Customer Reviews

The Space Between Before and After

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I really liked this book. I like how the author wrote each chapter from the perspective of one of the characters in the book. I also like how she wrote it from a young Hollyanne or an older Holli. The story has many twists to it and I won't give any away, but it will keep your interest till the very end.

The story is about the day a young girl named Hollyanne's (called Holli as an adult) mother dies while she is pregnant with her sister, and what happens to her life after that event. The events that happen change many things in her life forever. The story is also about Holli's son, Conner dropping out of college and living with his girlfriend that has Cystic Fibrosis. Another story line is the story of Holli's grandmother named Raine and how she is starting to have Alzheimer's disease and how the family reacts to it. There are many things that happen in this book that I think most people will be able to find a person they can relate to, either because they are divorced, child of a divorce, stepchild, stepparent, Generation X, Baby Boomer or Senior Citizen.

This book dealt with death, illness, senior citizen issues and many other poignant issues of the time. I found it a very interesting read, and I think the author is a very talented writer. The story was a little depressing at times, but I do recommend it.

What happens to a woman's life when she is suddenly pulled into the drama of her young adult son's problems?

Holli Templeton had just begun carving out her own independent life after her divorce from Harrison, when she receives word that their son Conner, who left school without an explanation, has moved with his girlfriend to Texas. The two of them have set up a household behind Holli's grandmother's home, where Holli grew up. Determined to help him sort things out, Holli plans to return home; then she talks to her ex-husband, who agrees to go with her.

But before the two even set out on their journey, additional layers of drama unfold to complicate the whole situation. First of all, they discover that Conner's girlfriend Kilian has Cystic Fibrosis--and then an additional health issue presents itself. Meanwhile, Holli's grandmother Raine begins showing signs of disorientation and confusion.

Sandwiched as she is between the two generations, Holli is suddenly confronted with memories of the past--her confused and confusing childhood, the neglect she sustained at the hands of her father, and her mother's death. Secrets from these past traumas insert themselves into her present-day dilemmas, creating unforeseen challenges.

How will Holli face up to each crisis, and how will she finally put to rest the issues from the past? Will Conner and Kilian stay together or separate? What will happen to Holli and Harrison as they work together as a team?

The Space Between Before and After is a multilayered family drama that offers insight into the nature of understanding, forgiveness, and the healing power of the passage of time.

The author skillfully weaves the story between the past and present, in alternating chapters; as each point of view is offered, we catch a glimpse of Conner, Holli (in the present) and Hollyanne (the childhood self). Our understanding is enhanced by these shifting perspectives.

I happened to pick up this book at a half-off sale and enjoyed it immensely. I tend to read the same authors or recommendations from friends who are avid readers. I had never read anything by this author but I would gladly pick up anything she writes.

Her characterizations are excellent and the story line was one that kept you interested from start to finish. I highly recommend reading this book. Maybe someone should recommend it to Oprah so that this author gets her due.

I can't say I enjoyed this book much. I found the story line very predictable and even boring at times. It was tough for me to get through, because there was nothing thought provoking about it, the characters were fairly drab and there were no surprises. The end is awkward and clearly written so a sequel can take place. I wouldn't recommend reading it.

The best part of the book was when I finished it! It wasn't very good at all. It had too much whining and drama in it for me. At page 120 I wanted to give up and I didn't I stuck with it. I should have given up when I wanted to. The ending wasn't even good. In fact it was one of the stupidest endings to a book that I have ever seen. I would not waste my time reading this book!

I did not really like this work of fiction. It was very drawn out. Boring. Predictable. Tedious. Would not reccomend.

I really enjoyed this book. I read a lot of historical fiction and felt the urge to read something contempory and this "hit the spot". The way the perspective changed with each chapter kept the book feeling fresh. The book also makes for great discussion on several levels for instance, tragety, loss, blame, perseverance and mortality just to name a few. I am having my book club read in next month and look forward to reading more from this author

I really enjoyed this book. I've already recommended it and passed it on to friends...