Department of the Vanishing
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley March 25, 2026
Author Johanna Bell
Distributor: Transit Lounge
ISBN: 978-1-923023-55-0
Publisher: Transit Lounge
Release Date: March 2026
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In this stunning debut novel, Department of the Vanishing, blurs fact and fiction into a chilling and all too real reality. Johanna Bell roars from the highest pinnacle using the iconic Lyrebird to illustrate the tragedy that is environmental destitution.
The Department of the Vanishing is a most intimate book ranging through the many nuances of the emotional experience of Ava Wilde, a young woman filled with hope and idealism. In her desire to make an impact, Ava accepts a governmental role as an Archivist in the Department of the Vanishing, the department responsible for archiving the disappearing flora and fauna in this fictional world.
As the years progress, she begins to realise that she is cataloguing nothing more than the end of everything; reasoning that no matter what she does it will not matter. Ava will not change the course of climate change that is destroying the planet, and specifically her beloved Lyrebird, with its soulful songs that Ava has a special affinity for. The Lyrebird, with its distinctive song, ability to mimic, survival instincts and mating habits is used to illustrate the sadness, the ultimate tragedy should the final song be sung. Ava comes to realize through her work that perhaps the slow destruction of the earth is an analogy of the way her life has been moving forward.
Through the introspection initiated by her work, the burning of the planet is much like the growing pressures of unresolved pain in her mind. Her father, a well-known naturalist, went missing more than 30 years ago; her mother holds secrets but is slowly slipping into dementia; her many lists, papers and cuttings that fill up her small home have become her obsession. Ava Wilde seeks normality and catharsis though sex; raw, brutal, and coarse. She discovers that it is not; it is nothing more than another maladaptive coping mechanism in a life that is already in chaos.
As the story progresses Ava presents as quiet and hesitant. She has moved past the point of caring, accepting her fate, refusing to admit that her actions were anything more than a woman mired in grief for her life, and the environment.
The Department of the Vanishing is not your usual read. The book has been created with great thought: the words, poetry, illustrations, photos, Police Statements, lists, and quotes are reflective of the general chaos of her life.
Fascinating, original, complex and yet beautiful, Department of the Vanishing created by Johanna Bell is already an award winner. The book artfully articulates a clear environmental message. A list of References she has used are there should you choose to delve further into the many threads of the story. Eco literature at its finest.