After the Fall

by Kirsten Alexander

Fleeing Melbourne for a village in the Yorkshire Dales had felt right. Sanctuary, I’d thought.But nowhere is as straightforward as it first appears.

When Giselle escapes to the north Yorkshire village of Hollydale, she doesn’t give much thought to what she might find there. She's more concerned with what she's leaving behind – a toxic marriage, the loss of her beloved sister, Lina, and the cloud of suspicion over the circumstances of Lina's death.

But in this small community she makes new and fascinating friends, chief among them Margaret, a wealthy elderly local who lives in Chatswood Hall, the mansion perched on a hill above the village, and Tom, the local handyman. Giselle hopes to start life over, but the past cannot be outrun and her husband will not be cut loose, threatening to arrive in Hollydale at any moment.

When a bomb explodes on the one road that leads to her cottage, Giselle realises that her Hollydale life is larger and more complicated than she’d understood. A story about intergenerational friendship between women, coercive relationships and power, and the endless possibilities new connections can bring.

PRAISE FOR AFTER THE FALL
‘After the Fall is eloquent and candid storytelling at its finest.’ – The Australian

‘Kirsten Alexander’s writing is delicate and finely tuned, catching the rhythms beneath the everyday. With a rich sense of place After the Fall delivers the most surprising of outcomes.’ – Kathryn Heyman, author of Fury

‘I loved everything about this novel. A proper page-turning, keep-you-up-at-night plot, combined with beautiful writing and wonderful characterisation, leading to a very satisfying finale. A joyous spirit of mischief runs alongside a darker vein, each enhancing the other.’ – Emily Hourican, author of The Glorious Guinness Girls
 

Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2025

About the author

Kirsten Alexander is the author of three novels: Half Moon Lake (PRH, Australia & NZ, 2019; published as Lost Boy Found by Grand Central/Hachette, US & Canada 2020), Riptides (PRH, 2020) and After the Fall (Ultimo Press, 2025).

Kirsten has worked as a nonfiction book editor, copywriter (inhouse four years for Aesop, also for Crumpler, M.L. Vintage, House + Universe), and occasional article writer (for the Age, the Daily Beast, Notebook, the Melbourne Weekly, Atticus Review and others). She’s worked as a reviewer for ABC Radio National’s The Book Show, a magazine section editor, and content manager for several websites.

She was co-founder and editor of three-volume digital journal Open Field.

Currently she works as an editor and tutor for the Faber Writing Academy.

Kirsten was born in San Francisco, raised in Brisbane, and lives in Melbourne with her partner and two sons.

author photo credit: Lee Sandwith

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This affecting novel took me on an unexpected deviation to a story with a very common theme. The tome of blatant mistreatment, control and gendered manipulation and coercion is heavy, and as a reader it’s burdensome. I’m probably at that point right now.

Interestingly, this book approached these themes in a different way. The interweaving of a mystical nature became the surprising element for me as the experience of these genres are outside of my general realm. This is a good thing, and it’s why I read and review broadly. It’s in my nature to allow the status quo at times, so the deviation added a different heft.

The story of renewal and escape is not new, women escaping in search of renewal and a new start, meeting communities that can help them to carry on. Giselle needs to flee Melbourne and is lucky to have sanctuary in an empty home in Yorkshire, where she quickly meets all manner of different people.

The impacts of her husband’s treatment are obvious, and the outcome surprising, if not a tad neat. I finished this read with a definite contrast to my initial expectation, I don’t want to delve into my experiences too much as it’s best to be surprised.

Thank you Ultimo Press for continuing to broaden my repertoire with my physical copy to read and review.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
An emotionally charged and slightly dark read.
After The Fall is the latest release from Aussie author Kirsten Alexander.
Giselle flees Melbourne to a small village in the UK.
Leaving behind a bad marriage and the passing of her beloved sister.
In the Yorkshire community she makes an impression and starts forming a bond with locals.
Giselle even catches the eye of Tom, a handyman.
But the past always makes an appearance and her husband is about to appear on her doorstep with deranged behaviour.
It took a moment to settle into the rhythm of the story and I found the second half gripped my attention completely.
The ending was great and the balance between tense relationships, grief and reconnecting was written with ease.
Kirsten’s third offering is a book that will make the reader identify with.

[nina.reads.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the Fall by Kirsten Alexander was a surprising and face-paced read that takes you from Melbourne to the UK as Giselle flees her toxic marriage and the grief of losing her sister. Arriving to stay at a cottage in a small town called Hollydale in Yorkshire, Giselle soon makes friends with some of the towns interesting and quirky inhabitants.

Hollydale and its people begin to win her over and she starts to believe that she can start a new life but her husband won't be ignored and threatens to arrive at any moment putting Giselle on edge. Then a actual bomb goes off on the road that leads to her cottage and it becomes clear that there is much more to Hollydale's residents than meets the eye.

This is a book about coercive control which felt very real. I seem to have picked up a few of these types of books recently and they are very powerful but also wearying to read. Why are men so crap, sorry "some" men?

Thankfully After the Fall was also about female friendships across generations and meeting new people and making connections. I did like seeing Giselle falling into a happier and more fulfilled life in her new town.

But while the book was a page turner and I did initially enjoy it, it takes some decidedly weird turns and some aspects of the later plot twists I didn't really vibe with. I don't want to say too much more otherwise I might spoil it for you but let's just say there is no way you will ever pick how this novel unfolds!

Thank you @ultimopress for my #gifted copy.

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giselle has fled her toxic and abusive marriage leaving behind her pottery studio and home in Melbourne

Having also just lost her sister Lina to cancer, everything has been close to boiling point. And the tip of the iceberg is her husband Adam, and in-Laws indirectly accusing her of aiding Lina’s death

Arriving half way across the world in a small Yorkshire Village called Hollydale. Giselle relishes the quiet and solitude from her husband

Hoping to start over, she starts meeting the locals and becomes friendly with the very wealthy Margaret, who takes her under her wing

But as Adam threatens to arrive in Hollydale to bring Giselle ‘to her sense’ she confides in Margaret the horrible state her marriage is in and finds an unlikely allay as Giselle takes back her own life

I felt all of Giselle’s emotions while turning every page. Kirsten has a fabulous writing style, and while at times the narrative was dark I was absorbed quickly

Thank you @ultimopress for gifting me a copy to review

[Cindy Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Fall by Kirsten Alexander presented quite an exhilarating ride with its mystery and mayhem! It was a very strange reading experience as it moved from the monotony of the mundane world to the bizarre happenings of the spirit realm. There are more twists and turns in this plot than an itchy snake! Giselle’s ability to be adaptable and flexible in the face of all her challenges, certainly left her open to unusual events and led her to some unexpected friends. There is a real sense of sisterhood in this novel of women helping women out of some terrible predicaments. One message though, that echoes across these pages, is the need to break free from the control of others. For such captivity is deeply destructive to one’s self confidence and mental health.

Giselle is in a toxic marriage and a large portion of the early chapters made me feel terribly distressed for her. It is easy to dislike her controlling abusive husband, how he talks to her, treats her physically and emotionally. She has lost her parents and then her sister dies. Some wild accusations fly around her death. Giselle cannot handle the abuse any longer and leaves Melbourne and escapes to the north Yorkshire village of Hollydale, a place of her mother’s ancestors. Here she meets and becomes friends with an eclectic group of villagers. Lady Margaret, ghost Etiennette, caretaker Tom and others that help free and strengthen her. Her life takes some bizarre turns (bombs and burials!) but here on the other side of the world, she gets a new start and connects with people who truly care about her and wish to protect her. And the lengths they go in doing that are quite amazing!

Trouble though does follow Giselle for a while and although she runs fast and hard away from the person who taunts and belittles her, he comes to her haven to disrupt and destroy her new sense of purpose. Hollydale is a place where she finds someone who makes her happy and appreciates her for the person she is and continues growing into. It is a relationship that awakens her vital core, her essence. But the horrible husband she left behind re-appears to take all that away. What will she do? Will she free-fall back into the well of fear? Or stand up for herself with her arms /wings stretched wide like a bird ready for flight? She is not alone now. She has support from friends and this changes her and the course of everything.

I have to say the last half of the novel was my favourite and I enjoyed the characters she meets in Hollydale. There are some hair-raising, remarkable moments where the story enters the fantasy realm or another dimension. The unexpected spirit realm (quite a creative take in its presentation, too!) certainly added some lively drama to the mix!

There are many lovely lines in the novel, too. Beautiful descriptions of Etienne. One quote by poet Emily Dickinson: ‘Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.’ These words are raised by Lady Margaret after Giselle talks about her sister Adeline: someone who was kind, loving, smart, funny and well loved by her husband and children. And again Margaret says (she has some great lines many of which I cannot repeat as I will give away the story but one that echoes the sisterhood theme is) 'It is marvellous when women help one another…Warms my heart.’ The rest of that discussion towards the end reveals a lot about Lady Margaret and her unique perspective. Her justification for the course of action is not what most people would say is ‘normal’ as far as ethics, morality and the law are concerned.

This novel is about breaking free, restoration and re-connecting. A fascinating portrait of a woman who has been abused, misunderstood and maligned and one day finds the courage to escape the torture and control that has stolen her identity. It takes going to the other side of the world to gain her freedom. So it truly is a fresh start with new friends in a new environment. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Ultimo Press for a review copy.

[Natasha (jouljet) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fleeing her life in Melbourne for a cottage in a village on the other side of the world seems rash and impulsive. Giselle reaches this point following a final straw moment with her toxic husband, after a devastating series of losses.

Swamped by grief after the death of her sister, and the ongoing grief of the sudden loss of her parents just before she met her husband, she has so much to process. Her husband, and his family, however, are cruel and unsympathetic in their well to do house, in the fancy suburbs, and in their judgements.

As we scratch the surface of the marriage, we find a controlling, self absorbed man, who is demanding, belittling, and more focused on beers with his mates than his grieving wife. This tight, claustrophobic portrayal of coercive control is powerful.

Landing in a village of quirky characters, castles and manors, a Lady and a ghost, Giselle finds the community, and guidance through her troubles that she needs.

There is a bit of suspended belief among the story, and not just about subnormal activities. Actions and the swift aftermath of the climax of the story has many unbelievable parts.

I have not read coercive control so well written, and I think this may well help anyone name something they have been experiencing, to the point of seeking change and help.

[Melody | Spilt Wine Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected intersection of grief, community, and the extraordinary. Fleeing family violence (trigger warning) and mourning the loss of her sister, Giselle arrives in a small English town seeking refuge. As she builds friendships with some unique characters, the story takes an intriguing turn into the supernormal, shifting the novel beyond the expected. Alexander handles themes of control and coercion with care, offering a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of survival, grief, and renewal. A thoughtful, compelling read.

[Clare Rhoden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in two minds about this one. It's very well-written and I couldn't put it down, but the story has two halves, and it wasn't always easy to accept both the coercive-control-marriage-escape story and the weird-British-village-secret as part of the same story. The two strands do come together for a startling conclusion, and your reaction will depend on your suspension of disbelief.

SPOILERS
For my twenty-cents' worth, this was two perfectly good books sewn together. I would love to read both the "escape from horrible husband" thriller, and the "ghost of maltreated medieval teenage girl" fantasy/mystery, but I found it difficult to reconcile the ghost as the solution to the modern monster - I wanted a better outcome. However, it's an enjoyable book and very well worth reading, especially to share ideas about how the two stories work together. I think thsi would be an excellent book club choice, for that reason - so much to talk about.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Giselle flees her Melbourne home for Hollydale, a village in Yorkshire, she has no plan for her future. All she can focus on is the horrors she’s left behind: an abusive and controlling husband, the recent death of her only sister and the suspicion directed at her in the aftermath.

“Grief is complex, and it’s possible to grieve more than one loss at a time.”

It took me a few chapters to get into the flow of this story with its beautiful writing and complex themes. However, once Giselle began to move amongst the village, I found myself hooked. This is a place of wonderfully strong and supportive women including the wealthy Lady Margaret, who takes Giselle under her wing, introducing her to the history of the Dales.

I loved how welcomed Giselle was and how quickly she became involved in local matters. Her immediate attraction to local handyman, Tom, also added a nice hint of romance to the narrative.

I was also intrigued by the inclusion of real historical events, such as the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, which had me googling away.

My favourite scenes took place at the Castle, but I won’t go into detail as I don’t want to spoil anything.

I did feel that the story wandered a bit towards the end of the book, but it was brought back together with a wonderful hopeful ending.

After the Fall was a compelling and emotional read about grief and coercive relationships, but also female friendships and found family.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Mauzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected. I probably wouldn’t have read it if I realised a belief in ghosts was needed, however I’m glad I did. A strong examination of belonging, female friendships and morality.

[Cheryl Rodgers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly I did not enjoy this book or the storyline. Too slow, uninteresting, both in the ‘plot’ and the characters.

[Sammy thebookninja_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this started off strong, it pulled me in with its compelling characters and tense exploration of coercive relationships. I was especially drawn to Giselle’s emotional turmoil—her struggles felt raw and real, and the novel handled difficult themes in a way that kept me fully engaged.
But as the story leaned more into the paranormal, it pulled me away from the grounded intensity that initially hooked me. Things got a bit too out there which sent things off in a direction that didn’t resonate for me. That said, if you enjoy stories with that element this could me right up your alley. For me, I just wanted to stay in the real-world tension a little longer.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

** Spoiler alert**
Blurb from web:
Fleeing Melbourne for a village in the Yorkshire Dales had felt right. Sanctuary, I’d thought.
But nowhere is as straightforward as it first appears.
When Giselle escapes to the north Yorkshire village of Hollydale, she doesn’t give much thought to what she might find there. She's more concerned with what she's leaving behind – a toxic marriage, the loss of her beloved sister, Lina, and the cloud of suspicion over the circumstances of Lina's death.
But in this small community she makes new and fascinating friends, chief among them Margaret, a wealthy elderly local who lives in Chatswood Hall, the mansion perched on a hill above the village, and Tom, the local handyman. Giselle hopes to start life over, but the past cannot be outrun and her husband will not be cut loose, threatening to arrive in Hollydale at any moment.
When a bomb explodes on the one road that leads to her cottage, Giselle realises that her Hollydale life is larger and more complicated than she’d understood.
A story about intergenerational friendship between women, coercive relationships and power, and the endless possibilities new connections can bring.

My review:
I lost interest in this novel about half way through. The characters needed work. I didn't really care about any of them (particularly the protagonist). It felt like a chronology being written at some points. It got worse for me when the ghost was introduced. Just felt like a mongrel of ideas folded into some pages. Just not for me unfortunately.

[Gillian Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Fall is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of grief, resilience, and the power of female friendships. From the moment Giselle arrives in the charming Yorkshire village of Hollydale, the story unfolds with warmth and depth, drawing the reader into her journey of healing and self-discovery.

At first, it took me a little time to settle into the novel’s rhythm, but once Giselle begins engaging with the village and its people, I was completely absorbed. The community is filled with strong, supportive women, and I especially loved the presence of Lady Margaret, whose kindness and wisdom add richness to the story. There’s also a touch of romance woven in, which brings lightness to the narrative without overshadowing its deeper themes.

One of the highlights for me was the inclusion of historical events like the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, which added authenticity and intrigue. The setting itself is also beautifully described, particularly the scenes at the Castle, which were some of my favorites.

While the story meanders a little toward the end, it ultimately comes together in a way that is both satisfying and hopeful. After the Fall is a compelling novel that balances heartbreak with healing, showing that even in the darkest times, new beginnings are possible. An engaging and uplifting read!

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: English Countryside, Quirky, Supernatural

- - -
The title feels fitting for this review because I fell into this book completely blind and now I’m trying to summarise it after the fall.

This story revolves around a common but often difficult theme to read - escaping a toxic relationship.

I will say this book handled the topic really well along with themes of grief and loss and I don’t want my rating to take away from that key point.

For main character Giselle, escaping is just the start of the dramas as starting fresh on the other side of the world comes with its own set of unexpected and mystifying moments.

The idea of writing about a character finding a new community for a fresh start isn’t new, but this one introduced some wonderfully quirky characters who bonded over something… unusual.

I really enjoyed the writing style and the story started off strong, but overall, the plot fell a little flat for me. ❗️Spoiler alert.. once the ghosts were introduced, I was lost (if you’ve followed my reviews for a while, you’ll know I’m not the biggest fan of the paranormal 👻)

There were parts of this story I really enjoyed, others that felt irrelevant and some that were just downright weird. But it was beautifully written and full of surprises, that’s for sure.

If you like books with an English countryside setting, quirky characters and a touch of the supernatural, you might find yourself falling for this one.

A big thank you to Ultimo Press for kindly sharing this book with me.

[Simone Kilby · Rating 4 out of 5]

So close to a five star read - so close. A fast-paced story that oscillates between the reflective past and the present, it’s definitely the page turner it’s described as. And while this was a quick read that I found hard to put down, I did find that the end petered out too long, taking away from its climactic final chapters. If it were not for this, five stars.

[Esther Intveld · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was thoroughly enjoying this book, loving the characters and the writing and thinking it was going to have an empowering message for women in abusive relationships. But then the author pivoted in a bizarre, unlikely and unrealistic twist that felt like a cop-out. Such a shame because it had the potential to be a worthy read.

[Jess Kitching · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful novel exploring trauma, abusive relationships and the fight to keep hold of/craft your identity after a tough experience. I enjoyed the supernatural/paranormal elements of this story as well as the exploration of the bonds between the women in the book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Giselle has left Australia and escaped her abusive husband and arrives in UK, hollydale.
lady Margaret welcomes her and discloses her secret.
I thought the supernatural element was a bonus.

[Prue B · Rating 2 out of 5]

A strange book with supernatural elements that I wasn't expecting. The main character escapes a DV relationship for a tiny town on the other side of the world, which is an attractive aspect. An ok read with surprising twists throughout the book

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read - could totally picture this as an episode of midsummer murders. Didn’t really get the need for the ghost in the castle but I felt the way she wrote about the abuse and gaslighting from the husband was well done.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark humour Great beach read

[Susan Toovey]

7

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Without ghosts and murder would have been a good read

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice, easy read. Abit convoluted a times which meant I was skip reading it to get through some parts to get the story moving at the pace I prefer to read.

[Lesley Moseley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 worth a listen.