The World After Alice

by Lauren Aliza Green

For readers of Seating Arrangements and The Most Fun We Ever Had, a gorgeous and gripping story of two families brought together to celebrate an unexpected marriage, twelve years after a devastating tragedy upended their lives

When Morgan and Benji surprise their families with a wedding invitation to Maine, they’re aware the news of their clandestine relationship will come as a shock. Twelve years have passed since the stunning loss of sixteen-year-old Alice, Benji’s sister and Morgan’s best friend, and no one is quite the same. But the young couple decide to plunge headlong into matrimony, marking the first time their fractured families will reunite since Alice’s funeral.

As the arriving guests descend upon the tranquil coastal town, they bring with them not only skepticism about the impromptu nuptials but also deep-seated secrets and agendas of their own. Peter, Morgan’s father, may be trying to dissuade his daughter from saying “I do,” while Linnie, Benji’s mother, introduces a boyfriend who bears a tumultuous past of his own. Nick, Benji’s father, is scheming to secure a new job before his wife—formerly his mistress—discovers he’s lost his old one. Morgan, too, carries delicate secrets that threaten to jeopardize the happiness for which she has so longed. And as for Benji—well, he’s just trying to make sure the whole weekend doesn’t implode.

As the whirlwind weekend unfolds, old passions reignite, deep wounds resurface, and unearthed secrets threaten to shatter the fragile peace the wedding promises. With each new revelation, the to-be-weds and their complicated families are forced to question just how well they know the ones they hold dear.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

400 pages, Paperback

Published July 24, 2025

Reviews

[Kati Berman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The World After Alice
Alice committed suicide at age 16. Obviously this terrible act had a huge impact on her family and friends. It resulted in her parents’ divorce ( the marriage was troubled even before) and estrangement from friends and other family members. Now 12 years after Alice’s suicide guests arrive to celebrate the wedding of Alice’s brother Benji and her best friend Morgan. The novel is about how each of the protagonists relate to each other and Alice’s family in alternating chapters for each character’s point of view. I found the back and forth confusing, I always had to remind myself who is who and also found the narrative boring. I didn’t feel the ending solved anything, very disappointing. I am generous giving 3 stars rating.
I received a complimentary copy, opinions are my own.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot read this wonderful book without feeling the emotions for both families. After the loss of sixteen year old Alice , twelve years later still brings secrets ,healing and so much more. Very good book!!!

[ysabel garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

i only finished this book because i had already gotten so far in and refuse to DNF. instead of telling this story from one point of view the author opts to switch between perspectives of each member of the family - in theory - an interesting way to depict the various overlapping storylines but in reality just creates multiple undeveloped characters, relationships and plots.
the authors writing is undeniably delicious and offers descriptions that make visualization so easy and internal dialogue that feels poetic - however all this to say, the way it was put together into one book just fell flat to me. also wtf was all of that stuff about the ezra.
as a reader i feel confused of what the meaning / intention of this book was because i don’t think the synopsis or title is an accurate representation of this read.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of my favorite authors are Catherine Newman, Ann Napolitano, Anne Tyler, Claire Lombardo, and now Lauren Aliza Green is also on that list.

First, I want to praise the author’s writing style. It’s stunning and breathtaking, exactly what I look for in a book. Her poetic language and handling of complex themes kept me engaged and captivated.

This character-driven novel examines grief, life, forgiveness, and family. The way she crafted each character, with their relatable flaws, is outstanding. I particularly enjoyed how the story shifts between past and present in different chapters, offering deeper insights into each character’s journey.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt family drama filled with emotion that I strongly recommend. One more highlight: the epilogue. It’s so moving, I was brought to tears. This is a book I won’t forget. Definitely read it!

[Rita Mahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another case of finding none of the characters likeable. Two families are brought together by a marriage between two friends who neglect to tell their parents they have been dating. The wedding then becomes the scene of secrets, regrets, loves found and lost. I enjoyed the book at first but the more I read, the more the characters annoyed me.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did, based on the unique premise and family drama. I found it mostly forgettable, and didn’t connect to the characters as I hoped. Lots of shifting perspectives to follow as well, and secrets from everyone at the wedding, even the parents of the bride and groom.👂

[Jeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my goodness are the characters tangled! Every single one of them has 0 separation from each other! It was a complete page turner as I was waiting for another connection to the death of Alice to unravel. Morgan and Benji were a sweet couple as well.

[Gwen Cooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars … maybe it was my concentration . … but I found I never really connected with any of the main characters so I didn’t feel “involved” in their lives . Wanted to like this book more !

[Susie Duernberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can not recommend this book. Unlikable characters, very sad story.
probably should have DNF'd as this was not the book for me.