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And Then He Fell
A heartbreaking page-turner for fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain from USA Today bestselling author Kate Hewitt.
Josh and Ben are nine years old and best friends, until a single, careless act in the school playground destroys the lives of both families – and wrenches their small Manhattan school apart.
As both mothers Maddie and Joanna try to find out what really happened between the boys, they discover the truth is far more complicated and painful than either of them could have ever realised… with lasting repercussions for both families.
And when tragedy strikes again in the most unexpected of ways, the lives of these two women will be changed once more, and this time forever.
And Then He Fell explores the issues of parental responsibility and guilt, and whether there are some acts that human nature just cannot forgive…
Josh and Ben are nine years old and best friends, until a single, careless act in the school playground destroys the lives of both families – and wrenches their small Manhattan school apart.
As both mothers Maddie and Joanna try to find out what really happened between the boys, they discover the truth is far more complicated and painful than either of them could have ever realised… with lasting repercussions for both families.
And when tragedy strikes again in the most unexpected of ways, the lives of these two women will be changed once more, and this time forever.
And Then He Fell explores the issues of parental responsibility and guilt, and whether there are some acts that human nature just cannot forgive…
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
1756 people are currently reading
1408 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
874 books1,683 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
June 11, 2021
One of my more memorable reads of 2015 and an easy five star read for me. I really loved this book. It's fascinating.
I've grown to love a good moral dilemma in a novel, one that challenges the characters as well as the reader, this one had me thinking of two perspectives as I read wondering where I stood.
Josh and Ben are nine years old and best friends, until a single, careless act in the school playground destroys the lives of both families – and wrenches their small Manhattan school apart.
As both mothers Maddie and Joanna try to find out what really happened between the boys, they discover the truth is far more complicated and painful than either of them could have ever realised… with lasting repercussions for both families.
And when tragedy strikes again in the most unexpected of ways, the lives of these two women will be changed once more, and this time forever.
When He Fell explores the issues of parental responsibility and guilt, and whether there are some acts that human nature just cannot forgive…
Tragedy strikes early in this novel. A mothers worst nightmare (one of many), and not easy events to read. The drama that unfolds is complex with no true clarity at first. It's very powerful reading.
I won't tell or reveal the core plot but it divides friendship, marriage, community and even the inner belief systems of central characters. Not to mention you - the reader. What will your viewpoint be? Who is to blame if anyone?
The characters are really well done, even the children. I was able to relate, plug in and feel the story along with all of them. No perfect characters here, plenty of flaws which I adore.
There are a few moments when you think truth is all revealed but nothing quite prepared me for the BIG reveal. Sheesh! I was speechless as my brain tried to absorb. From there the book just got better and better.
A stunning and emotionally powerful novel that packs a punch. An easy 5 paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one from award winning USA Author Kate Hewitt.
Put this one in your to-read list for sure!
For more of my reviews see me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
I received a copy of this book with thanks from the publisher and NetGalley.
I've grown to love a good moral dilemma in a novel, one that challenges the characters as well as the reader, this one had me thinking of two perspectives as I read wondering where I stood.
Josh and Ben are nine years old and best friends, until a single, careless act in the school playground destroys the lives of both families – and wrenches their small Manhattan school apart.
As both mothers Maddie and Joanna try to find out what really happened between the boys, they discover the truth is far more complicated and painful than either of them could have ever realised… with lasting repercussions for both families.
And when tragedy strikes again in the most unexpected of ways, the lives of these two women will be changed once more, and this time forever.
When He Fell explores the issues of parental responsibility and guilt, and whether there are some acts that human nature just cannot forgive…
Tragedy strikes early in this novel. A mothers worst nightmare (one of many), and not easy events to read. The drama that unfolds is complex with no true clarity at first. It's very powerful reading.
I won't tell or reveal the core plot but it divides friendship, marriage, community and even the inner belief systems of central characters. Not to mention you - the reader. What will your viewpoint be? Who is to blame if anyone?
The characters are really well done, even the children. I was able to relate, plug in and feel the story along with all of them. No perfect characters here, plenty of flaws which I adore.
There are a few moments when you think truth is all revealed but nothing quite prepared me for the BIG reveal. Sheesh! I was speechless as my brain tried to absorb. From there the book just got better and better.
A stunning and emotionally powerful novel that packs a punch. An easy 5 paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one from award winning USA Author Kate Hewitt.
Put this one in your to-read list for sure!
For more of my reviews see me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
I received a copy of this book with thanks from the publisher and NetGalley.
October 21, 2015
Another very suspenseful and emotive book. A terrible accident occurs that will forever change the lives of two young boys and their parents. This is a moral dilemma and it was interesting to see how the author addressed this issue, I believe she did a very good job. The characters are laid bare in this story and you see people for who they really are, this is not always endearing especially from the parents. I was totally taken aback by the end, a truly tragic story for all involved. A great read.
August 2, 2015
This copy kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher.
If this was real, it would be a heartbreaking story. Unfortunately, the emotional connection just wasn't there for me.
The synopsis was a little misleading... At the second tragedy, rather than further tearing these families apart, I thought it bought them all together to finally acknowledge what happened and the roles they all played in it, enabling them all to move forward on their own paths.
To be honest, I saw the second tragedy coming a mile off. As soon as dad introduced a new hobby I knew what was going to happen, and that was further cemented when mum told us of a specific moment something had been made (trying to put down my thoughts without spoilers is hard lol). Anyone with a good active brain will know this moment as soon as they read it & know what's going to unfold, just as I did.
A good read that would have been fantastic if only I got the emotional connection with it.
If this was real, it would be a heartbreaking story. Unfortunately, the emotional connection just wasn't there for me.
The synopsis was a little misleading... At the second tragedy, rather than further tearing these families apart, I thought it bought them all together to finally acknowledge what happened and the roles they all played in it, enabling them all to move forward on their own paths.
To be honest, I saw the second tragedy coming a mile off. As soon as dad introduced a new hobby I knew what was going to happen, and that was further cemented when mum told us of a specific moment something had been made (trying to put down my thoughts without spoilers is hard lol). Anyone with a good active brain will know this moment as soon as they read it & know what's going to unfold, just as I did.
A good read that would have been fantastic if only I got the emotional connection with it.
June 23, 2016
3.25
I received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
Ben and Josh are nine years old and best of friends before an accident during recess ends up with one boy in hospital in an induced coma and the other refusing to speak about what had really happened. Ben's mother Maddie and Josh's parents Lewis and Johanna are left to try and sort out the pieces which may reveal some secrets better left hidden.
Overall this was an interesting and heartfelt read. But when the characters getting hurt are children, you really feel like more should be done to find out the facts. I felt quite frustrated reading it, particularly in Johanna's chapters as I felt like she and Lewis should have been doing so much more to get Josh to talk. Two months later and he still hasn't admitted what happens. How is that okay when a young child is sitting in hospital with brain damage? I also couldn't believe how lax Maddie was at times with finding out the whole story as well. She definitely lacked some kind of drive and I did feel like most of the adult characters were just a bit weak and pathetic. I do think the end of the story, heartbreaking as it was, brought light to a situation that is becoming more widespread in current society and that, if anything, is important.
While this book is short at only 200 pages or so, it felt much longer. But if you're looking for a read to pull at the heartstrings, it's probably one for you
I received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
Ben and Josh are nine years old and best of friends before an accident during recess ends up with one boy in hospital in an induced coma and the other refusing to speak about what had really happened. Ben's mother Maddie and Josh's parents Lewis and Johanna are left to try and sort out the pieces which may reveal some secrets better left hidden.
Overall this was an interesting and heartfelt read. But when the characters getting hurt are children, you really feel like more should be done to find out the facts. I felt quite frustrated reading it, particularly in Johanna's chapters as I felt like she and Lewis should have been doing so much more to get Josh to talk. Two months later and he still hasn't admitted what happens. How is that okay when a young child is sitting in hospital with brain damage? I also couldn't believe how lax Maddie was at times with finding out the whole story as well. She definitely lacked some kind of drive and I did feel like most of the adult characters were just a bit weak and pathetic. I do think the end of the story, heartbreaking as it was, brought light to a situation that is becoming more widespread in current society and that, if anything, is important.
While this book is short at only 200 pages or so, it felt much longer. But if you're looking for a read to pull at the heartstrings, it's probably one for you
July 31, 2016
Before we begin my review I had one tiny gripe About When He Fell, I felt the book description was far too detailed, so I was already prepared for a second tragedy right from the start, which was a shame. When He Fell is a novel that packs an emotional punch, it’s both a poignant and emotive read that left me emotionally drained. This novel explores the unthinkable for any parent, a careless act in the playground destroys the lives of two families, which in turn will change the lives of two young boys and their parents forever.
I was unable to take to the main characters of When He Fell, which usually means I struggle to then read the book, but fortunately although the characters aren’t particularly likeable this just added to my curiosity regarding this novel. I found Joanne really irritated me rather than deal with problems head on, she was more likely to bury her head in the sand, and avoided confrontation at every opportunity, she also appeared self absorbed at times putting her career before her family. I did have great empathy for Maddie, as what she goes through with her son Ben is every parents worse nightmare, but I did dislike the needy side of Maddie,and how she was so desperate to be part of a loving family, she didn’t even consider the fallout of her actions. In the characters defence as the plot progresses we do learn more about their pasts, and how this shaped them into the people they had become, and the complexity of their characters actually added to my enjoyment of this novel.
Whilst reading When He Fell I experienced so many different thoughts and feelings throughout, dislike, anger, compassion and irritation and heartbreak, to name but a few and in my opinion this is down to the authors extraordinary ability to give the reader a set of characters who are not always endearing or even very likeable, and you see them for what they really are, which is not very pretty picture at times. When He Fell delves into so many issues loss, abandonment, guilt, the need to feel loved, and most importantly the choices we make as parents, and the ramifications for our children when we make bad decisions. Kate Hewitt has produced an emotionally powerful read, with a well constructed plot, if you are looking for a book to pull on your heartstrings then this might just been the book for you, it certainly left me feeling emotionally drained.
I was unable to take to the main characters of When He Fell, which usually means I struggle to then read the book, but fortunately although the characters aren’t particularly likeable this just added to my curiosity regarding this novel. I found Joanne really irritated me rather than deal with problems head on, she was more likely to bury her head in the sand, and avoided confrontation at every opportunity, she also appeared self absorbed at times putting her career before her family. I did have great empathy for Maddie, as what she goes through with her son Ben is every parents worse nightmare, but I did dislike the needy side of Maddie,and how she was so desperate to be part of a loving family, she didn’t even consider the fallout of her actions. In the characters defence as the plot progresses we do learn more about their pasts, and how this shaped them into the people they had become, and the complexity of their characters actually added to my enjoyment of this novel.
Whilst reading When He Fell I experienced so many different thoughts and feelings throughout, dislike, anger, compassion and irritation and heartbreak, to name but a few and in my opinion this is down to the authors extraordinary ability to give the reader a set of characters who are not always endearing or even very likeable, and you see them for what they really are, which is not very pretty picture at times. When He Fell delves into so many issues loss, abandonment, guilt, the need to feel loved, and most importantly the choices we make as parents, and the ramifications for our children when we make bad decisions. Kate Hewitt has produced an emotionally powerful read, with a well constructed plot, if you are looking for a book to pull on your heartstrings then this might just been the book for you, it certainly left me feeling emotionally drained.
June 12, 2016
Originally posted at: https://bookboodle.wordpress.com/2016...
3.5*
I jumped at the chance to read When He Fell as part of the blog tour as it came across as one of those books that poses moral dilemmas to its reader which I rather like.
Simply told yet captivating from early on, I liked this book for its authenticity; one of the parents has proper financial issues which she's stressing about which make it more realistic rather than just having the cash to throw at the problem.
I liked Josh and Ben's characters; I think they're portrayed really well with their everyday struggles and difficulties and the frustrations that it causes their parents feels very real.
In all honesty I didn't really love either of the main women characters; I found Maddie to be a bit of a lush, obsessed with finding a man, although I did find myself feeling sympathetic towards her for the situation and the hardship she faced and Joanna well..excessively needy springs to mind, however this was one of those rare occasions where my disconnection with the main characters didn't hinder the experience for me as the book has such an interesting theme.
My one criticism would be that the blurb gives away too much information...I would have much rathered it didn't contain anything about the second tragedy; although I didn't guess what it was I was waiting for it. I would have preferred to be totally in the dark.
Overall, a good and interesting read and one you may need to have tissues handy at the end!
3.5*
I jumped at the chance to read When He Fell as part of the blog tour as it came across as one of those books that poses moral dilemmas to its reader which I rather like.
Simply told yet captivating from early on, I liked this book for its authenticity; one of the parents has proper financial issues which she's stressing about which make it more realistic rather than just having the cash to throw at the problem.
I liked Josh and Ben's characters; I think they're portrayed really well with their everyday struggles and difficulties and the frustrations that it causes their parents feels very real.
In all honesty I didn't really love either of the main women characters; I found Maddie to be a bit of a lush, obsessed with finding a man, although I did find myself feeling sympathetic towards her for the situation and the hardship she faced and Joanna well..excessively needy springs to mind, however this was one of those rare occasions where my disconnection with the main characters didn't hinder the experience for me as the book has such an interesting theme.
My one criticism would be that the blurb gives away too much information...I would have much rathered it didn't contain anything about the second tragedy; although I didn't guess what it was I was waiting for it. I would have preferred to be totally in the dark.
Overall, a good and interesting read and one you may need to have tissues handy at the end!
May 18, 2016
When a little boy has an accident whilst playing at a private school, a huge turmoil is released. Ben is in a coma and Josh, the little boy he was playing with admits to his mum that he didn't push him accidentally.
The two families are left to try and find out what happened without the support of the school or their friends. What family secrets are about to be revealed and why is Josh such a troubled little boy? You can just feel the anguish of both mothers- it would be hard to be in either of their situations.
There are unexpected turns throughout where little pieces of the story come to light and different encounters with the school make you wonder what exactly happened on that day and why no one is telling the truth.
None of the characters are particularly likeable and have had troubled backgrounds- but you can understand why they are all behaving the way they do. It is intriguing and brings up many subjects to think about including selective mutism, which is a matter close to us.
With many thanks to NetGalley and Carina Uk for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
The two families are left to try and find out what happened without the support of the school or their friends. What family secrets are about to be revealed and why is Josh such a troubled little boy? You can just feel the anguish of both mothers- it would be hard to be in either of their situations.
There are unexpected turns throughout where little pieces of the story come to light and different encounters with the school make you wonder what exactly happened on that day and why no one is telling the truth.
None of the characters are particularly likeable and have had troubled backgrounds- but you can understand why they are all behaving the way they do. It is intriguing and brings up many subjects to think about including selective mutism, which is a matter close to us.
With many thanks to NetGalley and Carina Uk for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2015
Two boys have an altercation on a play ground and life is never the same for them or their families. The book was very suspenseful with many emotional twists and turns. Not a happy book but an a good read.
November 3, 2020
Excuse me while I go cry.
February 20, 2022
This book captured my heart from the very beginning. It was an unexpected ending, but one well written and heart felt!
February 23, 2020
Two mothers. One single, one married. Two sons - best friends. Yet, one of the alost 10-years-old boys pushes the other one from the dangerous height and Ben suffers the damage on his brain as a result of his fall. How a mother copes with such a drastic change in her life and mainly her son's live? How another mother copes with her troubled son and the possibility of the marital troubles, too?
While this book presents soe very interesting moral questions, I don't like it. Maybe because for long time I have never disliked one of the heroines so much as I dislike Joanna. While Maddie (Ben's mom) is immature, too - I can understand her immaturity. But I also see her honesty, her fighting to grow up, her change. Joanna is not simply immature, she has some unhealthy character traits, too (or may be she is just a self-absorbed cow, uncapable of simple human compassion). Single mother Maddie is also much better at parenting than the couple of Joanna and Lewis. Almost 10-year-old boy pushes his best friend from dangerous height and no one of his parents questions him to get down to the roots of the issue? Like WHY did he do it? No one really cares for this obviously troubled boy with the healthy love? (No, because they can not even comunicate openly with themselves.). And what about the moral consequences? Do we not ever discuss the questions of moral wrongness with the children?
Maddie truly comes off like a much honest person here - maybe because she recognizes her doings as wrong.
And, ugh - don't let me even start on the unethicality of bringing Ben into the last scene with Josh. It is cruel, it is unhealthy and it is simply stupid.
I will cease from reading this authoress.
Yes, there are some saving graces. The issues presented are interesting, some of the questions are real and the consequences do exist. So maybe you will like this book better than me.
While this book presents soe very interesting moral questions, I don't like it. Maybe because for long time I have never disliked one of the heroines so much as I dislike Joanna. While Maddie (Ben's mom) is immature, too - I can understand her immaturity. But I also see her honesty, her fighting to grow up, her change. Joanna is not simply immature, she has some unhealthy character traits, too (or may be she is just a self-absorbed cow, uncapable of simple human compassion). Single mother Maddie is also much better at parenting than the couple of Joanna and Lewis. Almost 10-year-old boy pushes his best friend from dangerous height and no one of his parents questions him to get down to the roots of the issue? Like WHY did he do it? No one really cares for this obviously troubled boy with the healthy love? (No, because they can not even comunicate openly with themselves.). And what about the moral consequences? Do we not ever discuss the questions of moral wrongness with the children?
Maddie truly comes off like a much honest person here - maybe because she recognizes her doings as wrong.
And, ugh - don't let me even start on the unethicality of bringing Ben into the last scene with Josh. It is cruel, it is unhealthy and it is simply stupid.
I will cease from reading this authoress.
Yes, there are some saving graces. The issues presented are interesting, some of the questions are real and the consequences do exist. So maybe you will like this book better than me.
October 8, 2015
When a child has an accident, you do not have to be a parent to feel concern. Kate Hewitt’s novel by far the best at ensuring the readers emotion her top priority.
From the first page I felt for Maddie. Her son Ben has had a fall and is now critical in an induced coma.
Juliet is Maddies friend. She witnessed the accident but seems reluctant to give Maddie any details or even give any comfort.
When it comes to light that Josh, Ben’s friend may be the one who pushed Ben the guilt of the child and parents involved make this tale one of the most emotive I have ever read. There are a lot of secrets and the question to be asked is ‘Why’?
I loved this book, Kate’s writing about blame, guilt, neglect, hopes and wishes is brilliant. My imagination went into overdrive.
The relationship between Joanna, Lewis and Maddie makes the reader ponder.
it is not a light-hearted read. There is tragedy on all sides.
A truly shattering, moving tale.
From the first page I felt for Maddie. Her son Ben has had a fall and is now critical in an induced coma.
Juliet is Maddies friend. She witnessed the accident but seems reluctant to give Maddie any details or even give any comfort.
When it comes to light that Josh, Ben’s friend may be the one who pushed Ben the guilt of the child and parents involved make this tale one of the most emotive I have ever read. There are a lot of secrets and the question to be asked is ‘Why’?
I loved this book, Kate’s writing about blame, guilt, neglect, hopes and wishes is brilliant. My imagination went into overdrive.
The relationship between Joanna, Lewis and Maddie makes the reader ponder.
it is not a light-hearted read. There is tragedy on all sides.
A truly shattering, moving tale.
April 14, 2019
I really liked the premise of this book, but found problems with the writing. I like first person POVs, but this one was full of telling and not showing and also a lot of what felt like cliched language. I also found the plot predictable. I was hoping that there would be some huge twist about what happened between Josh and Ben before Ben fell, but it turned out to be exactly what I thought it would be about. I also have to agree with what other reviewers have been saying about how the summary gives away the fact that a second tragedy happens since it doesn't happen until more than 80% into the book. What is that about?
Overall, very disappointing.
Overall, very disappointing.
July 6, 2021
It usually takes me a day or two before I start getting into a book. Not the case with this book though. It hooked me from page one all the way to the end. In the book, And Then He Fell, a horrible accident takes place and the lives of two families are torn apart. Slowly we find out what happened, why, and how each family will go on. If you plan on reading, don’t read any reviews. Just read – it’s a brilliant book – one of my favorites so far this year.
July 19, 2021
Wow! I cried...such a moving book. Kate has captured one of the relevant issues of today's children.
July 20, 2021
I think I’ve read too many of the authors books in a row because this seemed almost too predictable to me. It’s a good story but apparently I need a break from her style of writing.
October 13, 2021
What a beautifully written book. So raw and honest, I feel like this was such a true look into the struggles children of today experience - complicated family dynamics, fear, jealousy. Excellent writing, as Kate Hewitt always manages to do.
January 20, 2024
This book broke my heart! Beautiful but heart wrenching story! 💔
August 11, 2021
Heart breaking story
Love and loss reveals tself in this tragic story of people broken trying to find happiness only to damage the youth that depend on them.
Love and loss reveals tself in this tragic story of people broken trying to find happiness only to damage the youth that depend on them.
June 12, 2016
I very rarely read and review the books I’ve been asked to organise book tours for – only if they sound exceptionally good. The blurb for ‘When He Fell’ stood out instantly to me so I knew that this was going to be one of those exceptions. Two children, two families, two very different childhoods. Ben and Josh are both nine and are best friends but their lives are worlds apart. Hyperactive Ben’s mum Maddie is single whereas shy, quiet Josh lives with his parents Lewis and Joanna who look like the perfect couple but who’s relationship survives on silence. When a terrible but suspicious accident at school occurs, it puts strain on both mothers to find out exactly what happened to their sons but they soon realise that this “accident” may go back a lot further than that day on the playground.
I simply do not know where to start. I’ve been finding it very difficult to read over the past few months, with things getting in the way of me being able to just sit back and enjoy my favourite ever pastime. But as soon as I started reading When He Fell, I knew I was onto something gold. The opening begins straight in the action: You’re only in a couple of pages before the first ‘thing’ happens so there’s no messing about with any build-up, which I love. The information you need to build the big picture within this book is drip-fed to you, very gently and very gradually – particularly in the first half – adding and adding to the suspense and the tension.
The thing that stood out massively for me in this book was how dramatically my opinions of the characters changed over time. Being written in a very clean two person narrative: Maddie and Joanna, you get a full view of each of them, their lives and their boys. You get absorbed into each of their worlds completely so build up a very elaborate picture of each. But somehow, Kate manages to make sure you see each of these pictures through misty glasses because as the book went on, the characters I felt for, I no longer did and the characters I thought were innocent no longer were and so on. It was a huge characteristic of the book that I’m not even sure was intentional – but it worked!
No particular character stood out to me: Maddie and Joanna definitely both had their flaws, although very different from each others but I loved the initial contrast between the two but also the sneaky little things that make you realise that maybe, these two women aren’t that different after all. I was deeply intrigued by Ben and Josh however and the genuine contrast between these two best friends. A friendship that really, shouldn’t have happened, with one being loud, boisterous and hyperactive and the other being quiet, shy and with a history of not talking to anyone for long periods of time. There was a good number and mix of characters – not too few but not too many that you get confused with who is who.
‘When He Fell’ was, quite simply, amazing. Kate Hewitt has a compelling and effortless writing style and approach to storytelling and I’ll definitely be keeping her on my radar. ‘When He Fell’ teaches you that imagination can be a dangerous thing – if you let it. It is a book first and foremost, about consequences. About a chain reaction that you could never fathom and whether you can genuinely place blame. It will make you question karma – does it exist or are some things just freak accidents? And how the phrase, ‘be careful what you wish for’ can have more of a significance than you ever thought possible
Full post on: www.jennyinneverlad.com
I simply do not know where to start. I’ve been finding it very difficult to read over the past few months, with things getting in the way of me being able to just sit back and enjoy my favourite ever pastime. But as soon as I started reading When He Fell, I knew I was onto something gold. The opening begins straight in the action: You’re only in a couple of pages before the first ‘thing’ happens so there’s no messing about with any build-up, which I love. The information you need to build the big picture within this book is drip-fed to you, very gently and very gradually – particularly in the first half – adding and adding to the suspense and the tension.
The thing that stood out massively for me in this book was how dramatically my opinions of the characters changed over time. Being written in a very clean two person narrative: Maddie and Joanna, you get a full view of each of them, their lives and their boys. You get absorbed into each of their worlds completely so build up a very elaborate picture of each. But somehow, Kate manages to make sure you see each of these pictures through misty glasses because as the book went on, the characters I felt for, I no longer did and the characters I thought were innocent no longer were and so on. It was a huge characteristic of the book that I’m not even sure was intentional – but it worked!
No particular character stood out to me: Maddie and Joanna definitely both had their flaws, although very different from each others but I loved the initial contrast between the two but also the sneaky little things that make you realise that maybe, these two women aren’t that different after all. I was deeply intrigued by Ben and Josh however and the genuine contrast between these two best friends. A friendship that really, shouldn’t have happened, with one being loud, boisterous and hyperactive and the other being quiet, shy and with a history of not talking to anyone for long periods of time. There was a good number and mix of characters – not too few but not too many that you get confused with who is who.
‘When He Fell’ was, quite simply, amazing. Kate Hewitt has a compelling and effortless writing style and approach to storytelling and I’ll definitely be keeping her on my radar. ‘When He Fell’ teaches you that imagination can be a dangerous thing – if you let it. It is a book first and foremost, about consequences. About a chain reaction that you could never fathom and whether you can genuinely place blame. It will make you question karma – does it exist or are some things just freak accidents? And how the phrase, ‘be careful what you wish for’ can have more of a significance than you ever thought possible
Full post on: www.jennyinneverlad.com
December 19, 2015
Such an emotive,inspiring and quite addictive read. I experienced so many different thoughts and feelings throughout and it was a fantastic plot with no idea how it would play out and then to be thrown that curveball near the end was so unexpected and horribly horrific.
For me though it was the characters that were foremost for me,it's the characters in any book that make or break it and the three main characters in this were a mixture of hated and liked at any stage.
Even the two boys Josh and Ben held pivotal roles and I liked and hated them in equal measure.
From the start Josh's mum Joanne irritated me, her son pushes another child,his best friend off high rocks and leaves him in a coma and she never once got cross with him or shouted or punished him or even blamed him,she ridiculed the school for suspending him for a week by saying they were trying to blame her son...it was her sons fault for goodness sake,of course he should be punished,especially when he goes on to say he meant to hurt Ben and he's not sorry. What kind of 9 year old child behaves like that.
Yes he believes that his dad Lewis is going to leave them for Bens mum Maddie but thats rather an over exaggerated reaction to try and kill your best friend.
Even near the end I felt somewhat sympathy for Joanne but really I still hated her.
Obviously I sympathised greatly with Maddie as her son is in a coma and she was completely on her own caring for him and she had every right to be angry with the school and even Josh but she wasn't angry with Josh as she cared about him.
But I did dislike the needy side of Maddie,the way she gravitated towards married men,yes she grew up without a family and security and that's all she wanted but it's like she had no shame and she was still at it with Lewis,she just couldn't let go.
I did like Lewis and he didn't really do anything wrong, I think he was actually very patient and caring especially being married to Joanna who basically doubted him for most of their marriage. He should have stood up to her more and put her in her place.
I liked how the ending wasn't full of cliches that would have wrapped it all up,like more babies and new relationships.
It was a very thought provoking read that leaves you with the thought to appreciate everything you have even the small things though I feel that both mothers led distant lives from their sons,with work and they never appreciated the small things,they now know to appreciate these things though sadly they learnt this through tragedy.
For me though it was the characters that were foremost for me,it's the characters in any book that make or break it and the three main characters in this were a mixture of hated and liked at any stage.
Even the two boys Josh and Ben held pivotal roles and I liked and hated them in equal measure.
From the start Josh's mum Joanne irritated me, her son pushes another child,his best friend off high rocks and leaves him in a coma and she never once got cross with him or shouted or punished him or even blamed him,she ridiculed the school for suspending him for a week by saying they were trying to blame her son...it was her sons fault for goodness sake,of course he should be punished,especially when he goes on to say he meant to hurt Ben and he's not sorry. What kind of 9 year old child behaves like that.
Yes he believes that his dad Lewis is going to leave them for Bens mum Maddie but thats rather an over exaggerated reaction to try and kill your best friend.
Even near the end I felt somewhat sympathy for Joanne but really I still hated her.
Obviously I sympathised greatly with Maddie as her son is in a coma and she was completely on her own caring for him and she had every right to be angry with the school and even Josh but she wasn't angry with Josh as she cared about him.
But I did dislike the needy side of Maddie,the way she gravitated towards married men,yes she grew up without a family and security and that's all she wanted but it's like she had no shame and she was still at it with Lewis,she just couldn't let go.
I did like Lewis and he didn't really do anything wrong, I think he was actually very patient and caring especially being married to Joanna who basically doubted him for most of their marriage. He should have stood up to her more and put her in her place.
I liked how the ending wasn't full of cliches that would have wrapped it all up,like more babies and new relationships.
It was a very thought provoking read that leaves you with the thought to appreciate everything you have even the small things though I feel that both mothers led distant lives from their sons,with work and they never appreciated the small things,they now know to appreciate these things though sadly they learnt this through tragedy.
March 13, 2016
When He Fell by Kate Hewitt packed a real emotional punch. Its a novel about two 9 year old boys - who were friends at school. Ben had always been kind of hyperactive and Josh had been extremely shy and neither had many friends until they became friends with each other. After a fight on the playground, one of them ends up in the hospital with brain damage and the other one always been won't talk about it at all. Both families are caught up in the ensuing turmoil surrounding fallout of the boys disagreement. As they struggle to find out what really happened, with little help from the school administration, secrets are revealed in each family.
The characters are very real and full of good and bad traits - at times during the book, I disliked all of the adult characters - especially the two mothers - but then found out later that they had reasons for the way they acted and then my opinion of them changed. There were times that the book was very difficult to read. Any time a child is injured to this extent, its very painful to read because its so emotional to any parent.
Overall, I highly recommend this book -- its a fantastic book to read and hard to put down once you start it. This is the first book that I've read by Kate Hewitt but I plan to read more of her books.
(Thanks to the author for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review)
The characters are very real and full of good and bad traits - at times during the book, I disliked all of the adult characters - especially the two mothers - but then found out later that they had reasons for the way they acted and then my opinion of them changed. There were times that the book was very difficult to read. Any time a child is injured to this extent, its very painful to read because its so emotional to any parent.
Overall, I highly recommend this book -- its a fantastic book to read and hard to put down once you start it. This is the first book that I've read by Kate Hewitt but I plan to read more of her books.
(Thanks to the author for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review)
December 2, 2015
This was a good storyline with some really unpleasant characters - Maddie, the mother of the boy who fell, was not the kind of person that I could warm to at all, and I found some of her behaviour very uncomfortable. This is no bad thing however, I liked the fact the she made me feel a little bit "ewww" at times, and she did evoke some very uncomfortable feelings in me, mainly the fact that I found it hard to find any sympathy for her, purely because she wasn't a very nice person.
The book is quite an emotional read, and although I found it hard to feel sympathy for Maddie, it doesn't make the events any less shocking, or emotional to read about. I found the relationship between Jo and Lewis far more intriguing, and it was actually Jo that I felt the most sympathy for, as she seems to bear the brunt of all it, almost as though she is being punished for not being there enough for her son in the first place.
I would definitely recommend When He Fell to those who enjoy being taken out of their comfort zone slightly when reading - It definitely make me think "what if?' and that had me turning he pages til the very end.
The book is quite an emotional read, and although I found it hard to feel sympathy for Maddie, it doesn't make the events any less shocking, or emotional to read about. I found the relationship between Jo and Lewis far more intriguing, and it was actually Jo that I felt the most sympathy for, as she seems to bear the brunt of all it, almost as though she is being punished for not being there enough for her son in the first place.
I would definitely recommend When He Fell to those who enjoy being taken out of their comfort zone slightly when reading - It definitely make me think "what if?' and that had me turning he pages til the very end.
June 8, 2016
When He Fell tells the story of two families, their sons are best friends, two misfits who form a bond. One day in the school playground tragedy strikes. One boy is in a coma and the other is refusing to talk, throwing the families into a nightmare that neither were expecting.
I really enjoyed the start of When He Fell, the concept was interesting and I wanted to know what had happened and why. But as the book continued I became more and more frustrated with the characters, none of them were very likeable and a lot of their decisions really didn't make a lot of sense. I also felt that the book lost its way in the middle, there were large chunks that didn't do anything to add to the story.
The last part of the book did improve, the questions were answered and we saw the future of the families involved. It was a shame that a book that had started so promisingly lost its way, but I still enjoyed reading When He Fell, and it certainly made me think about the fragility of life and the way that I parent my children.
I received a copy of When He Fell from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the start of When He Fell, the concept was interesting and I wanted to know what had happened and why. But as the book continued I became more and more frustrated with the characters, none of them were very likeable and a lot of their decisions really didn't make a lot of sense. I also felt that the book lost its way in the middle, there were large chunks that didn't do anything to add to the story.
The last part of the book did improve, the questions were answered and we saw the future of the families involved. It was a shame that a book that had started so promisingly lost its way, but I still enjoyed reading When He Fell, and it certainly made me think about the fragility of life and the way that I parent my children.
I received a copy of When He Fell from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
March 17, 2016
A brilliantly poignant and emotional story of two nine year old boys and their respective families and what is important in life.
Ben falls at school and it transpires that his best friend Josh has pushed him- and they were not arguing. Were the playground attendants watching as they should? What has sparked quiet timid Josh to act this way? Are the school negligent? Is it the parents responsibility?
Two best friends and hidden secrets. How children pick up on the world around them more than we realise and the effect it can have on them to everyone’s detriment.
Beautifully portrayed characters with whom you can’t but help sympathise and empathise at the situations of the twists and turns that this tale takes (and that from a non -parent). One thing leads to another and although I foresaw one part (I won’t spoil it!) in no way did it deter from this powerful lesson for everyone.
Yesterday is History, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present – a gift to be treated as such.
Seize it with both hands and enjoy it for what it is, not what it could be, because you never know what is just around the corner and you may just be longing for that “normal dreary life” that you now have.
Ben falls at school and it transpires that his best friend Josh has pushed him- and they were not arguing. Were the playground attendants watching as they should? What has sparked quiet timid Josh to act this way? Are the school negligent? Is it the parents responsibility?
Two best friends and hidden secrets. How children pick up on the world around them more than we realise and the effect it can have on them to everyone’s detriment.
Beautifully portrayed characters with whom you can’t but help sympathise and empathise at the situations of the twists and turns that this tale takes (and that from a non -parent). One thing leads to another and although I foresaw one part (I won’t spoil it!) in no way did it deter from this powerful lesson for everyone.
Yesterday is History, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present – a gift to be treated as such.
Seize it with both hands and enjoy it for what it is, not what it could be, because you never know what is just around the corner and you may just be longing for that “normal dreary life” that you now have.
May 31, 2015
Boys will be boys, I guess. Energetic, naughty and adventurous. Ben and Josh are both 9 years old and as close as brothers.
Then one accident on the playground of their school in Manhattan shatters their lives, their friendship and the lives of their families.
Their mothers, Maddie and Joanna, unravel the whole nasty business. What happened that day? Why did it happen?
As they soon find out, you can never know anybody as well as you might think you know them.
I found When He Fell most chilling as I have a kid myself, not much older than Josh and Ben.
The power of When He Fell lies in the unexpected twists and turns that Kate Hewitt so masterfully weaves into the story. The narrative is clever, well paced and well structured. When He Fell almost reads like a newspaper story as the book is that believable and gripping.
Brilliant.
Then one accident on the playground of their school in Manhattan shatters their lives, their friendship and the lives of their families.
Their mothers, Maddie and Joanna, unravel the whole nasty business. What happened that day? Why did it happen?
As they soon find out, you can never know anybody as well as you might think you know them.
I found When He Fell most chilling as I have a kid myself, not much older than Josh and Ben.
The power of When He Fell lies in the unexpected twists and turns that Kate Hewitt so masterfully weaves into the story. The narrative is clever, well paced and well structured. When He Fell almost reads like a newspaper story as the book is that believable and gripping.
Brilliant.
March 28, 2016
A story which starts in a school in Manhattan but where the repercussions spread out in to the larger community and causes ripples of grief and guilt within two families.
One boy ends up with brain damage and the other one won’t speak about what happened. There are questions over who is exactly to blame as there would be if such an accident happened in any school and it’s the emotional fallout from this, for any parent which is very hard to read at times. That’s before the two families and their backgrounds come to light!
I admit I found this a hard book to read - the subject matter and the themes involved and not the writing! I will go and buy another one of Kate's books but this one wasn't to my taste. Having said that it will put the fear into any parent and you'll never forget it!
One boy ends up with brain damage and the other one won’t speak about what happened. There are questions over who is exactly to blame as there would be if such an accident happened in any school and it’s the emotional fallout from this, for any parent which is very hard to read at times. That’s before the two families and their backgrounds come to light!
I admit I found this a hard book to read - the subject matter and the themes involved and not the writing! I will go and buy another one of Kate's books but this one wasn't to my taste. Having said that it will put the fear into any parent and you'll never forget it!
February 2, 2016
Harrowing, intense, negative but totally compelling, this book is brilliant! It takes a special writer to maintain interest in the way Kate Hewitt does....and Kate Hewitt is indeed a special writer. Try reading it for a while and see if you can put it down...I couldn't
January 17, 2019
A waste of time.
Is so unbelievable. It starts out ok but by the fifth of sixth chapter you're starting to think should I finish this? But because I'm that kind of person who can't not finish a book I read on and believe me if only gets worse.
Is so unbelievable. It starts out ok but by the fifth of sixth chapter you're starting to think should I finish this? But because I'm that kind of person who can't not finish a book I read on and believe me if only gets worse.
February 26, 2024
I am a big fan of Kate Hewitt and read so many of her books under KU, while now branching out and purchasing those that aren't "free". This is one of them and while I love her writing, I will admit that this storyline was too depressing and even though I know there aren't always happy endings, I wish for once there would be a mediocre good ending.
Ben and Josh are 9 year old boys who are friends attending a private school. Ben's mom is single mother Maddie and because of her disruptive childhood (foster care) she tends to make bad decisions while dreaming about finding married men to serve as her protector. Meanwhile, Josh's mom and dad are Lewis and Joanna and while they struggled over an incident that happened when Josh was 3, and ultimately resulted in Josh not talking for a year, they are now happy that he has a friend in Ben. Since Lewis is self employed he and Josh often had play dates with Maddie and Ben, resulting in Maddie dreaming about their pretend happy family of the four of them.
Until one day when Ben and Josh go up on the big rocks behind the playground and Josh pushes Ben off the rocks, resulting in serious brain damage, induced coma and traumatic brain injury. Lewis and Joanna try to get Josh to open up about what happened, and slowly the facts start trickling out.
Ben and Josh are 9 year old boys who are friends attending a private school. Ben's mom is single mother Maddie and because of her disruptive childhood (foster care) she tends to make bad decisions while dreaming about finding married men to serve as her protector. Meanwhile, Josh's mom and dad are Lewis and Joanna and while they struggled over an incident that happened when Josh was 3, and ultimately resulted in Josh not talking for a year, they are now happy that he has a friend in Ben. Since Lewis is self employed he and Josh often had play dates with Maddie and Ben, resulting in Maddie dreaming about their pretend happy family of the four of them.
Until one day when Ben and Josh go up on the big rocks behind the playground and Josh pushes Ben off the rocks, resulting in serious brain damage, induced coma and traumatic brain injury. Lewis and Joanna try to get Josh to open up about what happened, and slowly the facts start trickling out.
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