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The Afterpains
Gorgeous and compelling, The Afterpains is a heartbreaking portrait of two families trying to cope with grief, isolation, and living far from one's homeland—told in the voices of four distinct narrators.
Nearly twenty years after the death of her infant daughter, Rosy is still reeling from all that she's lost. Desperate to repair the connections to the family she does have—her husband, Desmond, and her eighteen-year-old son, Eddie—she's determined to lay her grief to rest by the twentieth anniversary of her daughter’s death.
At the same time, Isaura dreads what may be coming for her teenage daughter, Mivi. For centuries in her homeland of Honduras, the young women in Isaura's family have been subjected to a curse of teenage motherhood and the untimely death of the men they loved. But even after moving thousands of miles away from Pespire to Toronto, Isaura fears that her daughter will not be spared.
Soon, Rosy and Isaura, essentially strangers, become connected in a way neither of them could predict. As they try to look to their future and their children’s, they struggle to put the past behind them—all while Eddie and Mivi contend with the weight of their mothers’ pain and guilt.
Tender and compassionate, The Afterpains is a moving debut novel on motherhood, grief, identity, and belonging.
Nearly twenty years after the death of her infant daughter, Rosy is still reeling from all that she's lost. Desperate to repair the connections to the family she does have—her husband, Desmond, and her eighteen-year-old son, Eddie—she's determined to lay her grief to rest by the twentieth anniversary of her daughter’s death.
At the same time, Isaura dreads what may be coming for her teenage daughter, Mivi. For centuries in her homeland of Honduras, the young women in Isaura's family have been subjected to a curse of teenage motherhood and the untimely death of the men they loved. But even after moving thousands of miles away from Pespire to Toronto, Isaura fears that her daughter will not be spared.
Soon, Rosy and Isaura, essentially strangers, become connected in a way neither of them could predict. As they try to look to their future and their children’s, they struggle to put the past behind them—all while Eddie and Mivi contend with the weight of their mothers’ pain and guilt.
Tender and compassionate, The Afterpains is a moving debut novel on motherhood, grief, identity, and belonging.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2024
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1587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 2, 2024
the afterpains is a beautiful weaving of the lives of four women told through different perspectives and is a story of loss, hope, and healing. rosy is a grieving mother who, in her pain at loosing her daughter as an infant, has pushed away her only son eddie to protect her heart from more potential loss and now is dealing with the fallout of their relationship. isuara is single mother who fears that her daughter cannot escape the curse that plagues the women of her family, no matter the distance from their homeland. yesenia (or mivi) feels pressured to becoming the only woman in her family to avoid a teenage pregnancy, and in trying to break the centuries long curse upon her family feels the distance between her and her heritage growing further and further apart. vivian, rosy’s daughter who died as an infant, has stayed behind in spirit, her memory held onto by her mourning parents and serves as an ‘outside’ witness to the dynamics of the two families.
”before we had our babies, we thought that the toughest part of it all would be giving birth. we had no idea that our recovery would be a lifelong project, and that the physical tests would be far less taxing than the rest. even now, we are discovering new pain points and learning how to soothe them.”
one of the things that stood out to me most was isuara’s and mivi’s relationship with their homeland. the ocean that isuara crossed to protect her child would become the chasm mivi would yearn to feel connected to.
”you think i wanted to come here? to start over all alone? no. but mothers don't think about what they want. they think about what their babies need.”
”how, as it turned out, you couldn't escape curses. how they'd find you even if you left your land, changed your language, grew your hair out. how all the running was for nothing.”
rosy’s story was painful, i imagine much more so for those who have gone through similar experiences. her struggles with grief were a painful portrait of how difficult it is to minimize all the rage, despair, regret, worry, and hope into such a tiny little word.
”i thought it had all been about you. but we were not divided by you. we were divided by my fear of losing him. the inevitability of his departure was the reason i couldn't want him.”
my only small tiny complaint would be that i would have liked to bear witness to the healing between rosy’s and eddie’s relationship. but, nevertheless, the afterpains was a stunning debut.
[thank you to the publishers for the arc!]
———
⊹ - pre-review.
once i comprehend the beauty of this, i shall write a longer review. here’s a short takeaway: if you like books about motherhood, love, loss, grief, generational trauma, immigrant identity, and healing, then this one is for you. brilliant, heart achingly tender, and incredibly written.
⊹ pre-read ⤸
my favorite genre is anything girls, women, mothers, and daughters. ☹️
”before we had our babies, we thought that the toughest part of it all would be giving birth. we had no idea that our recovery would be a lifelong project, and that the physical tests would be far less taxing than the rest. even now, we are discovering new pain points and learning how to soothe them.”
one of the things that stood out to me most was isuara’s and mivi’s relationship with their homeland. the ocean that isuara crossed to protect her child would become the chasm mivi would yearn to feel connected to.
”you think i wanted to come here? to start over all alone? no. but mothers don't think about what they want. they think about what their babies need.”
”how, as it turned out, you couldn't escape curses. how they'd find you even if you left your land, changed your language, grew your hair out. how all the running was for nothing.”
rosy’s story was painful, i imagine much more so for those who have gone through similar experiences. her struggles with grief were a painful portrait of how difficult it is to minimize all the rage, despair, regret, worry, and hope into such a tiny little word.
”i thought it had all been about you. but we were not divided by you. we were divided by my fear of losing him. the inevitability of his departure was the reason i couldn't want him.”
my only small tiny complaint would be that i would have liked to bear witness to the healing between rosy’s and eddie’s relationship. but, nevertheless, the afterpains was a stunning debut.
[thank you to the publishers for the arc!]
———
⊹ - pre-review.
once i comprehend the beauty of this, i shall write a longer review. here’s a short takeaway: if you like books about motherhood, love, loss, grief, generational trauma, immigrant identity, and healing, then this one is for you. brilliant, heart achingly tender, and incredibly written.
⊹ pre-read ⤸
my favorite genre is anything girls, women, mothers, and daughters. ☹️
February 8, 2024
This book has broken and healed my heart!!
AJS captures the raw feelings of grief, desire, and isolation in such a compelling way. I had to put the book down multiple times to let the stories sit with me. The characters are so real and complex. I loved them all but reading through Mivi’s point of view felt like having a late night chat with my best friend.
I can’t for everyone to read The Afterpains, this is something special.
AJS captures the raw feelings of grief, desire, and isolation in such a compelling way. I had to put the book down multiple times to let the stories sit with me. The characters are so real and complex. I loved them all but reading through Mivi’s point of view felt like having a late night chat with my best friend.
I can’t for everyone to read The Afterpains, this is something special.
September 6, 2024
4.25
this is a DEBUT???? amazing, devastating, unique
rosie is a mother still devastated by her baby who passed from SIDS 20 years prior. she is struggling to be a mother to her son eddie who was born afterwards, thinking she knows only to let her children die ― her narration is like she is speaking directly to her baby that has passed, vivian.
mivi is eddie's best friend (maybe they're in love?). she is honduran, raised in new york with her formative/present years in toronto. she doesn't just struggle with a sense of belonging she thinks she'll never find, but also with a family curse that has made all the women in her family have a teen pregnancy followed by the death of the father ― her narration is in the first person.
isaura is mivi's mother, a victim of this curse (mivi being said teen pregnancy). she struggles with being a present mom, shielding her child from family traumas, while wanting nothing more than for her daughter to escape the curse ― her narration is in the second person "you" speaking to herself.
vivian is the pov of the baby that has passed that speaks in the first person, but is actually providing the book a 3rd person narrative.
this book tackles so many themes in such an interesting way because of these varying narrations through the four povs (i was so glad the audiobook had 4 different narrators!).
the family curse is a way to pull apart mivi's sense of belonging (she almost sees the curse as a way to determine if she is honduran enough to be a victim of it) and it's a way to pull apart isaura's past abusive relationships and how her teen pregnancy made her even more vulnerable to patriarchal systems.
the death of rosie's baby is the reason why we see characters deal with their sense of self: eddie's worthiness as someone's child, rosie's worthiness as someone's mother.
and the writing? i have a simple scale―horror, mediocre, brilliant, written for me―and this was brilliant.
this is a DEBUT???? amazing, devastating, unique
rosie is a mother still devastated by her baby who passed from SIDS 20 years prior. she is struggling to be a mother to her son eddie who was born afterwards, thinking she knows only to let her children die ― her narration is like she is speaking directly to her baby that has passed, vivian.
mivi is eddie's best friend (maybe they're in love?). she is honduran, raised in new york with her formative/present years in toronto. she doesn't just struggle with a sense of belonging she thinks she'll never find, but also with a family curse that has made all the women in her family have a teen pregnancy followed by the death of the father ― her narration is in the first person.
isaura is mivi's mother, a victim of this curse (mivi being said teen pregnancy). she struggles with being a present mom, shielding her child from family traumas, while wanting nothing more than for her daughter to escape the curse ― her narration is in the second person "you" speaking to herself.
vivian is the pov of the baby that has passed that speaks in the first person, but is actually providing the book a 3rd person narrative.
this book tackles so many themes in such an interesting way because of these varying narrations through the four povs (i was so glad the audiobook had 4 different narrators!).
the family curse is a way to pull apart mivi's sense of belonging (she almost sees the curse as a way to determine if she is honduran enough to be a victim of it) and it's a way to pull apart isaura's past abusive relationships and how her teen pregnancy made her even more vulnerable to patriarchal systems.
the death of rosie's baby is the reason why we see characters deal with their sense of self: eddie's worthiness as someone's child, rosie's worthiness as someone's mother.
and the writing? i have a simple scale―horror, mediocre, brilliant, written for me―and this was brilliant.
February 10, 2025
This book is so under hyped and needs way more attention. The Afterpains is a powerful and emotional story of two families and their respective and intertwined struggles with grief, motherhood, identity, and family dynamics.
The audiobook was phenomenal and each of the voice actors narrated perfectly.
The audiobook was phenomenal and each of the voice actors narrated perfectly.
March 9, 2024
The Afterpains is a beautiful portrait of loss and grief, and those emotions weren’t explored solely through death, although that is an integral part of the story. Anna Julia Stainsby created painfully realistic characters dealing with situations few of us could even slightly comprehend. Her use of multiple narrators was expertly done, capturing each unique voice, and using perspectives that delivered haunting insight.
This had me thinking quite a bit about who we become after tragedies, how we are indelibly altered into versions of ourselves we might not be proud of. Those changes then affect those we come into contact with regularly, and sometimes toxic cycles begin.
I do wish the author had better illustrated good moments between Rosy and her son, Eddie. I know those awful scenes were crucial in comprehending how her infant Vivian’s death had affected both of their lives, especially in how it had changed the parent that Rosy became, but I struggled to see how Eddie maintained any connection with his mother, or how any healing could transpire. I didn’t understand his loyalty, but I easily understood his anguish and feelings of abandonment. I’m sure there had to be another side to their relationship, and I think the story would have benefitted from its depiction.
I am immensely grateful to Libro.fm, Random House or Canada, and Anna Julia Stainsby for my copy. All opinions are my own.
This had me thinking quite a bit about who we become after tragedies, how we are indelibly altered into versions of ourselves we might not be proud of. Those changes then affect those we come into contact with regularly, and sometimes toxic cycles begin.
I do wish the author had better illustrated good moments between Rosy and her son, Eddie. I know those awful scenes were crucial in comprehending how her infant Vivian’s death had affected both of their lives, especially in how it had changed the parent that Rosy became, but I struggled to see how Eddie maintained any connection with his mother, or how any healing could transpire. I didn’t understand his loyalty, but I easily understood his anguish and feelings of abandonment. I’m sure there had to be another side to their relationship, and I think the story would have benefitted from its depiction.
I am immensely grateful to Libro.fm, Random House or Canada, and Anna Julia Stainsby for my copy. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2024
A beautiful debut novel that tells the story of two families, grief, motherhood and the stories that bring us together. Anna writes her characters with such care that they become fully fleshed out people that I could imagine interacting either. Isaura and Mivi’s stories were particularly powerful and I was so deeply attached to them. The story pulls together so many disparate pieces that made it so special for me - an intimate portrait of Toronto, a story that’s not about immigration but knows how to use it to inform the characters in a way that’s deeply authentic and truthful, and a little bit of magical realism too with the story of the curse on Isaura’s family. The prose is also stunning - simple yet complex at the same time making it easy to read with heavier topics.
August 21, 2024
What a fantastic debut for Anna Julia Stainsby! The writing in this novel is beautiful and devastating all at once. The way she carefully navigates the difficult subject matter is sensitive but still engaging. I loved the subtle Toronto references and how real the characters felt. I thought the multiple narrators would be difficult to follow, but it was incredible to see the world through their eyes and understand the reasoning behind their decisions. Highly recommend (but read the trigger warnings first!)
March 8, 2024
An incredibly moving intergenerational story of two families dealing with grief and loss told from the perspectives of both the mothers and their adult children, Eddie and Mivi. Rosy loses an infant daughter to SIDS and forever after blames herself for the loss, having trouble moving on and being there for the child she still does have.
Meanwhile, Isaura is a Honduran immigrant living in Toronto who is terrified her teenage daughter will succumb to their family curse of becoming teen mothers. This debut story tackles some heavy topics, including loss of an infant, mental health, domestic abuse, abortion, teen pregnancy, etc but is told with great care and empathy.
Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of authors like Ann Napolitano. I look forward to reading more by this promising new Canadian author! Many thanks to Librofm and the publisher for an early ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Meanwhile, Isaura is a Honduran immigrant living in Toronto who is terrified her teenage daughter will succumb to their family curse of becoming teen mothers. This debut story tackles some heavy topics, including loss of an infant, mental health, domestic abuse, abortion, teen pregnancy, etc but is told with great care and empathy.
Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of authors like Ann Napolitano. I look forward to reading more by this promising new Canadian author! Many thanks to Librofm and the publisher for an early ALC in exchange for my honest review!
May 10, 2024
I really enjoyed THE AFTERPAINS by Anna Julia Stainsby! This is an excellent debut novel! I loved the woven storytelling of two families intertwined told in four women’s point of view. This novel touches on grief, loss of an infant daughter, loss of home, immigrating to Canada from Honduras, family curses, teenage pregnancies and the weight put upon women as mothers. I loved the Toronto setting and the strong focus on these captivating female characters. I found this book very heavy and the distinctive narration such as Rosy in second person talking to her late daughter was very engaging. A timely read for Mother’s Day. This novel is a testament to the strength of mothers.
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted review copy!
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted review copy!
October 30, 2025
I started reading with no expectations, I found the characters sympathetic and the story unique. It’s not something I have read about before.
I felt some parts of the story dragged a bit too much and it kind of lost me on where it was going with the plot. It made it difficult for me to want to come back and finish it.
It’s well written and I’m sure it will resonate deeply with some, it just wasn’t for me.
I felt some parts of the story dragged a bit too much and it kind of lost me on where it was going with the plot. It made it difficult for me to want to come back and finish it.
It’s well written and I’m sure it will resonate deeply with some, it just wasn’t for me.
June 12, 2024
this was beautiful (4.5)
July 3, 2024
In-betweenie #16 -
Wow wow wow oh my god I loved this book. This was a gift from a friend because the author is a friend of a friend of hers, and I wasn’t sure how it would be, but holy shit it was incredible. I devoured this book, the only reason it took me 9 days to read is because I was on an active vacation so couldn’t be reading it constantly.
The story felt profound and complicated and beautiful and deep and horrible and incredible all mixed up into one. There was so much love, both complicated and simple, and really complicated grief seeped into every page of this one and it was sometimes painful to read because it felt so true and realistic. It explored so many really deep and heavy topics, the immigrant experience, loneliness, feeling like an outsider in spaces that should feel intimate, forbidden love, curses, grief, unexpected and unexplainable loss, abuse, etc. but it did so in such a beautiful, intentional and nuanced way that I didn’t feel overtaken or overwhelmed by any of them at any given time. There was lightness and beauty mixed in, and there was so much love steeped into every page. Wow I just genuinely cannot say enough good things about this book.
The characters were messy and complicated and fucked up and so real feeling. The storyline was consistent and clear and devestating, and the pacing was great. I liked the way that the author switched tenses when she switched perspectives as well; I always remembered who I was reading from based on the way the story was structured which was really cool. And I could not get over the fact that one of the perspectives was from the spirit of the infant that was lost (this is not a spoiler) oh my gosh I loved it.
I could not recommend this book enough, it’s one I think will stay with me for a really long time and I’m so glad. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for anything else this author writes!!
Wow wow wow oh my god I loved this book. This was a gift from a friend because the author is a friend of a friend of hers, and I wasn’t sure how it would be, but holy shit it was incredible. I devoured this book, the only reason it took me 9 days to read is because I was on an active vacation so couldn’t be reading it constantly.
The story felt profound and complicated and beautiful and deep and horrible and incredible all mixed up into one. There was so much love, both complicated and simple, and really complicated grief seeped into every page of this one and it was sometimes painful to read because it felt so true and realistic. It explored so many really deep and heavy topics, the immigrant experience, loneliness, feeling like an outsider in spaces that should feel intimate, forbidden love, curses, grief, unexpected and unexplainable loss, abuse, etc. but it did so in such a beautiful, intentional and nuanced way that I didn’t feel overtaken or overwhelmed by any of them at any given time. There was lightness and beauty mixed in, and there was so much love steeped into every page. Wow I just genuinely cannot say enough good things about this book.
The characters were messy and complicated and fucked up and so real feeling. The storyline was consistent and clear and devestating, and the pacing was great. I liked the way that the author switched tenses when she switched perspectives as well; I always remembered who I was reading from based on the way the story was structured which was really cool. And I could not get over the fact that one of the perspectives was from the spirit of the infant that was lost (this is not a spoiler) oh my gosh I loved it.
I could not recommend this book enough, it’s one I think will stay with me for a really long time and I’m so glad. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for anything else this author writes!!
March 6, 2024
3.5
When I saw @librofm had a debut Canadian author for one of their March picks I knew this would be my first listen. I love to read a fresh new voice in Canlit.
The Afterpains does come with a distinct set of trigger warnings, the story itself circles around grief, the loss of a child, and the tole this takes on a family.
Stainsby’s prose are smooth and clear. The story is told from several points of view but all had clear distinction, I was never confused, and I was never drawn to just one person, which is a testament to this style of storytelling.
While the books covers heavy themes, I never felt rot with emotion, instead I took a more clinical approach, the story doesn’t quite dive deep enough to evoke, but I still appreciated the message and journey.
There are some polarizing behaviours, decisions and justifications, and at times I was unsure how I felt, but I do love divisive writing, ones that stir up reactions and Stainsby does this well.
I don’t know if this is a book I would widely recommend but I do think there is an audience that will be satisfied, if you enjoy polarizing, literary fiction, that delves into the trenches of grief and motherhood then pick this up.
When I saw @librofm had a debut Canadian author for one of their March picks I knew this would be my first listen. I love to read a fresh new voice in Canlit.
The Afterpains does come with a distinct set of trigger warnings, the story itself circles around grief, the loss of a child, and the tole this takes on a family.
Stainsby’s prose are smooth and clear. The story is told from several points of view but all had clear distinction, I was never confused, and I was never drawn to just one person, which is a testament to this style of storytelling.
While the books covers heavy themes, I never felt rot with emotion, instead I took a more clinical approach, the story doesn’t quite dive deep enough to evoke, but I still appreciated the message and journey.
There are some polarizing behaviours, decisions and justifications, and at times I was unsure how I felt, but I do love divisive writing, ones that stir up reactions and Stainsby does this well.
I don’t know if this is a book I would widely recommend but I do think there is an audience that will be satisfied, if you enjoy polarizing, literary fiction, that delves into the trenches of grief and motherhood then pick this up.
March 21, 2024
The Aftereffects of this book are poignant and long lasting.
Ms. Stainsby’s empathy for her characters is palpable. Her luminous prose, paints four distinct perfectly imperfect portraits of loss and love.
The Afterpains invites us as readers to explore how trauma interferes with our ability to demonstrate and communicate our love for those who are most important to us. How our fear of past losses can cripple and twist us as we attempt to forge deep, loving relationships. How too often the sacrifices women and mother’s make not only ends up breaking them apart, but the aftermath of these choices is too often a mess of unintended collateral damage. While the book leads us through the stories of these four distinct voices it climaxes as a cohesive singular work.
While The Afterpains doesn’t shy away from its challenging and painful centre– the door is left ajar illuminating light, possibilities, and healing.
A glorious first novel by the talented Ms. Stainsby– whose future work I will be anxiously awaiting.
Ms. Stainsby’s empathy for her characters is palpable. Her luminous prose, paints four distinct perfectly imperfect portraits of loss and love.
The Afterpains invites us as readers to explore how trauma interferes with our ability to demonstrate and communicate our love for those who are most important to us. How our fear of past losses can cripple and twist us as we attempt to forge deep, loving relationships. How too often the sacrifices women and mother’s make not only ends up breaking them apart, but the aftermath of these choices is too often a mess of unintended collateral damage. While the book leads us through the stories of these four distinct voices it climaxes as a cohesive singular work.
While The Afterpains doesn’t shy away from its challenging and painful centre– the door is left ajar illuminating light, possibilities, and healing.
A glorious first novel by the talented Ms. Stainsby– whose future work I will be anxiously awaiting.
June 29, 2025
The writing chose for this particular story and topic of grief and motherhood made my reading experience so fulfilling and while. We have several POV’s in this book, one of them being unexpected and highly needed. It’s without a doubt emotionally challenging but also rewarding story, that shows how much grief and loss of a child is impacting families and their lives afterwards. Those afterpains never stop but hopefully they will get bearable, that what it sometimes takes is to just reach out for help. Another big part of this book is about hardship of immigration and how it affects families dynamic’s especially, mother - daughter ones. Isaura & Mivi’s lives and backgrounds was portrayed with such vivid colors and details, with all ugly but also beautiful parts. And with all the hard and sad topics it was nice to have some romantic young love moments between Mivi and Eddie. Even though they only had started their adulthood some choices that they eventually made was thoughtful and respectful.
November 4, 2024
Reading The Afterpains felt like plunging into the depths of two generations of women's lives in a way that’s as raw as it is revelatory. Anna Julia Stainsby’s prose doesn't just depict her protagonists’ journey; it invites us into the labyrinth of their souls, layering their pain, joy, and every hesitation with such vivid intimacy that I often felt I was looking at pieces of my own heart.
The story pivots around universal moments of transformation, grief, and ultimately, rebirth. Stainsby writes with such tenderness about motherhood, about longing for homeland, about messy mother-daughter relationships. If you’re looking for a novel that will leave you feeling both unsettled and comforted, this is it.
The story pivots around universal moments of transformation, grief, and ultimately, rebirth. Stainsby writes with such tenderness about motherhood, about longing for homeland, about messy mother-daughter relationships. If you’re looking for a novel that will leave you feeling both unsettled and comforted, this is it.
April 8, 2024
This is a challenging and emotional read about motherhood and grief. The structure was distracting while I read, particularly the omniscient narrator whose understanding of the thoughts and personal history seemed unbelievable to me (though who am I to say what a dead person would have access to?). Ultimately, I found it a nuanced and though exploration of a difficult topic, and I thought the treatment of the teen love story was truly special (and made me reflect on my own first experience of love). I deeply appreciated the opportunity to hear from the author, whose personal experiences and curiosities shaped the story.
March 12, 2024
As soon as I started this book, I knew it wouldn't take me long to finish. I just wanted to keep reading and uncovering the stories of Rosy, Isaura, Mivi and Eddie. Even if you haven't gone through the same experiences as the characters in the book, this book has a way of making you feel seen, in part owed to Anna's writing style and in part to the story itself. The epilogue left me breathless and both scared and excited for what the future holds. Look forward to reading everything to come from AJS.
June 15, 2024
"The Afterpains" is a somber and insightful look at how we handle loss and the potential for grieving to linger. The main subject of the novel is Eddie and Mivi, as well as the aftereffects that their moms, Rosy and Isaura, left behind. Mivi, a Honduran immigrant who moved to America and then Canada, is always aware of her unique identity. Eddie feels unwelcome and isolated because he is the second child of a troubled marriage that has struggled with the loss of their daughter.
It was difficult to put the book down for an extended period of time since it shifts between several different POVs. The language is absolutely exquisite. Even though the novel tackles difficult subjects, there are a few "overbearing" characters. I do, however, understand them and their perspectives. The story's underlying themes of optimism and resiliency struck a chord within me. Because every character is faulty and defective, there's a very realistic element to this story. I recommend this astounding read to fans of drama and coming-of-age novels. Don't delay, get your personal copy soon.
It was difficult to put the book down for an extended period of time since it shifts between several different POVs. The language is absolutely exquisite. Even though the novel tackles difficult subjects, there are a few "overbearing" characters. I do, however, understand them and their perspectives. The story's underlying themes of optimism and resiliency struck a chord within me. Because every character is faulty and defective, there's a very realistic element to this story. I recommend this astounding read to fans of drama and coming-of-age novels. Don't delay, get your personal copy soon.
November 18, 2024
What a beautiful debut novel. I’m surprised I haven’t been seeing this everywhere.
{It is heavy, so please read the content warning.}
The afterpains is beautiful story of the complexity of grief, motherhood, loss, friendship, identity, and the difficult journey toward healing. It also sheds light on SIDS and I truly cannot imagine the pain and guilt mothers feel. Stainsby’s writing is beautifully layered and it felt like I was in the intimate parts of the characters’ heads & it was so easy to connect with every character in this book. I absolutely recommend this.
{It is heavy, so please read the content warning.}
The afterpains is beautiful story of the complexity of grief, motherhood, loss, friendship, identity, and the difficult journey toward healing. It also sheds light on SIDS and I truly cannot imagine the pain and guilt mothers feel. Stainsby’s writing is beautifully layered and it felt like I was in the intimate parts of the characters’ heads & it was so easy to connect with every character in this book. I absolutely recommend this.
March 17, 2024
The novel’s beautiful cover with a Latinx young woman and title intrigued me. I immediately was drawn to it. I love the way the author was able to weave this vividly told story taking place in Canada, New York, and Honduras to explain two families’ experiences and cultural and emotional perspectives in dealing with loss and love. Bravo to this young writer, I hope there will be more novels to come!
April 9, 2024
I have so many great things to say about this book. It’s beautifully written, compelling, insightful. I just loved it. Anna captures the effects of grief on family so perfectly: how it can isolate you and make you feel so lonely and how at the same time, it can allow you to connect with others who understand that isolation and loneliness.
What a special thing it is to feel seen in the pages of a book. Can’t recommend enough.
What a special thing it is to feel seen in the pages of a book. Can’t recommend enough.
March 25, 2024
This was such a rewarding reading experience. I was torn between toting it around with me or exercising patience to savour it from the comfort of my home. I couldn’t put it down…you know a book is good when you almost miss your subway stop! Devoured in under 24 hours and can’t wait to sink my teeth into it again someday.
March 27, 2024
This won’t be a book for everyone but it could be the perfect book for some. A raw look at motherhood and grief that is told through the POV of two mothers. I really enjoyed this one but it is a hard read and has some themes that can be triggering.
Thanks to Librofm and Random House Canada for this complimentary audiobook. My thoughts are my own.
Thanks to Librofm and Random House Canada for this complimentary audiobook. My thoughts are my own.
April 25, 2024
Wow. Beautiful and deeply moving, Stainsby writes from the perspective of each character with such empathy and grace. I felt completely immersed in the lives of Mivi, Rosy, Isaura and Eddie, rooting for each of them as they confront the different losses and traumas that ultimately tie them all together. I couldn’t put this book down and cannot wait to read whatever Stainsby writes next.
September 10, 2024
A delicate novel about the hardships of parent-child relationships, the trauma of loss, and how chosen family can help us heal. This debut novel is expertly written and structured. The prose is concisely emotive and the interconnecting stories resonate well after you finish the book. Highly recommend.
March 4, 2024
A beautiful story. The descriptions were so vivid that each page read like a scene of a movie. I was transported into the novel, understanding the characters emotions as if they were my own. Immaculate, extraordinary, moving and memorable. I couldn’t put this book down!
May 23, 2024
Another stunning debut by a female author that just absolutely swept me off my feet. This book was prose, straight poetry from start to finish. One of the most touching odes to motherhood, loss, and triumph over generational trauma. I loved this book.
Want to read
February 5, 2024A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 5, 2024
Very good, comes out today
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