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A review by allisonwonderlandreads
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
TJ Klune really knows how to conjure a fantastical setting, cozy and dreamlike. This book takes us to Charon's Crossing Tea and Treats. Our protagonist, Wallace, is a modern but also timeless reincarnation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a workaholic that cares nothing for his own joy or that of anyone else whose livelihoods are held in his hands. And now he's dead.
Death stories make me nervous because if done well, I will be a sobbing wreck of a human (see: the time I watched Coco or the series finale of The Good Place). This was an odd one for me because I went in with that expectation and instead found a relatively peaceful read. This is not to say someone else might not be triggered by it.
At the start, it's slow-paced, trying to be philosophical, laying down long-form metaphors or hitting you upside the head with not-so-subtle subtext about dying. Everyone is so careful with Wallace when he reaches the tea shop. I appreciate the respect for boundaries and space for vulnerability, but all the tip-toeing sure dragged things out. Everyone is quick to phrase him for basic human actions that frankly I wouldn't even categorize as skills, i.e. admitting you don't know something, asking a question, caring about someone other than yourself, remembering you're dead. It picked up in the second half once Wallace has settled in. More characters are introduced and new sources of external conflict arrive to shake things up.
My favorite character was Nelson, a mischievous, ghostly grandfather. I laughed out loud at some of the ghosts' haunting pranks and general mayhem. So even though it didn't exactly hit me in the feels, I still enjoyed some of the sillier moments. I think if you like a pleasant read, are a fan of the author, like fantasy with a tender-hearted queer love story (mlm, in this case), or like your books with some direct philosophical pondering, this might be a good pick for you. Thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Death stories make me nervous because if done well, I will be a sobbing wreck of a human (see: the time I watched Coco or the series finale of The Good Place). This was an odd one for me because I went in with that expectation and instead found a relatively peaceful read. This is not to say someone else might not be triggered by it.
At the start, it's slow-paced, trying to be philosophical, laying down long-form metaphors or hitting you upside the head with not-so-subtle subtext about dying. Everyone is so careful with Wallace when he reaches the tea shop. I appreciate the respect for boundaries and space for vulnerability, but all the tip-toeing sure dragged things out. Everyone is quick to phrase him for basic human actions that frankly I wouldn't even categorize as skills, i.e. admitting you don't know something, asking a question, caring about someone other than yourself, remembering you're dead. It picked up in the second half once Wallace has settled in. More characters are introduced and new sources of external conflict arrive to shake things up.
My favorite character was Nelson, a mischievous, ghostly grandfather. I laughed out loud at some of the ghosts' haunting pranks and general mayhem. So even though it didn't exactly hit me in the feels, I still enjoyed some of the sillier moments. I think if you like a pleasant read, are a fan of the author, like fantasy with a tender-hearted queer love story (mlm, in this case), or like your books with some direct philosophical pondering, this might be a good pick for you. Thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Cancer, Car accident, Infidelity, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide