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A review by nikimorr
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Yes, it is true, TJ Klune’s books feel like a warm hug.
I was skeptical at first starting this book. Wallace, the main character, starts out comically unlikeable. I was unsure I would be able to take the book seriously with just how non relatable Wallace starts out. But boy did he and all the rest of the characters worm their way into my heart.
Each character played a special role. It is hard to encompass each one in just a few words. Mei was by far my favorite - a big heart with all the sass. Hugo is like the definition of a safe space in a person. Reading about this group, a family found amongst each other, makes you want to venture out in the forest and find your people. The setting is just as special as the characters - a unique shop with rows of tea plants set out amongst a beautiful forest. We never really know where the town is, but it feels like peace just reading about it. Although the shop is where all the characters must stay, the home is filled with pictures of far away places. An appreciation for the great, big world from one little corner.
This book has such a unique take on death and what happens next. After death comes a reaper and ferryman who each help the dead accept and cross to what is next. Almost more than I hope death leads to this tea shop do I wish my dog is there waiting and helping just like Apollo. The addition of the dog was so relatable - our pets are just as important as our fellow human family members.
The book was full of thoughtful commentary on death, some I got too stuck on. But really, it is what it is. We live the life we live and it will all eventually come to an end. What we do with our time, particularly helping others have a bit of an easier journey, is what matters at the end.
There is a bit of a love story between someone living and someone dead and I loved this angle. Love despite a huge disconnect, despite not being able to touch, was beautiful.
I am not entirely happy with the ending. I almost think him moving on would have been more symbolic than getting the chance to stay. When the end comes, death, the chance to redo is gone and there’s no going back. All the what ifs are gone.
I was skeptical at first starting this book. Wallace, the main character, starts out comically unlikeable. I was unsure I would be able to take the book seriously with just how non relatable Wallace starts out. But boy did he and all the rest of the characters worm their way into my heart.
Each character played a special role. It is hard to encompass each one in just a few words. Mei was by far my favorite - a big heart with all the sass. Hugo is like the definition of a safe space in a person. Reading about this group, a family found amongst each other, makes you want to venture out in the forest and find your people. The setting is just as special as the characters - a unique shop with rows of tea plants set out amongst a beautiful forest. We never really know where the town is, but it feels like peace just reading about it. Although the shop is where all the characters must stay, the home is filled with pictures of far away places. An appreciation for the great, big world from one little corner.
This book has such a unique take on death and what happens next. After death comes a reaper and ferryman who each help the dead accept and cross to what is next. Almost more than I hope death leads to this tea shop do I wish my dog is there waiting and helping just like Apollo. The addition of the dog was so relatable - our pets are just as important as our fellow human family members.
The book was full of thoughtful commentary on death, some I got too stuck on. But really, it is what it is. We live the life we live and it will all eventually come to an end. What we do with our time, particularly helping others have a bit of an easier journey, is what matters at the end.
There is a bit of a love story between someone living and someone dead and I loved this angle. Love despite a huge disconnect, despite not being able to touch, was beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, and Suicide