After You by Julie Buxbaum
First line: Let’s pretend that things are different.
What would you do if your best friend was killed in a mugging and your friend’s child witnessed the gruesome death?
Would you move across the ocean to help care for her, leaving your own life behind? This is just what Ellie Lerner does, taking over as the caretaker for young Sophie, who hasn’t spoken since the murder. Sophie’s father is distant and can barely look at her, which makes Ellie’s presence all the more important for the collective grieving within the household. AFTER YOU is Buxbaum’s second novel, a highly-anticipated read on my part after her stellar debut with THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE last year. Buxbaum’s writing is quite hypnotic and hits straight to the heart – especially since Buxbaum’s two novels have both dealt with loss. In each, the protagonist’s loss is at least in part her own doing. In AFTER YOU, Ellie doesn’t seem to grasp – or initially care – that her decision to stay and care for Sophie means leaving her marriage. As the story moves along we see why Ellie grapples with motherhood and marriage – her friend Lucy’s death was simply the final pin that burst the balloon. A revelation on Lucy’s past gives the book a surprising twist that made me examine why women do the things we do – for our children, and ultimately, for love. The book rarely lifts its tone above somber, though readers should be more than satisfied with the conclusion. Enjoyable, well-crafted and wholeheartedly recommended.