Stories about grief can be tough, but we're in good hands with Anna Quindlen. I especially appreciate how she juggles the perspectives of three very different people: Annemarie, Ali, and Bill. (Side note, why are there so many female names that begin with "A" in this book?)

Annemarie seemed oddly dependent on Annie, but I was pulling for her to get herself together. Bill and Ali were more relatable in terms of their reactions and how they dealt with their grief.

It was heartwarming to see how Annie, even after she passed away, impacted others' lives.

Emotionally resonant and well written, this would be a great novel for book clubs.

I received a complimentary e-galley from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review; all opinions are my own.

Wow! Wha a moving story of love and loss. This family had everything then the Mom passes away and the Dad is left to deal with life. He is unsure of how to navigate work and kids. He falls for an old high school flame. This was such a good read and will be a good book to discuss at a book club. Everyone of Ann’s books just get better and better.

I must admit that initially it took me a while to move into the pattern of the book and I’m still undivided in my assessment of Annemarie as the best friend. Not sure she needed as many warts. And I also understand Ali’s best friend’s disappearance but again not sure of use of the reason but again understand. As someone o lost her mother while young the book touched me and I was definitely laughed at the women who brought the husband food soon after his wife’s death. In any event a well written work.

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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When Annie Brown dies suddenly, her husband, her four young children and her closest friend are left to struggle without the woman who centred their lives. Bill Brown finds himself overwhelmed, and Annie’s best friend Annemarie is lost to old bad habits without Annie’s support. It is Annie’s daughter, Ali, forced to try to care for her younger brothers and even her father, who manages to maintain some semblance of their former lives for them all, and who confronts the complicated truths of adulthood.

Yet over the course of the next year, while Annie looms large in their memories, all three are able to grow, to change, and even to become stronger and more sure of themselves. The enduring power Annie gave to those who loved her is the power to love and to go on without her.

Written in Quindlen’s emotionally resonant voice, and with her deep and generous understanding of people, After Annie is a story that ends with hope, a beautiful novel about how adversity can change us in profound ways.

Anna Quindlen’s books tend to hit deep and hard: “Every Last One” gutted me and still sticks with me to date. This book is a classic in the making: forging on after the loss of a beloved parent means so much on such a different level to the characters in this book. Their viewpoints were fascinating and does time really heal all wounds? Read this and decide! #shortbutsweetreviews

Quindlan at her perceptive, warm, not too sentimental best. This heartwarming story of loss and acceptance will surely be a success, with its theme of mothering and its salty yet absent central character. A little repetitive in places? A little too rosy and Pat in its conclusion? Probably. But the gratification is recompense, as are the ease of flow and the sureness of touch.