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Falling Under
"After surviving a turbulent childhood, Mara Foster has finally gained independence and success as a painter. Now in her late twenties, she lives alone, still burdened by a troubled past involving a teenage affair with an older man and the tragic loss of her college boyfriend. But when Mara meets Hugo, the walls she has built around herself begin to crumble. Despite herself, she starts to fall in love and realizes she must either confront her dark secrets or be consumed by them. And either way, she risks losing Hugo and her second chance at happiness.Written in spare, crisp prose and marked by wry humor,Falling Under is a gripping contemporary urban tale of human weakness, friendship, and hard-earned redemption."
356 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2008
41 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Younge-Ullman
5 books500 followersDanielle Younge-Ullman is the award-winning author of the young adult novels, HE MUST LIKE YOU (July 2020), EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IS NOT RUINED (2018), LOLA CARLYLE’S 12 STEP ROMANCE (2015), and the adult novel, FALLING UNDER (2008). Danielle’s work has been published internationally, won the White Pine and Earphone awards, and been nominated for multiple awards and best-of lists, including the Governor General’s Award, the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Green Mountain Book Award, American Library Associations Best of YA award, the Crystal Kite award, the Prix du Libraires du Quebec, and the Prix Sorcières du France, the Prix Lucioles du France, the Prix Farniente of Belgium, and CBC’s Best Books of 2017, Bank Street Best Children's Book list of 2018, Ontario Library Associations Best Bets of 2018. Danielle has an English degree from McGill University, and worked as a theatre and voice actor (plus server/host/temp/admin/Pilates instructor) before turning to writing. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 10, 2017
*This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.*
It took me the longest time to get into this book. But once I did, it was difficult to stop. The beautiful sentences kept flowing and I was simply in awe – the writing style is quite lovely. The author writes about ordinary things in such an extraordinary manner.
This is a story of Mara Foster, young artist who is struggling with anxiety. The story is told alternating between past and present. The main event in the book is the death of her college boyfriend, Lucas. It’s something that defined her, and we see events lining up to it, and we see after – Mara trying to deal with it. There’s a lot of guilt in Mara; she’s damaged, struggling with living her life despite her guilt which is crippling her. When she meets Hugo, she finally has a chance at happiness, but first – she must chase away her demons. We get to know Mara by witnessing her daily struggles, seeing how her past relationships defined her.
In her past, when she was 16, Mara had an affair with Caleb, a 34-year old painter who was her mentor of sorts. Then there was Lucas whose death left a huge impact on Mara and from whose loss she’s still recovering. In the present she has an occasional lover Erik to whom she runs when her demons are too much. And finally, Hugo, this really sweet guy with a dog. And that’s really all I have to say about Hugo. We meet him first and right away we’re presented with the idea that he’s the one. The one for whom Mara will get better. I, on the other hand, couldn’t help but root for Erik.And Caleb.
The whole book was intense. If I had to choose one word to describe Falling Under it’d be that. And Erik was intense, his relationship with Mara was nothing but intense. I felt like with Erik, Mara had something real. I liked Hugo in the beginning, but later on I cooled off, I guess. I missed that intensity she had in her previous relationships.
Mara is dramatic, her thoughts, her paintings are dramatic. Falling Under is the kind of book which relies on emotions a lot. Inner monologue is in the foreground. In fact, I think Mara’s thoughts consist most of the novel. At times, it was even a bit too much being inside her head.
The ending felt abrupt. I was little surprised how things ended. Yes, all drama regarding her relationships was resolved (maybe), but I felt Mara’s personal issues could’ve been given more attention. You can’t present me with all that drama, make me emotionally invested with Mara, then expect me to believe she’d overcome *all that* that easily?
In conclusion, Falling Under is dark, sexy and hits you right in the feels. You can’t stay indifferent towards Mara’s pain. I loved, LOVED the writing, it’s the best part of the novel. And I really wish more people knew about this amazing and unusual novel.
“He would never understand how being happy makes you sad. How the happier you are the more you know the sky is about to explode into tiny, sparkling shards of glass that will pick up speed as they fall to the earth and slice right through you leaving your skin with little holes in it, leaving your heart bleeding.”
It took me the longest time to get into this book. But once I did, it was difficult to stop. The beautiful sentences kept flowing and I was simply in awe – the writing style is quite lovely. The author writes about ordinary things in such an extraordinary manner.
This is a story of Mara Foster, young artist who is struggling with anxiety. The story is told alternating between past and present. The main event in the book is the death of her college boyfriend, Lucas. It’s something that defined her, and we see events lining up to it, and we see after – Mara trying to deal with it. There’s a lot of guilt in Mara; she’s damaged, struggling with living her life despite her guilt which is crippling her. When she meets Hugo, she finally has a chance at happiness, but first – she must chase away her demons. We get to know Mara by witnessing her daily struggles, seeing how her past relationships defined her.
In her past, when she was 16, Mara had an affair with Caleb, a 34-year old painter who was her mentor of sorts. Then there was Lucas whose death left a huge impact on Mara and from whose loss she’s still recovering. In the present she has an occasional lover Erik to whom she runs when her demons are too much. And finally, Hugo, this really sweet guy with a dog. And that’s really all I have to say about Hugo. We meet him first and right away we’re presented with the idea that he’s the one. The one for whom Mara will get better. I, on the other hand, couldn’t help but root for Erik.
The whole book was intense. If I had to choose one word to describe Falling Under it’d be that. And Erik was intense, his relationship with Mara was nothing but intense. I felt like with Erik, Mara had something real. I liked Hugo in the beginning, but later on I cooled off, I guess. I missed that intensity she had in her previous relationships.
“Sometimes my ears are full of screaming, and sometimes, like tonight, the voices are mine. Erik had them too – demons, voices. Nightmares seared on the soul – I knew it the first time I saw him. And sometime, when there are large, dark spaces inside that you cannot escape, sometimes someone can meet you there, keep you company. Sometimes they can break you out.”
Mara is dramatic, her thoughts, her paintings are dramatic. Falling Under is the kind of book which relies on emotions a lot. Inner monologue is in the foreground. In fact, I think Mara’s thoughts consist most of the novel. At times, it was even a bit too much being inside her head.
The ending felt abrupt. I was little surprised how things ended. Yes, all drama regarding her relationships was resolved (maybe), but I felt Mara’s personal issues could’ve been given more attention. You can’t present me with all that drama, make me emotionally invested with Mara, then expect me to believe she’d overcome *all that* that easily?
In conclusion, Falling Under is dark, sexy and hits you right in the feels. You can’t stay indifferent towards Mara’s pain. I loved, LOVED the writing, it’s the best part of the novel. And I really wish more people knew about this amazing and unusual novel.
“We are fierce and intense and hot, but for the first time, our eyes are honest. Every touch strips us, makes us raw. And what we have always taken from each other by force, we now offer up and then go deeper and find more.”
September 28, 2011
Sometimes, I read a book and want to run off and kidnap the writer. They put these things down in words, so they must understand, so they must be like me. And either that means we are few, and are special, and should stick together...or it means there are many of us, and we should pitch our flagpoles while we can. Build a village.
But that sounds a bit creepy :P and I'm not going to kidnap anyone. But this is a touching, implosive and provocative book. Younge-Ullman knows how to write about longing, physicality and what it means to be in pain. She does it with humour and hope, too. This could have been an utterly miserable book, and could have left me wondering what I was meant to do with it, long after I'd finished reading--as similar stories have. But instead, it paid off the way sandpaper tends to: wears you away, leaves you a bit sore, but you find something new beneath when you're done. And it's shiny.
I have my own version of the ending. I think you ought to read it, and find yours.
But that sounds a bit creepy :P and I'm not going to kidnap anyone. But this is a touching, implosive and provocative book. Younge-Ullman knows how to write about longing, physicality and what it means to be in pain. She does it with humour and hope, too. This could have been an utterly miserable book, and could have left me wondering what I was meant to do with it, long after I'd finished reading--as similar stories have. But instead, it paid off the way sandpaper tends to: wears you away, leaves you a bit sore, but you find something new beneath when you're done. And it's shiny.
I have my own version of the ending. I think you ought to read it, and find yours.
August 24, 2012
Mara is a twenty something artist, who has lead a difficult life - which has left her raw and broken. In this story you follow her - learning about each stage of her life, thus leading you to her current situation, involving a new potential love interest and her attempt at finding and accepting real love.
"But love digs you out, pulls you out and up with your bare skin and soul open to the world, to the harsh everything. To where you can fail and they can fail-because disappointment is inevitable. Failure is inevitable, you have known it forever."
There are a number of men in Mara's life, but I have to say Erik is the one I felt the strongest pull towards. He and Mara share something intense and emotionally charged - and I pulled for them throughout the story, especially at towards the end.
I loved this story - there is so much raw truth, that anyone who has ever experienced difficult situations will appreciate the honesty within it.
"Paint. Only paint. No love, no lover, no friends, no family, nothing. I puke paint, hurl despair, betrayal and darkness out, and let it eat everything in sight. It takes everything I touch, even me. Especially me."
"But love digs you out, pulls you out and up with your bare skin and soul open to the world, to the harsh everything. To where you can fail and they can fail-because disappointment is inevitable. Failure is inevitable, you have known it forever."
There are a number of men in Mara's life, but I have to say Erik is the one I felt the strongest pull towards. He and Mara share something intense and emotionally charged - and I pulled for them throughout the story, especially at towards the end.
I loved this story - there is so much raw truth, that anyone who has ever experienced difficult situations will appreciate the honesty within it.
"Paint. Only paint. No love, no lover, no friends, no family, nothing. I puke paint, hurl despair, betrayal and darkness out, and let it eat everything in sight. It takes everything I touch, even me. Especially me."
August 8, 2015
Wow. So good. This is a debut novel?
I am aware the fact not everyone will like this book but I can't see why they wouldn't because Falling Under takes us to the core of what it means to be a human being. There will be times when all we can do is just break down and cry or close ourselves inside our bubble. Not everything in life is perfect and not everyone gets a happy ending. I am not trying to go emo on you but that is just the fact.
Sorry for this useless review.
I am aware the fact not everyone will like this book but I can't see why they wouldn't because Falling Under takes us to the core of what it means to be a human being. There will be times when all we can do is just break down and cry or close ourselves inside our bubble. Not everything in life is perfect and not everyone gets a happy ending. I am not trying to go emo on you but that is just the fact.
Sorry for this useless review.
June 12, 2012
This book made me cry most of the afternoon! I loved the author's ability to completely pull me in and then shake me like a rag doll. It is dark, emotional and beautifully written.
Honestly, I was not expecting for this book to be what it was; I was thinking it would be a dramatic romance but not a heart tearing, sob inducing, need a glass of wine type book. I did not expect to have an afternoon cry fest when I picked it up. I should not have called for a pizza while finishing the last 15% as I am pretty sure the pizza boy thought I had just learned of a death in the family. It is one of those books that still has me thinking the next day!
The book goes back and forth between present and past which worked really well in this case. Mara's parents divorced when she was very young and put her through more than a little girl should have to go through. She doesn't feel particularly loved or nurtured by either parent and starts emotionally detaching herself from situations. Not only is she detached but she doesn't care much about herself. For example, she loses her virginity to a guy she isn't even dating or on a date on because she is mad at her best friend and needs something to give her pain to take that pain away. She falls into some relationships that she shouldn't and ruins relationships that she shouldn't. This girl was so incredibly broken and makes Olivia from The Opportunist look normal at times! She has an intense fear of dying or those around her dying, anxiety and intimacy issues.
To give you an idea of how Mara feels about herself, here are her own thoughts, "If I were painting me, I'd paint a half-person, a woman chased by monsters. They catch at her legs, tear at her clothing, lurk in the alleyways and jump out to grab her as she passes, taking chunks of her and swallowing them whole. She reaches for love, runs towards it, grasps and holds it for a beautiful moment before it turns ugly and drags her down."
There is no shortage of men in this one. First, there is Caleb who Mara has a relationship with when she is 16 and he is 34. I didn't feel that she loved him but that she liked some of the attention she was getting from him when she really did not have a strong parental figure. Then there is her college boyfriend Lucas; I had a hard time reading into their relationship but of course Mara sabotaged it. Lucas would die while they were dating and this has a huge impact on Mara leading to her issues with death. I do not want to spoil the book for anyone but the circumstances behind his death are shocking and heartbreaking, expect major tears as that story unfolds! Sal was Mara's bed partner turned business partner; he was her escape but not someone she is in love with. The two men that are in her present are Erik and Hugo. Erik is a dark, wounded soul himself. Mara and Erik do not have a real relationship but she uses him as a booty call when she cannot chase the demons away. Things you learn about Erik will shock you as the story goes on! Hugo is a veterinarian who Mara meets in a bar one night. He is very normal and really the complete opposite of Mara. To be honest, I had a hard time determining who Mara loved and if she even has the capability to love the right way.
Most people love Hugo from the reviews I have read and I would agree that he is a super nice guy but I am team Erik. I thought what he and Mara had was far deeper, more raw. I felt a passion there that I did not feel with Hugo but I realize that I may be alone in that thought. I am curious to see what "team" everyone else is on. Of course, I will not be telling you who she ended up with;)
There were a few lighter, funny moments in this story which came during Mara's interactions with Bernadette (Mara's bff) and her inner monologue with her overly crazy self. The first half is a mix of funny and sad but I would say the last 40% of the book is completely heartbreaking. I felt sorry for Mara and wanted to drive her to therapy.
My one complaint about the book was how quickly it ended. It was so dark and raw for quite some time and then things were a little brighter and the story was just over. Part of me wants a second book to have some more resolution.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an emotional read and needs to clean out the tear ducts.
Honestly, I was not expecting for this book to be what it was; I was thinking it would be a dramatic romance but not a heart tearing, sob inducing, need a glass of wine type book. I did not expect to have an afternoon cry fest when I picked it up. I should not have called for a pizza while finishing the last 15% as I am pretty sure the pizza boy thought I had just learned of a death in the family. It is one of those books that still has me thinking the next day!
The book goes back and forth between present and past which worked really well in this case. Mara's parents divorced when she was very young and put her through more than a little girl should have to go through. She doesn't feel particularly loved or nurtured by either parent and starts emotionally detaching herself from situations. Not only is she detached but she doesn't care much about herself. For example, she loses her virginity to a guy she isn't even dating or on a date on because she is mad at her best friend and needs something to give her pain to take that pain away. She falls into some relationships that she shouldn't and ruins relationships that she shouldn't. This girl was so incredibly broken and makes Olivia from The Opportunist look normal at times! She has an intense fear of dying or those around her dying, anxiety and intimacy issues.
To give you an idea of how Mara feels about herself, here are her own thoughts, "If I were painting me, I'd paint a half-person, a woman chased by monsters. They catch at her legs, tear at her clothing, lurk in the alleyways and jump out to grab her as she passes, taking chunks of her and swallowing them whole. She reaches for love, runs towards it, grasps and holds it for a beautiful moment before it turns ugly and drags her down."
There is no shortage of men in this one. First, there is Caleb who Mara has a relationship with when she is 16 and he is 34. I didn't feel that she loved him but that she liked some of the attention she was getting from him when she really did not have a strong parental figure. Then there is her college boyfriend Lucas; I had a hard time reading into their relationship but of course Mara sabotaged it. Lucas would die while they were dating and this has a huge impact on Mara leading to her issues with death. I do not want to spoil the book for anyone but the circumstances behind his death are shocking and heartbreaking, expect major tears as that story unfolds! Sal was Mara's bed partner turned business partner; he was her escape but not someone she is in love with. The two men that are in her present are Erik and Hugo. Erik is a dark, wounded soul himself. Mara and Erik do not have a real relationship but she uses him as a booty call when she cannot chase the demons away. Things you learn about Erik will shock you as the story goes on! Hugo is a veterinarian who Mara meets in a bar one night. He is very normal and really the complete opposite of Mara. To be honest, I had a hard time determining who Mara loved and if she even has the capability to love the right way.
Most people love Hugo from the reviews I have read and I would agree that he is a super nice guy but I am team Erik. I thought what he and Mara had was far deeper, more raw. I felt a passion there that I did not feel with Hugo but I realize that I may be alone in that thought. I am curious to see what "team" everyone else is on. Of course, I will not be telling you who she ended up with;)
There were a few lighter, funny moments in this story which came during Mara's interactions with Bernadette (Mara's bff) and her inner monologue with her overly crazy self. The first half is a mix of funny and sad but I would say the last 40% of the book is completely heartbreaking. I felt sorry for Mara and wanted to drive her to therapy.
My one complaint about the book was how quickly it ended. It was so dark and raw for quite some time and then things were a little brighter and the story was just over. Part of me wants a second book to have some more resolution.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an emotional read and needs to clean out the tear ducts.
July 12, 2008
This book is truly amazing. Heartfelt, raw, sexy, edgy, and also literary, complicated, yet accessible. The journey of the protagonist allows me as the reader to cheer for hope against adversity and personal demons, but also not feel like I'm being cheated into simply becoming a cheerleader: this book isn't all neat and tidy and still makes me think after months of having finished it. It has stayed with me. Perhaps that is in part due to the writing style (half of the book is written in second person so as reader I literally inhabit the skin of Mara), but it is more than that, as the emotional journey is so complex, there are no easy answers. I highly recommend this book because it is like one of those great chats a person has with a best friend; the conversation goes by seemingly so quickly, but the content stays with you, works on your psyche, and, ultimately, changes you. And you're also left wanting more. And that's a good thing.
October 15, 2008
In Danielle Younge-Ullman's emotionally charged debut novel, Falling Under, readers meet Mara, a twenty-something painter with more than her fair share of problems. In the past, Mara has experienced events and encounters that have left her emotionally scarred and seemingly incabable of having a healthy relationship with anyone.
In Mara, Younge-Ullman has created a character that is incredibly raw and vulnerable. Mara's story is told primarily in the first person, with second person narrative interspersed throughout, usually when she is recounting her childhood. There is no omniscient narration here. The reader sees only through Mara's eyes, which means normal physical descriptions of characters and place are few and far between. This only adds to the authenticity of the narrative and frees the reader to step more fully into Mara's life.
While Mara was indisputably the star of the story, there were several very well-developed secondary characters, such as her best friend Bernadette, and several of Mara's boyfriends. Her parents were both flawed in their own way. Bitterly divorced since Mara was a child, her father was a mentally ill alcoholic and her mother was cold, distant, and absorbed in her career to the point of neglecting Mara's emotional needs. Still, despite my frustration and disapproval of their parenting choices, they were sympathetic characters for whom I wished eventual redemption.
Younge-Ullman has a unique and mesmerizing writing style. It is at once raw and gritty, eloquent and beautiful. Most outstanding is her ability to take the reader inside her character's head and heart, creating a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
In Mara, Younge-Ullman has created a character that is incredibly raw and vulnerable. Mara's story is told primarily in the first person, with second person narrative interspersed throughout, usually when she is recounting her childhood. There is no omniscient narration here. The reader sees only through Mara's eyes, which means normal physical descriptions of characters and place are few and far between. This only adds to the authenticity of the narrative and frees the reader to step more fully into Mara's life.
While Mara was indisputably the star of the story, there were several very well-developed secondary characters, such as her best friend Bernadette, and several of Mara's boyfriends. Her parents were both flawed in their own way. Bitterly divorced since Mara was a child, her father was a mentally ill alcoholic and her mother was cold, distant, and absorbed in her career to the point of neglecting Mara's emotional needs. Still, despite my frustration and disapproval of their parenting choices, they were sympathetic characters for whom I wished eventual redemption.
Younge-Ullman has a unique and mesmerizing writing style. It is at once raw and gritty, eloquent and beautiful. Most outstanding is her ability to take the reader inside her character's head and heart, creating a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
June 24, 2015
June 22, 2015 - I just re-read this one. And still love it. A great read!!
Falling Under is amazing contemporary fiction, but to learn that it is a debut novel for Danielle Younge-Ullman makes it even more special. Younge-Ullman does a fantastic job of creating a broken heroine in Mara Foster. The author portrays Mara's dark world where she "literally" fears the world, everything in it, and herself, most of all. Younge-Ullman deftly introduces readers to Mara's past through effective narration, but not necessarily predictable flashbacks. No. This talented author just takes you there in first person present tense. I love that! I write in this technique as well and appreciate the dedication and intricacy of it. Younge-Ullman also utilizes first person past tense and second person for some of the flashback narration and effectively conveys Mara's pain so well this way. It's beautifully done.
Younge-Ullman keeps the story moving and readers guessing as to what has happened in Mara's past relationships, especially with Lucas, that make her so fearful. Readers will be intrigued with the introduction of Erik and the inexplicable tie in their relationship that makes them so dark and needy of one another. The subtext with her best friend Bernadette is also compelling. And, when Mara meets Hugo, it would appear he's set to be the ultimate hero and rescue her, since he appears to serve so well as the calm to the storm that is Mara. It is easy to discern Hugo's love for her early on, but Younge-Ullman avoids the predictable cliche of having Hugo be the one to save her. No. Younge-Ullman leads readers further into Mara's dark past and allows them to really feel her pain for themselves. Readers will come away enlightened as to why Mara's so bent on self-destruction and, perhaps, even comprehend how it could win out. I'll leave it at that.
Falling Under is honest, heartbreaking, at times, yet so satisfying. The writing is amazing and so well done that it reads like a sheet of music.
Here's one of my favorite passages:
"I feel his eyes on me. He knows if I’m here, I’ve done everything I can to still the storm inside, to put all the demons back into their boxes and seal the lids. But sometimes they won’t go. Sometimes my ears are full of screaming, and sometimes, like tonight, the voices are mine."
And this one:
"You haven’t had his lips pressing onto yours, or heard the deep, low whimper that comes from the back of his throat when your lips move in response. You haven’t had him hold your face in his hands and felt him shudder, and no painful, heated ache has rocketed down from your open lips to your tongue and fired along your nerve endings and made you feel like your body was on fire. But now you have. And the world is a different place. Locked together in a tangled embrace, you travel past desire, past time and age and circumstance, past, even, the barriers of body, to a place where you are together, linked in the deepest sense. And for a few timeless moments, you are not alone."
Danielle Younge-Ullman is a fantastic writer. And, all I can say is more, more, more!
Katherine Owen
Author of Not To Us & Seeing Julia
Falling Under is amazing contemporary fiction, but to learn that it is a debut novel for Danielle Younge-Ullman makes it even more special. Younge-Ullman does a fantastic job of creating a broken heroine in Mara Foster. The author portrays Mara's dark world where she "literally" fears the world, everything in it, and herself, most of all. Younge-Ullman deftly introduces readers to Mara's past through effective narration, but not necessarily predictable flashbacks. No. This talented author just takes you there in first person present tense. I love that! I write in this technique as well and appreciate the dedication and intricacy of it. Younge-Ullman also utilizes first person past tense and second person for some of the flashback narration and effectively conveys Mara's pain so well this way. It's beautifully done.
Younge-Ullman keeps the story moving and readers guessing as to what has happened in Mara's past relationships, especially with Lucas, that make her so fearful. Readers will be intrigued with the introduction of Erik and the inexplicable tie in their relationship that makes them so dark and needy of one another. The subtext with her best friend Bernadette is also compelling. And, when Mara meets Hugo, it would appear he's set to be the ultimate hero and rescue her, since he appears to serve so well as the calm to the storm that is Mara. It is easy to discern Hugo's love for her early on, but Younge-Ullman avoids the predictable cliche of having Hugo be the one to save her. No. Younge-Ullman leads readers further into Mara's dark past and allows them to really feel her pain for themselves. Readers will come away enlightened as to why Mara's so bent on self-destruction and, perhaps, even comprehend how it could win out. I'll leave it at that.
Falling Under is honest, heartbreaking, at times, yet so satisfying. The writing is amazing and so well done that it reads like a sheet of music.
Here's one of my favorite passages:
"I feel his eyes on me. He knows if I’m here, I’ve done everything I can to still the storm inside, to put all the demons back into their boxes and seal the lids. But sometimes they won’t go. Sometimes my ears are full of screaming, and sometimes, like tonight, the voices are mine."
And this one:
"You haven’t had his lips pressing onto yours, or heard the deep, low whimper that comes from the back of his throat when your lips move in response. You haven’t had him hold your face in his hands and felt him shudder, and no painful, heated ache has rocketed down from your open lips to your tongue and fired along your nerve endings and made you feel like your body was on fire. But now you have. And the world is a different place. Locked together in a tangled embrace, you travel past desire, past time and age and circumstance, past, even, the barriers of body, to a place where you are together, linked in the deepest sense. And for a few timeless moments, you are not alone."
Danielle Younge-Ullman is a fantastic writer. And, all I can say is more, more, more!
Katherine Owen
Author of Not To Us & Seeing Julia
August 10, 2008
Mara Foster grew up in a house divided. Her parents divorced. Mara lived with her mother till she couldn’t abide by the rules anymore and her mom sent her to live with her dad. Mara loves both her parents very much. It’s stressful when at sixteen years old you find yourself always cleaning up after your father; who spend more time in jail, because he was drunk then at work. So what do you do when all your mom does is yell at your dad, your father can’t take care of you and your best friend and you can’t relate anymore. You hook up with a thirty four year old struggling artist. When Mara first saw Caleb White’s art work, she was memorized. This was when Mara really understood what her passion was….becoming a famous artist. Now as an adult Mara is dealing with her fears and anxieties of if she will ever be loved. Plus will Mara ever achieve that lustrous career she’s always dreamed of?
I found Mara to have a sad life and to be somewhat neurotic. When Mara would have a breakdown she would hide herself away from the rest of the world till she was ready to face everything and everyone face on again. But at the same time I also believed this helped give Mara’s paintings more depth and meaning. Falling Under is Danielle Younge-Ullman first novel. Danielle Younge-Ullman definitely did not hold back. She came out swinging to produce a wonderful and amazing book in Falling Under. I can’t believe Falling Under is Danielle Younge-Ullman first book. It seems like she has been writing for years. I can’t wait to see what Danielle Younge-Ullman comes out with next as I imagine it will be just as good as Falling Under.
I found Mara to have a sad life and to be somewhat neurotic. When Mara would have a breakdown she would hide herself away from the rest of the world till she was ready to face everything and everyone face on again. But at the same time I also believed this helped give Mara’s paintings more depth and meaning. Falling Under is Danielle Younge-Ullman first novel. Danielle Younge-Ullman definitely did not hold back. She came out swinging to produce a wonderful and amazing book in Falling Under. I can’t believe Falling Under is Danielle Younge-Ullman first book. It seems like she has been writing for years. I can’t wait to see what Danielle Younge-Ullman comes out with next as I imagine it will be just as good as Falling Under.
July 31, 2012
I usually write a review as soon as I finish a book, but this one I couldn't. Every thought came out as a single word. Emotional. Raw. Disturbing. Real. And the list goes on. I seriously couldn't form a sentence. Psychologically wacked, Mara, the MC, dug her claws into my mind and wouldn't let go till I finished. I couldn't put this down.
I was enthralled - disgusted - heart racing till the end. Twisted surprises. See what I mean? Still can't form proper sentences.
The author switches from 1st person to 2nd, and in doing so, made me experience exactly what Mara was feeling. The torture, the nightmares. Guilt, pity, & pain.
Gripping.
Yummies: Well. This one is tough. As a whole and in the details, this story was tough for me to read. But, my eyes wouldn't stop devouring the words. It was so well written - a contradicting yum.
Yuckies: The whole story was yucky to be quite honest. But it was so moving - so well done - that I lived it. Loved it. Doesn't make sense, but there it is.
Recommend: If your emotional state is easily swayed by reading about a tortured soul, then stay away. If you're looking to understand what a struggling, disturbed artist goes through by being forced to grow old much too quick, then by all means ... READ IT.
I was enthralled - disgusted - heart racing till the end. Twisted surprises. See what I mean? Still can't form proper sentences.
The author switches from 1st person to 2nd, and in doing so, made me experience exactly what Mara was feeling. The torture, the nightmares. Guilt, pity, & pain.
Gripping.
Yummies: Well. This one is tough. As a whole and in the details, this story was tough for me to read. But, my eyes wouldn't stop devouring the words. It was so well written - a contradicting yum.
Yuckies: The whole story was yucky to be quite honest. But it was so moving - so well done - that I lived it. Loved it. Doesn't make sense, but there it is.
Recommend: If your emotional state is easily swayed by reading about a tortured soul, then stay away. If you're looking to understand what a struggling, disturbed artist goes through by being forced to grow old much too quick, then by all means ... READ IT.
November 17, 2008
This book will resonate especially with children from divorced families, but anyone who has experienced any sort of family dysfunction and social paralysis as a result of it can also relate. Mara, the main character, feels very real, and I found myself wanting to get back to the book to see what would happen to her in her present life, as well as peeling back the layers from her past. It is a modern story, and mixes enough humor with the deeper issues to keep it from getting too heavy. I found the writing style to be very appealing and easy to read - I read it in only a couple of days, which would make it a good candidate for a vacation or business trip. The author is not afraid to get gritty, but it didn't feel gratuitous. I admire her for taking on some hard subjects and making an enjoyable read out of them.
February 27, 2021
I read this book a couple of years back and I really liked it. But still I read the translation and was a little young to fully understand it. I was finally able to find the original English version and my it was even better than I remembered. Mara is so fucking relatable to me that it actually hurts my feelings.
Spoilers:
I gotta say I loved Caleb the best but I can see why they wouldn't work out and in real world the age things would be more problematic. Anyway, my next choice would be Eric. I think he and Mara would understand each other. They both been through a lot and share the Lucas trauma. They could make each other happy and it's not like the guilt of Lucas death would go away if they dated other people. And like Erik said the price is already payed.
I know the ending was kinda open so reader would decide who is"he" by themselves but on my both reading I felt the he was Hugo.
But the point of the books wasn't which guy she would end up with it was about Mara's emotional jurney and I'm all here for it .
Spoilers:
I gotta say I loved Caleb the best but I can see why they wouldn't work out and in real world the age things would be more problematic. Anyway, my next choice would be Eric. I think he and Mara would understand each other. They both been through a lot and share the Lucas trauma. They could make each other happy and it's not like the guilt of Lucas death would go away if they dated other people. And like Erik said the price is already payed.
I know the ending was kinda open so reader would decide who is"he" by themselves but on my both reading I felt the he was Hugo.
But the point of the books wasn't which guy she would end up with it was about Mara's emotional jurney and I'm all here for it .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2018
Whoa, whoa, whoa now.
This can't end like THAT.
I inhaled this book in four hours...suffice to say, I loved it. (Was that an homage to The Lady or the Tiger at the end?) Highly recommended.
This can't end like THAT.
I inhaled this book in four hours...suffice to say, I loved it. (Was that an homage to The Lady or the Tiger at the end?) Highly recommended.
March 6, 2010
Oh my dear god. This book set me in a trance. I have not finished it yet, but i had to take a breath. It was so intense, but all to well amazing. I had a hard time putting it down in school, but i tried.
I loved it. And the author had an amazing way of the sex scenes. It seemed like she was in no way afraid of what people would think so they were really intense.
Screw it. The whole book was hella intense. xD
I loved it. And the author had an amazing way of the sex scenes. It seemed like she was in no way afraid of what people would think so they were really intense.
Screw it. The whole book was hella intense. xD
August 1, 2013
A friend suggested this book, and I have to agree with his glowing recommendation. It's a bold and gripping debut novel. Mara Foster is a troubled young artist, who with an unnerving intimacy draws you into a life plagued by emotional damage, self-destructive tendencies, phobias, and failure. Gritty, erotic, and peppered with a dark, self-deprecating humour. One of the most unique and unflinching voices I have yet to encounter.
April 18, 2012
Wow I really don't know what to say about this book. There was some raw emotion in this book but it was annoying at the same time. There were times I felt the connection with Hugo, Erik, Lucas, Caleb but the book switched times so much I would lost the connection. Mara had a lot of emotional problems that just really didn't make sense.
June 19, 2008
I've read an advance copy of this, and LOOOVED it! It's unforgettable. Look for it in bookstores in August 2008!
December 23, 2012
No words right now...review to come...
January 26, 2020
Definitely a darker novel. Beautiful flowing verses. Recommended for anyone looking for something quick and easy to read if you want a little “steam.”
May 18, 2009
How pleasantly surprised I was to find the synopsis blurb on the back cover only scratched the surface of the intensity and beauty of Younge-Ullman’s debut novel Falling Under. The story, and the writing, builds to a fevered pitch of power and depth, as if the writer herself became swept away by her character and finally let loose the emotions so carefully contained . . . as though Younge-Ullman herself is the artist, and brushstroke by brushstroke, the pattern and color and depth are illuminated until the final painting is at last revealed, complete with surprises. This is solid contemporary women’s fiction, and once Younge-Ullman relaxes into her story, the literary quality of her writing shines through.
Chapter one begins in second person, whom readers soon find out is young Mara Foster. In Chapter two readers are introduced to adult Mara in first-person voice (and if I had to attach sound to adult Mara, I’d make her voice husky and raw, as if before telling her story, she let out a releasing roar and then coated her throat with honey). In alternating second-person and first-person sections, we follow young Mara as she grows up and inward, and adult Mara as she grows up and outward—and the two meet at the end of the book to create an entire image, complete, replete, but never perfect, for Younge-Ullman understands there is no beauty in perfection.
Mara’s parents are a nightmare, and even as Mara grows up, this does not change—a cool and calculating mother, and an alcoholic bi-polarized father—however, Mara sees her parents' flaws, her own flaws, and the flaws of the world around her, with such a sweet and aching clarity that it leaves this reader breathless with want for Mara to find peace. And when Mara picks up her paintbrush and applies it to canvas, there is the feeling of standing on a precipice with her, hoping for the Real Art that Mara hides away (just as she hides herself away) to overtake the constrained geometrical order that she robotically designs—Mara’s art and Mara herself are perfect metaphors for each other. (Younge-Ullman’s descriptions of the art are vibrant and authoritative, and there are sensuous, deliciously sexy love scenes that are masterfully crafted.)
As the novel progresses, there is an unfolding, a lifting up and out, a flowering, so that what may at first seem superficial and sparse, turns full and rich and alive—Younge-Ullman has her own character describe her book when she says, "Can I be rich and sparse at the same time?" Yes, she can, and she is. Falling Under, and Mara, tugged at my heart and settled in my bones down to the marrow.
There are a few "editorial issues" I have with Falling Under, one of which are two events I think of as slightly contrived—one alone I may not have, but both together give me a pause—however, to tell what they are would give away surprises, and I don’t want to give anything away. Yet I admit, after reading Falling Under, Younge-Ullman can do no wrong—I simply didn’t care, I only closed the book, sighed, and thought, "Write another one, please."
(review from Roses & Thorns)
Chapter one begins in second person, whom readers soon find out is young Mara Foster. In Chapter two readers are introduced to adult Mara in first-person voice (and if I had to attach sound to adult Mara, I’d make her voice husky and raw, as if before telling her story, she let out a releasing roar and then coated her throat with honey). In alternating second-person and first-person sections, we follow young Mara as she grows up and inward, and adult Mara as she grows up and outward—and the two meet at the end of the book to create an entire image, complete, replete, but never perfect, for Younge-Ullman understands there is no beauty in perfection.
Mara’s parents are a nightmare, and even as Mara grows up, this does not change—a cool and calculating mother, and an alcoholic bi-polarized father—however, Mara sees her parents' flaws, her own flaws, and the flaws of the world around her, with such a sweet and aching clarity that it leaves this reader breathless with want for Mara to find peace. And when Mara picks up her paintbrush and applies it to canvas, there is the feeling of standing on a precipice with her, hoping for the Real Art that Mara hides away (just as she hides herself away) to overtake the constrained geometrical order that she robotically designs—Mara’s art and Mara herself are perfect metaphors for each other. (Younge-Ullman’s descriptions of the art are vibrant and authoritative, and there are sensuous, deliciously sexy love scenes that are masterfully crafted.)
As the novel progresses, there is an unfolding, a lifting up and out, a flowering, so that what may at first seem superficial and sparse, turns full and rich and alive—Younge-Ullman has her own character describe her book when she says, "Can I be rich and sparse at the same time?" Yes, she can, and she is. Falling Under, and Mara, tugged at my heart and settled in my bones down to the marrow.
There are a few "editorial issues" I have with Falling Under, one of which are two events I think of as slightly contrived—one alone I may not have, but both together give me a pause—however, to tell what they are would give away surprises, and I don’t want to give anything away. Yet I admit, after reading Falling Under, Younge-Ullman can do no wrong—I simply didn’t care, I only closed the book, sighed, and thought, "Write another one, please."
(review from Roses & Thorns)
February 18, 2017
I read this painful, intense, wonderful book quite a few years ago, and just realised I don't have it shelved on here. Falling Under is one of my all-time favourite books. It just did everything for me.
I myself prefer to write in second person POV whenever I can get away with it (screw what all my English/Writing profs have said!! lowercase and 2nd POV are my rebellion), and so needless to say, I loved that aspect of this book. In fact, it begins with that, so I was hooked immediately.
I fell in love with Mara very quickly. And as much as I love to try and debate the ending . It's about Mara, about her growth and possibilities. It makes you think, and the story stays with you a little longer, and I love that.
I wrote a book review of this book in high school and got a few of my teachers intrigued and adding it to their reading lists. In my third year of university, we had to write a little essay about our five favourite books, and this one made the extremely difficult cut. Falling Under was not only a book I immersed myself in and thoroughly enjoyed, but it greatly influenced me as a writer. I was so inspired by it. Much like Fugitive Pieces and The Time Traveller's Wife, it's a book I like to just pick up and read random passages for inspiration, to get myself in completely love with the written word again.
I'll recommend this book to pretty much anyone, even if it probably won't be their cup of tea, because I really do believe in it that much and think it should be given a try. I've gushed over it with my grandmother. Maybe you'll surprise yourself.
I myself prefer to write in second person POV whenever I can get away with it (screw what all my English/Writing profs have said!! lowercase and 2nd POV are my rebellion), and so needless to say, I loved that aspect of this book. In fact, it begins with that, so I was hooked immediately.
I fell in love with Mara very quickly. And as much as I love to try and debate the ending . It's about Mara, about her growth and possibilities. It makes you think, and the story stays with you a little longer, and I love that.
I wrote a book review of this book in high school and got a few of my teachers intrigued and adding it to their reading lists. In my third year of university, we had to write a little essay about our five favourite books, and this one made the extremely difficult cut. Falling Under was not only a book I immersed myself in and thoroughly enjoyed, but it greatly influenced me as a writer. I was so inspired by it. Much like Fugitive Pieces and The Time Traveller's Wife, it's a book I like to just pick up and read random passages for inspiration, to get myself in completely love with the written word again.
I'll recommend this book to pretty much anyone, even if it probably won't be their cup of tea, because I really do believe in it that much and think it should be given a try. I've gushed over it with my grandmother. Maybe you'll surprise yourself.
August 4, 2016
When I downloaded this book, I browsed the other reviews and it seemed like sex was mentioned a lot, now i go back and look at the other reviews and it's like--huh. Was I reading reviews for a different book? I don't know, but it was on the top 100 free list that night and I loved the cover. I didn't have high expectations. There is an abundance of stories about children from broken homes growing into fractured adults...some of the earlier ones: Prozac Nation and She's Come Undone. Even being from a broken home, there's only so many of these you can read:)
BUT...Mara's frankness and wit pulled me in from the first page. And the rest of the characters, her best friend, Bernadette, her mom and dad, and all the men in her life, are well drawn, sometimes painfully so. Yes, there is sex. What is really effective is the way Mara tells us about her sexual experiences from the inside-out.
In the end, sharing Mara's journey left me feeling a little bit more whole myself...
BUT...Mara's frankness and wit pulled me in from the first page. And the rest of the characters, her best friend, Bernadette, her mom and dad, and all the men in her life, are well drawn, sometimes painfully so. Yes, there is sex. What is really effective is the way Mara tells us about her sexual experiences from the inside-out.
In the end, sharing Mara's journey left me feeling a little bit more whole myself...
November 25, 2008
Very well developed characters here. You really get to know Mara, her divorced and flawed parents, her lesbian best friend Bernadette, and the four main lovers in her life. First there is Caleb, the 34 year old artist who is her mentor when she is 16, who teaches her that a balance of passion and discipline is essential for a good artist. Then there is optimistic artist Lucas, her college boyfriend, whose unfortunate death colors the despair Mara is in through much of the story. Erik, the lover she turns to to forget her pain, shares her dark grief. And then there is Hugo, a bright sunny man whom Mara thinks of taking a chance at happiness and falling in love with.
What does it say about me that I was rooting for Erik, whose soul was in just as much pain as Mara's, rather than Hugo, who seemed to have the ideal life. One will never know, as the ending is purposely vague.
What does it say about me that I was rooting for Erik, whose soul was in just as much pain as Mara's, rather than Hugo, who seemed to have the ideal life. One will never know, as the ending is purposely vague.
July 10, 2012
I really loved this book! I loved Mara! She is a woman with so many issues. Because of her past, she's afraid of life, love, happiness....really anything that might blow up in her face and hurt her. She knows this about herself and in spite of it, she still puts herself out there and tries. Sometimes an author does this and it makes the character completely annoying and unlikeable. Danielle Young-Ullman did a great job making Mara a likeable, messed up character that you root for.
I loved the ending! It was open ended without complete closure, but that's ok. It gave me something to think about. Like I said, I loved the book. I got it for free, but would have happily paid for it!
I loved the ending! It was open ended without complete closure, but that's ok. It gave me something to think about. Like I said, I loved the book. I got it for free, but would have happily paid for it!
September 20, 2009
This was a mediocre book that featured a storyline I have read about a thousand times before but much better. A problem-plagued protagonist (dysfunctional family, dysfunctional relationships, depression, etc.) tries to find her place in the world with her life and her passion: art. I disliked her from the beginning and this lasted throughout the entire book; I found her best friend, Bernadette, to be much more interesting of a character. I also hated the jarring flashbacks. Overall, I thought this entire book was a cliche, but I gave it two stars because I did finish it.
July 4, 2008
Compelling story of a young woman struggling to surface, toward sanity and love. Sounds heavy but there's a lot of laughter and quirky humor. Particularly good on ongoing warfare between separated parents, and what it's like trying to manage an alcoholic parent. Exceptionally good on the way a young woman might use her sexuality as the best bargaining tool she's got to negotiate her way to independence and adulthood -- and the toll that exerts on her inner life and sense of self.
September 22, 2009
I couldn't make it through this book. I tried. I really did. But it was so whiny. I just couldn't take it anymore. I got it. She had a tough life, she has issues, she's afraid of a lot of things. Ok. Move the story along please. I just couldn't read one more list of things she thought might go wrong if she left the house. Sorry to all of those who loved this book. I guess I just missed what everyone else seemed to love about it.
December 20, 2018
I have the most *severe* book hangover now after reading Falling Under by Danielle Younge-Ullman. I'm giving it FIVE STARS - it's edgy, compelling, painfully real - and it will grab you and not let go.
"I thought I'd step cautiously towards love, walk around it a few times, maybe poke it with a stick before I got too close."
Peer in to the darkness of this beautiful story, it needs to be read.
"I thought I'd step cautiously towards love, walk around it a few times, maybe poke it with a stick before I got too close."
Peer in to the darkness of this beautiful story, it needs to be read.
October 20, 2008
Great book. Stark, beautiful prose and a gritty portrayal of a woman who is a bit of a disaster. The author does a great job of making characters likable who might otherwise not be. And she is expert at weaving the protagonist's back story. I think that's what made the book; understanding where the character came from versus just where she's going. Highly recommended.
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