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There are currently 20 member reviews
for After the Fall
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Judith W. (Brooklyn, NY)
Just OK.
While I mostly enjoyed this book, I would not rate it among the best as I don't think it says anything new about adultery or marriage or the human condition in general. The two main protagonists are not particularly likable or sympathetic - I think they both got their just deserts in the end. That said, it did keep one turning the pages to see how it all came out. It also took a while to get used to the hopping from one character to another chapter by chapter.
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Susan B. (Rutledge, MO)
written in an interesting way
Despite my general lack of interest in the subject (a passionate extramarital affair) I found After the Fall to be a compelling and interesting read. The plot unfolds via first-person accounts from each of the major players, progressively revealing the characters and their perspectives along with the story. How Ladd accomplishes this was the most interesting part of the book for me, though I also enjoyed the details that tie the work distinctly to its Australian setting. Overall I felt as if I had an onstage seat at a too-intimate play about adultery and betrayal.
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Margaret H. (Springfield, VA)
After the Fall
This passionate book follows two couples involved in adultery. The story is presented through the voices of the four individuals as Kate becomes romantically involved with Luke. The reader follows the unfolding of the affair through Kate's words and at the same time follows the life of the two couples away from the affair. Sometimes the time-line is confusing as occasionally the same is event is described by several characters as they see it. Lee, a friend, speaks as well but his voice does not add much to the story. The ending is the high point of the book as each couple deals with their damages marriage in different ways, but is the reader surprised? The book might lead to discussions in book groups and does lend itself to beach reading as "chick lit".
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Joan P. (Owego, NY)
After the Fall
I really didn't like this book. Perhaps my age and biases have something to do with it. It made me feel like a best friend that is privy to information that makes me uncomfortable. The characters were well developed. Having each character tell the story from his point of view helped to show motivation for behavior. As in life in these circumstances , the outcome was sad and disappointing.
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Laura L. (Providence, RI)
After the Fall
I was excited to read this book, especially as the cover states that the author holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology. I have to say I was disappointed. The characters do not have the depth I expected. At first I found it confusing and I had to turn back to figure out who was who. I like books that go deep into a person's inner life and I felt this could have been done here. The concept of looking at adultery from all points of view intrigued me and I was drawn into the plot at the end. I read the whole book in less then a week. ( For me that is quick given the other commitments I have in my life. ) If you want a light read I recommend it.
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Doris K. (Angora, MN)
After the Fall
This is a story of love gained and lost. The author does a good job of portraying the characters by having each chapter told by a different person. Often the same situation is told from a different viewpoint. Although the author does well in this respect, I don't think this is an outstanding book.
It possibly could be a good "beach book", a light read yet it has a bit more depth than the typical romance novel.
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Valerie C. (Chico, CA)
Depressing Chick Literature
While this book is much more well written and has more depth than a "pop fiction" romance novel, it was still lacking something to take it significantly above that genre. I also found the irresistible attraction between the two philanderers hard to believe given the similarities of their personalities.
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