A memorable family saga

Gradually one gets to know the three generations of a family as the story swings back and forth in time. You have to be on your toes to keep track of the era being described as there are no chapter headings to give you a clue. The character whose life is at the centre of the book is Alice and her important relationship with John. For anybody who has lost a loved one the final chapters are very poignant but do ring true.
A fine book describing family relationships with insight. Excellently narrated.

10 people found this helpful

Smoke and mirrors

Would you consider the audio edition of After You'd Gone to be better than the print version?

Yes, listening to the book brought over the pathos, the passion and the joy in the story. Our book group reviewed this book and several of us listened to it rather than read it - those who listened all agreed it was an excellent book, those who read were ambivalent, some not even finishing it, saying it was too sad and depressing. The mystery of what Alice saw in the washroom is only revealed in the last few pages - like smoke swirling around and images reflected in mirrors you can't see the whole picture until all the pieces suddenly fall into place and it all becomes clear.

What did you like best about this story?

The slow unravelling of Alice's story - in particular the visit to the shop when she is given a string of pearls as a gift. As the reader you know the motive but Alice does not and you wonder if Elspeth, her grandmother, realises and that makes her tell Alice to return them. The absolute desolation that engulfs her after the death of John is so real, so vivid. The characters are well drawn, right down to the elusive father-in-law who comes up trumps at the end of the book.

What about Lesley Mackie’s performance did you like?

The accents, the timbre and intonation - all excellent. I was never conscious of listening to someone reading a book aloud, it was just as if I were reading it.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I don't recall laughing much but I definitely cried in several places - the anguish felt by Alice and the despair were so well described. You knew what was coming and had to wait for her find out - that was so, so sad.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book, despite it being sad, so much that I have bought another to listen to. I have also recommended that those who read the paper book should try listening to it to see if it changes their opinion of the storyline.

4 people found this helpful

good story, annoyng characters,unvarying tone

Where does After You'd Gone rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the middle

What did you like best about this story?

gripping first three quarters

What three words best describe Lesley Mackie’s voice?

little variation, over insistent

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Alice knitting a pullover flor her dead boyfriend

Any additional comments?

the main protaganists, Alice and John, were unappealing: Alice, too strident and spoilt, John, too much of a doormat. Cleverly structured but an unconvincing finale

1 person found this helpful

After You'd Gone - nice book abrupt ending

After You'd Gone - nice book abrupt ending
Guessed pretty early on what Alice saw at train station & why she went back to London
Liked the going back & forth in time.
Good narration

So moving

An amazing story of love and loss. It will make you laugh and cry. Great narration.

A well crafted study of grief

What did you like best about this story?

Maggie O'Farrell presents the grief of losing a loved one in many layers - the physical and emotional, the searing pain and the trivial reminders of what is gone. Thankfully I haven't suffered such a loss, but this portrayal seemed totally authentic.

Any additional comments?

At first I found the jumping from present to past to more recent past and back to present difficult to keep up with. Similarly, the three generations of women took a little while to tune into.

All the characters were believable - they all had flaws but this made them credible and mostly likeable.

I found the descriptions of Alice in her coma fascinating; all her senses were involved in the ebb and flow of her unconsciousness. I have no idea how true to life this is, but am happy to accept the author's view.

I've read several Maggie O'Farrell books and never been disappointed. She has the talent to present layers of emotional situations without mawkishness or over-sentimentality.

Excellent book, skilfully narrated.

After you'd gone is the third book I have read by Maggie O'Farrell and it didn't disappoint. The story weaves between past and present giving slow insight into how and why Alice is in the situation we find her. The descriptions of Alice's grief and longing are intense and deeply moving. The narrator's voice was perfect for this story. The end came as a surprise and I felt I wanted more.

Jumpy

It's a fairly bog standard depressing love story that jumps around far more than is strictly necessary. Very well read though

Stunning!

Would you consider the audio edition of After You'd Gone to be better than the print version?

Having not read the book and only listened to the audio I cannot say.

What other book might you compare After You'd Gone to, and why?

I can't think of any quite as good.

Have you listened to any of Lesley Mackie’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I have not listened to any other of Lesley Mackie's performances but going by this one I would like to.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and cried, it is a highly emotional book that is beautifully excecuted.

Any additional comments?

I loved the main character Alice, Lesley Mackie's wonderful narration brought her to life. This book is a gripping family saga and I was sorry when it came to an end.

Excellent

This is one of the best novels I have listened to - the narrator is excellent and brings the story to life.