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A review by coffeewithsherry
After by Anna Todd
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.0
Based on One-direction fanfiction back in the days of Wattpad. I hadn't known that when I started this book. It is a typical story of bad boy meets good girl. However, I must say their relationship is quite uncomfortable and I truly believe they don't belong together as much as many others play out the characters.
Hardin is an extremely toxic character. On the other hand, Tessa cannot communicate at all. They simply don't belong together and some of the scenes inside this book are really uncomfortable. Yet it might be a fantasy for some teens but if anything treats each other like this in real life it is a run for the hills, please.
As always, Hardin has issues and Tessa is the girl that thinks she can fix him. A very stereotypical plotline but the execution was a miss for me. Especially this one scene that I find the most disturbing and disgusting.
The scene where he takes her virginity to win the bet and receive his money from his friends. Showed them the bloodstain on the bed sheets. This scene made me gag and so uncomfortable. You might say 'Oh but he needed the money or he wanted to show his friends for his ego boost'. It is disgusting and it is weirder than some people's fantasy of Hardin as a character. I am even more surprised they made a movie from this. I personally haven't watched it myself and do not plan to because of this scene in the book. Even after this scene, you would think she doesn't take him back but of course, she does!!! And she takes him back after a couple of pages!!!
Overall, did not enjoy it. Did not like. Dislike the characters. No character development. It is dark and emotionally exhausting. If I had a friend like the main character I would drop her as a friend. If I knew someone like Hardin, I would send him to therapy.
Hardin is an extremely toxic character. On the other hand, Tessa cannot communicate at all. They simply don't belong together and some of the scenes inside this book are really uncomfortable. Yet it might be a fantasy for some teens but if anything treats each other like this in real life it is a run for the hills, please.
As always, Hardin has issues and Tessa is the girl that thinks she can fix him. A very stereotypical plotline but the execution was a miss for me. Especially this one scene that I find the most disturbing and disgusting.
Overall, did not enjoy it. Did not like. Dislike the characters. No character development. It is dark and emotionally exhausting. If I had a friend like the main character I would drop her as a friend. If I knew someone like Hardin, I would send him to therapy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Rape