54 pages • 1 hour read
The Astonishing Color of After
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Taiwan • Contemporary
2018
YA
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
In The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan, Leigh, a teenage artist, believes her mother has turned into a red bird after her suicide and travels to Taiwan to connect with her estranged grandparents and uncover family secrets. Through magical experiences and self-discovery, Leigh learns to cope with her grief and embrace her passion for art. The book addresses themes of mental health and loss.
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
33,970 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Emily X. R. Pan's The Astonishing Color of After is praised for its lyrical prose and unique exploration of grief, identity, and culture. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and vivid characterizations. Some, however, find the narrative's pacing uneven and the magical realism elements confusing. Overall, it is a poignant, evocative read that resonates deeply.
Who Should Read The Astonishing Color of After?
Readers who enjoyed The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or We Were Liars by E. Lockhart will gravitate towards The Astonishing Color of After. This novel captivates those interested in magical realism, emotional depth, and exploration of grief and self-discovery through mystical and cultural lenses.
33,970 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dory Sanders
Dory Sanders
Leigh’s Taiwanese mother, who after moving to the United States, changed her name from Dorothy and expresses a quirky personality mixed with cultural tensions.
Brian Sanders
Brian Sanders
Leigh’s Irish American father, a sinologist who struggles with family dynamics during his wife’s depression, emphasizing practical career choices over artistic pursuits for Leigh.
Waipo
Waipo
Leigh’s maternal grandmother, Yuanyang, who embodies traditional values while nurturing a bond with her granddaughter during her visit to Taipei.
Feng/Jingling
Feng/Jingling
Dory’s sister who appears to Leigh as Feng, acting as a guide and translator in Taipei, reflecting a deep connection to family legacy.
Axel Moreno
Axel Moreno
Leigh’s best friend and love interest who shares her artistic inclinations and mixed heritage, providing emotional support through their shared chromatic language.
480
Novel • Fiction
Taiwan • Contemporary
2018
YA
12-18 years
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