After the Party

Sep 30, 2011 Adrienne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Jem and Ralph have been together for 11 years, but now their relationship has fallen apart. A year before, both frustrated with what their lives were like after the birth of their second child, they looked for satisfaction elsewhere, Jem striking up a friendship with a single father and Ralph visiting his best friend--and falling for his best friend's girlfriend. While neither quite cheats, and both resolve to make their relationship work, they don't really address the problems and the ways that...more

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Sep 26, 2011 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I won this book through GoodReads FirstReads.
I did not read the first book, but I don't think you need to read it to get what these characters are going through.
Jem and Ralph have what everyone thinks is the perfect life: a house, two beautiful kids, living in a good part of London, what could be better?
If only that picture represented what was really going on! They have loved each other with a passion and now that passion is gone. They are drifting apart and can't seem to make their way back...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Andrea Guy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, chicklit, crazybooktours, romance

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...more

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Jun 18, 2011 Britni rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first four years of their marriage they were the perfect couple. And then the children came and something changed. The romantic date nights out on the town turned into nights passing out from exhaustion as soon as the children were in bed. Jem (I love that name by the way) and Ralph both realized that something was missing but rather than trying to find it together, they went looking for it in different places. Ralph took a spiritually changing trip to California and found a higher power, an...more

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Jul 28, 2010 Philippa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I am a huge Lisa Jewell fan and have read all her books, some many times over! After the Party is, as you probably know, the sequel to Jewell's first novel, Ralph's Party, which is one of my favourites. There were parts of After the Party that I really liked and were very poignant and honest and absorbing, worthy of four stars. I liked how truthful the book seems to be in terms of following the journey of a young couple who start out with stars in their eyes and a world of possibility, who then...more I am a huge Lisa Jewell fan and have read all her books, some many times over! After the Party is, as you probably know, the sequel to Jewell's first novel, Ralph's Party, which is one of my favourites. There were parts of After the Party that I really liked and were very poignant and honest and absorbing, worthy of four stars. I liked how truthful the book seems to be in terms of following the journey of a young couple who start out with stars in their eyes and a world of possibility, who then need to accept the reality of parenthood, home ownership, careers and various issues and, in Jem and Ralph's case, tragedies. This all felt very real and well drawn. And being on the cusp of that life myself, I wonder what I'm in for ;)

But overall, even though I enjoyed the book and it certainly wasn't a disappointment, there were parts of the novel that were a bit jarring - like the whole Joel storyline, it threw me a bit and I didn't understand what Jem saw in him! And the Karl storyline didn't feel particularly relevant either - I was disappointed in him! The spirituality thing was a bit out there too - but no more than Friend of the Family, another of Jewell's books which I love. When all's said and done, nothing was predictable in After the Party, really, and none of it was unrealistic - there were just moments that didn't sit quite right and I just thought "my God, I want to shake these two!! Why don't they just talk to each other?!" but perhaps that was the whole point. Another reviewer pointed out that she thought too that the whole premise of the book comes about because Jem and Ralph aren't open with each other, and those of us in rare relationships where you are might not be able to identify with everything they experience.

I loved the ending, and I loved the part just before the ending where Ralph tells Jem that one day that one bad year will just be memories, and won't even matter anymore, when they consider the whole glittering expanse of their relationship and all that lies ahead of them. It was a lovely message to end on.

You'll enjoy it if you're a Lisa Jewell fan, and you've read Ralph's Party. If you are new to her work, I suggest starting with Ralph's Party, Vince and Joy or 31 Dream Street. (less)

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Jul 28, 2010 Graeme rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Quick one here. Again, 3-stars doesn't exactly do her justice. I actually do like Lisa Jewell quite a lot, I think in the way that I really like the Whopper with Cheese, or the burgers I get at my local during the lunchtime special. They're a bit better than, say, a shit burger and quite good now and then, but it's not sustenance.

That's kind of cruel, maybe, and I don't mean to be. Really. I like the idea that she's gone back to her first book, Ralph's Party and imagined what became of the char...more Quick one here. Again, 3-stars doesn't exactly do her justice. I actually do like Lisa Jewell quite a lot, I think in the way that I really like the Whopper with Cheese, or the burgers I get at my local during the lunchtime special. They're a bit better than, say, a shit burger and quite good now and then, but it's not sustenance.

That's kind of cruel, maybe, and I don't mean to be. Really. I like the idea that she's gone back to her first book, Ralph's Party and imagined what became of the characters, which considering this is supposed to be 'Chick Fic' (or is it 'Lit'?) means that the original lot of characters were actually quite memorable somehow. The first book was something of a cut above your standard chick-fic fare, almost heading into Nick Hornby territory, when he gets his culture/zeitgeist hat on and touches a nerve here of there.

It's also interesting for me in that Ralph's Party was very much set in the approach to 1997, the arse-end of a pretty bad recession and a moribund Tory-led Britain before the expectation of a New Labour victory. This one is set literally after that party. Not exactly that you notice it much in the text -- she's not a political writer or anything of the sort, but it's interesting that she dabbles fleetingly in religion and the spiritual, and even hints that the jollies the central couple used to get was sort of, well, vacuous. The good times are gone.

But I guess I want her to really go all out. When her female lead starts drinking a lot of wine and is clearly on the road to a drink problem, I guess I want Jewell to give her that problem and paint some pictures. I want her hero to get a little bit more churchy. I want her characters to interact with their south London streets a bit more, to engage with the plantain and nail salons that form a backdrop to the action; it's London, man, there ain't no backdrops in this city.

So, I think she's a better thinker than is expected for the genre, which I do like, and why I've oddly read more of her books than I probably should have. I do love a Whopper, me. Lisa Jewell can tell a story, adding just enough mystery and interesting observation to ease you through without thinking you've sullied your mind somehow. I do wish she'd paint a few more pictures, engage in London as a place rather than as a setting for characters drinking wine and buying shit. Perhaps it's the limits of the genre, or maybe it's a case of sticking to what you know. But I reckon she could push the boat out just a little bit more.

But, at least they lived happily ever after. Trilogy, you say? (less)

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Sarah Goodness Graeme, if this is a 'quick one' I can't imagine a 'slow one'! What a great review. I soo agree with you about Lisa Jewell. She is far and aw...more
May 11, 2011 02:58am

Graeme Hi Sarah,

For some reason, I've only just seen your comment. I shall have to read your book at some point. Thanks for the feedback and sorry for the s...more
Oct 04, 2011 03:23pm

Sarah G, thanks for coming back to me, these update notifications are weird, sometimes telling you something you'd no need to know, sometimes not. You've ac...more
Oct 05, 2011 01:26am

Jul 14, 2010 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, bought-copy, chick-lit

It's eleven years since Jem Catterick and Ralph McLeary first got together. They thought it would be for ever, that they'd found their happy ending. As everyone agreed, they were the perfect couple. Then two became four, a flat became a house. Romantic nights out became sleepless nights in. And they soon found that life wasn't quite so simple any more. But through it all Jem and Ralph still loved each other, of course they did. Now the unimaginable has happened. Two people who were so right toge...more It's eleven years since Jem Catterick and Ralph McLeary first got together. They thought it would be for ever, that they'd found their happy ending. As everyone agreed, they were the perfect couple. Then two became four, a flat became a house. Romantic nights out became sleepless nights in. And they soon found that life wasn't quite so simple any more. But through it all Jem and Ralph still loved each other, of course they did. Now the unimaginable has happened. Two people who were so right together are starting to drift apart. And in the chaos of family life, Ralph feels more and more as if he's standing on the sidelines, and Jem that she's losing herself. Something has to change. As they try to find a way back to each other, back to what they once had, they both become momentarily distracted - but maybe it's not too late to recapture happily ever after...

I really enjoyed Ralph's Party by Lisa Jewell, to which After the Party is the sequel, so I was beyond excited when I found out that this book was being released and I would be able to see how life turned out for Jem and Ralph.

I don't know whether it was due to this massive excitement, but my overwhelming feeling having finished this book is one of disappointment. It was wonderful delving into the lives of Jem and Ralph again, meeting their beautiful children and seeing how hard it can be to keep a sense of love alive after years of being together. The sentiment behind the book, as presented most succinctly by the quote from Mignon McLaughlin: "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person" is believable and very pertinent to many couples.

However, the mechanics of the book didn't work for me. The flitting back and forth in time felt clumsy - I prefer it by far when Jewell uses a linear structure. I also didn't enjoy the throwing in of several subplots that felt too convoluted. Dealing with Joel, his son and wife; Karl Kasparov; Ralph's new spirituality; Rosey and Smith; Jem trying desperately hard to find herself - it just seemed like too much by far. Jewell works best with a more simplistic story. Karl's tale, especially, was just so much tacked on nonsense.

The characterisation was odd. I ended up not liking Jem very much, which seemed unimaginable to me when embarking on the story. I had little sympathy for her, being as she was so unable to see the best solution to her problem. A solution that didn't involve leading on men, going out drinking and trying to forget she is a mother! Joel was just hideous and I had no idea why Jem was so fascinated by him when she had the lovely Ralph at home. And then Ralph himself! His actions towards the end of the book are incomprehensible to me (and I'm frustrated that I am unable to say anything further for fear of spoilers).

I was pleased with the ending of the book and I do remain glad that I read this book. Jewell's novels will still be a must-buy/read for me, but this was not one of her better works. Of course, anyone who read and enjoyed Ralph's Party will be reading this book as a priority, regardless of how I report back, but I would advise those who haven't yet tried Lisa Jewell to either go back to the beginning with Ralph's Party or pick up Vince and Joy, which is a gloriously joyful book. Disappointing. (less)

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Oct 02, 2011 CB rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Go read Ralph's Party instead, and forget this book exists.

I was nostalgic for my former home London, and I've always liked Lisa Jewell's writing so click! there it was my Kindle. Amazon really makes impulse purchases far too, well, impulsive.

If I'd had to buy the book the old-fashioned way, it would have stayed on the bookstore shelf. Because I would have been able to flip through the book and easily determine that the Jewell magic, at least for me, just isn't present.

I read Ralph's Party eons ago, and I vaguely remembered liking the characters. Howeve...more

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Apr 16, 2010 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-2010, favorites

It’s been eleven years since Ralph McLeary and Jem Catterick first got together and everyone, including themselves, thought their relationship would last forever. Life hasn’t turned out that way though and as a flat has turned into a house and their family has expanded to four, it seems that Ralph and Jem are drifting apart. As Ralph tries to get over his feelings of helplessness and Jem tries to remember who she was before the children came along, they both try to figure out how to recapture th...more It’s been eleven years since Ralph McLeary and Jem Catterick first got together and everyone, including themselves, thought their relationship would last forever. Life hasn’t turned out that way though and as a flat has turned into a house and their family has expanded to four, it seems that Ralph and Jem are drifting apart. As Ralph tries to get over his feelings of helplessness and Jem tries to remember who she was before the children came along, they both try to figure out how to recapture their love for each other. Is it too late for Ralph and Jem or is still possible for them to have their happy ever after everyone expected of them?

I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell and have loved most of her novels that I’ve read. Ralph’s Party was amongst those and I really enjoyed it. I’ve also read ThirtyNothing and One Hit Wonder before getting a hold of Lisa’s latest The Truth About Melody Browne late last year. It seems that her writing has evolved so much since Ralph’s Party and The Truth About Melody Browne seemed so more mature than her earlier novels so when I heart Lisa was writing a sequel to Ralph’s Party – her debut! – I was thrilled because I’d loved Ralph and Jem first time around. After The Party appeared for pre-order on Bookdepository a few months ago and I placed my order for it. As soon as I saw it had been dispatched I eagerly awaited it, not wanting to start anything else for fear of it coming whilst I was half way through another book! It finally arrived and I eagerly started it.

It’s fair to say that After The Party is totally different to it’s prequel Ralph’s Party. It has a very different feel to it – as I mentioned, Lisa’s writing has evolved – and whereas Ralph’s Party featured six main characters (Ralph, Smith, Siobhan, Karl, Jem and Cheri), After The Party was mainly about Jem and Ralph. The book begins with a prologue, set in the present year, before being split into multiple parts set mainly in the year that causes Jem and Ralph to think about taking a break from each other until we ourselves come up to the breaking point in Jem and Ralph’s relationship. It wasn’t how I expected it to be but I was happily pleased with how it was all laid out.

After The Party isn’t exactly the happiest read you’ll ever encounter because for the majority of the book we see Jem and Ralph’s relationship disintegrate and, believe me, it isn’t particularly pretty. There’s no definitive starting point that marks the potential beginning of the end for Jem and Ralph, it just seems to be the way life has gone for them. They have two children – the ever lovely Scarlett and Blake – and the change in dynamics that came with having children weren’t what Jem or Ralph expected. Up until Jem and Ralph had kids, they were solely focused on each other (as you’d expect) and after having kids, their focuses changed and Ralph ended up feeling left out whereas Jem felt as if she was losing her real self – the carefree and younger version of herself.

Ralph decides to take a holiday to California to see his best mate Smith and Jem begrudgingly lets him go. Out in California, Ralph seems to find himself, with a little help from Smith’s girlfriend Rosey, and appears to have found a new lease of life. Meanwhile Jem is stuck at home alone and finding that, actually, she’s kind of enjoying it. It’s helped that she appears to have a new friend in single dad Joel – but is that all there is to it? Ralph comes back from California determined to help Jem out more with the kids but Jem is pre-occupied with thoughts of Joel and it appears that Jem and Ralph, instead of becoming closer, are moving further and further apart.

Because I didn’t read Ralph’s Party before reading After The Party, I can’t particularly say if Jem and Ralph are the same in the sequel as they were in the prequel. It’s been such a long time that I simply can’t remember their character traits. Both Ralph and Jem have obviously grown up though in the years since we left Ralph’s Party. I admit that I really liked both Ralph and Jem. Yes, they were a tad annoying at times – Ralph running off to California, for one, and Jem getting a bit gooey over Joel another – but it’s obvious to see that they both still love each other, it’s just that they don’t talk about anything. Ever. It seems that, for the most point, that a good banging together of heads may have sorted a lot out. (It wouldn’t have been as good a book, admittedly.) Jem and Ralph are the only recurring characters in the book – the rest seem to flit in and out at will: Lulu, Jem’s sister, Joel, the single dad Jem befriends, Smith and Rosey, Ralph’s best friend and Smith’s girlfriend, a few of the characters from Ralph’s Party appear but not in any real way and only fleetingly.

After The Party is an incredibly emotional read because it’s clear that Ralph and Jem belong together no matter what so to see their relationship self-destruct is horrible to read. I wanted to shake them both and tell them to stop being so silly. I rarely get so involved with characters but with Jem and Ralph I just couldn’t get enough. It helps that Lisa Jewell gives us both Ralph and Jem’s point of view, making for a very fair view of their relationship. Lisa Jewell really is a fantastic writer because, to be blunt, After The Party isn’t your usual boy-meets-girl-they-fall-in-love affair, After The Party is about what it’s like after being together for a huge amount of time and all the troubles a modern couple face these days. It was a very turbulent year in the life of Jem and Ralph and I really didn’t know how it would end.

I really loved reading After The Party. At 450 pages, it’s a fantastic book to sink your teeth into and it never gets dull, each page was not exactly a pleasure to read but it sure was addicting. My only complaint if the lack of Siobhan. I loved her in Ralph’s Party and she was only mentioned once, fleetingly and I thought that was rather disappointing but I could understand why, Ralph and Jem were the focus here, not the other (former) residents of 31 Almanac Road. After The Party really was a great read and I hugely recommend it. It’s not even really necessary to read Ralph’s Party beforehand as everything is explained very well. Hugely recommended.(less)

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Aug 22, 2011 Tifferz rated it 4 of 5 stars

First I love the cover of this book! I also was so thrilled to read this book after reading the blurb! Lisa's writing is simply smashing. I read this chick lit summer romance in one sitting. I had to find out how things turned out for Ralph and Jem. I think Lisa did an awesome job with Ralph and I liked getting a look into his thoughts.
I did think that some of the choices that Ralph and Jem made were not the best. But I guess that makes things more interesting. This is a very witty story that do...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Idris rated it 5 of 5 stars

After the party is the first book I read written by Lisa Jewell and I admit I didn't know this author or any of her previous works, so when this book came into my possession, it was an absolute mystery to me. I didn't know what I was going to find in these pages and if I would like her writing style, or hate it. But, I'm glad I read it, because I have met a really talented writer.

After The Party is the sequel to one of her earlier books, Ralph's Party. This time the book begins more than eleven...more After the party is the first book I read written by Lisa Jewell and I admit I didn't know this author or any of her previous works, so when this book came into my possession, it was an absolute mystery to me. I didn't know what I was going to find in these pages and if I would like her writing style, or hate it. But, I'm glad I read it, because I have met a really talented writer.

After The Party is the sequel to one of her earlier books, Ralph's Party. This time the book begins more than eleven years later, taking up again the life of the main characters, Jem and Ralph, who, after living together for eleven years and after having given birth to two beautiful babies, they start bumping into problems and changes that will make them think seriously about whether this is the life they want or not; and at the same time it will make us think if there really exist happy endings.

Jewel with her wonderful writing style, teaches us in a comprehensive way how distrust, lies and insecurity can kill a relationship of several years. It also tells us how a couple's life changes when children arrive, and other issues such as abortion, infidelity, and second chances. The book that is told from two different perspectives, makes us understand the feelings and the behavior of the two main characters.

The characters are more than realistic. From the very first moment we see Jem as a mother occupied with her two babies and how her life has changed considerably. She is not the young and fun woman she was eleven years ago, she has matured. But we also see Ralph's side, who does not understand yet what having children means, and he is still unable to complete the process of becoming a parent, and operate and behave as such. So that is when we see their relationship deteriorate due to changes and lack of communication. Their relationship and their problems are more than real, and I'm sure most of the readers, even if they are married with children or not, will feel sympathy, or just remember friends or relatives who have been or gone through similar situations.

It's difficult to me to find in this book something that I didn't like or enjoy. From the very first page the story caught my attention, and I am more than satisfied with the development of the plot because it fulfills its promise. This book kept me on the edge of my seat several times, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Even though sometimes I hated Ralph and Jem, respectively, for the things that they did, or the way they behaved, I finished understanding and liking them.

I have read several comments about this book; some of them really good, and other not so good. I personally recommend it to those who like stories that describe what's behind "the happy ending" and those who like realistic stories. To those who prefer romantic themes, with first glances and true love may not be able to enjoy one hundred percent the teaching of this book. But as always, I recommend to give it a try. I like that kind of romantic stories, and I'm not married and I don't have kids… but I really liked this book.

After the Party as I said before is the sequel to Ralph's Party. Although this book can be read as one and it can be understood perfectly well, I recommend you reading Ralph's Party first... because after finishing this one you'll want to know how their story began eleven years ago…. And I said this from own experience…

5 Stars: I loved it! : )(less)

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Aug 11, 2011 LORI CASWELL rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Set in London, Jem Catterick and Ralph McLeary have been together for eleven years. He is a successful painter and she works part time as a talent agent. They have two children, daughter Scarlett, and brand new baby boy Blake. They thought they would be together forever but clearly the party is over. Ralph really shows no interest in Blake, his artwork is faltering. Jem is exhausted caring for two children, getting up several times a night with Blake and trying to get back to work. If all that i...more Set in London, Jem Catterick and Ralph McLeary have been together for eleven years. He is a successful painter and she works part time as a talent agent. They have two children, daughter Scarlett, and brand new baby boy Blake. They thought they would be together forever but clearly the party is over. Ralph really shows no interest in Blake, his artwork is faltering. Jem is exhausted caring for two children, getting up several times a night with Blake and trying to get back to work. If all that isn't enough Ralph announces he is going on holiday to visit an old friend in the states. He needs time away to recenter himself and he thinks some time apart would be beneficial. Jem is stunned but rolls with it as she knows their relationship is on a desperate path.

While Ralph is away Jem connects with someone new and so does Ralph. His life also turns in a direction he knows Jem will never understand but it rejuvenates him as he heads home. He returns with hopes of finding a way back together with Jem. Like the old days, the days after the party. But is it too late? Can their relationship be saved?

This book is said to be a sequel to Jewell's Ralph's Party published in 1999 but I had no problem reading it as a stand alone. It is definitely the story of a couple maturing and realizing that being adults with responsibilities is hard work and definitely not all sunshine and rainbows.

The book is very well written and the story flows effortlessly which is good as the book is 450 pages. She offers a keen insight of a modern family existing in today's world of more obligations than time. I really enjoyed the relationship between Jem and her sister Lulu. Lulu has no problem speaking her mind and telling Jem frankly what she needs to hear. The story between Jem and Ralph is an emotional one and this is not a light read, it gets really dark in places.

This was my first Lisa Jewell novel and while it did not leave me as moved as other books I read this week I would recommend it as a good book to escape into for a weekend. If you are a Jewell fan and liked Ralph's party this is a sequel I am sure you will enjoy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Atria Paperbacks, a Division of Simon & Schuster. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Mar 06, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay. What happens after Happily Ever After??? This book- that's what. Ralph's party was my first Jewell and aside from Vince and Joy I haven't been disappointed with her stories. This book is the follow up to Ralphs Party which I loved and compelled me to get a hold of each and every one of her others, and I think it might even bypass it--which is a feat since sequels usually are just full of high expectations and typical let downs. We get to see what became of the couple who got together in th...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Lauren Fidler rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: bad-ass-protagonist-names, close-your-eyes-do-it-for-england, didn-t-read-the-first-and-this-is-t, dual-narration, dysfunctional-family-drama, love-like-a-bad-mixtape, mindroterrific, not-first-in-series, sappy-tacky-sentimental-pap, planned-parenthood, goodreads-giveaway, first-reads

this novel represents the culmination of days of trying to be a goodreads giveaway winner. thank you, goodreads!

of course, as such, the aura of mystery and anticipation surrounding its arrival unfortunately built-up the potential majesty of said-prize.

ah well!

warning, here there be spoilers.

the bangers:
1. the names - sure, it's a bit gimmicky, but the highly literary names were pretty spectacular. jem, ralph, blake, and scarlett - it was a veritable feast of characters and authors. plus, using...more this novel represents the culmination of days of trying to be a goodreads giveaway winner. thank you, goodreads!

of course, as such, the aura of mystery and anticipation surrounding its arrival unfortunately built-up the potential majesty of said-prize.

ah well!

warning, here there be spoilers.

the bangers:
1. the names - sure, it's a bit gimmicky, but the highly literary names were pretty spectacular. jem, ralph, blake, and scarlett - it was a veritable feast of characters and authors. plus, using preexisting heroes from literature past forced the feeling that i already knew the characters (I had not previously read the first one of these about Ralph and his party).
2. the setting - i'm a total sucker for brit-lit. if it's set in london, i'll read it. i don't know - it's like by the mere shift in location can take a book about the crumble and reaffirmation of love and make it seem more interesting, more fun, more sophisticated.

the mash:
1. i didn't need to read the first one to understand this one. i thought about whether this was a negative or a positive...it would have been a positive except for the fact that jewell constantly references the parts of the first book that i would have found imperative to read. yes, ralph is a snooper! jem kept a diary that he read! (um, this is the basis of a healthy relationship???) they had some lovin' after a party! jem used to date ralph's best friend! did i mention they got together after a party?!? it gets mentioned. a lot. so, while it was good to have the backstory, it was not good to have the backstory like 15 times.
2. is this supposed to be chicklit? - i couldn't really tell exactly what genre jewell was hoping for here. i would have guessed chick-lit except that the character of jem is sort of fecklessly irritable. she fantasizes about a neighborhood dad, leads him on, cuts him off cold, judges him, and then freaks out when he calls her on it? oh, yeah, and she sleeps with his 24 year-old son. WHAT?!? and this is our heroine? she also seems to have forced her not-hubby into having their two children (always a recipe for success)...i wanted her to be more likable then she was. but she never quite got there. (oh, and anyone who would win a vivienne westwood anything on ebay would totally know what a fascinator is. just sayin'.)
3. the funky bunch - ralph is a commitment-phobic father (he's sold on jem, the kid's, not so much), smith is a reiki-spiritualistic weirdo, rosey is a faux-christian rocker with cheap jewelry, lulu is exactly how you'd picture someone named lulu, karl is a cheap sideplot, the kids are tragic casualties in a plot device gone horribly astray, joel is a creepy-addict-stalker, lucas is a hot 24-year-old with some mild stalker habits learned from watching his crack addicted father...do i need to go on? overall, i was left wondering who exactly i was supposed to like here.
4. jewell has never met a plot device she didn't like. - seriously, what DOESN'T happen here. crumbling relationships, unplanned pregnancies, planned pregnancies, planned abortions, spontaneous abortions, stalkers, drug addiction, infidelity (emotional and physical), trips to california, revenge sex, celebrities,quasi-religious conversions/cults, etc. TOO MUCH! it was like the last hour of armageddon (the movie) where you're pretty sure they're going to get out of this whole "end of the world" mess but first the drill has to jam and steve buscemi has to ricochet off a meteor. towards the end, if one more thing happened, i would have been forced to close the book prematurely.
5. the end, for the length of it, was very rushed. at a certain point, the narrative gets truncated; time passes with just emails - it's like jewell realized that if she didn't expediate the process a bit, we'd be there for 800 pages.
6. the overall message - okay, here is my biggest gripe with the book. it glorifies marriage. now, you'll probably wonder how i jumped to that bold conclusion considering most of the novel is about the dissolution of this couple's perfect romance. well! here you go: jem and ralph never married. that's right. never. they had two kids together, bought a house together, and agreed upon some sort of coexistence. but no marriage. so, while they're busy screwing up their relationship with hot australians and creepy dads from the park, they're technically not married. because in novels, what comes after marriage is "happily ever after". appropriately, the novel ends with the reunited couple's wedding, thus restoring our shattered faith that the perfect couple can once more be perfect together. this pissed me off to no uncertain end. for a couple plagued by so many problems, marriage seemed like a quick, if not inevitable, surface fix. it didn't feel romantic - it just felt wrong.

honestly, i'm not sold on this novel. i wanted desperately to love it, because i won it! and winning is made of awesome! but i couldn't get past all the bullshit and pretense. no one comes across as particularly likable or vulnerable. the writing at times feels stilted (more so at the end when jewell seems to cave to the pressure of the happy ending and needs her characters to find forgiveness - i can't imagine EVER being okay with my fake-hubby disappearing for three weeks to paint pictures of my family so we can start anew. but i am most definitely not jem).

it's compelling enough to finish but not to love.(less)

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Sep 12, 2011 Courtney rated it 1 of 5 stars

One word: seriously?

I was down with the main theme of fleeting youth and the changing of personalities based on having kids, becoming a stereotype, etc. That is something that 30+ people struggle with every day.

Instead, this was a jumble of completely insane and non-issues that deteriorated the relationship of two people. It was so forced that it was evident (reinforcing the Acknowledgments by the author at the beginning of the book) that this book was written for monetary purposes and not becau...more

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Sep 23, 2011 Jessica at Book Sake rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a great read that I wish I had the time to have read it quicker. The story life is real, and doesn’t have fluff that can sometimes invade chick lit books, but I find that the authors from the UK are much better at writing stories that hold their own. The way that the two characters realize their love for each other is something that I am sure a lot of people have felt, but wouldn’t openly admit or bother to work through in order to be happy. The fact that these two aren’t married,...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Marie E. rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-giveaway, chick-lit

I won this book from the first reads giveaway, and I did not read the first book, Ralph's party. To me, this book is Yate's Revolutionary Road mixed with Twilight. Two people in a long term relationship trying to cope with the happily ever after that they wanted. It is like Revolutionary Road in that the main characters, Jem and Ralph are at this crossroad in their relationship, letting go of the people that they were and still trying to be the person that the other fell in love with, and not ex...more

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May 18, 2011 Larelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I re-read Ralph's Party before reading this to rehash my memories of the story so far. Although it really isn't essential to do so, as the book (although sort of labelled a "sequel") stands well on its own, I was glad to have read it again because you can see the maturity in Lisa's writing jump out at you.

As Ralph and Jem have grown, so has Lisa's writing. The characters have become so much more complex. There was so much more depth to them than in Ralph's Party and I think that is a reflection...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, from-publisher-author

Lisa Jewell's latest book, After the Party picks up about 10 years after Ralph's Party ended. You don't necessarily have to read that one first, but it helps set the stage. Jem and Ralph now have a boy and a girl after several miscarriages and they should be happy, but both of them find the spark is gone and something is not quite right in their relationship. Jem never did get a proper wedding since Ralph never believed in a big production to define their relationship which is a sore point for J...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Laurie Carlson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sequel-to-book-1, a-novel, talent-agent, relationships, living-together, parents, parents-of-two-children, miscarriages, planned-a-wedding, immature, lives-in-london, a-couple, takes-place-in-london, a-boy, a-girl, chic-lit, contemporary-romance, children, children-growing-up, playground, baby, character-female, character-male, contemporary-fiction, couple-in-love

“After the Party” by Lisa Jewel

Lisa Jewel catches the very essence of real, every day life with children and a relationship to a “T” in this sequel book to “Ralph’s Party”. You do not need to have read the first book in order to read this book. If I did not read that this book was a sequel, I would never have known it. It is an excellent stand alone book. Lisa Jewel has written a ‘jewel’ of a story!
We are introduced to Ralph and Jem in the beginning of this story by finding out they are now tog...more “After the Party” by Lisa Jewel

Lisa Jewel catches the very essence of real, every day life with children and a relationship to a “T” in this sequel book to “Ralph’s Party”. You do not need to have read the first book in order to read this book. If I did not read that this book was a sequel, I would never have known it. It is an excellent stand alone book. Lisa Jewel has written a ‘jewel’ of a story!
We are introduced to Ralph and Jem in the beginning of this story by finding out they are now together for eleven years, and at this stage in Ralph and Jem’s relationship, life has changed so drastically for them that their relationship is drifting apart from each other. Are they, or have they fallen ‘out of love’?
They have suffered two miscarriages, and now finally have two young, beautiful children. Scarlett is three, and Blake is four months old, yet Ralph does not feel fulfilled the way Jem does. Although Jem feels very happy and fulfilled and almost complete with her children, she has not been happy with her and Ralph’s relationship, as she does not feel Ralph has been pulling his weight around the house with her and the kids.
Jem is back to work part time as a Talent Agent, and trying to juggle everything, right down to taking Scarlett, her daughter, to nursery, and dropping Blake, her son, off at the sitters. Ralph could help here. Jem feels like she does everything and Ralph just sits up in his studio painting away, perhaps hiding, as if nothing has changed. She feels disconnected from Ralph. What is his problem? Why doesn’t he help her more? Can’t Ralph see all she goes through every day?
Jem does feel resentment towards Ralph for not doing more, and leaving it all to her to do, he feels resentment as well. The children get all her attention and he is definitely last when it comes to anything, even when it comes to their non-existent sex life. Blake now lays claim to Jem’s breasts, not Ralph. They both bring issues to the table, and it seems Ralph, more so, than Jem.
Ralph decides, out of the blue, to take a vacation away from their home in London, and go to California to visit an old friend of his. Jem is livid but tries not to let Ralph know how much. Who does HE think he is? Leaving her here at home with two young children? If at anytime, why now? Does he feel the need to capture his single life again? Yet Ralph has his mind made up and he goes.
Jem. Jem is left at home, alone, with the two children, all to fend for themselves. Jem befriends a man, Joel, who is a single parent to a little girl the same age as Scarlett. The two girls play together at the local playground, but things start to go a little bit further than the playground. Just how far, and how the rest of this story turns out is left for you to find out.
Lisa Jewel’s writing is so engaging that you feel as if you know these characters, or even more, you may possibly relate to these characters in your own life. Most of us in a relationship who eventually have children know what an impact children can have on our own relationships. Children change the dynamics of relationships completely. Some of us need to grow up a little more, while some may need to change the way we look at life and handle things differently now. A relationship alone is not easy and needs tender loving care, let alone add children into the picture whether you think you are ready or not, and things can become even more complicated, as Jewel describes so very well.
Lisa Jewel’s writing is extraordinary and fluid. It read so easily and smoothly I flew through the pages glued to the situations that arose. It was pure enjoyment to read. It is truly a book you don’t want to put down as her writing is truly very spectacular.
This IS one of the top 10 books of 2011 for me. I “LOVED” this book! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves chic lit/contemporary romance.
One thing I do think this book needs is, and I have to laugh at myself about this part, is a little glossary in the ‘front’ of this book with the definition of some of the British slang that was used! Lisa Jewel is a British author, and some of the British slang she used left me hanging! I could not figure out what some of the words meant! For the most part I caught on, as I have heard most of the terms before, but not all of them. Even so, this did not detract from this story in any way, yet made it that much more interesting.
“5 stars” from me!
I received this book for “FREE” from Atria, a Division of Simon & Schuster, through their Book Reviewer’s Program in exchange to read and write a review about this book. It is NOT required for my review I write to be either positive or negative, but, “of my own opinion.” I was NOT provided with “ANY” monies to accept this book, “NOR” to read it, NOR were “ANY” monies given to me to write the review for this book. All that was ‘expected’ of me was to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. Again, the opinions expressed for and about this book are ‘of my own opinion’. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
(less)

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Apr 19, 2011 Ruth rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's been a long time since I read Ralph's Party, but I remember I really loved it at the time so I hoped for more of the same here. However I really didn't enjoy this book.
The writing felt clumsy - I felt the jumps between time frames didn't work, Ralph's new-found 'religion' was uncommitted (he experiences 'something' but won't actually settle on it being a God of any particular 'flavour'...), I didn't like Jem at all as a character, and I mean I *really* didn't like her. I don't think I prope...more

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Jun 27, 2010 Andrea Miller-Hamilton rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm pretty sure that Lisa Jewell did her research for this book inside of my head. There were passages that read like exact conversations I have had with myself (not out loud though, of course, I'm not completely mad.) It's an honest look at the process of going from being young, free city dwellers to being a family, with all the ups, downs and personal crisises that transition entails. It was almost painful to read at some points, but it was also incredibly helpful to know that I'm not alone in...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Devil rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very realistic yet warm portrait of a couple fighting (or not fighting) for their relationship. Ralph and Jem are haunted by the ghost of their once-perfect relationship and wondering if having children and settling down was what they really wanted or if there is some kind of alternative ending destined for them. This book will make you think what lack of communication can do to a relationship.

I love the intimate style Lisa Jewell uses in her writing, it's a little bit like having a friend te

...more

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Nov 20, 2011 DubaiReader rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, audible

Frustrating.

This was my first Lisa Jewell book and I was listening to the unabridged audio version.

Right from the start we know that Ralph and Jem have parted ways, they share the care of the kids, passing them over on a Wednesday and back on Sunday - but have lost the vital spark of their relationship.
Then we jump back in time to happier days, their romantic meeting, getting to know each other, and the early years before baby Blake. This was a couple that was destined to be together.
So what w...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kritter-reviewed-2011

What a roller coaster ride. This sequel begins many years after Ralph's Party ends. Ralph and Jem are now living together with children - not happily, but so so. The book hops between Ralph's and Jem's points of view, which I adored.

A story that was heart wrenching but honest. Being someone that is in a relationship and has been in one for awhile and although we don't have children, we are currently partners raising a pup. I could understand the rut that one may find themselves in and how peopl...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Stacy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the sequel to the book, "Ralph's Party." The first book is one of my favorites - set in London, a bunch of singletons, love in the city. "after the party" is about 11 years later and two characters, Jem and Ralph are now parents to two very young kids. Their relationship is in the toilet - will their love survive? I liked this book but it was difficult to see these two characters make so many dumb choices. The ending was good - which was nice because i was a little worried these two peop...more

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May 18, 2011 Shell_h rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I saw an advert for this book on the tube and then managed to picked up a copy for £1 in a book offer. I wanted to read this book because it's about what happens in a relationship as time goes on and the excitement of marriage and kids is over and the reality of daily life has taken its toll. This is one of my questions in life - how do you keep that spark going? It was interesting to be able to read the point of view of both characters, and in a way my question was answered. Ralph and Jem let s...more

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Sep 15, 2011 Jael rated it 3 of 5 stars

"Something wasn't right. Jem wasn't entirely sure what it was. It was something about Ralph, about his smile, his demeanor. He seemed, well, fake was the only way she could think of to describe it, as though he was pretending to like her. He was clearly very happy with his home life and his children, and seemed to be enjoying his work, but whenever he looked at Jem, it was as if he wasn't seeing her anymore." (Pg. 339)

It's been 11 years since author Lisa Jewell visited the characters from Ralph'...more "Something wasn't right. Jem wasn't entirely sure what it was. It was something about Ralph, about his smile, his demeanor. He seemed, well, fake was the only way she could think of to describe it, as though he was pretending to like her. He was clearly very happy with his home life and his children, and seemed to be enjoying his work, but whenever he looked at Jem, it was as if he wasn't seeing her anymore." (Pg. 339)

It's been 11 years since author Lisa Jewell visited the characters from Ralph's Party, so now it's time to check in with Ralph McLeary and Jem Catterick in After the Party. I did not read Ralph's Party, but I don't think that's a prerequisite. After just a few chapters you're pulled right into their world. The problems this couple has are universal. They're not sure who the other person is anymore. Do they still want the same things? Did they ever want the same things? Can their relationship be fixed?

Ralph is an artist and Jem is trying to jumpstart her career after struggling to have two children, Scarlett and Blake. Jem is like a lot of mothers -- she's struggling to keep it together. She wants Ralph to get out of his art studio and help more with the children. Ralph feels like something is missing from their relationship, and from his life overall. What is it? Or is he just missing the life they had before the children came along? There was more freedom, more affection, and just more to life before they had children. Jem wanted a family more than Ralph.

Ralph uses a trip to California to visit a friend to find himself. Jem uses his time away to explore her fantasies. A mysterious man on the train piques her interest. She strikes up a friendship with the mystery man, Joel, and his daughter Jessica. Play dates turn into a dinner with the kids. In Jem's mind their exchanges have an air of innocence. There is nothing wrong with having dinner with a man that's not her partner. Right? Those lingering looks at each other are Ok. Text messages to each other are Ok. Long talks are Ok. Is this a budding friendship or does Jem truly want a life separate from Ralph? Or is Jem just bored with life?

Meanwhile, Ralph lives the life of a single man. Hanging out with his friend Smith and his girlfriend Rosey. Ralph latches onto Rosey, who helps him explore his spirituality -- something Jem would never do. To Jem God doesn't need to be in their lives. But when Ralph returns to England, he thinks otherwise. Exploring that side of himself forces Ralph to take stock of his life. He realizes Jem needs more help with the children, and believes that after 11 years they should finally get married. Jem is grateful for the help, but it seems like they are pretending to be happy. They're saying and doing all the right things, but don't seem really happy.

Joel and Rosey are the unspoken problems in their relationship. Jem feels the need to ignore her flirtation with Joel and Ralph feels the need to hide his new found spirituality. Joel still pops up, but at odd times. Did Joel read too much into the relationship? At times I have to say yes. He has legitimate reasons for popping up, but it seems a little too convenient.

Sometimes I had a hard time following the timeline. The timeline wasn't linear, which I don't always like in books. Overall, there are some good elements to the book. The ups and downs of a relationship are universal. The book is told from Jem and Ralph's point of view. Which is good to see what the other is thinking. You see how both of them can read too much into something simple. It is one of those books that will remind you that life isn't easy, and it takes so many twists and turns.

Rating: Give it a try

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher (Atria Books) in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Oct 15, 2011 Sarah (Catching Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Anyways, I really enjoyed this novel! I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. At first, I thought it would be the retelling of how Jem and Ralph got together, but instead it was about how they fell out of love and how they worked together through their problems.

The one thing that I didn't love about this novel was that it was really long and it seems so dragged out. But otherwise the plot was very unique from other contemporary novels that I read and I really enjoyed it!

Overall, I hi...more

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May 28, 2012 Joe Robles rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm a huge fan of Lisa Jewel. This book is a sequel to Ralph's Party and think you really should read them in order to get the full effect. It could be read as a stand-alone novel, Jewell supplies you with all the background you need, but it just is better you read the first one.

While the first book was very much about "Young Love", this one is very much about "Adult Love" and how relationships require open communication to actually work. The story is told from both Ralph and Jem's points of vi...more

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After the Party (Ralph's Party #2)

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