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A review by bethniamh
Us in the Before and After by Jenny Valentine
4.0
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and the School Library Association for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for a review.
This is a sad but beautiful read, centred around the enduring friendship between two teenage girls and taking in themes such as family and first love. We know from the beginning that something terrible has happened to forever alter the friendship between Elk and Mab, but it takes some time for this mystery to be unravelled, culminating in a reveal which took me completely by surprise. Elk and Mab are both very believably written teenagers, and their friendship and its ups and downs will be recognisable to readers of all ages. This is suitable for teenage readers; there is no explicit material and the writing is very sensitively done, but the main themes of the book are emotionally heavy and there are some references to underage drinking. Be aware that this book may also be triggering to readers who have experienced family bereavement.
This is a sad but beautiful read, centred around the enduring friendship between two teenage girls and taking in themes such as family and first love. We know from the beginning that something terrible has happened to forever alter the friendship between Elk and Mab, but it takes some time for this mystery to be unravelled, culminating in a reveal which took me completely by surprise. Elk and Mab are both very believably written teenagers, and their friendship and its ups and downs will be recognisable to readers of all ages. This is suitable for teenage readers; there is no explicit material and the writing is very sensitively done, but the main themes of the book are emotionally heavy and there are some references to underage drinking. Be aware that this book may also be triggering to readers who have experienced family bereavement.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Blood, Dementia, Car accident, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcohol