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The First After
The First After is a perceptive and tender debut novel following a young woman living abroad in Portugal who finds herself caught between her old life and her hard-won new life when her ex-boyfriend and first love visits her in Lisbon for a dreamy and dizzying week.
“I feel like there are so many moving parts in me, all growing at their own pace, wanting different things at different times. But all equally me.”
Anaa, a twenty-three-year-old aspiring poet, has fallen in love with her new life in Portugal. Walking cobblestone streets and talking about art with her new friends—this is what she’s always dreamed of, and she feels she’s on her way to becoming the person she wants to be. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s someone making Lisbon even more a magnetic poet and local celebrity, Tiago, with whom she’s having the kinds of spirited, all-consuming conversations she’s only ever seen in films she adores.
Just as Tiago wants to commit to Anaa, her ex-boyfriend and first love, Ben, visits from Canada, propelling her into a state of restlessness. Though she and Ben had planned his visit together, with Anaa moralizing about how outdated and reductive it would be to give up on their friendship just because they’re exes, she can’t quite reconcile Ben in Lisbon among her new friends. She’d purposely left behind a world that felt small, a future that was a fraction of what she wanted for herself, the future that included Ben. However, even while embarrassed by his simple tastes and dad jokes, she still recognizes he’s someone who can make her feel so much joy and who brings out a side of herself she tends to hide. And there might be something else there between them, something still burning. But then what about Tiago and the part of her that comes alive with him? And more importantly, what about her new world?
Absorbing, insightful, cheeky, and charming, The First After explores identity, ambition, and the highs and lows and reverberation of first love.
“I feel like there are so many moving parts in me, all growing at their own pace, wanting different things at different times. But all equally me.”
Anaa, a twenty-three-year-old aspiring poet, has fallen in love with her new life in Portugal. Walking cobblestone streets and talking about art with her new friends—this is what she’s always dreamed of, and she feels she’s on her way to becoming the person she wants to be. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s someone making Lisbon even more a magnetic poet and local celebrity, Tiago, with whom she’s having the kinds of spirited, all-consuming conversations she’s only ever seen in films she adores.
Just as Tiago wants to commit to Anaa, her ex-boyfriend and first love, Ben, visits from Canada, propelling her into a state of restlessness. Though she and Ben had planned his visit together, with Anaa moralizing about how outdated and reductive it would be to give up on their friendship just because they’re exes, she can’t quite reconcile Ben in Lisbon among her new friends. She’d purposely left behind a world that felt small, a future that was a fraction of what she wanted for herself, the future that included Ben. However, even while embarrassed by his simple tastes and dad jokes, she still recognizes he’s someone who can make her feel so much joy and who brings out a side of herself she tends to hide. And there might be something else there between them, something still burning. But then what about Tiago and the part of her that comes alive with him? And more importantly, what about her new world?
Absorbing, insightful, cheeky, and charming, The First After explores identity, ambition, and the highs and lows and reverberation of first love.
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 8, 2026
What happens when you question who you are, who you are meant to be? What happens when these questions push you further and further away from the one you love because the life you crave is not one by their side?
The First After has created a dent in my heart, right where I carry the wounds of when I spent months and months lost in another country, battling between the feelings I had for my love and that unsated desire to leave the life I knew in Canada behind to stay in Europe. This book brought me back to this complicated period of my life where I had to sit with so many conflicting feelings. So many doubts and never ending hesitations.
I am truly in awe at Jasmeen’s capability to put these hard to pin feelings onto paper, a perfect representation to what I have lived in the past. I hurt along with Anaa as she navigated through these feelings, understanding them all too well. The First After (even the title alone breaks me up every time I recall Anaa and Ben using that sentence in the book), is a book I wish had existed back when I was in Europe, going through my own confusions. I remember feeling so alone, as though I was the only one that had ever experienced these contradicting feelings, and getting to read this story felt like a balm to the wounds I still carry of that tumultuous time.
The First After has created a dent in my heart, right where I carry the wounds of when I spent months and months lost in another country, battling between the feelings I had for my love and that unsated desire to leave the life I knew in Canada behind to stay in Europe. This book brought me back to this complicated period of my life where I had to sit with so many conflicting feelings. So many doubts and never ending hesitations.
I am truly in awe at Jasmeen’s capability to put these hard to pin feelings onto paper, a perfect representation to what I have lived in the past. I hurt along with Anaa as she navigated through these feelings, understanding them all too well. The First After (even the title alone breaks me up every time I recall Anaa and Ben using that sentence in the book), is a book I wish had existed back when I was in Europe, going through my own confusions. I remember feeling so alone, as though I was the only one that had ever experienced these contradicting feelings, and getting to read this story felt like a balm to the wounds I still carry of that tumultuous time.
February 24, 2026
A24 call Jasmeen as soon as possible, trust me you want this screenplay.
Thank you Random House Canada for the early digital copy! Always happy to support a Canadian author.
Thank you Random House Canada for the early digital copy! Always happy to support a Canadian author.
April 25, 2026
I actually just saw Jasmine in the last few weeks on CHCH Morning Live promoting this book and knew immediately that it was something I wanted to read and thankfully our local library being in her hometown had copies available. (Not bad considering it was JUST published April 14th). When I first started it, I wasn’t sure it was something I’d be able to relate to, especially the main character who seemed pretentious to start but once she started getting more into her story - I got sucked in and couldn’t put it down. I was reading at work and was annoyed (inside) at every interruption. The nerve. If this is her first book - I can’t wait to see what else she comes out with - and this one was originally planned to be a screenplay and after reading it - well I can TOTALLY see this being a great film. I finished the last few chapters while stuffing a Pastel de Nata in my gob in honour of the location. I hope when I check back there is a waitlist for this book as it deserves it.
May 3, 2026
3.75*
April 24, 2026
Thank you Random House Canada for the gifted arc.
The First After was an atmospheric debut, and I liked how vividly Jasmeen A. Siddiqui brought Portugal to life. As someone with roots there, I felt a little spark every time the setting took center stage—the tiled streets, the coastal light, the sense of place that felt both familiar and tender.
That said, I also found myself wincing at times. There was a noticeable amount of negative connotation toward the local Portuguese, and it pulled me out of the story more than once. I wished the portrayal had been a bit more balanced, especially given how lovingly the setting itself was rendered.
Anaa, as a character, was complicated—and while I can appreciate flawed protagonists, I struggled with her choices. She often came across as quite selfish, and the cheating element was tough for me. I’m simply not a fan of cheating in stories, and love triangles aren’t my thing either, so the central conflict wasn’t aligned with my personal preferences.
Still, the writing had a softness to it, the emotional tension felt real, and the Lisbon backdrop was gorgeous.
The First After was an atmospheric debut, and I liked how vividly Jasmeen A. Siddiqui brought Portugal to life. As someone with roots there, I felt a little spark every time the setting took center stage—the tiled streets, the coastal light, the sense of place that felt both familiar and tender.
That said, I also found myself wincing at times. There was a noticeable amount of negative connotation toward the local Portuguese, and it pulled me out of the story more than once. I wished the portrayal had been a bit more balanced, especially given how lovingly the setting itself was rendered.
Anaa, as a character, was complicated—and while I can appreciate flawed protagonists, I struggled with her choices. She often came across as quite selfish, and the cheating element was tough for me. I’m simply not a fan of cheating in stories, and love triangles aren’t my thing either, so the central conflict wasn’t aligned with my personal preferences.
Still, the writing had a softness to it, the emotional tension felt real, and the Lisbon backdrop was gorgeous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
Before I dive into my feelings for this book, I just want to dive into the discrepancies on Netgalley vs this Goodreads page. On Netgalley this was marketed as a romance/new adult/woman's fiction; on Goodreads it's marketed as contemporary/coming of age. Both of them market it as a love triangle that is 'Absorbing, insightful, cheeky, and charming' and that it 'explores identity, ambition, and the highs and lows and reverberation of first love.' It definitely explores identity, and I would for sure say woman's fiction/coming of age. I would not market this as cheeky or charming.
That may seem harsh, but here's why:
The prose was extremely long-winded and overly descrptive. At times it was lovely but otherwise made the story drag on.
The main character was not very likeable. We love a flawed hero (because aren't we all flawed), but I really struggled to care about her. This only got harder once the love triangle was introduced. I found it hard to figure out who to root for, especially once the cheating element was involved.
I would not recommend this as a romance. However, if you enjoy self-discovery/self-love books or movies, like Eat Pray Love, you'd probably like this. Unfortunately, I don't really enjoy those stories so this wasn't for me.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) | Random House Canada for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
That may seem harsh, but here's why:
The prose was extremely long-winded and overly descrptive. At times it was lovely but otherwise made the story drag on.
The main character was not very likeable. We love a flawed hero (because aren't we all flawed), but I really struggled to care about her. This only got harder once the love triangle was introduced. I found it hard to figure out who to root for, especially once the cheating element was involved.
I would not recommend this as a romance. However, if you enjoy self-discovery/self-love books or movies, like Eat Pray Love, you'd probably like this. Unfortunately, I don't really enjoy those stories so this wasn't for me.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) | Random House Canada for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Anaa has always turned to poetry to move through life and her dream is to put out a published book of poetry. After she graduated university she was given the opportunity to go live in Portugal pursue her writing, have a job that pays the bills and reinventing herself. She has established a perfect life, she has a group of friends who share her artistic interests, a boyfriend who understands her and wants her, and being able to explore a beautiful country.
Then a planned visit from her university boyfriend, and first love Ben arrives and she finds herself caught up in everything she ran tan from back home.
She believed him visiting would be drama free and she could be the version of herself she made here, but he has always been able to see through the fronts she has put up. Ben being in her space and her new life pushes her to re-examine the person she wants to be and who she thought she became.
This book took me a while to get into. I struggled to connect with Anaa at the start, but once the story got going I really saw myself in her. The dynamic between her and Ben very much gave me Normal People vibes. 2 people who have so much love for the other but the timing is never right between them. This was a book about self discovery and it never being too late to live the life you want and be the person you want to be.
Anaa has always turned to poetry to move through life and her dream is to put out a published book of poetry. After she graduated university she was given the opportunity to go live in Portugal pursue her writing, have a job that pays the bills and reinventing herself. She has established a perfect life, she has a group of friends who share her artistic interests, a boyfriend who understands her and wants her, and being able to explore a beautiful country.
Then a planned visit from her university boyfriend, and first love Ben arrives and she finds herself caught up in everything she ran tan from back home.
She believed him visiting would be drama free and she could be the version of herself she made here, but he has always been able to see through the fronts she has put up. Ben being in her space and her new life pushes her to re-examine the person she wants to be and who she thought she became.
This book took me a while to get into. I struggled to connect with Anaa at the start, but once the story got going I really saw myself in her. The dynamic between her and Ben very much gave me Normal People vibes. 2 people who have so much love for the other but the timing is never right between them. This was a book about self discovery and it never being too late to live the life you want and be the person you want to be.
Did Not Finish
April 11, 2026DNF @ 37%
I wanted to stop reading this at 4% but I persevered, hoping it may get better. Alas, this is not a book for me. I found Anaa to be far too pretentious (and her friends were worse). I appreciated that she was able to find herself in Portugal (or, perhaps more accurately, didn't need to hide or change herself) but I didn't want to be along for the ride.
I also didn't like the writing style. Anaa is a poet and that kind of prose made its way into the novel, which is, again, not for me.
I hope this one finds its readers and I'm sad I can't count myself among them.
I wanted to stop reading this at 4% but I persevered, hoping it may get better. Alas, this is not a book for me. I found Anaa to be far too pretentious (and her friends were worse). I appreciated that she was able to find herself in Portugal (or, perhaps more accurately, didn't need to hide or change herself) but I didn't want to be along for the ride.
I also didn't like the writing style. Anaa is a poet and that kind of prose made its way into the novel, which is, again, not for me.
I hope this one finds its readers and I'm sad I can't count myself among them.
May 1, 2026
Absolutely loved and devoured!!!
April 28, 2026
Great descriptive storytelling. Paints a lovable, smooth story about love and self discovery.
A bit too much negative self talk for me within the novel.
A bit too much negative self talk for me within the novel.
March 27, 2026
3.5⭐️
Anaa is enjoying her new life in Portugal, walking the streets, talking about art and a relationship with a local celebrity and poet, Tiago. But just when he is ready to commit, her ex-boyfriend visits from Canada, and she has to reconcile her past with her present.
There were several times I was about to put this book down and walk away from it. A highly character driven story I despised almost all of the characters in this book. They were narcissistic, pompous, better-than-you young adults that introspection was less emotional and more self indulgent. I went into it thinking it was a romance however it reads much more literary. About ¾ of the way in I started to realize this is what I am getting. This is the journey of these people. Anaa was frustrating in her selfish decisions and while she internally reflected on this it was less redemptive and more look at me and what I am doing. The more I sit with the book the more I realize that my biggest hangup was the choices they kept making with each other. I would never do those things however there are people out there that may struggle with these things and others reading the book may relate more than I would. The ending bumped it up a star for me in the end, I can appreciate that while not the story for me it was a compelling story for those that could see themselves in those characters. I always want to feel something from my reading and while I was mainly frustrated it still evoked emotions from me and won’t easily be forgotten.
Anaa is enjoying her new life in Portugal, walking the streets, talking about art and a relationship with a local celebrity and poet, Tiago. But just when he is ready to commit, her ex-boyfriend visits from Canada, and she has to reconcile her past with her present.
There were several times I was about to put this book down and walk away from it. A highly character driven story I despised almost all of the characters in this book. They were narcissistic, pompous, better-than-you young adults that introspection was less emotional and more self indulgent. I went into it thinking it was a romance however it reads much more literary. About ¾ of the way in I started to realize this is what I am getting. This is the journey of these people. Anaa was frustrating in her selfish decisions and while she internally reflected on this it was less redemptive and more look at me and what I am doing. The more I sit with the book the more I realize that my biggest hangup was the choices they kept making with each other. I would never do those things however there are people out there that may struggle with these things and others reading the book may relate more than I would. The ending bumped it up a star for me in the end, I can appreciate that while not the story for me it was a compelling story for those that could see themselves in those characters. I always want to feel something from my reading and while I was mainly frustrated it still evoked emotions from me and won’t easily be forgotten.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such a soft, introspective, character-driven story! It’s not really a romance, but rather a messy coming-of-age journey following Anaa as she moves from Canada to Portugal, striving to build something more meaningful for herself. I loved her tenacity in going after what she wants!
But when her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Ben, comes to visit her in Lisbon, her two worlds begin to collide, unfolding a complicated internal struggle between who she used to be with him in Canada and this new version of herself alongside fellow poet Tiago. It's truly like her past, present, and future are all competing for attention.
There's a really tender, almost understated angst throughout. And oh, how I loved Anaa and Ben! Their friendship carried such sweet sadness. It's so full of humour, raw honesty, banter, and silly memories together. I felt so certain about their connection, which only made me feel for Anaa that much more as her life pulls her in multiple directions.
The ending hurt a little, not going to lie. But it felt right. This is definitely one you have to take your time with to fully appreciate the slow pace, the beautiful writing, and all the emotions it has to offer. I enjoyed it so much!
(spice level: 2 open-door scenes, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But when her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Ben, comes to visit her in Lisbon, her two worlds begin to collide, unfolding a complicated internal struggle between who she used to be with him in Canada and this new version of herself alongside fellow poet Tiago. It's truly like her past, present, and future are all competing for attention.
There's a really tender, almost understated angst throughout. And oh, how I loved Anaa and Ben! Their friendship carried such sweet sadness. It's so full of humour, raw honesty, banter, and silly memories together. I felt so certain about their connection, which only made me feel for Anaa that much more as her life pulls her in multiple directions.
The ending hurt a little, not going to lie. But it felt right. This is definitely one you have to take your time with to fully appreciate the slow pace, the beautiful writing, and all the emotions it has to offer. I enjoyed it so much!
(spice level: 2 open-door scenes, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the chance to read a physical arc of this book 🫶🏼
This book was pitched as a love triangle set in Portugal between a girl and her friend love and the new beau she met in Portugal. What we got was less of a romance and just a coming of age story of our FMC. Which, in reality, I didn’t care about at all.
The writing was very clunky, some paragraphs were over a page long, I didn’t care about the characters, and the FMC was kind of annoying and just stringing people along the whole time. I felt no romance between anyone, no connection at all, and their personalities were flat as a pancake. I wanted more of the tension that a “love triangle” is supposed to build but yeah, I felt nothing.
There are some important discussions on race in the story, and I did relate to the FMC in finding herself in a new city, but otherwise, it was a major flop for me :/ I had to skim the last 30 pages because I was so bored I couldn’t take it anymore. The ending was also just flat for me and anticlimactic 💀
This book was pitched as a love triangle set in Portugal between a girl and her friend love and the new beau she met in Portugal. What we got was less of a romance and just a coming of age story of our FMC. Which, in reality, I didn’t care about at all.
The writing was very clunky, some paragraphs were over a page long, I didn’t care about the characters, and the FMC was kind of annoying and just stringing people along the whole time. I felt no romance between anyone, no connection at all, and their personalities were flat as a pancake. I wanted more of the tension that a “love triangle” is supposed to build but yeah, I felt nothing.
There are some important discussions on race in the story, and I did relate to the FMC in finding herself in a new city, but otherwise, it was a major flop for me :/ I had to skim the last 30 pages because I was so bored I couldn’t take it anymore. The ending was also just flat for me and anticlimactic 💀
April 16, 2026
A torturously lyrical coming of age post-college debut that follows one Portugese Canadian woman's life as she gives up everything she knows at home - including a beloved boyfriend - to chase an opportunity in Lisbon - a country where she doesn't speak the language and knows no one.
I would say this is more women's fiction than traditional romance per se and recommend going into it with those expectations in place. There's a love triangle of sorts, lots of identity crisis moments and a self-actualization journey as the protagonist finds herself torn between the allure of a new romantic poet and her lingering feelings for her ex.
It was an enjoyable enough read for me but I didn't relate to the protagonist as much as I would have wanted too. I still enjoyed it but I wouldn't buy it or go out of my way to recommend to just anyone. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
I would say this is more women's fiction than traditional romance per se and recommend going into it with those expectations in place. There's a love triangle of sorts, lots of identity crisis moments and a self-actualization journey as the protagonist finds herself torn between the allure of a new romantic poet and her lingering feelings for her ex.
It was an enjoyable enough read for me but I didn't relate to the protagonist as much as I would have wanted too. I still enjoyed it but I wouldn't buy it or go out of my way to recommend to just anyone. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read this as an ARC on NetGalley.
I was disappointed. This is marketed as a romance, however, it's more of a woman's literature. It's about identity, change, growth, culture, and finding yourself in a new world. There ARE romance elements, however, it didn't feel like it was the main focus while I was reading it.
The writing was beautiful, and it was originally written for screenplay.
My romance novel heart wasn't as satisfied as I would have liked to be. Always happy to support Canadian authors though!
I was disappointed. This is marketed as a romance, however, it's more of a woman's literature. It's about identity, change, growth, culture, and finding yourself in a new world. There ARE romance elements, however, it didn't feel like it was the main focus while I was reading it.
The writing was beautiful, and it was originally written for screenplay.
My romance novel heart wasn't as satisfied as I would have liked to be. Always happy to support Canadian authors though!
May 4, 2026
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Wow. A book that actual captures that bond you have with someone you love. The inside jokes, the weird habits, the comfort, how quick things can annoy you. It just felt so real and honest.
I will gobble up any coming of age book. Especially that messy part of your twenties when your life isn’t going to way you wanted but you also don’t really know what the way you want it to go in the first place. You’re trying on these different people to see what fits. You think you should be this one way and fighting against all your instincts.
It’s stressful and so scary.
Wow. A book that actual captures that bond you have with someone you love. The inside jokes, the weird habits, the comfort, how quick things can annoy you. It just felt so real and honest.
I will gobble up any coming of age book. Especially that messy part of your twenties when your life isn’t going to way you wanted but you also don’t really know what the way you want it to go in the first place. You’re trying on these different people to see what fits. You think you should be this one way and fighting against all your instincts.
It’s stressful and so scary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a beautifully written book. I loved seeing the main character struggle to find autonomy in her romantic relationships and ultimately work through it. It was so satisfying that this was *not* a romance, but more about a young woman’s coming of age. This isn’t a quick, fluffy read, but so worth the time. Love that the author is Canadian!
Thank you, Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you, Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautiful and sweet, and maybe I cried a little bit! A lot of relatable lines about first love and early adulthood. Felt like a movie! Reminded me a little of Normal People. Made me want to visit Lisbon. Loved it.
April 7, 2026
hmmm Def should not be marketed as romance because it made me more stressed than swooned. i can see why this was originally a screenplay!
April 25, 2026
Kept expecting it to get better. Felt like the author leaned too heavily on Lisbon’s atmosphere to carry the story.
Did Not Finish
May 6, 2026DNF @ 23%
May 14, 2026
3.5, couldnt put it down
“Breaking up is the last thing we’ll do together” 😭
“Breaking up is the last thing we’ll do together” 😭
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews