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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Book Review Club: 'After the Fall' by Kylie Ladd

Author: Kylie Ladd

Genre: Women's Fiction (Australia)

About: Two sets of married couples who are friends and TRUST each other, until one spouse from each set crosses the line and betrays their loved ones.

Descriptive Words: deceptive, lust, love, betrayal, heartache.....

Thoughts: I've never made any bones about the way I view adultery....it's wrong and I don't care what your reasons are for crossing the line. This book made me uncomfortable because I can see how easy it is for someone to cheat and why they feel they're validated in doing so. I never felt close to Luke or Kate (the cheating spouses), in fact, I really had a hard time feeling anything but disgust for these two characters. I thought the author did a great job of telling the story...you get to know each of the individuals involved and maybe get a clue as to where each one is coming from with their emotions and needs. But in the end, I'm not sure that I was satisfied as to the conclusions of the relationships.

Source: Doubleday

Why I Chose: I thought the story sounded interesting because the reader would be allowed into all 4 spouses world and I'm always curious as to how someone suddenly falls out of love and then quickly back into love with someone else.

Recommend? I'm a bit on the fence with this one. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Overall, I thought it was a good read, but for those who don't care to read about infidelity...you may want to pass.

Rating: 3/5


Available June 15, 2010


Thank you to Doubleday for sending me a review copy.
I was not compensated for my review.
My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author.
They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.


Review style courtesy of Lynne's Book Reviews 



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19 comments:

  1. I have a copy of this book around here, but haven't gotten to it yet. I seem to remember thinking it would be interesting based on much the same premise that you did. However, that being said, my viewpoint on extramarital flings also is the same as yours. I'll probably try this one cautiously. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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  2. That does seem to be an interesting premise. I find it interesting from what you mentioned, and I don't think I have tackled infidelity that much in my reading lately, so I might give this one a try.

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  3. It's too disturbing for me. Sounds like it was for you too.

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  4. This sounds like an intriguing story that hopefully leads the people with wrong choices straight to some consequences...but sometimes, these do not come for a long, long time!

    I do like that cover...and your review was excellent.

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  5. I think one reason I liked Belong to Me so much is that it featured a happy marriage with people who had happy childhoods, both things that the main character thought she had to apologize for since they seemed so rare these days! (at least they are in novels!!!)

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  6. I guess, perhaps, pass on it then. Thanks for your insight

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  7. I don't think I've read much about infidelity, but I feel about it the same way you do. If you're that unhappy in your marriage, end it before you start a new relationship. I'll have to think about this book - I'm not sure if it's for me or not.

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  8. Well, given the fact that my first husband cheated on me, ending our 17 year marriage...I also have NO tolerance for infidelity. I can read books about it if they do not justify or glorify the act. This sounds like a book I might be best to skip. Thanks for the honest review.

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  9. I'm one of those people who does not like to read about infidelity. I don't like to hear about it either. To me infidelity equals dishonesty. I know that many believe my opinion is old fashioned but I believed that when I was young. Honesty has to be the basis for all relationships. I'll pass on this book.

    I really like this book review style you have borrowed. It's easy to read and I'll it's easy to help the reviewer hone in on the meat of a book.

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  10. Hmm. Your review has left me on the fence as well. I view infedelity the same wasas you do, but the premise does look interesting. I think I may skip it for now.

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  11. How interesting that we're both reviewing Australian books this month. And I know what you mean about being uncomfortable with adultery stories. In the book I reviewed, the husband is such a loser that when he cheats you say, "Good riddance" and the focus in more on the woman transforming her life - I cheered her on! Good job at handling this review, Lynne!

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  12. I would have a VERY hard time reading this....being on the deceived side myself.... *sigh* i knew you would still be able to be objective...i love that about you! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  13. It’s good to read a critical but substantive review here. I like how you describe the strengths and weaknesses from a personal perspective.

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  14. Thanks for using my review style, Staci. Glad it worked for you. It's funny to see it on someone else's blog :) But like I told you...such a compliment!

    Great reviews, by the way, on this and Little Giant of Aberdeen County.

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  15. I got this but I am pretty confident I will NOT like it so I do not plan to read it.

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  16. I don't know if this is one for me or not. I've always wondered about those people who can fall out of love and then a few weeks later have someone new. I've never understood how it seems so easy for them.

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  17. I'm afraid I'd feel the same way about this book as you did. If I had picked up this book in a store or library, I would probably have set it back down after reading the synopsis. Infidelity, especially between 'friends' is completely unacceptable to me and there are way too many other books I'd rather spend my time with. I appreciate your candor.

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  18. Sorry this one didn't really work for you. I feel the same way about infidelity, but it doesn't bother me to read about it, though the characters might tick me off.

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  19. Love the new style of your reviews!

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