46 pages • 1 hour read
The Sweet Hereafter
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Book Brief
257
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • 1980s
1991
Adult
18+ years
1180L
Super Short Summary
In The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks, the story of a fatal school bus accident and its aftermath is revealed through four first-person narrators from the small town of Sam Dent, New York. Fourteen children die, profoundly impacting the community and leading to themes of grief, guilt, and blame. One girl, Nichole Burnell, survives with a disabling injury. The book includes discussions on sexual abuse, substance use, and loss of children.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Unnerving
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
10,456 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Russell Banks' The Sweet Hereafter is widely lauded for its poignant storytelling and complex characterizations. Critics highlight the novel's emotional depth and sensitive exploration of tragedy's communal impact. However, some find its slow pacing and shifting perspectives challenging. Overall, it's praised for its literary craftsmanship and thought-provoking themes.
Who Should Read The Sweet Hereafter?
A reader who appreciates deeply moving, character-driven narratives exploring the aftermath of tragedy would enjoy The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks. Fans of works like Beloved by Toni Morrison or The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, which delve into community, grief, and personal loss, will find this novel compelling and resonant.
10,456 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
257
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • 1980s
1991
Adult
18+ years
1180L
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