Tale of 2 couples
Although I found the book about an affair between 2 sets of friends to be interesting, it took me a while to get everyone's persona straight as the narrative flips between characters every page or two. Having been privy to other affairs, I felt the descriptions of the sexual cravings of Luke and Kate to be accurate, but the aftermath not as true to life. Had the 2 "innocent" members of the couples not been "workaholics", I don't think the affair would have existed so long. Kylie Ladd, the author does have a great gift for comedy as when she describes Luke being tested for sexually transmitted diseases, and I'd like to see her use these talents in another book.
Rated of 5
by Laura P. (Atlanta, GA)
Soap opera on paper
Like a good soap opera, Kylie Ladd's After the Fall held my attention - I wanted to know when the adulterous couple would get caught, and how much damage they would do - but gave me no sense of literary satisfaction. I didn't like the characters - even the "victims" were shallow and self-absorbed - and her constant switching of the narrator was at times confusing (It took a while before I was sure who was married to whom). The book was easy to read, the style crisp and clear, but if it had not been so, I'm not sure I would have bothered. Even if you are only looking for a "beach read," you can do better.
Rated of 5
by Valerie C. (Chico, CA)
Depressing Chick Literature
While this book is much more well written and has more depth than a "pop fiction" romance novel, it was still lacking something to take it significantly above that genre. I also found the irresistible attraction between the two philanderers hard to believe given the similarities of their personalities.
Rated of 5
by Doris K. (Angora, MN)
After the Fall
This is a story of love gained and lost. The author does a good job of portraying the characters by having each chapter told by a different person. Often the same situation is told from a different viewpoint. Although the author does well in this respect, I don't think this is an outstanding book.
It possibly could be a good "beach book", a light read yet it has a bit more depth than the typical romance novel.
Rated of 5
by Laura L. (Providence, RI)
After the Fall
I was excited to read this book, especially as the cover states that the author holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology. I have to say I was disappointed. The characters do not have the depth I expected. At first I found it confusing and I had to turn back to figure out who was who. I like books that go deep into a person's inner life and I felt this could have been done here. The concept of looking at adultery from all points of view intrigued me and I was drawn into the plot at the end. I read the whole book in less then a week. ( For me that is quick given the other commitments I have in my life. ) If you want a light read I recommend it.
Rated of 5
by Joan P. (Owego, NY)
After the Fall
I really didn't like this book. Perhaps my age and biases have something to do with it. It made me feel like a best friend that is privy to information that makes me uncomfortable. The characters were well developed. Having each character tell the story from his point of view helped to show motivation for behavior. As in life in these circumstances , the outcome was sad and disappointing.
Rated of 5
by Margaret H. (Springfield, VA)
After the Fall
This passionate book follows two couples involved in adultery. The story is presented through the voices of the four individuals as Kate becomes romantically involved with Luke. The reader follows the unfolding of the affair through Kate's words and at the same time follows the life of the two couples away from the affair. Sometimes the time-line is confusing as occasionally the same is event is described by several characters as they see it. Lee, a friend, speaks as well but his voice does not add much to the story. The ending is the high point of the book as each couple deals with their damages marriage in different ways, but is the reader surprised? The book might lead to discussions in book groups and does lend itself to beach reading as "chick lit".
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of 5
by Patricia S. (Trevett, ME)
