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After the Fire
What happens when the picture-perfect marriage dissolves?
In her stunning new novel, New York Times -bestselling author Belva Plain penetrates a shattered marriage to explore one of the most provocative issues of our time. Once again Plain proves herself the writer who sets the standard for family stories in a novel that is at once harrowing and deeply moving.
Gerald and Hyacinth had the kind of marriage others envied. She was a beautiful artist. He was a brilliant plastic surgeon. Theirs was a comfortable, happy home with two wonderful children. Then whispers of betrayal tainted Hy's perfect marriage. And in one terrible night she commits an act she will regret for the rest of her life. An act that gives Gerald the ultimate blackmail.
The price of his silence is uncontested custody of their two children. When her own beautiful, angry mother wants to know why she won't fight for custody, Hy can give no answers. But deep in her heart, Hy knows there is one question she must answer if she wants to free herself from a life of What really happened that terrible night? Only then can she reclaim her children, her pride, her life—at last.
In her stunning new novel, New York Times -bestselling author Belva Plain penetrates a shattered marriage to explore one of the most provocative issues of our time. Once again Plain proves herself the writer who sets the standard for family stories in a novel that is at once harrowing and deeply moving.
Gerald and Hyacinth had the kind of marriage others envied. She was a beautiful artist. He was a brilliant plastic surgeon. Theirs was a comfortable, happy home with two wonderful children. Then whispers of betrayal tainted Hy's perfect marriage. And in one terrible night she commits an act she will regret for the rest of her life. An act that gives Gerald the ultimate blackmail.
The price of his silence is uncontested custody of their two children. When her own beautiful, angry mother wants to know why she won't fight for custody, Hy can give no answers. But deep in her heart, Hy knows there is one question she must answer if she wants to free herself from a life of What really happened that terrible night? Only then can she reclaim her children, her pride, her life—at last.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
237 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Belva Plain
147 books321 followersBelva Plain was a best-selling American author of mainstream women's fiction. Her first novel, Evergreen (1978) topped the New York Times bestseller list for 41 weeks and was made into a TV miniseries. At her death, there were over 30 million copies of her twenty-plus novels in print in 22 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
January 3, 2018
Ok read! intriguing and a bit sketchy in the storyline (paperback!)
June 14, 2010
Please give me back the hours I spent reading this book. Starting with the horrid title (because the fire is gone from their marriage, you see?) and ending after 300+ pages of dramadramadrama.
The main character, Hyacinth, is supposedly an artist in a happy marriage. Then suddenly she loses her husband and the custody of the kids (and of course finds that lost artsy side of herself in the process). I feel for her, but even more I'm annoyed by her whining and crying and uselessness. She seems content on being a victim, waiting to be rescued by someone. She's also boring and not very nice (at one point she thinks to herself how her friend will be fat in a few years, the poor thing...because that's the kind of thing you notice about your friends right?).
The book has the word "heartwarming" in the backcover. I usually know to avoid these books...we are never friends.
The main character, Hyacinth, is supposedly an artist in a happy marriage. Then suddenly she loses her husband and the custody of the kids (and of course finds that lost artsy side of herself in the process). I feel for her, but even more I'm annoyed by her whining and crying and uselessness. She seems content on being a victim, waiting to be rescued by someone. She's also boring and not very nice (at one point she thinks to herself how her friend will be fat in a few years, the poor thing...because that's the kind of thing you notice about your friends right?).
The book has the word "heartwarming" in the backcover. I usually know to avoid these books...we are never friends.
April 15, 2015
I don't know much about Belva Plain, but a quick review of her Wikipedia page tells me that she was known for her strong, fiery female characters. This could not be further from the truth in "After the Fire." The main character, Hyacinth, describes herself as "naive," but I think a better word for her is "stupid." She is also overly emotional, breaking into hysterics at the smallest conflict. Having emotions and reacting to them is not a sign of weakness, but Hyacinth simply has no control over any aspect of her life. Our sympathy for Hyacinth is supposed to drive the novel, so you can imagine how fun it was to read having no sympathy for her at all. Honestly, the only reason I kept reading the book is so I had something to read during my lunch breaks.
Plain died in 2010, and was 85 years old when this book was published in 2000. This is relevant because I believe the book is supposed to be set in the early '90s—toward the end, the "World Wide Web" is mentioned, and Hyacinth mentions that her grandmother was born in 1910 and was at least 80 at some point in the novel—but it reads as if it is set much, much earlier. In addition, all the characters spoke in an overly formal, dramatic tone that would not be out of place amongst elite daytime soap opera characters (and possibly British ones). I suppose this wouldn't be so bad if it truly were set in, say, the 1920s. But I just never could connect to any of the characters, whose "Oh!"s and general theatrics just made me roll my eyes instead.
Plain died in 2010, and was 85 years old when this book was published in 2000. This is relevant because I believe the book is supposed to be set in the early '90s—toward the end, the "World Wide Web" is mentioned, and Hyacinth mentions that her grandmother was born in 1910 and was at least 80 at some point in the novel—but it reads as if it is set much, much earlier. In addition, all the characters spoke in an overly formal, dramatic tone that would not be out of place amongst elite daytime soap opera characters (and possibly British ones). I suppose this wouldn't be so bad if it truly were set in, say, the 1920s. But I just never could connect to any of the characters, whose "Oh!"s and general theatrics just made me roll my eyes instead.
April 25, 2021
This is good ChickLit. Not great, just good. While the story is fairly engrossing, it's also too simple without the complex nuances that are a hallmark of great fiction. And perhaps worst of all, it is absolutely predictable. The big surprise plot twist near the end of the book isn't so much of a surprise for any reader who has been paying attention.
Written by Belva Plain, this is the story of Hyacinth, a girl of privilege who marries at age 21 the first man who turns her head. Gerald graduates from medical school, the two get married, and head off to Texas for his residency in plastic surgery. They have children. The move back to Massachusetts. Their love story with the requisite ups and downs is really rather boring. But then something happens. Something horrific. And Gerald accuses Hyacinth of this criminal act, and her world is forever shattered. How she resurrects her life is the bulk of the novel.
The book is too wordy, the characters too one-dimensional, and the plot too predictable for it to be worth more than three stars.
Written by Belva Plain, this is the story of Hyacinth, a girl of privilege who marries at age 21 the first man who turns her head. Gerald graduates from medical school, the two get married, and head off to Texas for his residency in plastic surgery. They have children. The move back to Massachusetts. Their love story with the requisite ups and downs is really rather boring. But then something happens. Something horrific. And Gerald accuses Hyacinth of this criminal act, and her world is forever shattered. How she resurrects her life is the bulk of the novel.
The book is too wordy, the characters too one-dimensional, and the plot too predictable for it to be worth more than three stars.
January 22, 2025
Interesting plot, but there was a lack of insight into the character’s motivation. The writing style seemed somewhat formal, more like what I would expect from a British author, or a text that has been translated. I was surprised that the author was American-not a criticism, just an observation.
June 9, 2012
I had never even heard of Belva Plain when I saw this novel for sale at our library, but I thought the synopsis was intriguing and boy was I right. And I've since learned that several of you have read and loved Plain's books, and if they are all like this one I can understand why.
Where to begin? The characters were wonderful--full of real life emotion and actions and often complex. The writing was also well done--admittedly the story started off a bit slow for me, but that is because the real drama of the story was yet to come. Once things really got dicey, it was tough to put this book down (though sadly I had to a few times with everything going on for the holiday weekend). In some ways, the story is part mystery, though mainly it is about a woman, Hyacinth, who is coping with a nasty divorce, limited time with her own children, and an inability to really trust people and sometimes even be around them. She lives in daily fear that her ex-husband will expose a secret that she can hardly believe even happened. Eventually another man comes into her life, but as much as she loves him, her inability to trust him and disclose what has happened in her past ultimately comes between them. Of course, there is her ex-husband's partner, Arnie, who we know is in love with her throughout the entire story, though she doesn't feel that she can reciprocate those feelings. Do you see how the story quickly becomes complicated and heart-wrenching at times? Oh, and as for that ex-husband, Gerald... boy do you love to hate him, or at least I did. A more condescending, unreasonable, unfaithful jerk you'll be hard-pressed to find, though he tries so hard to cover it all up with his "charm."
When the truth about that tragic secret was finally revealed, I have to admit I was pretty surprised. I suppose I ought to have seen it coming, but I think that in many ways I am as naive as our protagonist, Hyacinth. Plain really did a brilliant job weaving an incredible story that at times seems almost unbelievable, though in reality stranger things have happened. It is rewarding to see Hyacinth's life start to turn around, though her road is certainly bumpy as she tries to move on from what has happened to her.
Where to begin? The characters were wonderful--full of real life emotion and actions and often complex. The writing was also well done--admittedly the story started off a bit slow for me, but that is because the real drama of the story was yet to come. Once things really got dicey, it was tough to put this book down (though sadly I had to a few times with everything going on for the holiday weekend). In some ways, the story is part mystery, though mainly it is about a woman, Hyacinth, who is coping with a nasty divorce, limited time with her own children, and an inability to really trust people and sometimes even be around them. She lives in daily fear that her ex-husband will expose a secret that she can hardly believe even happened. Eventually another man comes into her life, but as much as she loves him, her inability to trust him and disclose what has happened in her past ultimately comes between them. Of course, there is her ex-husband's partner, Arnie, who we know is in love with her throughout the entire story, though she doesn't feel that she can reciprocate those feelings. Do you see how the story quickly becomes complicated and heart-wrenching at times? Oh, and as for that ex-husband, Gerald... boy do you love to hate him, or at least I did. A more condescending, unreasonable, unfaithful jerk you'll be hard-pressed to find, though he tries so hard to cover it all up with his "charm."
When the truth about that tragic secret was finally revealed, I have to admit I was pretty surprised. I suppose I ought to have seen it coming, but I think that in many ways I am as naive as our protagonist, Hyacinth. Plain really did a brilliant job weaving an incredible story that at times seems almost unbelievable, though in reality stranger things have happened. It is rewarding to see Hyacinth's life start to turn around, though her road is certainly bumpy as she tries to move on from what has happened to her.
May 20, 2012
This was an amazing story with every emotion possible right there for you to feel along with the characters! A woman's struggle for everything we hold dear to our hearts! The woman in this story has a unique name, Hyacinth. She proves to be a unique woman in all she goes through to prevent being arrested for setting a fire that kills a young fireman. She believes she is innocent until her husband hands her the evidence that can send her to prison where she will never see her two children grow up. Could this really be true? She accepts a deal from her husband that promises her freedom, but finds it difficult and heart wrenching to live with?
I loved this book and couldn't wait to read how it ends.
Plus there is a twist that did surprise me!
I loved this book and couldn't wait to read how it ends.
Plus there is a twist that did surprise me!
August 6, 2016
I usually enjoy Belva Plain, but this was a miss for me.
I LOVE melodramatic-soap opera-esque novels, but Mrs Plain's writing just didn't work here.
The premise, while promising, was just all over the place. No sense of pacing or devlopement, and It was really disrupting to the flow of the story.
I've found in the past that sometimes Mrs Plain writing can be well... Plain (no pun intended *wink *wink) but her simplistic style of writing is often rather nice balance against the melodramatic tone of her books. After the Fire was just boring.
It had a couple enjoyable moments, but I wouldn't recommend this unless you really love Belva Plain.
I LOVE melodramatic-soap opera-esque novels, but Mrs Plain's writing just didn't work here.
The premise, while promising, was just all over the place. No sense of pacing or devlopement, and It was really disrupting to the flow of the story.
I've found in the past that sometimes Mrs Plain writing can be well... Plain (no pun intended *wink *wink) but her simplistic style of writing is often rather nice balance against the melodramatic tone of her books. After the Fire was just boring.
It had a couple enjoyable moments, but I wouldn't recommend this unless you really love Belva Plain.
July 17, 2012
Excellent writing, but the story... can women be so DUMB. Every page I'm expecting Hyacinth to stand up and call her husband's bluff, but she meekly stands by allowing her life to be ruined. Don't teach your daughters to live their lives like her.
December 17, 2015
I liked this book better at the end than I did throughout the story line. I had a hard time feeling for the characters, which is totally unlike my other experiences with Ms. Plain's books. Not that it wasn't still a good book, cause it was.
July 8, 2008
I liked this book...it wasn't predictable.
May 30, 2012
Excellent! A woman with innocence is thrown into a life of despair after she commits an act in a fit of rage that she will regret forever.
October 19, 2012
this is the best novel by Belva Plain, it is social and realistic, I recommend it very much.
September 3, 2013
One of my favorite authors. I would not have signed the papers Hy did, but the book was a page turner for me.
July 2, 2015
An above average story about a family in turmoil.
September 28, 2019
Really engrossing story, so good!
January 12, 2019
The book started well. The conflict with Gerald and Hyacinth drew me in because I had no idea how the ‘good’ (Hyacinth) was going to win. Gerald irritated me with his condescending and derisive attitude. I liked Hyacinth at the beginning because she had put more effort into everything and cared about her children more.
But then the story dragged on and on. I knew Hyacinth did not start the fire, accidentally or on purpose, but thought Gerald did to set her up. I thought his motive was so he looked like the good guy even though he wanted to be out of the marriage to run around with other women.
Then I started to hate Hyacinth because she was spineless and didn’t stand up for herself. She blindly went along with Gerald’s blackmail and put up with not seeing her children for YEARS. She would whine and cry; talking about how devastated she was. But odd times when they would come to visit she was sometimes too busy with work to see them. She only saw her children a couple times a year and she couldn’t drop everything to spend those few days with them? Especially when they were so obviously hurting from the lack of attention. I didn’t like the storyline of her becoming an up and coming fashion designer in mere weeks after having no training or experience at all. All of a sudden she is a millionaire world famous designer.
I did not see the twist at all. I thought that Arnie was probably having financial troubles and that’s why he committed insurance fraud. At the time I thought again how selfish Hyacinth was because he was an answer to all her problems but she wouldn’t date someone who obviously cared for her and would protect her. It would have been more interesting if she did say yes to him and found out after the truth. It would be much like how she was wanting to marry Will and tell him after she trapped him that she thought she had accidentally started a fire that killed a man.
I didn’t care for the ending. I dislike characters that must get married and can’t live without the other!! (*eye roll). If you love each other so much that you’ll spend the rest of you’re life together then you don’t need to have ultimatums of marriage within months of knowing each other. Especially when they’ve broken up once before.
*The book’s dialogue is quite old fashioned.
But then the story dragged on and on. I knew Hyacinth did not start the fire, accidentally or on purpose, but thought Gerald did to set her up. I thought his motive was so he looked like the good guy even though he wanted to be out of the marriage to run around with other women.
Then I started to hate Hyacinth because she was spineless and didn’t stand up for herself. She blindly went along with Gerald’s blackmail and put up with not seeing her children for YEARS. She would whine and cry; talking about how devastated she was. But odd times when they would come to visit she was sometimes too busy with work to see them. She only saw her children a couple times a year and she couldn’t drop everything to spend those few days with them? Especially when they were so obviously hurting from the lack of attention. I didn’t like the storyline of her becoming an up and coming fashion designer in mere weeks after having no training or experience at all. All of a sudden she is a millionaire world famous designer.
I did not see the twist at all. I thought that Arnie was probably having financial troubles and that’s why he committed insurance fraud. At the time I thought again how selfish Hyacinth was because he was an answer to all her problems but she wouldn’t date someone who obviously cared for her and would protect her. It would have been more interesting if she did say yes to him and found out after the truth. It would be much like how she was wanting to marry Will and tell him after she trapped him that she thought she had accidentally started a fire that killed a man.
I didn’t care for the ending. I dislike characters that must get married and can’t live without the other!! (*eye roll). If you love each other so much that you’ll spend the rest of you’re life together then you don’t need to have ultimatums of marriage within months of knowing each other. Especially when they’ve broken up once before.
*The book’s dialogue is quite old fashioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2021
Kaip galima apsigauti tik iš viršelio ir pavadinimo! Taip tikėjaus juodos, mįslingos, klampios šeimos dramos su tragizmo prieskoniu. Ir mano viltis liko apdaužyta. Istorija įdomi, juk liečia jauną šeimą, vaikus, o dar nemenka paslaptis slegia moters pečius. Bet man kažkaip viskas susiskaitė kaip atostoginis romanas. Tema gili, bet parašyta per lengvai, moters skausmas atrodo realus, bet pats jos portretas toks paviršutiniškas. Veikėjai pakankamai šabloniški, kai kurie išpildyti visai neblogai, paliekant susidomėjimą ir intrigėlę. Ką turi padaryti moteris, jog savo noru atiduotų pilną vaikų globą savo buvusiam vyrui? Ir kaip gyventi su tuo, kad vaikus matai tik tada, kai ponui būna "ta" nuotaika? Oi, atrodo, kaip galima murkdytis tokioje skausmingoje temoje. Bet autorė kažkodėl to nepadarė. O pabaigą suplakė lyg su mikseriu. Taip, nesitikėjau tokios, bet čia, toks jausmas, "prispaudė" greit greit uždėti happy ending'ą. Ir dar riebiai cukraus pudros užbarstė, kad tikrai suprastume kokie visi laimingi.
May 22, 2023
An entertaining read that was a welcome break from my usual genre. A well told tale of love and betrayal. Hyacinth meets and marries Gerald, a penniless med student. Initially, their bond seemed impervious, but despite a burgeoning medical practice, beautiful home, and the perfect family, Gerald’s wandering eye sets the stage for tragedy. Setting out to investigate her greatest fear, Hyacinth pays an off-hour visit to Gerald’s office. Upon finding proof of his infidelity, she deliberately destroys office equipment before going back home, utterly defeated. But, a fire breaks out shortly after Hy’s destruction and, while fighting the fire, a young firefighter loses his life. Gerald, ever the schemer, realizes the role his wife played in the tragedy and sets out to punish her. What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.
June 29, 2022
Gerald and Hyacinth had the kind of marriage others envied with brilliant careers and a comfortable, happy home with two wonderful children. Then whispers of betrayal tainted the perfect marriage. She commits an act that she will regret the rest of her life and that gives Gerald the ultimate weapon: blackmail. The price of his silence is uncontested custody of their two children. Deep in her heart, Hy knows there is one question she must answer if she want to free herself from a life of lies: what really happened that terrible night? Only then can she reclaim her children, her pride, and her life.
May 22, 2018
I love Belva Plain's books and hope to eventually read all of them. This one had a surprise ending. Hyacinth thought that she had accidentally set a fire that burned down a medical office and killed a firefighter. She was divorcing her husband (one of the doctors in the practice) and he promised to keep her secret in exchange for custody of their two children. Years went by, and the other doctor in the practice - who actually owned the building that burned down - acted like a good friend to the whole family, but he was the one who really set the fire. The truth came out in the end.
July 4, 2022
Gana banali, lengvai nuspėjama istorija. Siužetas neblogas, mintis gera, bet išpildymas labai silpnas. Pagrindinė veikėja neurotiška, kvailai užsispyrusi, su amžinai skaudančia galva. Rašymo (arba vertimo) stilius kažkoks senamadiškas, kad net sunku nuspėti, kokiais laikais vyksta veiksmas. Jei ne tam tikros detalės, tai galėtų būti net labiau XIX amžius, arba XX a. pradžia, nei šis laikmetis. Žodžiu, būna tikrai geresnių knygų.
July 20, 2023
I love Belva Plain as a domestic fiction author. Her stories have a calm narrative. After the Fire isn't a favorite of hers for me. The plot is well conceived, however the romantic relationships in the novel aren't my favorite. I didn't particularly like any of the main character's love interests. Overall the book was an entertaining read. I would have preferred stronger, more developed male characters with the plot.
February 26, 2024
Good mystery/suspense with an ending that took you by surprise. Lady reeling from unexpected divorce with tables turned where she lost custody through black mail by ex, with circumstances being she was afraid to share the real story with everyone, including her mother and eventual boyfriend. Everyone was very wealthy though so that interfered - this was not a status that many could identify with. And kids were exceedingly forgiving of a mother who visited them so infrequently - that rarely happens in real life.
March 18, 2018
A heartbreaking, heartwarming story
I really could not put it down. This made me feel the helplessness that Hyacinth felt trying to live with this awful blackmail and the loss of her children. Also the frustration dealing with her unemotional husband. I wanted to scream at him with her.
Makes me remember why I like Belva Plain so much.
I really could not put it down. This made me feel the helplessness that Hyacinth felt trying to live with this awful blackmail and the loss of her children. Also the frustration dealing with her unemotional husband. I wanted to scream at him with her.
Makes me remember why I like Belva Plain so much.
April 24, 2018
I finished the book only because I believed in Belva Plain. I had at one time thought her a very good author. But this book was not good by any means. It wasn't until I was half way through it that I even understood where the book was going. It was a disappointment all the way around. Characters, plot, ending... everything was bad.
September 2, 2019
Belva Plain penetrates a shattered marriage to explore one of the most provocative issues of our time. Once again Plain proves herself the writer who sets the standard for family stories in a novel that is at once harrowing and deeply moving.
I read this when it was first published in 2000 and I enjoyed it very much.
I read this when it was first published in 2000 and I enjoyed it very much.
September 18, 2023
This was a struggle. What should have been a compelling tale was instead dry, overly drawn out, and entirely predictable. I expected more and was fighting to finish this.
The language was overly formal, the emotions didn't come through, and entirely too much was detailed about things that weren't germane to the story, while simultaneously glossing over things that were.
The language was overly formal, the emotions didn't come through, and entirely too much was detailed about things that weren't germane to the story, while simultaneously glossing over things that were.
July 15, 2024
This was my first experience with this author and I was pleasantly surprised. A fast paced quick read, this would make a great pool or beach book. I love books that aren't predictable and have unexpected plot twists that work perfectly to move the story in a new direction yet still give a great satisfied ending. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
September 9, 2024
If you want to know what gaslighting is, read this book.
As I read this book, I kept thinking how it would end, and none of my imaginings materialized. I was looking for a knight in shining armor to save the day, but that didn't exactly happen either.
And I was gobsmacked when the person that I thought was the knight ran away to avoid the cops!
As I read this book, I kept thinking how it would end, and none of my imaginings materialized. I was looking for a knight in shining armor to save the day, but that didn't exactly happen either.
And I was gobsmacked when the person that I thought was the knight ran away to avoid the cops!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews