After the End
Mackintosh, ClareA mother and father both wanting what is best for their critically ill child but coming to different conclusions about the path ahead...
Max and Pip Adams love each other and their young son but when they cannot agree on the way forward, it is up to a London court to rule on Dylan's treatment.
With alternating chapters presenting both possible outcomes of this decision, this is a clever and moving story with emotional heft that explores the consequences of an impossible choice.
Pages
370
370
Year
2019
2019
Reviews
30-09-2024
Those that read it, found it deeply thought provoking, and in some ways, disturbing. Several chose not to read it.
25-09-2024
Most of our group found this to be a challenging and interesting book. Only one or two members were less enthusiastic. We found the structure of the book challenging, and some of us had re-read the story, following one person's perspective, as suggested in the book notes.
17-09-2024
Parents having to make an end of life choice for their small child was a sad and painful read but, with one exception, the writing kept us reading. We empathised with the impossible choice to be made. The book promoted discussion on painful choices, social media, the effect of grief on relationships etc. The author used an unusual way to tell the latter partof the story which some found confusing. This was perhaps not as successful as the earlier part.
29-08-2024
Mixed review. Emotionally hard to read, but a page turner. The second part was viewed as confusing due to different timelines of the characters' stories. Easier to flick through whole story of each character than switching back and forth.
25-06-2024
A good read but confusing (dates and people).
16-10-2023
Not all of the group read this book, due to the subject matter. Those of us who did had mixed opinions - particularly about the writing style. It did spark a good discussion.
19-09-2023
A 'well crafted' book. A brave topic to explore, however the author's understanding gives empathy and understanding to this writing. The biggest discussion point was the alternative choices presented - it was enjoyed by all, although the second half was a complex read.
12-09-2023
We all rated the first half of this book quite highly - such a traumatic, painful subject. It was well-written without being sentimental. However, none of us liked the confusing second half. We found it rather "gimmicky" and very annoying!
03-08-2023
The group were confused by the ending, and this led to a lot of discussion. While the jumping between characters in the storyline led to some confusion, others liked it.
02-08-2023
A well-written and thought provoking book that caused a great deal of discussion. Enjoyed by all our group with most struggling with 'adult pick-a-path' type chapters in the latter half of the book. Very cleverly constructed!
02-08-2023
We had a very heartfelt discussion. We felt we could relate to this story even though the topic was confronting for us.
02-08-2023
This gave you the narrative from both sides, and we talked about how difficult these decisions are and how it has a massive effect on all those involved.
02-08-2023
It was a bit mixed. The book was confusing for most of us as it went backwards and forwards in time. Only half the group finished it.
13-07-2023
Varied response to this book. Resulted in good discussion.
07-03-2023
A sad book - difficult to appreciate the positions of Pip and Max (or even Leila!) as none of us have been in their position. Without the emotional involvement we all thought we were on Pip's side. Well-written though a bit of confusion about when Dylan died!