What Comes After

by Joanne Tompkins
What Comes After cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 8042
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • ISBN: 9780593086018
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2021-04-13
  • Reviews: 3

In the misty coastal town of Washington State, Isaac and Lorrie, two parents devastated by the loss of their teenage sons, find their lives intertwined when a mysterious girl named Evangeline appears. Her arrival sparks a journey of healing and self-discovery, as the trio confronts their pasts and forges a new path forward. /n/n What Comes After is a deeply moving novel that explores themes of forgiveness, human connection, and the resilience of the human spirit. With a propulsive mystery at its core, the story unfolds in a way that is both gripping and heartwarming, offering a powerful narrative about the transformative power of kindness and hope.

Reviews
Cannonball Read · narfna · 2022-02-15
liked 3.00

The book successfully tells a story about grief and love, with a focus on emotional depth and character development. The reviewer liked the book overall, finding it mostly successful in its intentions.

The reviewer, narfna, found this book to be a compelling exploration of grief and love. They appreciated the emotional depth and character development, which made the story engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, they liked the book and felt it mostly succeeded in what it set out to do. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to convey complex emotions and create a meaningful narrative around themes of loss and love.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I liked this book.

    It mostly succeeded in what it was trying to do, which was tell a story about grief and love.

    I thought as a whole, it was a compelling read.

But First, Kafka · 2021-04-28
heavy 3.50

This story is a profound exploration of grief and loss, with a slow, heavy pace that allows readers to connect deeply with the characters. The themes of love and acceptance are woven intricately throughout the narrative.

The reviewer found this book to be a deeply moving and heavy story that delves into the complexities of grief and loss. The slow pace of the narrative is intentional, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the emotional journey of the characters. The themes of love and acceptance are beautifully intertwined, making the story relatable and impactful. The reviewer appreciates the way the story connects with readers on a personal level, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    This is a heavy, slow-moving story about grief, loss, love, and acceptance.

    Readers will find a way to connect with this story.

    The themes of love and acceptance are beautifully intertwined.

The New York Times · 2021-04-12
optimistic 4.00

The novel is a thoughtful and unexpectedly optimistic tale of people navigating tragedy. The ending, while not perfect, leaves readers with a sense of hope and resilience.

The reviewer from The New York Times found this novel to be a thoughtful and unexpectedly optimistic exploration of how people cope with tragedy. The story is filled with characters doing their best to navigate their painful circumstances, and the reviewer appreciates the hopeful tone throughout. While the ending may not be perfect, it leaves readers with a sense of resilience and the possibility of moving forward. The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to balance heavy themes with a sense of optimism, making it a compelling and uplifting read.

Quick quotes

    Tompkins delivers a thoughtful, unexpectedly optimistic tale of people doing their best.

    The ending of 'What Comes After' may not be 100 percent satisfying, but it is hopeful.

    The novel is a graceful debut that spins a tender tale of wounded souls.

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