someone via Microsoft Teams. However, the sprawling narrative and over-explained details may leave some readers wishing for more depth and a tighter focus. Nonetheless, Public Access Afterworld is a must-read for fans of Schoenbrun's work, offering a glimpse into their creative vision that feels both unique and cinematic.
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