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Afterwards
*** A Tea Leaves & Reads Book Club pick ***This is the story of loss – and what happens afterwards… When Emma gets home after work one evening, she calls hello to her husband Jay, as she always does. Stepping into the kitchen, she sees he has done the shopping, as she had reminded him to; remembered to buy peppercorns; has bought her flowers. Everything is neatly put away. But Jay is not there. A photographer, all Jay has left behind is his camera containing five photographs, which are unlike his other work. Emma follows the images to Cornwall, beginning a journey in which old relationships are re-written and new ones are formed. As the visual mystery of each photograph unfolds, Emma finds herself unravelling and perilously close to breaking point. But could her unlikely salvation lie in the sea, a small community of swimmers and the promise of something Emma thought she didn’t want?‘Truly beautiful’ Debbie Johnson'A stunning story about love, longing and learning to live again after loss. Utterly immersive, and brimming with exquisite prose, AFTERWARDS is a thought-provoking and powerful debut with a message of hope at its heart. Emma's journey is guaranteed to stay with you long after you turn the final page' Holly Miller'A delicately crafted literary novel, capturing in pin-sharp prose the myriad of emotions that grief can cause and how even in the darkest of circumstances, we can learn to live again' Living Magazines' I've already given this debut novel to my mum and my best friend. It's a raw and very human account of what happens "afterwards"' Back Story
- GenresContemporaryFiction
464 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 4, 2022
Rounded up from roughly 4.5 stars ⭐️
Afterwards follows Emma on her journey after finding that her husband has taken this own life. She finds 5 photographs that her husband has taken and tries to find out what they mean and where they were taken. Could this journey lead her to a life she never expected?
I read this book when I was experiencing grief due to the loss of a dear loved one. At times, it felt like a sucker punch to the heart. But by the end I was left in tears because Charlotte was able to perfectly capture exactly the sentiment of what I felt towards my loved one. I was nervous going into this that it would break me, but I actually found this book to be really healing for me. Just like Emma’s journey after her loss, I wonder what my journey may contain. I loved some of the quirky and fun characters in this book, particularly Jane. My only issue was that some of the characters had very similar names (like Jane/Jude, Claire/Carol). It’s very possible that this was done on purpose, but it did confuse me at times.
This book covers some very dark topics that some may struggle to read, so please approach it with caution. Sometimes the book flashes back to a memory, I found this added a lot of depth but it also took me a while to be able to focus back on the present timeline. Charlotte’s writing is beautiful and vivid, I just wanted to soak it all up. But this can be overwhelming when difficult topics are discussed. Overall this is a story of pure love. Not just romantic love, but love in all its forms. I also adored the Cornish setting of this book, and was giddy when I saw my home town mentioned! I felt like I was being cuddled by my home county, and it made me further appreciate the beauty of where I live. I also loved the super short chapters! I always love how this helps me feel like flying through the book!
I recommend this book to fans of contemporary fiction but please be considerate of possible triggers. I want to thank Tandem Collective, Simon & Schuster and Charlotte Leonard for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
Afterwards follows Emma on her journey after finding that her husband has taken this own life. She finds 5 photographs that her husband has taken and tries to find out what they mean and where they were taken. Could this journey lead her to a life she never expected?
I read this book when I was experiencing grief due to the loss of a dear loved one. At times, it felt like a sucker punch to the heart. But by the end I was left in tears because Charlotte was able to perfectly capture exactly the sentiment of what I felt towards my loved one. I was nervous going into this that it would break me, but I actually found this book to be really healing for me. Just like Emma’s journey after her loss, I wonder what my journey may contain. I loved some of the quirky and fun characters in this book, particularly Jane. My only issue was that some of the characters had very similar names (like Jane/Jude, Claire/Carol). It’s very possible that this was done on purpose, but it did confuse me at times.
This book covers some very dark topics that some may struggle to read, so please approach it with caution. Sometimes the book flashes back to a memory, I found this added a lot of depth but it also took me a while to be able to focus back on the present timeline. Charlotte’s writing is beautiful and vivid, I just wanted to soak it all up. But this can be overwhelming when difficult topics are discussed. Overall this is a story of pure love. Not just romantic love, but love in all its forms. I also adored the Cornish setting of this book, and was giddy when I saw my home town mentioned! I felt like I was being cuddled by my home county, and it made me further appreciate the beauty of where I live. I also loved the super short chapters! I always love how this helps me feel like flying through the book!
I recommend this book to fans of contemporary fiction but please be considerate of possible triggers. I want to thank Tandem Collective, Simon & Schuster and Charlotte Leonard for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
May 10, 2022
Afterwards is an emotional and thought provoking story. Emma is such an interesting and layered character, although I have to be honest it took me a little while to engage with her initially. I especially loved the relationships she has with Pete, Claire and Jane, and thought her sister Jude was a great addition to the support group needed by Emma- that one person she felt she could open up to.
The warmth and friendship shared between the group was such a joy to read about and was without a doubt, Emma’s saving point in this time of her grief.
Beautifully written, this book describes the sea and the coastline of Cornwall in such vivid colours. The short chapters meant I could have read this really quickly but I held back to enjoy and savour this wonderful story.
The warmth and friendship shared between the group was such a joy to read about and was without a doubt, Emma’s saving point in this time of her grief.
Beautifully written, this book describes the sea and the coastline of Cornwall in such vivid colours. The short chapters meant I could have read this really quickly but I held back to enjoy and savour this wonderful story.
February 25, 2022
(Note: Thank you Simon and Schuster UK and NetGalley for approving my request for this digital ARC!)
3.5/5
The author writes brilliant and beautiful descriptions. Among those I liked were her descriptions of the Cornish sea, butterflies, and Emma's feelings of depression and guilt. Her vivid descriptions allowed me to picture the story with greater clarity.
Emma's grief manifest in so many ways. It is not pretty, and there is no one way to grieve. We often end up hurting the people we love most in grief because we get lost in these feelings and don't have the capacity to see beyond our loss.
However, I did feel like the plot was lacking some depth. Most of the other characters like Claire, Jane, Pete, and Anne played pivotal roles in Emma's development, but that's it. It seems like they were written in only for Emma's benefit and nothing more. While I get that Emma is going through inexplicable grief, she can come across as shallow and insensitive.
I felt the build-up took too long and there was not enough time spent at the climax. The two events at the end should've been written to more depth as they were interesting. The Jay, Anne and Martin thing felt very touch-and-go, even though it was central to our understanding of Jay. The Ben thing made me uncomfortable, and seemed to be playing some gay trope. They were explored too briefly for my liking, and as a result it's hard for me to accept that these events affected Emma significantly.
Ultimately, this is a story that works, so it's still a 3.5 for me!
3.5/5
The author writes brilliant and beautiful descriptions. Among those I liked were her descriptions of the Cornish sea, butterflies, and Emma's feelings of depression and guilt. Her vivid descriptions allowed me to picture the story with greater clarity.
Emma's grief manifest in so many ways. It is not pretty, and there is no one way to grieve. We often end up hurting the people we love most in grief because we get lost in these feelings and don't have the capacity to see beyond our loss.
However, I did feel like the plot was lacking some depth. Most of the other characters like Claire, Jane, Pete, and Anne played pivotal roles in Emma's development, but that's it. It seems like they were written in only for Emma's benefit and nothing more. While I get that Emma is going through inexplicable grief, she can come across as shallow and insensitive.
I felt the build-up took too long and there was not enough time spent at the climax. The two events at the end should've been written to more depth as they were interesting. The Jay, Anne and Martin thing felt very touch-and-go, even though it was central to our understanding of Jay. The Ben thing made me uncomfortable, and seemed to be playing some gay trope. They were explored too briefly for my liking, and as a result it's hard for me to accept that these events affected Emma significantly.
Ultimately, this is a story that works, so it's still a 3.5 for me!
May 10, 2022
A beautifully raw book of grief, lost love, healing and everything that comes into losing a loved one. I loved the friendship that was created, and the description of Cornwall, especially the Sea, that was so vivid I could picture it in my mind!
Charlotte really wrote with a powerful yet delicate tone sharing Emma’s grief, and the obstacles she overcomes whilst on her journey of healing from her tragic news.
A wonderful story that will stay with me always.
Contains trigger warnings - Suicide/Death/Domestic Violence
Charlotte really wrote with a powerful yet delicate tone sharing Emma’s grief, and the obstacles she overcomes whilst on her journey of healing from her tragic news.
A wonderful story that will stay with me always.
Contains trigger warnings - Suicide/Death/Domestic Violence
March 31, 2024
I was surprised by this one, the tale of a woman who's husband dies suddenly and how she copes. Recommended.
August 5, 2024
A debut novel - I am astounded. Charlotte Leonard is an author that has created a poignant laced in honesty, heavenly prose and a feeling of hope.
Following our protagonist Emma on her journey of loving, losing and all of the knots and ties that you make along the way. Each chapter is short, full of feeling and keeps the pages turning way after the night comes around.
As a reader I am utterly empathetic and I could not have adored Emma any more than I did throughout the entire read. Leonard’s character development is admirable and each individual introduced had a flowing role in this ocean of a narrative.
I have truly been moved and will be recommending this to anyone that will listen!
Following our protagonist Emma on her journey of loving, losing and all of the knots and ties that you make along the way. Each chapter is short, full of feeling and keeps the pages turning way after the night comes around.
As a reader I am utterly empathetic and I could not have adored Emma any more than I did throughout the entire read. Leonard’s character development is admirable and each individual introduced had a flowing role in this ocean of a narrative.
I have truly been moved and will be recommending this to anyone that will listen!
July 6, 2022
While the writing was exquisite, with luscious descriptions and metaphors that reflected the inner turmoil of the main character. Her use of setting and her poetic eye (the authors') are just wondrous.
But unfortunately, it relied too heavily on that. Squeezing minute detail after detail in an endless stream of description perhaps in compensation for so little action? There isn't much story, and the mysterious threads (husband's decision and photographs, husband's friends) lead nowhere at all. That, for a reader, is disappointing. There were no great aha moments.
I didn't find Em's journey emotional. I couldn't connect with her grief because the author was leading the reader down a mysterious path of unexplained photographs and secret-life paths that filled you with anticipation but left you empty and cold.
I lost track (and rightly so) of how many times the dialogue was, "How are you" and "I'm fine".
It was mind-numbing. Especially across 455 pages.
However, I did love Em's new friends - those secondary characters were lovely.
Em's life after grief, those new hope-fulls, are also lovely.
I know sudden exits are not (in life) always explained, or resolvable. That grief has no end date.
But in story (to borrow an analogy) if you're going to carry a gun, you need to let it go bang.
But unfortunately, it relied too heavily on that. Squeezing minute detail after detail in an endless stream of description perhaps in compensation for so little action? There isn't much story, and the mysterious threads (husband's decision and photographs, husband's friends) lead nowhere at all. That, for a reader, is disappointing. There were no great aha moments.
I didn't find Em's journey emotional. I couldn't connect with her grief because the author was leading the reader down a mysterious path of unexplained photographs and secret-life paths that filled you with anticipation but left you empty and cold.
I lost track (and rightly so) of how many times the dialogue was, "How are you" and "I'm fine".
It was mind-numbing. Especially across 455 pages.
However, I did love Em's new friends - those secondary characters were lovely.
Em's life after grief, those new hope-fulls, are also lovely.
I know sudden exits are not (in life) always explained, or resolvable. That grief has no end date.
But in story (to borrow an analogy) if you're going to carry a gun, you need to let it go bang.
June 13, 2022
This book is just soooo boring, slow and very often senseless, the author even describes the process in which Emma bites a nail!!! There are simply too many things that are not relevant to the story ,guess she wanted her book to be longer..., I confess that at 75% of the book I stopped hoping for something to actually happen and skipped a few chapters which were short but really didn't do anything to make any further progress in the story (as all the other chapters that came before that!)
If there were a way to give this book no stars at all, I would have done it gladly, needless to say that I will never ever read anything from this author again.
If there were a way to give this book no stars at all, I would have done it gladly, needless to say that I will never ever read anything from this author again.
May 20, 2022
Tell me you’ve never lived in Cornwall without telling me you’ve never lived in Cornwall
April 3, 2022
"This is not what I imagined would come afterwards."
Emma came home that day to find flowers. The groceries were packaged away neatly, the kitchen was clean, the peppercorns she'd asked him to buy refilled on the counter. And her husband Jay, dead in the bedroom.
He'd remembered the peppercorns, but forgotten to stay alive.
Now in a blur of police questions, empty platitudes and funeral planning, she wants to kill him for killing himself. For leaving her there without explanation. She's lost, angry and confused. But then she finds the photographs on his camera - Jay was a beautiful photographer, and this was definitely his work but there's something weird about his final photographs. And Emma knows she'll never be able to move on until she shines a light on the hidden parts of Jay he'd kept in the dark for so long.
"I wonder if I cry enough my heart will finally disappear, just dissipate, evaporate and leave my lifeless, less in pain."
Afterwards is a heart-wrenching tale exploring the many faces of loss - the violence and anger and fractures it can leave in it's wake. Not only journeying inwards at the reality of survivors guilt, it also has a unique morbid humour throughout because sometimes all you can do is laugh at the ridiculousness of life and death.
It was written like a fever dream, floating between memory and reality - the writing was fragmented and broken but still managed to maintain a poetic flow from start to finish, full of stunning small details that set a scene so intense and visceral.
Now, there were parts of this story that were uncomfortable - at times it felt like the author was portraying negative stereotypes of homosexuality, but it also needs to be considered that these words are coming from a character consumed by grief and not thinking clearly about others.
Emma's journey sees her leaving her city, exploring her husbands childhood haunts and friends, and learning more about him than she'd ever known - all while trying to figure out what comes afterwards. The entire journey was handled with sensitivity and honesty that created a truly striking tale.
I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review.
[_|_] For more reviews or queries, visit
bethanys-bookshelf.blogspot.com
[_|_] Or connect with me on Instagram
@bethanysbookshelfuk
Emma came home that day to find flowers. The groceries were packaged away neatly, the kitchen was clean, the peppercorns she'd asked him to buy refilled on the counter. And her husband Jay, dead in the bedroom.
He'd remembered the peppercorns, but forgotten to stay alive.
Now in a blur of police questions, empty platitudes and funeral planning, she wants to kill him for killing himself. For leaving her there without explanation. She's lost, angry and confused. But then she finds the photographs on his camera - Jay was a beautiful photographer, and this was definitely his work but there's something weird about his final photographs. And Emma knows she'll never be able to move on until she shines a light on the hidden parts of Jay he'd kept in the dark for so long.
"I wonder if I cry enough my heart will finally disappear, just dissipate, evaporate and leave my lifeless, less in pain."
Afterwards is a heart-wrenching tale exploring the many faces of loss - the violence and anger and fractures it can leave in it's wake. Not only journeying inwards at the reality of survivors guilt, it also has a unique morbid humour throughout because sometimes all you can do is laugh at the ridiculousness of life and death.
It was written like a fever dream, floating between memory and reality - the writing was fragmented and broken but still managed to maintain a poetic flow from start to finish, full of stunning small details that set a scene so intense and visceral.
Now, there were parts of this story that were uncomfortable - at times it felt like the author was portraying negative stereotypes of homosexuality, but it also needs to be considered that these words are coming from a character consumed by grief and not thinking clearly about others.
Emma's journey sees her leaving her city, exploring her husbands childhood haunts and friends, and learning more about him than she'd ever known - all while trying to figure out what comes afterwards. The entire journey was handled with sensitivity and honesty that created a truly striking tale.
I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review.
[_|_] For more reviews or queries, visit
bethanys-bookshelf.blogspot.com
[_|_] Or connect with me on Instagram
@bethanysbookshelfuk
May 21, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Shout out to Simon and Schuster UK and Charlotte Leonard.
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide, death. ⚠️
An emotive tale of grief and its aftermath, in Charlotte Leonard's 'Afterwards', we meet Emma. She's happily married to photographer Jay, until one day she comes home to find her husband dead - by suicide.
Jay left no note and Emma didn't see it coming.
What follows is finding five photos on Jay's camera that show just how much she didn't know about the person she shared her life with, and Emma setting off to Cornwall to find answers to all the questions her husband's suicide has left her with.
At the beginning of this book, I was convinced that it would be a five-star fave, but the further I got into it, the less I enjoyed it.
The chapters, which are barely chapters - some only a page long - make it feel like the book drones on and on without really getting off the ground, and while the writing is beautiful, I found that the structure of the novel let it down immensely.
There's a big twist that happens around the 50% mark - one the reader can see coming from a mile away - and it all just made me roll my eyes more times than is healthy, probably 🙄
I struggled to get through the book and was very tempted to both DNF and skip big parts just to get to the end, and while there's a lot to admire about the book and how it tackles the reality of losing a spouse, I could not connect with the main character at all.
Emma is, quite frankly, an a**hole - both in her grief (which I could forgive) and just in general (which I could not), and not finding anything remotely likeable about her meant I struggled so much to care about what she was going through.
(There's a scene where she purposefully wipes her mascara eyes on her mother's expensive white towels and it all just felt so petulant. And, quite frankly, annoying!)
Ultimately, 'Afterwards' is as much a story about friendship and finding community as it is about loss and grief. I can understand why many people will absolutely love it, but it missed the mark for me in many ways.
Rounded up from 2.5 for beautiful writing.
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide, death. ⚠️
An emotive tale of grief and its aftermath, in Charlotte Leonard's 'Afterwards', we meet Emma. She's happily married to photographer Jay, until one day she comes home to find her husband dead - by suicide.
Jay left no note and Emma didn't see it coming.
What follows is finding five photos on Jay's camera that show just how much she didn't know about the person she shared her life with, and Emma setting off to Cornwall to find answers to all the questions her husband's suicide has left her with.
At the beginning of this book, I was convinced that it would be a five-star fave, but the further I got into it, the less I enjoyed it.
The chapters, which are barely chapters - some only a page long - make it feel like the book drones on and on without really getting off the ground, and while the writing is beautiful, I found that the structure of the novel let it down immensely.
There's a big twist that happens around the 50% mark - one the reader can see coming from a mile away - and it all just made me roll my eyes more times than is healthy, probably 🙄
I struggled to get through the book and was very tempted to both DNF and skip big parts just to get to the end, and while there's a lot to admire about the book and how it tackles the reality of losing a spouse, I could not connect with the main character at all.
Emma is, quite frankly, an a**hole - both in her grief (which I could forgive) and just in general (which I could not), and not finding anything remotely likeable about her meant I struggled so much to care about what she was going through.
(There's a scene where she purposefully wipes her mascara eyes on her mother's expensive white towels and it all just felt so petulant. And, quite frankly, annoying!)
Ultimately, 'Afterwards' is as much a story about friendship and finding community as it is about loss and grief. I can understand why many people will absolutely love it, but it missed the mark for me in many ways.
Rounded up from 2.5 for beautiful writing.
December 12, 2022
If you are looking for a book to read that will reinvigorate your outlook of hopefulness, this is the book for you. If you are also looking for a book to wring your insides out emotionally and have a good cry, please also choose this one. If you are looking for a book that walks you through a very raw and realistic account of grief, this book is here to comfort you.
When we meet Emma, she is happy, in love and married to Jay. This is but for a split second, as she finds Jay has taken his life in their bedroom. No note, no explanation. All that he leaves is his beloved camera with five photos taken. To escape the feeling of not belonging to anywhere or anyone anymore, Emma decides to follow the photos to find her answers about Jay. This personal journey is crafted so well. Emma struggles with relationships with her family and friends, and also creates new ones in a place she has never been, and with the unlikeliest of characters (including her mother in law).
Emma struggles with her grief. It is not straightforward, not does it follow a formula. It explodes and implodes unexpectedly. The quest to find the locations for each photo does not always provide the answers she wanted but possibly what she needed. Cornwall and the ocean become her escape and pathway to recovery and a future that she may never have expected. The water became her therapy in more wants than one – the release of endorphins that made Emma feel good, calm and happy, and the distraction to clear her mind and find a new direction. It takes both the sea and a small village to provide Emma with such a safe environment to flourish, find answers and live.
Charlotte Leonard captures the helplessness of Emma so well in her writing. This book spoke like diary entries that Emma had written to herself, snapshots of time that were so visual and visceral, even though Emma could not this at the time. My heart broke for Emma, time and time again, and then I would cheer for her, and then feel that heartache once more.
When we meet Emma, she is happy, in love and married to Jay. This is but for a split second, as she finds Jay has taken his life in their bedroom. No note, no explanation. All that he leaves is his beloved camera with five photos taken. To escape the feeling of not belonging to anywhere or anyone anymore, Emma decides to follow the photos to find her answers about Jay. This personal journey is crafted so well. Emma struggles with relationships with her family and friends, and also creates new ones in a place she has never been, and with the unlikeliest of characters (including her mother in law).
Emma struggles with her grief. It is not straightforward, not does it follow a formula. It explodes and implodes unexpectedly. The quest to find the locations for each photo does not always provide the answers she wanted but possibly what she needed. Cornwall and the ocean become her escape and pathway to recovery and a future that she may never have expected. The water became her therapy in more wants than one – the release of endorphins that made Emma feel good, calm and happy, and the distraction to clear her mind and find a new direction. It takes both the sea and a small village to provide Emma with such a safe environment to flourish, find answers and live.
Charlotte Leonard captures the helplessness of Emma so well in her writing. This book spoke like diary entries that Emma had written to herself, snapshots of time that were so visual and visceral, even though Emma could not this at the time. My heart broke for Emma, time and time again, and then I would cheer for her, and then feel that heartache once more.
April 7, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
My ideal book length is around 300-350 pages, so at over 460, this had the potential to be quite difficult to get through, but it was anything but. I was zooming along and finished it in about 5 hours. What helped was it was full of short chapters - some only 1-2 pages long - which I prefer.
Charlotte has found the perfect balance in describing grief. I lost a childhood friend to suicide a few years ago, and whilst we didn’t have the relationship discussed in this book, all the elements of grief are there, all the ugliness. I’ve always found it difficult to put grief into words, even when you’ve felt it so strongly, but Charlotte’s done a tremendous job. I hate to think what experience she has had in order to write like this. It is raw and honest and soulful, right from the first couple of pages.
Amongst the heartbreak, the description of Cornwall is just so beautiful. Not only the physical landscape, but what Cornwall can do for people, how it can help you heal.
Annoyingly for a book reviewer, I don’t have enough words to describe just how special this book is. It’s inviting and engaging and emotionally thrilling.
It’s not hugely plot driven, but I like that, when you grieve - or at least when I did - you’re not wholly aware of life going around you; it’s very insular. This is very character and emotional driven and I think that’s the real highlight.
It’s not my job to tell you what books to buy, only to tell you what I think of them. In this case, I think you should buy it and read it immediately.
My ideal book length is around 300-350 pages, so at over 460, this had the potential to be quite difficult to get through, but it was anything but. I was zooming along and finished it in about 5 hours. What helped was it was full of short chapters - some only 1-2 pages long - which I prefer.
Charlotte has found the perfect balance in describing grief. I lost a childhood friend to suicide a few years ago, and whilst we didn’t have the relationship discussed in this book, all the elements of grief are there, all the ugliness. I’ve always found it difficult to put grief into words, even when you’ve felt it so strongly, but Charlotte’s done a tremendous job. I hate to think what experience she has had in order to write like this. It is raw and honest and soulful, right from the first couple of pages.
Amongst the heartbreak, the description of Cornwall is just so beautiful. Not only the physical landscape, but what Cornwall can do for people, how it can help you heal.
Annoyingly for a book reviewer, I don’t have enough words to describe just how special this book is. It’s inviting and engaging and emotionally thrilling.
It’s not hugely plot driven, but I like that, when you grieve - or at least when I did - you’re not wholly aware of life going around you; it’s very insular. This is very character and emotional driven and I think that’s the real highlight.
It’s not my job to tell you what books to buy, only to tell you what I think of them. In this case, I think you should buy it and read it immediately.
May 16, 2022
"He didn't forget the peppercorns but he did forget to live"
This book is really different from anything I've read before. I found it hard to follow at first as Emma slips in and out of memories and it jumps back and forth in time a lot. You are Emma's mind and memory.
It is so beautifully descriptive. Everything is described with such feeling and detail. It is very poetic and devastatingly sad at times too.
It makes me want to visit Cornwall it is so beautifully described. The village life where everyone knows everyone's business and knows everyone living in the village. I love the group of friends Emma makes in Jane, Pete, Claire and Ann Jay's mom. Embracing life in a new place and the change that comes with it. Going cold water swimming is something I would love to try someday. Their interactions and how they take Emma in and care for her is truly special. Emma is trying to understand Jay and why he took photos down there before he died and to find out why he ended his life.
You really go on the journey of grief, love and loss through Emma and those around her. Having lost loved ones I could relate to some of the content of this book. And suffering with mental health I have been so low as to contemplate suicide before. This book allows you to see what happens after the fact. The people it affects and the lives that can be ruined from your loss and the way in which you choose to leave this world can affect those people around you. It makes you thankful for family and friends and to embrace the life you have as you only get one life to live.
I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lucy Stars
This book is really different from anything I've read before. I found it hard to follow at first as Emma slips in and out of memories and it jumps back and forth in time a lot. You are Emma's mind and memory.
It is so beautifully descriptive. Everything is described with such feeling and detail. It is very poetic and devastatingly sad at times too.
It makes me want to visit Cornwall it is so beautifully described. The village life where everyone knows everyone's business and knows everyone living in the village. I love the group of friends Emma makes in Jane, Pete, Claire and Ann Jay's mom. Embracing life in a new place and the change that comes with it. Going cold water swimming is something I would love to try someday. Their interactions and how they take Emma in and care for her is truly special. Emma is trying to understand Jay and why he took photos down there before he died and to find out why he ended his life.
You really go on the journey of grief, love and loss through Emma and those around her. Having lost loved ones I could relate to some of the content of this book. And suffering with mental health I have been so low as to contemplate suicide before. This book allows you to see what happens after the fact. The people it affects and the lives that can be ruined from your loss and the way in which you choose to leave this world can affect those people around you. It makes you thankful for family and friends and to embrace the life you have as you only get one life to live.
I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lucy Stars
Read
May 13, 2022It would have been very easy for this book to just be a sad and upsetting read, and whilst it was very emotive I also found it to be hopeful and well-balanced, showing Emma experience a range of emotions.
We see Emma navigate her way through grief and anguish with support from family and found family and I enjoyed meeting the other characters who became Emma’s support and going on this journey with Emma. We also learnt more about Jay, in both snapshots from the past (love a duel timeline) and in things Emma finds out which lead her to escape their home and head to Cornwall.
The writing is beautiful and I felt like I flew through the book. The short chapters work really well for a book like this; even the more upsetting chapters were brief and we would then see another snapshot of Emma trying to grieve or move forward.
Overall I enjoyed this a great deal and I am glad that I read something which is perhaps out of my comfort zone. I look forward to reading further books from the author!
CW: suicide, death, depression, abortion, domestic violence
We see Emma navigate her way through grief and anguish with support from family and found family and I enjoyed meeting the other characters who became Emma’s support and going on this journey with Emma. We also learnt more about Jay, in both snapshots from the past (love a duel timeline) and in things Emma finds out which lead her to escape their home and head to Cornwall.
The writing is beautiful and I felt like I flew through the book. The short chapters work really well for a book like this; even the more upsetting chapters were brief and we would then see another snapshot of Emma trying to grieve or move forward.
Overall I enjoyed this a great deal and I am glad that I read something which is perhaps out of my comfort zone. I look forward to reading further books from the author!
CW: suicide, death, depression, abortion, domestic violence
May 15, 2022
I'll admit I hadn't heard of this book prior to the readalong invitation but I was excited to read it. This is the first non-thriller book I've read with very short chapters and it did work really well in this one.
This book was a heavy and intense portrayal of what happens after death and the grief... afterwards. I don't know if this was the best time to read it or the worst as my Nan died the day I started it, but I do know that regardless of my own personal timing, this book couldn't be read in one sitting.
There were two things about this that I absolutely loved though: the first was the mystery element about Jay; and the second was the small town feeling this book evoked, something which I usually love in romance books.
However, I enjoyed the book less towards the end, when everything was less chaotic and Emma was getting her life on track. But that might say more about me than the book! I just didn't find the last 70 pages as interesting. I liked it overall though.
This book was a heavy and intense portrayal of what happens after death and the grief... afterwards. I don't know if this was the best time to read it or the worst as my Nan died the day I started it, but I do know that regardless of my own personal timing, this book couldn't be read in one sitting.
There were two things about this that I absolutely loved though: the first was the mystery element about Jay; and the second was the small town feeling this book evoked, something which I usually love in romance books.
However, I enjoyed the book less towards the end, when everything was less chaotic and Emma was getting her life on track. But that might say more about me than the book! I just didn't find the last 70 pages as interesting. I liked it overall though.
May 12, 2022
I thought the writing was so beautiful and descriptive and I loved how the author used figurative language of the coast to reflect emotion or feeling. This was a sad, emotional and reflective book that explores grief, loss, love and the benefits of friendship.
I did feel emotionally connected to the story and characters at times but I wasn’t fully invested, my engagement in the story did waver and for me the book was a little too long at 455 pages, however the short chapters definitely helped.
I enjoyed the introduction of the characters in Cornwall who all become a big part of Emma’s life and would have liked some of their storylines explored a little further. Although the book explores loss of a loved one and grief there is an underlying message of hope.
I would recommend if you enjoy beautifully reflective writing and more of a character driven novel.
I did feel emotionally connected to the story and characters at times but I wasn’t fully invested, my engagement in the story did waver and for me the book was a little too long at 455 pages, however the short chapters definitely helped.
I enjoyed the introduction of the characters in Cornwall who all become a big part of Emma’s life and would have liked some of their storylines explored a little further. Although the book explores loss of a loved one and grief there is an underlying message of hope.
I would recommend if you enjoy beautifully reflective writing and more of a character driven novel.
April 2, 2023
It was hard for me to rate this book because my opinion on it changed so much throughout it… I was so excited to read it but then the first half of the book dragged on and on forever and was so hard to push through. The writing was beautiful and very poetic throughout but there was nothing happening at all in the first half and it was so repetitive and frustratingly destructive which I understand was to accurately represent the progression of grief but it did make me want to quit reading the book so bad. Now that I’ve made it all the way to the end though, I am so glad that I didn’t and I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading the second half. I’m not exactly a fan of Emma’s character but I think Charlotte Leonard did an insanely good job describing these deep, hard and conflicting emotions of hers and depression in a way that I’ve never anyone else do.
May 13, 2023
The prose throughout this novel, is absolutely stunning. It's a story about loss, but also so much more. And Charlotte tells the story through wit, sarcasm, humour and emotion. There are hilarious bits, and then there are the short sharp chapters that can absolutely floor you. Through this, Charlotte has captured grief perfectly. I loved it for the message that it delivered - hope.
Often, I forget the opening pages of a novel, and I did with this book. So when I started writing this review, I went back and read them again - the 'two years later/earlier' part, depending on how you look at it. The before, but the Afterwards. If you finished and didn't read those pages again, go and do it. I bet you cry like I did. But also feel hope - and that is the beauty of this book. It's about so much, it's so hard, it's harrowing at times, but it's full of hope.
Often, I forget the opening pages of a novel, and I did with this book. So when I started writing this review, I went back and read them again - the 'two years later/earlier' part, depending on how you look at it. The before, but the Afterwards. If you finished and didn't read those pages again, go and do it. I bet you cry like I did. But also feel hope - and that is the beauty of this book. It's about so much, it's so hard, it's harrowing at times, but it's full of hope.
March 2, 2022
A very engaging, yet heart-breaking novel.
The electronic version of this book was over 450 pages which made me think I was in for a long slog however the chapters are very short, some only 1 or 2 pages long. This was an interesting layout for the novel, it can often make the story quite disjointed or fragmented however I think this worked well here.
It was almost like fragments of Emma's memories and thoughts which were clearly affected by her husband's suicide. Her anger, grief, denial and many other motions were laid bare on the page and the love and friendship from those she met really had an impact upon me.
A bittersweet novel, indeed, but one I would thoroughly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The electronic version of this book was over 450 pages which made me think I was in for a long slog however the chapters are very short, some only 1 or 2 pages long. This was an interesting layout for the novel, it can often make the story quite disjointed or fragmented however I think this worked well here.
It was almost like fragments of Emma's memories and thoughts which were clearly affected by her husband's suicide. Her anger, grief, denial and many other motions were laid bare on the page and the love and friendship from those she met really had an impact upon me.
A bittersweet novel, indeed, but one I would thoroughly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2022
Afterwards by Charlotte Leonard is the story of Emma, a woman who gets home from work as she normally does but finds her husband Jay has ended his own life. Jay is a photographer who has left behind photographs detailing the mysteries of his death.
Leonard writes such vivid descriptions of the scenery and Emma's feelings which provide a larger scope to the emotion of the story.
The plot itself was a brilliant concept however it did lack a lot of depth that really could have elevated this to a higher rating. The build-up was slow and the pay-off did not feel earned.
This is a story that was just simply okay but could have done with a lot more elaboration to see out the true vision.
Leonard writes such vivid descriptions of the scenery and Emma's feelings which provide a larger scope to the emotion of the story.
The plot itself was a brilliant concept however it did lack a lot of depth that really could have elevated this to a higher rating. The build-up was slow and the pay-off did not feel earned.
This is a story that was just simply okay but could have done with a lot more elaboration to see out the true vision.
January 6, 2024
I wasn’t sure about this book to start with, it felt overwhelming and full of confusion and emotion that I couldn’t comprehend but then I realised that’s quite literally the meaning of it. It’s a heartbreaking perspective and story about grief and everything that you feel and do afterwards. It felt messy and chaotic but also hard to comprehend which I now understand is exactly how it feels. It’s beautifully written and broken down into emotions through time, which is such a clever approach. By the end I felt like I understood the character and her reasonings and feelings even though I’ve never felt anything like it. A hard but beautiful story with characters I wish I knew myself.
October 21, 2022
I imagine if I was in the midst of grief I would review this book differently, higher. That it would resonate even more so in its pace and its inwardness. The writing is without a doubt beautiful and often I'll forgive a book for lacking almost anything if the writing is beautiful.
'and the trees press down and the sky falls down and everything that broke before is broken still and breaks again' In fact the two pages that hold these words and more as Emily sits disjointed at Jay's funeral are some I would happily print and keep on my wall.
'and the trees press down and the sky falls down and everything that broke before is broken still and breaks again' In fact the two pages that hold these words and more as Emily sits disjointed at Jay's funeral are some I would happily print and keep on my wall.
January 27, 2025
Emma's husband, Jay, died suddenly leaving her alone and adrift. Afterwards is her story of what happened, well, Afterwards.
She is devastated at his unexpected death, consumed by grief and with no idea how to continue to function. Jay was a photographer so when his camera turns up, naturally she looks at the last few photographs he took. Surprisingly, the images are nothing like his usual work and eventually they lead Emma to Cornwall. Here she tries to understand the man she married, the man she thought she knew.
Charlotte Leonard writes beautifully and sparingly about life after loss. Her exploration of Emma's grief is haunting and and emotional. She charts her journey from paralysing emptiness through feelings of anger and betrayal, and finally her painful crawl into acceptance and a changed and different life.
Afterwards is a stunning and deeply affecting story of a life blown apart and the redemptive power of nature and particularly the sea.
She is devastated at his unexpected death, consumed by grief and with no idea how to continue to function. Jay was a photographer so when his camera turns up, naturally she looks at the last few photographs he took. Surprisingly, the images are nothing like his usual work and eventually they lead Emma to Cornwall. Here she tries to understand the man she married, the man she thought she knew.
Charlotte Leonard writes beautifully and sparingly about life after loss. Her exploration of Emma's grief is haunting and and emotional. She charts her journey from paralysing emptiness through feelings of anger and betrayal, and finally her painful crawl into acceptance and a changed and different life.
Afterwards is a stunning and deeply affecting story of a life blown apart and the redemptive power of nature and particularly the sea.
January 23, 2022
3.5 stars.
There are some genuine heart breaker moments in this book,but equally some heart warming one's.
It's amusing at times.
It has the best sibling relationship,and a parental one that could send you a bit nuts. Newly formed friendships that are a real lifeline.
Simply put,it feels like real life.
An overwhelming struggle with grief and the search for answers as to why,that can't ever be answered properly.
A very good read.
There are some genuine heart breaker moments in this book,but equally some heart warming one's.
It's amusing at times.
It has the best sibling relationship,and a parental one that could send you a bit nuts. Newly formed friendships that are a real lifeline.
Simply put,it feels like real life.
An overwhelming struggle with grief and the search for answers as to why,that can't ever be answered properly.
A very good read.
May 18, 2023
Beautifully written book. In the first few pages we learn of the suicide of Emma's husband. What follows is a diary showing her grief, her fear, her complete inability at first to comprehend or cope. There is a beauty in the novel that is rarely found, in the new friends she makes, and the new life she finds, and I finished it in two days. Atmospheric descriptions of Cornwall, one of my favourite places. I think it is a book that will stay with me.
May 9, 2022
My goodness Charlotte Leonard isn’t just an author she is a true wordsmith. This book was so beautifully written and I’m struggling to say more to explain more fully than that. Obviously I’m not a wordsmith so all I can say is read it and wallow in admiration. It was long in pages but so engrossing it compelled me to just keep reading.
July 13, 2023
I liked this and found it to be quite a hopeful book for the people left behind after someone they love has completed suicide.
It was well written and easy to follow. Despite the topic, it was still fairly light reading. I would have liked more depth however I think that's just because of personal interest rather than a criticism of the book.
It was well written and easy to follow. Despite the topic, it was still fairly light reading. I would have liked more depth however I think that's just because of personal interest rather than a criticism of the book.
January 21, 2024
This was an emotional roller coaster of a book about,love,loss,grief and so much more.charlotte has captured grief fantastically Charlotte used with,humour but also makes you shed a tear.i loved this book and couldn't put it down.i loved how Charlotte named the chapters and going through the stages. Of grief this story will stay with me for a long time.
July 25, 2024
A great story of love, loss, grief and the strength we have no idea we possess, until we reach the absolute rock bottom. Yes, the book is predictably sad, but also witty, funny and sarcastic, which I love in books. I really enjoyed the short chapters too, great penmanship from the author considering this is her first publication.
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