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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
How on earth is this a debut novel??? Joanne Tompkin’s writing in What Comes After is spectacular and I am already eager to see what she writes next!!
This one was shockingly good—excellent characters and pacing. Isaac’s character was especially fascinating, the Quaker faith plays heavily in the narrative. Incredibly emotional and beautiful, this one will stick with me.
Chose to read this book on a whim. Initially, I found it to be very similar to Where The Crawdads Sing, which is a book I loved. The plot became so much more than that by bringing in themes of abandonment, spirituality (specifically Quakerism), and trust. I only wish we got more closure at the end of the novel, though I suppose the point was to make you think
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rated it a three for the beginning, last half dragged it down
This book was good, but it was quite long and took a while to get to the point. The secrets of the characters do take a painstakingly long time to emerge, as do the characters true selves.
I’d probably give this more like 3.5 stars, but I typically round up on here. I really liked parts 1 & 2 and was hooked right away, but I felt it slowed down in part 3 and was a little disappointed with the ending. With that said, I loved the story and the flow of chapters flipping back and forth between certain characters. This book left me reflecting on if the choices we make determine the kind of people we are, or are we who we are in our soul? I liked that theme, but I think I expected more mystery from this one.
I enjoyed this unique story of human resiliency and blended family. A great reminder that no person is evil, but that evil exists in the world.
If you need a good cry or maybe 12 of them, read this book. Otherwise just stay away from it. My heart has broken so many times. Having a child and a pitbull, this book has ruined me. I found myself cuddling with them both on either side of me just holding on tight. This is honestly the best book I’ve read this year so far.
I adored each and every character in different ways. Their honesty and bluntness was refreshing. No one held back feelings and when someone said something that felt cruel, the satisfaction they secretly got from it was so raw and real.
I was also happy with how Isaac’s religion tied into the story and it only further explained why he was the way he was and also the meetings showed just how difficult it had to be for him to just wake up every day.
Jonah’s narration from the day of the his death was brilliant. I feel like if I didn’t have that, I would have had so many unanswered questions by the end of the book.
I can’t spoil anything further but close to the end absolutely broke me. If you know, you know. I’m just recommending holding on tight to a box of tissues.
⚠️ Trigger warnings: sexual abuse, death of a child, suicide.
5/5⭐️
I adored each and every character in different ways. Their honesty and bluntness was refreshing. No one held back feelings and when someone said something that felt cruel, the satisfaction they secretly got from it was so raw and real.
I was also happy with how Isaac’s religion tied into the story and it only further explained why he was the way he was and also the meetings showed just how difficult it had to be for him to just wake up every day.
Jonah’s narration from the day of the his death was brilliant. I feel like if I didn’t have that, I would have had so many unanswered questions by the end of the book.
I can’t spoil anything further but close to the end absolutely broke me. If you know, you know. I’m just recommending holding on tight to a box of tissues.
⚠️ Trigger warnings: sexual abuse, death of a child, suicide.
5/5⭐️