waikent

After the Party is a sequel to Ralph's Party...and for some, the book might be better received if the first book is read...well....first. However, as I read, I found that After the Party could stand alone. Lisa gives enough backstory that you don't really need to have all the details of how they got together. What will surprise most...well, at least it did me, is that Jem and Ralph aren't married. The way the story read, they felt like a married couple, but only Jem acted like she was part of one...for the most part. Jem and Ralph are two characters that are really not very likable. It is difficult to believe that these two managed to get together at all, they seem that intensely different in what they want out of life. Both are selfish and stubborn and it was difficult to hope for the best for them as their relationship deteriorates. This couple is very real, maybe too real for readers looking to escape "real life" when it comes to their reading. What was most surprising is the "happily ever after", because these two people certainly didn't seem to deserve it.

2023-02-22 23:36