After Nothing

by Rachel Mackie

Natalie Kempe doesn’t feel anything, but that might have something to do with the fact that her sister has died, her dad is sick and now her mom doesn't want her. She’s about to meet someone though who will make her feel—whether she wants to or not…'I was twelve when my sister died, but fifteen when all my messed-up-ness started to come out. Maybe I knew the way I was going about things wasn't normal at the time, but I didn't care. If it occurred to me to do something—it didn't matter what it was—I’d just do it. Kane was one of those things I just did. He was the smartest guy in our school. He was also a trained fighter and a car thief. No one messed with Kane. Except… I did.'Parties, sex, violence, friendship, laughter, love and sacrifice. After Nothing is compelling, challenging and real.After Nothing has adult themes and content—including intimate partner violence. Recommended for readers 18+

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2016

Reviews

[Kirsten]

This is essentially a redemptive love story. The depth of this novel is due to the fact that it is a love story despite being set against domestic violence and dysfunctional families where love is lacking. The novel has a deep internal logic created through the intensive dialogue that allows for flow and ease of reading. Although this is Nat’s story we do follow the development of the relationship between Nat and Kane throughout the novel. As characters they are both strong and appealing. Both have a moral compass, an inner sense of what is right. They have their highs and lows, their pushing and pulling that plummets them to depths both regret. Theirs is, however, a love that sees them find their way out, to clear the dark and relish the light. You knew that they were different from their environment in the way their physical relationship developed. Kane never forces Nat to be more sexual rather he allowed her to slowly develop and grow as she moves from feeling nothing and wanting physical pain to feeling actual love, until what is between them feels just right. However, underlying the hopeful development of Nat and Kane is sadness. Both have their own sadness, the degradation of Nat’s father, her mother’s complete lack of love for her, her sister’s death, the death of Bey and Reesey and Darnish’s brain injury. But by the end of the novel you had the feeling that both chose to heal. They chose the Church and the Drummonds. Kane chose legal work versus illegal. Both in the ultimate act chose to parent Joey. To change the worst of domestic violence into the best of loving families. To see a positive future for their family, Nat, Kane and Joey despite everything that has happened in their past. The book leaves us with their future looking hopeful. That they have really overcome violence, lack of love and dysfunction to embrace love, light and happiness.

[Shon]

Such a wonderful book!!

Wow this book turned out to be so good. Kane and Nat went through so much and in the end they got through it. Such a heartwarming life lesson book. A must read! Can't wait to read more from the author.

[Tonii Tonii]

Very good read.

This was a very good and well written book. It pulled me in right from the beginning and held my attention to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to young adults as well as older people. I definitely want to read more from this author.

[Richard Peacocke]

Deep intense and compelling.

This book is extraordinary and once you start it you just can't put it down. So beware it will cost you a day - or more