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A review by samantha_randolph
Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu
4.0
When Caroline’s autistic little brother, Dylan, is rescued from a kidnapper after a few days, the police also find, Ethan, a teen who has been held captive for four years. Now that both of them are back, and in the same neighborhood, both families are dealing with the new changes. Caroline wants to know what happened to Dylan, but Ethan can barely remember it, let alone safely discuss it. As the families cope in their own ways, Caroline and Ethan find that the one thing they might need most of all is a friend.
After loving THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE, I’m always excited for a new Jennifer Mathieu book, and AFTERWARD has all the beautiful staples I’ve come to expect from her: strong, sometimes devastating emotion, powerful friendships, and nuanced discussions of families. AFTERWARD is told from two perspectives, Caroline and Ethan. Both are dealing with the aftermath of the kidnappings. Ethan’s side focuses a lot on healing, therapy, and how to find a normal again. Caroline is devastated about what might have happened to her brother, and she often has to take care of him while her parents fight every day. The hesitant friendship that grows between them is absolutely beautiful. They both mess up, they argue, they cry, but at the end of the day, they know the connection between them is meaningful.
I love the contrast between Caroline and Ethan’s families. Caroline’s family isn’t well off financially, and her parents are far from happy. Between their fighting and taking care of Dylan, she is often neglected, and she turns to alcohol and boys as a distraction. Ethan’s family is financially secure, and they hover over him since his return. They all go to therapy, and they learn how to give each other space.
Final Verdict:
AFTERWARD is an emotional journey about friendship, family, and the aftermath of severe trauma. Readers should have tissues nearby while reading and room in their hearts for two new, incredible characters.
Originally posted at The Forest of Words and Pages: http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/2016/09/review-afterward-jennifer-mathieu/
After loving THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE, I’m always excited for a new Jennifer Mathieu book, and AFTERWARD has all the beautiful staples I’ve come to expect from her: strong, sometimes devastating emotion, powerful friendships, and nuanced discussions of families. AFTERWARD is told from two perspectives, Caroline and Ethan. Both are dealing with the aftermath of the kidnappings. Ethan’s side focuses a lot on healing, therapy, and how to find a normal again. Caroline is devastated about what might have happened to her brother, and she often has to take care of him while her parents fight every day. The hesitant friendship that grows between them is absolutely beautiful. They both mess up, they argue, they cry, but at the end of the day, they know the connection between them is meaningful.
I love the contrast between Caroline and Ethan’s families. Caroline’s family isn’t well off financially, and her parents are far from happy. Between their fighting and taking care of Dylan, she is often neglected, and she turns to alcohol and boys as a distraction. Ethan’s family is financially secure, and they hover over him since his return. They all go to therapy, and they learn how to give each other space.
Final Verdict:
AFTERWARD is an emotional journey about friendship, family, and the aftermath of severe trauma. Readers should have tissues nearby while reading and room in their hearts for two new, incredible characters.
Originally posted at The Forest of Words and Pages: http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/2016/09/review-afterward-jennifer-mathieu/