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mollywetta's review against another edition
3.0
An algorithm in my library's catalog recommended this book to me, and it was fun to discover a hidden backlist gem. I loved the rotating points of view and the then and now retrospective storytelling technique.
mellabella's review against another edition
3.0
When I first started After The Fall I wasn't so enthralled. That all changed a few chapters in and I couldn't put it down. Cary and Kate, Cressida and Luke. Two married couple who get along extremely well until Luke and Kate kiss at a wedding. They avoid each other until Cressida and Cary working together brings them together again (for a trivia night of all things). That starts the beginning of the affair. I didn't really find any of the characters that likeable (except for Cary and even he seemed to forgiving, and kind under the circumstances). Luke and Kate seemed right for each other because they could care less about anyone but themselves. Sure, Kate felt bad for cheating on Cary. But still pined for Luke. Cressida's character should have been likeable. She cared about her pediatric patients. She was wronged by her husband. Yet, I still never warmed to the character. The partners finding out about the infidelity was a lot less dramatic then I expected. The aftermath, interesting. I like the way she ended it but I hate not knowing if Kate and Luke did rekindle their relationship.
mrk_eastbay's review against another edition
I've created a new shelf - for the unreadable/abandoned picks off the new book shelf.
ameliaflint's review
I RARELY put down a book without finishing it. But I couldn’t slog through this one anymore. BORING storyline, incredibly bland characters. Writing wasn’t bad, but not nearly good enough to keep me engaged with the travesty that was the plot and characters.
literarykate616's review against another edition
4.0
Disappointed with the ending but I did enjoy the book.
nbnurse's review against another edition
2.0
SPOILERS! I won this book on goodreads. It was interesting enough to keep reading (it's not super long either), but the way the story was told didn't make me care about the characters. Sure, I didn't like Luke and Kate after what they did (especially since they didn't seem to feel guilty about it)... But the characters seemed a little numb--the story and characters didn't stick with me.
shelleyrae's review against another edition
4.0
This is a thought provoking exploration of an affair without judgement and almost brutal honesty. The author manages to suspend moral judgement without sacrificing empathy. It's not an easy subject to read about and may be too raw for someone who has had a similar experience but the honesty is refreshing.
The author uses alternating first person of the adulterers, their partners and friends with distinct voices. Each of the characters are well developed and the transition between perspectives is skilfully handled. The characters are very 'normal', the adulterers aren't uncaring villians, their partners are not saints - while not exactly average (impossibly good looks, doctors etc) they could easily be someone you know.
I was tempted to give After the Fall 5 stars - but even though the ending was as honest and real and as right as it could be, I wanted to see Kate and Luke punished - but in reality the truth is that it is the partners that usually suffer while the adulterers move on with their lives.
Well worth the read - highly recommended.
The author uses alternating first person of the adulterers, their partners and friends with distinct voices. Each of the characters are well developed and the transition between perspectives is skilfully handled. The characters are very 'normal', the adulterers aren't uncaring villians, their partners are not saints - while not exactly average (impossibly good looks, doctors etc) they could easily be someone you know.
I was tempted to give After the Fall 5 stars - but even though the ending was as honest and real and as right as it could be, I wanted to see Kate and Luke punished - but in reality the truth is that it is the partners that usually suffer while the adulterers move on with their lives.
Well worth the read - highly recommended.
tlwick's review against another edition
3.0
4 people - 2 couples who learn about falling in love and just plain falling. Betrayal is the name of the game as friends become lovers and enemies. The story is told in first person with each character giving their account and feelings on the matter. There is a sense of matter-of-fact, non-judgmental recounting in this in-depth glimpse into the mindset of adultery and its consequences. I found myself rooting for certain characters and enjoying the journey. The ending, though not what I had hoped, is realistic in its conclusion.
viragohaus's review against another edition
4.0
After the Fall's narrative cycles almost entirely around the voices of four people, two couples. Kate & Cary, Cressida & Luke.
Initially friends, a mad insistent need draws Kate and Luke out of companionship into infidelity.
Displaying remarkable skill, Kylie Ladd has a different character narrate each chapter, intensifying a reader's reaction to each, as well as managing to weave the plot beautifully amongst the perspectives.
This close ear to each character's voice is key as it draws on an important impulse behind reading; the need for the familiar.
People and events in novels feel true because -perhaps in some previously unarticulated way- we know them.
Ladd's tremendous strength as a novelist is to realise that this form of identification is merely an invitation.
Start on this road but do not be sure of where you'll end.
A wronged partner is an easy character to sympathise with and their forgiveness welcome, but what if their forgiveness alienates something of the love?
The passionate, illicit energy that courses through a lover engages the senses in a fantastically earthy way, but what if its collapse hollows out something vital?
Kylie Ladd draws her characters like etching on glass. There's beauty and violence in each stroke.
Initially friends, a mad insistent need draws Kate and Luke out of companionship into infidelity.
Displaying remarkable skill, Kylie Ladd has a different character narrate each chapter, intensifying a reader's reaction to each, as well as managing to weave the plot beautifully amongst the perspectives.
This close ear to each character's voice is key as it draws on an important impulse behind reading; the need for the familiar.
People and events in novels feel true because -perhaps in some previously unarticulated way- we know them.
Ladd's tremendous strength as a novelist is to realise that this form of identification is merely an invitation.
Start on this road but do not be sure of where you'll end.
A wronged partner is an easy character to sympathise with and their forgiveness welcome, but what if their forgiveness alienates something of the love?
The passionate, illicit energy that courses through a lover engages the senses in a fantastically earthy way, but what if its collapse hollows out something vital?
Kylie Ladd draws her characters like etching on glass. There's beauty and violence in each stroke.