Book Review: Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu

Book Review: Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

            Roaring Book Press

This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Mathieu and I was not disappointed. We start with Caroline, a young girl whose autistic brother Dylan was kidnapped several months ago. She’s feeling guilty and lost because she was supposed to be watching him at the time. Miracles happen and Dylan is found. Another miracle occurs when it’s reported that 15 year old Ethan, who was kidnapped four years prior, was found with him.

Caroline struggles with helping her brother recover from his ordeal because he is locked in to his autistic state and non-verbal. Ethan struggles with coming back to a world that has since moved on without him. When it’s learned that his captor sometimes left Ethan alone people begin to question why he didn’t take the chance to escape. Caroline approaches Ethan in an attempt to get information to help her brother and they soon strike up a friendship.

Ethan’s portions of the book were more compelling to read. He’s going to therapy and you soon find out what happens to him. It’s traumatic and about as horrific as you would expect. His captor makes him do things that no child or even human for that matter should have to do. Secrets are revealed that may put his newfound friendship in jeopardy but he takes the chance because in order for him to heal the truth has to come out.

Caroline’s portions were less compelling but necessary to the plot. It was interesting to see how this young girl coped with her guilt and navigating other feelings that come with growing up.

This was not a light hearted read but I didn’t mind it. I laughed at times and shed a few tears at times. I felt bad for Ethan and Caroline and what they went through and as a mother I just wanted to reach into the book and hug them close and tell them everything would be ok. To me this is a mark of a good book, when you care so much about fictional people.

The author portrayed a young autistic boy in a sensitive way. I just wish we had seen a little more of Dylan and Caroline’s home life. The book ended well and my only negative about this book is that I wish I could see how Caroline and Ethan and Dylan would be doing further down the road.

I feel this is a must read. Just keep your Kleenex handy.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.