After This
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997
279
Novel • Fiction
New York Suburbs • 1940s-70s
1997
Adult
18+ years
After This by Alice McDermott follows the Keane family of Long Island, focusing on parents Mary and John and their four children as they come of age during the 1960s, exploring themes of faith, family dynamics, and societal change as the children navigate academic challenges, personal losses, and the cultural upheavals of the era, ultimately highlighting their resilience and growth. The novel contains sensitive topics such as alcohol dependency and unexpected pregnancy.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
4,614 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alice McDermott's After This earns praise for its lyrical prose and evocative depiction of post-WWII American life. Critics commend the deep emotional resonance and finely drawn characters, though some note the narrative's slow pace. The novel's exploration of family dynamics and loss is both heartwarming and melancholic, offering a richly layered reading experience.
Readers who enjoy nuanced, character-driven narratives and intricate explorations of family dynamics in post-WWII America will appreciate After This by Alice McDermott. Comparable to fans of Richard Yates's Revolutionary Road or Anne Tyler's The Amateur Marriage, this book offers a reflective examination of ordinary lives marked by profound personal change.
4,614 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
279
Novel • Fiction
New York Suburbs • 1940s-70s
1997
Adult
18+ years
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