Big Books of 2026
After This

Questions About After This

by Alice McDermott

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Answered Questions (2)

Somebody please explain the ending. Please. ?
Johanna Jaworski The author ends the book with the stories still continuing. The parents are older, the daughter has a new romance, the remaining son is embarking on a…moreThe author ends the book with the stories still continuing. The parents are older, the daughter has a new romance, the remaining son is embarking on a new career. I thought the idea was to show how all our individual stories, moments and tragedies that seem so important to us as they happen, come and pass quickly, connecting each of us to the larger picture of humanity.

That said, I flew through this book, (enjoying every bit) and might have missed something! (less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Dennis I was puzzled by the part with Michael as well but I realized upon re-reading that part that it was a fantasy, something he would have liked to be abl…moreI was puzzled by the part with Michael as well but I realized upon re-reading that part that it was a fantasy, something he would have liked to be able to say to Susan. As for the wedding, I think Jacob accompanied his father in spirit; it was a bit metaphorical since not everything was stated directly but at times referred to in someone else's thoughts or speech.(less)
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