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A review by marierossi
The After Party by Anton DiSclafani
5.0
THIS BOOK.
It's just an honest to goodness book. Beautiful writing. Developed, well-rounded, three-dimensional characters. A strong plot that doesn't overshadow the people. No dumb plot twists, no secret message, no stand on feminism or racism or the fucking 2016 Presidential Election.
There is romance but it isn't the "main attraction." That belongs to the intense friendship of Cecelia and Joan. The After Party explores the aftermath of a longstanding friendship gone...well, not wrong exactly. Perhaps dry would be a better word. Cecelia is constantly looking for a reason why Joan is pulling away from her, taking trips without telling her. She's hurt and betrayed and so goddamn confused. Therefore, she is every girl.
I found her relatable from the start, melting into the story with ease that always comes with seamlessly written prose. Every time the pages were opened, I was convinced the world was real and heartbroken at the end when I remembered this was a work of fiction.
One of the strongest commendations I can give is use of Tommy, Cecelia's toddler, in the story. It is easy to leave a child out of a story for sake of convenience but having Tommy in the mix made things so much more interesting. It opened up a side of Cecelia that explained so much and, in the end, explains a lot about her relationship with Joan. It is also a good reminder that the wealthy cared for their children despite outward appearances.
I really can't say enough good things about this book. I thought DiSclafani's first work, [b:The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls|18693867|The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls|Anton DiSclafani|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396843613s/18693867.jpg|21995426] was a strong debut, but she proves herself a true writer with [b:The After Party|26150788|The After Party|Anton DiSclafani|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1445445904s/26150788.jpg|46106707]. I think she's here to stay.
It's just an honest to goodness book. Beautiful writing. Developed, well-rounded, three-dimensional characters. A strong plot that doesn't overshadow the people. No dumb plot twists, no secret message, no stand on feminism or racism or the fucking 2016 Presidential Election.
There is romance but it isn't the "main attraction." That belongs to the intense friendship of Cecelia and Joan. The After Party explores the aftermath of a longstanding friendship gone...well, not wrong exactly. Perhaps dry would be a better word. Cecelia is constantly looking for a reason why Joan is pulling away from her, taking trips without telling her. She's hurt and betrayed and so goddamn confused. Therefore, she is every girl.
I found her relatable from the start, melting into the story with ease that always comes with seamlessly written prose. Every time the pages were opened, I was convinced the world was real and heartbroken at the end when I remembered this was a work of fiction.
One of the strongest commendations I can give is use of Tommy, Cecelia's toddler, in the story. It is easy to leave a child out of a story for sake of convenience but having Tommy in the mix made things so much more interesting. It opened up a side of Cecelia that explained so much and, in the end, explains a lot about her relationship with Joan. It is also a good reminder that the wealthy cared for their children despite outward appearances.
I really can't say enough good things about this book. I thought DiSclafani's first work, [b:The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls|18693867|The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls|Anton DiSclafani|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396843613s/18693867.jpg|21995426] was a strong debut, but she proves herself a true writer with [b:The After Party|26150788|The After Party|Anton DiSclafani|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1445445904s/26150788.jpg|46106707]. I think she's here to stay.