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After Beth
The compelling, heart-wrenching and uplifting story of one mother's love and loss'Life-affirming, tender and wise. Wonderful' Josie Lloyd'Filled with hope and humanity' Araminta Hall'Truly moving. I've just finished wiping away the tears' Joanna Nadin_______The hardest thing about love is saying goodbye . . .On a beautiful late-summer's morning, Cate Challoner's daughter, Beth, heads to the beach with her best friend. The girls will spend the day flirting with boys and enjoying the thrill of being young. Beth is eighteen and soon leaving home for college. Her mother is already missing her.That afternoon, the doorbell rings. Cate immediately knows something is wrong. CPR. Resuscitation. What do these words have to do with two teenagers enjoying an afternoon at the beach?Cate's daughter is her everything. Beth's presence at home is inescapable. How can a child stop existing? How can a mother survive such loss?Can a shattered world be put back together?_______ 'A vivid, often heart-wrenching exploration of grief and how we learn to carry on after the worst has happened. Get your tissues at the ready - this book is wonderful' Josie Lloyd, author of The Cancer Ladies' Running Club
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 11, 2021
On a late beautiful summers morning, Cate Challoner's daughter, Beth, heads to the beach with her best friend. The girls will spend the day flirting with boys and enjoying the thrill of being young. Beth is eighteen and soon leaving home for college, That afternoon the doorbell rings and Cate immediately knows something is wrong.
What an emotional rollercoaster this book is. I was invested in all the characters who were all well developed. The progression of the life changing decision, the grief and trying to get on with your life after such a tragedy, were sensitively written. The story then continues and tells how Beth's parents learn to live without her. At times. this story is gut-wrenching as we read of Cate's daily struggles and emotions. There's so much packed into this beautifully written story. I loved it from beginning to end. I could not put this book down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMichaelJoseph and the author #ElizabethEnfield for my ARC of #AfterBeth in exchange for an honest review.
What an emotional rollercoaster this book is. I was invested in all the characters who were all well developed. The progression of the life changing decision, the grief and trying to get on with your life after such a tragedy, were sensitively written. The story then continues and tells how Beth's parents learn to live without her. At times. this story is gut-wrenching as we read of Cate's daily struggles and emotions. There's so much packed into this beautifully written story. I loved it from beginning to end. I could not put this book down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMichaelJoseph and the author #ElizabethEnfield for my ARC of #AfterBeth in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2021
This story of ‘a mother’s worst nightmare’ will wrench at the guts of any parent. I give credit to the author’s skill in written movingly about bereavement without the least cloying or mawkish sentiment. It is not a depressing read, despite the subject, and I think reading about how the mother gets through the stages of grief could be a consoling process for someone going through a similar experience.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley
August 7, 2021
After Beth is the story of The Challoner family, Cate and Tom and their teenage daughter Beth.
Beth is eighteen and preparing to leave home for college.
When Chloe, Her best friend invites her to spend the day at the beach, Beth knows she's up for a day of flirtatious fun with the boys and a swim in the ocean. Revelling in being young and carefree, the girls are gearing up for the best times of their lives.
In one split moment, everything goes wrong, Beth a confident swimmer has been pulled out into the sea , a freak accident. Something that will change the trajectory of Beth's parents lives forever.
After Beth is a heart-wrenching, devastating story of love and grief and how difficult it is to carry on after the loss of their child.
We follow Beth's Parents as they learn how to survive this catastrophic event. How they navigate through life with this huge gaping loss that will always be a part of them.
Gosh this was tough! Emotionally I found this book really difficult. Grief is such an emotive subject and as a Mother I found myself hugging my kids just that little bit tighter after I finished.
Elizabeth Enfield has done such an absolutely amazing job with this beautiful novel. The writing is stunning and I literally felt like I was walking through the journey with the Challoners. The rawness of Cate's character really drew me in and I had so much empathy for her. The thing I love about this book is that you follow her from right after the tragedy to two or three years later where she's slowly beginning to heal so it's a real process and you get to follow not just her but her husbands journey too.
It's ultimately hopeful, even when it feels like all hope is lost After Beth, shows that there in the end is always hope. It's refreshing that the subject of loss and grief is spoken about in such an open and honest way. I obviously cried a lot! There's parts that are so raw and honest that made me weep but its so important that books like this are written. I feel like After Beth could potentially help a lot if people who have been through similar traumas, however please be aware that it could also be triggering, so I would definitely recommend but please read with caution.
Beth is eighteen and preparing to leave home for college.
When Chloe, Her best friend invites her to spend the day at the beach, Beth knows she's up for a day of flirtatious fun with the boys and a swim in the ocean. Revelling in being young and carefree, the girls are gearing up for the best times of their lives.
In one split moment, everything goes wrong, Beth a confident swimmer has been pulled out into the sea , a freak accident. Something that will change the trajectory of Beth's parents lives forever.
After Beth is a heart-wrenching, devastating story of love and grief and how difficult it is to carry on after the loss of their child.
We follow Beth's Parents as they learn how to survive this catastrophic event. How they navigate through life with this huge gaping loss that will always be a part of them.
Gosh this was tough! Emotionally I found this book really difficult. Grief is such an emotive subject and as a Mother I found myself hugging my kids just that little bit tighter after I finished.
Elizabeth Enfield has done such an absolutely amazing job with this beautiful novel. The writing is stunning and I literally felt like I was walking through the journey with the Challoners. The rawness of Cate's character really drew me in and I had so much empathy for her. The thing I love about this book is that you follow her from right after the tragedy to two or three years later where she's slowly beginning to heal so it's a real process and you get to follow not just her but her husbands journey too.
It's ultimately hopeful, even when it feels like all hope is lost After Beth, shows that there in the end is always hope. It's refreshing that the subject of loss and grief is spoken about in such an open and honest way. I obviously cried a lot! There's parts that are so raw and honest that made me weep but its so important that books like this are written. I feel like After Beth could potentially help a lot if people who have been through similar traumas, however please be aware that it could also be triggering, so I would definitely recommend but please read with caution.
August 9, 2021
I’d like to thank Ella from Penguin Michael Joseph for inviting me to take part in the blog tour. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I went into this read. From the synopsis I knew this would absolutely break my heart so I had the tissues ready.
Straightaway we were thrown into the thick of the story. After a tragic accident Cate is faced with life without her daughter Beth. What follows is a story that explores the depth of grief and how it extends to the whole family.
Cate as a character was interesting. As a mother I could sympathise with her and as she talked about Beth and her memories it made me want to hold my little ones much tighter. Her grief felt very believable and realistic. She went through life in a haze, then she was angry and at other times completely broken. It was her relationships with the other members of her family that showed the different sides to her. I particularly liked how her relationship with her nephew Alfie changed and in turn what that did for her brother Joe and his family.
Beth’s dad, Patrick, was another great character. Despite being divorced I loved how he tried to be there for Cate and help her. There were so many ways they both could have reacted towards each other but I’m glad the author chose this way. Two of my favourite moments between Cate and Patrick were the magazine article and the present given to Cate.
There was so much emotion packed into this story. Aside from the obvious grief the story also explored relationships, IVF treatment and loneliness. All of the characters were well developed and added to the story. It seems strange to say but although the topic was very sad I really enjoyed reading it.
Straightaway we were thrown into the thick of the story. After a tragic accident Cate is faced with life without her daughter Beth. What follows is a story that explores the depth of grief and how it extends to the whole family.
Cate as a character was interesting. As a mother I could sympathise with her and as she talked about Beth and her memories it made me want to hold my little ones much tighter. Her grief felt very believable and realistic. She went through life in a haze, then she was angry and at other times completely broken. It was her relationships with the other members of her family that showed the different sides to her. I particularly liked how her relationship with her nephew Alfie changed and in turn what that did for her brother Joe and his family.
Beth’s dad, Patrick, was another great character. Despite being divorced I loved how he tried to be there for Cate and help her. There were so many ways they both could have reacted towards each other but I’m glad the author chose this way. Two of my favourite moments between Cate and Patrick were the magazine article and the present given to Cate.
There was so much emotion packed into this story. Aside from the obvious grief the story also explored relationships, IVF treatment and loneliness. All of the characters were well developed and added to the story. It seems strange to say but although the topic was very sad I really enjoyed reading it.
August 18, 2021
This book is heart breaking! Cate's beautiful 18 year old daughter Beth dies in a tragic accident. This is the story of how she, her estranged husband and their wider family come to terms with what has happened. I liked the characters and found it very moving and ultimately uplifting. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
August 19, 2021
This is a gripping and very emotional read about how grief and loss affect so many people in a family.
Caitlyn’s 18 year old daughter, Beth, on the cusp of going to University with her friends, dies in a tragic drowning accident. All members of her family show how her loss is felt, and how they all pull together initially, and then, some reassess their futures.
I read this through the eyes of a Nurse, who has had experience of looking after patients on life support, the tests that have to be carried out daily to assess functional ability, and the stresses and skills needed to communicate with parents and family members as their hopes and dreams are slowly extinguished.
The difficulties of declaring brain death has been well documented in some sensational cases, headlines shriek of people who made full recoveries despite Drs. declaring they wouldn’t survive. There is always the hope for a miracle, children have been removed from hospital care here, in order to undergo experimental treatments abroad, and that is their right, but, I personally feel it is an unkind delusion. Brain death is diagnosed exactly as in the book, plus extra fail safe procedures are performed.
How life goes on afterwards is well described here, the intense guilt , did I give in too easily, what if the doctors got it wrong, why is everyone else moving on with life, whilst I am stuck here mourning my child, very emotive, and heart breaking. Some bereaved families want their loved ones life to benefit others, by organ donation, believe me, that is such a difficult conversation at such a time, very tricky, we are sometimes compared to body snatchers. Others do fund raise for memorial gardens, benches in a pretty seating area, others go into campaigns and do booklets that help people through the first few days, weeks and years of grief, who to contact, and it is normal to feel you will never recover, but you will.
I teach end of life care and this book will be a modern way of reinforcing this difficult subject, for young nurses. A five star read. I will purchase a few for the hospital library in the next teaching year.
My thanks go to Netgalley, and publisher’s Penguin Michael Joseph, for my ARC in return for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and other outlets later.
Caitlyn’s 18 year old daughter, Beth, on the cusp of going to University with her friends, dies in a tragic drowning accident. All members of her family show how her loss is felt, and how they all pull together initially, and then, some reassess their futures.
I read this through the eyes of a Nurse, who has had experience of looking after patients on life support, the tests that have to be carried out daily to assess functional ability, and the stresses and skills needed to communicate with parents and family members as their hopes and dreams are slowly extinguished.
The difficulties of declaring brain death has been well documented in some sensational cases, headlines shriek of people who made full recoveries despite Drs. declaring they wouldn’t survive. There is always the hope for a miracle, children have been removed from hospital care here, in order to undergo experimental treatments abroad, and that is their right, but, I personally feel it is an unkind delusion. Brain death is diagnosed exactly as in the book, plus extra fail safe procedures are performed.
How life goes on afterwards is well described here, the intense guilt , did I give in too easily, what if the doctors got it wrong, why is everyone else moving on with life, whilst I am stuck here mourning my child, very emotive, and heart breaking. Some bereaved families want their loved ones life to benefit others, by organ donation, believe me, that is such a difficult conversation at such a time, very tricky, we are sometimes compared to body snatchers. Others do fund raise for memorial gardens, benches in a pretty seating area, others go into campaigns and do booklets that help people through the first few days, weeks and years of grief, who to contact, and it is normal to feel you will never recover, but you will.
I teach end of life care and this book will be a modern way of reinforcing this difficult subject, for young nurses. A five star read. I will purchase a few for the hospital library in the next teaching year.
My thanks go to Netgalley, and publisher’s Penguin Michael Joseph, for my ARC in return for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and other outlets later.
December 28, 2021
After Beth by Elizabeth Enfield is the most beautiful contemporary novel that will tear your emotions to pieces.
It is a bittersweet story about love and life and grief – all three are naturally interwoven after tragedy strikes.
When death comes unexpectedly, there are a variety of emotions as those grieving re-examine events on the day, and the ‘what-ifs’ and the guilt begin to rule minds.
After Beth is a beautiful study of grief. It overwhelmed my soul whilst filling my heart with empathy and love.
The whole book is a work of great love, and with great love comes great pain. Memories rather than flesh and blood must keep us warm. Life goes on and those left behind have to learn how to smile again and to live again.
After Beth is not a gloomy read. It is enormously sad and incredibly beautiful. When the last page is read, the love and the beauty remain.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“People don’t cease to exist when they die, only when you stop remembering them.”
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
It is a bittersweet story about love and life and grief – all three are naturally interwoven after tragedy strikes.
When death comes unexpectedly, there are a variety of emotions as those grieving re-examine events on the day, and the ‘what-ifs’ and the guilt begin to rule minds.
After Beth is a beautiful study of grief. It overwhelmed my soul whilst filling my heart with empathy and love.
The whole book is a work of great love, and with great love comes great pain. Memories rather than flesh and blood must keep us warm. Life goes on and those left behind have to learn how to smile again and to live again.
After Beth is not a gloomy read. It is enormously sad and incredibly beautiful. When the last page is read, the love and the beauty remain.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“People don’t cease to exist when they die, only when you stop remembering them.”
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 15, 2021
After Beth by Elizabeth Enfield a touchingly beautiful book. This was such a difficult read at times, but also simply sublime, the way the author dealt with loss and the emotions that run through this story are complex and well done. There is a realness to the characters and the way they interact and support each other, its so hard to read, but also so good once you do. There are lots of other storylines running through as well that add depth to this story, and make it one that will stay with you.
August 18, 2021
This is an intimate journey into a Mother’s grief, and the grief of those around her too. The world keeps spinning despite a tragic loss and Elizabeth Enfield captures the rollercoaster emotions of navigating it with one less person in it. Sensitively and carefully, she writes the highs and lows of Cate’s journey – firmly highlighting that grief is not a ‘one size fits all’ sort of emotion. The book will break your heart – but it’s also uplifting at the same time. There’s not a great light at the end of the tunnel, but little gaps all the way through – this book shows you where they are.
August 28, 2021
This was such a beautiful read! Sad but yet uplifting. There were so many small things in this book that touched my heart and also made me wipe away a few tears. The bad-news room was spot on! I also had to sit in 1.
I think it is an important read for anyone who's lost a loved one. It is a book about love and loss; about how we carry on after we've lost someone we loved. How do you cope with the pain while life is carrying on around you?
"It’s not always possible to change your life but you can change your attitude to it. The key to happiness lies in accepting the cards you’ve been given and learning how to make the most of them."
"People don’t cease to exist when they die, only when you stop remembering them"
Honour the memories of the people you've lost and never forget them but also appreciate the people who love you and tell them every day what they mean to you because tomorrow might be too late.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die." Mary Elizabeth Frye
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for the privilege to read this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion
I think it is an important read for anyone who's lost a loved one. It is a book about love and loss; about how we carry on after we've lost someone we loved. How do you cope with the pain while life is carrying on around you?
"It’s not always possible to change your life but you can change your attitude to it. The key to happiness lies in accepting the cards you’ve been given and learning how to make the most of them."
"People don’t cease to exist when they die, only when you stop remembering them"
Honour the memories of the people you've lost and never forget them but also appreciate the people who love you and tell them every day what they mean to you because tomorrow might be too late.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die." Mary Elizabeth Frye
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for the privilege to read this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion
August 30, 2021
A tender, delicately wrought exploration of grief and life after death, it's simply beautiful. Yes, it's sad but it's not depressing. Running through this story of an almost unbearable tragedy is a thick vein of hope. What is so clever, comforting and ultimately uplifting about Elizabeth Enfield's fifth novel is that it shows us that loved ones' spirits live on, in memory, in small moments of joy, in the way they've shaped us and our view of the world and the effect they continue to have on us even when the corporeal is gone.
August 19, 2021
Heartbreaking and poignant, an excellent story that move me to tears and kept me reading.
I loved the excellent storytelling, the fleshed out characters and the empathy of the author toward the characters.
It's an important book about grief and how to deal with it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved the excellent storytelling, the fleshed out characters and the empathy of the author toward the characters.
It's an important book about grief and how to deal with it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 18, 2022
I really enjoyed some elements of this book. It was really difficult to read at first, so I did put it down a lot. But once I got a third of the way I was able to really get into it. I preferred the second half of the story when more time has passed since the tragedy and the characters start to develop more and learn about themselves.
August 9, 2021
This is the most emotional book that I have read in a long time. It was impossible not to be invested in it as it seemed so real. The progression of the story was great and would probably help people struggling with loss. and how to manage it. I loved the conclusion ending on a note of hope.
August 12, 2021
A powerful, emotional and moving story. Cath, her extended family and Beth’s friends try to come to terms with Beth’s accident. It’s atmospheric and as awful as things are, it’s a precious tale of love and hope.
October 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The story was so well written and the characters were easy to empathise with. The development of the mother's loss of her daughter was a difficult topic well handled.
August 19, 2022
4.5 - I thought this was going to be a very sad read, but it was the opposite; uplifting and thought-provoking. A heart-warming account of living through an awful tragedy and dealing with the grief and trauma that comes with it.
August 8, 2021
A brilliant book full of grief and loss, sensitively written with well developed characters.
September 12, 2021
Beautiful, poignant and a very special read. I am not sure I have enough words to describe this book, heartbreaking yet full of hope. Fabulous.
October 19, 2021
An emotional and pleasant read. Made me cry several times. Loved it
May 21, 2024
Absolutely beautiful book. Truly moving and just gives you hope xx I cried and cried. It was full of emotion truth and was written with so much warmth. Loved it my favourite read so far for 2024 .
November 11, 2024
made me cryyyyy
November 23, 2021
Harrowing and beautiful,
Ultimately I really struggled with this book and the subject matter was just too harrowing for me
Ultimately I really struggled with this book and the subject matter was just too harrowing for me
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews