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Before and After #1
Before and After
THE BEST-SELLING SCI-FI THRILLER THAT BLENDS HEALTHY LIVING AND LOTS OF DYING
"A big fat five stars. This is a horror story. It's a visceral portrait of addiction and the hope of redemption in a world turned mad by hate and fear. The worst thing is that it is true. A must-read." Jane Almond-Deville, The British Obesity Society.
Ben Stone is terrified. He's terrified because he weighs 601 pounds and needs his right leg amputating. He's terrified because a crane will shortly lift him from his fourth-floor flat and lower him 44 feet to an ambulance waiting below. He's terrified because he hasn't been outside in nine years and he doesn't know who will look after his beautiful dog.
He needn't worry though, because the world is about to end.
★★★★★ "This book is almost too well written, I had to stop reading to wince at some of the gory bits. I cried in parts and found myself just wanting MORE." Emma Jones
★★★★★ "I love this book - it's like Shaun of the Dead with a weight loss twist." Yo
★★★★★ "As good a debut novel as The Wasp Factory. A really stunning book and as horrible as Iain Banks' debut novel." Jeremy Smith
Before and After is a must-read for anyone who loves intelligent post-apocalyptic science fiction with a twist.
✔ End Of The World Running Club - Adrian J. Walker✔ Wool - Hugh Howey
✔ Station Eleven - Emily St John Mandel
✔ World War Z - Max Brooks
✔ A Boy And His Dog At The End Of The World - C.A. Fletcher
247 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2020
966 people are currently reading
14291 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Shanahan
14 books329 followersAbout me:
Best-selling author of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic fiction. Books tend to have elements of horror in them too, mostly because I'm pretty degenerate and I like books where there's a smattering of gore.
If you would like to die in one of my books then you can add your name to the HAT OF DEATH by filling in the form here:
http://www.iwillliterarilykillyou.com/
For legal reasons I have to point out that this is a literary, rather than a literal death. You're quite safe.
Best-selling author of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic fiction. Books tend to have elements of horror in them too, mostly because I'm pretty degenerate and I like books where there's a smattering of gore.
If you would like to die in one of my books then you can add your name to the HAT OF DEATH by filling in the form here:
http://www.iwillliterarilykillyou.com/
For legal reasons I have to point out that this is a literary, rather than a literal death. You're quite safe.
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January 14, 2022I wrote this book, so my opinion is about as valuable as any parent's viewpoint on the loveliness of their child. I do really like the bit with the drone, that was good. I also like the bit with the patella.
January 18, 2022
TW//ableism, fatphobia, gore
Trauma and torture porn for people who hate fat folk. This is truly one of the most horrific books I've ever read. The general plot is that a super-fat bed-bound man is left to fend for himself after a plague (?) ends civilization as we know it. Over the course of five months of starvation he loses hundreds of pounds, regains his mobility and is able to leave his home to find food.
This scenario is a fatphobe's fantasy of what fatness is like and how weight-loss works for fat people. Despite literally only taking in water for months on end, the MC's health improves with each day because - ta-da! - he is finally losing weight. Malnutrition? Never heard of her. He starts exercising, gaining strength and endurance. Literal starvation is portrayed as preferable and healthier than fatness. He doesn't even feel hungry, because why would he? He's surviving off his massive fat stores... Because that's how that works.
The author seems to take great glee in long passages describing in great detail MC's fatness, his disabilities, his (past) eating, his self-loathing, and so... much... sweating (eyeroll) It comes across as voyeuristic and gratuitous. Thin people sweat too, babe.
I think because the main character is sympathetic, a lot of people are snookered into thinking this is fat-positive representation, but it is not. Fatness is presented as body horror, the fatphobia the MC endures is unexamined in any way, and inhumane starvation and deprivation that would kill an actual human person is presented as a positive journey of redemption because the person in question was fat.
I am so disgusted.
[edit: I see now that the author has also written a diet book. Of course.]
Trauma and torture porn for people who hate fat folk. This is truly one of the most horrific books I've ever read. The general plot is that a super-fat bed-bound man is left to fend for himself after a plague (?) ends civilization as we know it. Over the course of five months of starvation he loses hundreds of pounds, regains his mobility and is able to leave his home to find food.
This scenario is a fatphobe's fantasy of what fatness is like and how weight-loss works for fat people. Despite literally only taking in water for months on end, the MC's health improves with each day because - ta-da! - he is finally losing weight. Malnutrition? Never heard of her. He starts exercising, gaining strength and endurance. Literal starvation is portrayed as preferable and healthier than fatness. He doesn't even feel hungry, because why would he? He's surviving off his massive fat stores... Because that's how that works.
The author seems to take great glee in long passages describing in great detail MC's fatness, his disabilities, his (past) eating, his self-loathing, and so... much... sweating (eyeroll) It comes across as voyeuristic and gratuitous. Thin people sweat too, babe.
I think because the main character is sympathetic, a lot of people are snookered into thinking this is fat-positive representation, but it is not. Fatness is presented as body horror, the fatphobia the MC endures is unexamined in any way, and inhumane starvation and deprivation that would kill an actual human person is presented as a positive journey of redemption because the person in question was fat.
I am so disgusted.
[edit: I see now that the author has also written a diet book. Of course.]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
I loved this book. I am no stranger to end of the world stories, but Before and After is different as it frames it in a way that you have (probably) never thought about - what if you're too big to leave the house and the world ends around you, leaving you alive and having to figure out WTF happened, as well as how to carry on?! It's a fascinating and fun story with a whole load of heartwarming details along the way.
This book is written almost TOO well. I had to stop reading to wince at some of the gory bits, I cried in parts and found myself just wanting MORE when it ended. The characters are the kind that stay with you and you just want to read more about their lives, which I'm hoping will happen at some point (After and...After?!)
An excellent debut fiction novel!
(disclaimer: I was given a pre-release copy to read)
This book is written almost TOO well. I had to stop reading to wince at some of the gory bits, I cried in parts and found myself just wanting MORE when it ended. The characters are the kind that stay with you and you just want to read more about their lives, which I'm hoping will happen at some point (After and...After?!)
An excellent debut fiction novel!
(disclaimer: I was given a pre-release copy to read)
January 30, 2023
Fantastic read. Motivated me in ways I was not expecting. Also - f*ck Karl.
September 12, 2024
A compelling and exciting read.
A fantastic book that really didn't have an awful lot happening in it, but it held me right to the end. Ben and Brown were super characters, and I was terrified for both of them at times. There was some sadness, but positivity won in the end. A page-turner that I couldn't put down.
A fantastic book that really didn't have an awful lot happening in it, but it held me right to the end. Ben and Brown were super characters, and I was terrified for both of them at times. There was some sadness, but positivity won in the end. A page-turner that I couldn't put down.
January 12, 2022
I was not expecting to give this a five star until the very end and dang it, the ending got me. This is a horror novel about a 600lbs man and his dog during an apocalypse. A good amount of body horror and a ton of tension while also creating a really great character study of a person who has a food addiction. It is interesting to read from the perspective of someone who is morbidly obese and is dealing with all the health issues of that at the same time that society is collapsing around him. The book doesn't make a mockery of the situation, delves deeply into the psychology and struggles of the main character, but also doesn't attempt to make the reader feel overly sympathetic, you just kind of get in the mindset of accepting the reality of his situation along with him without an attempt to explain away why he is the way he is or trying to make the reader feel especially bad for him.
You really start to care about the character later on in the book when he starts to care about himself, which is interesting because there is a part of the book that talks about this, how healthcare workers put the effort into those who cry or plead for help. You naturally feel a stronger urge to help someone who is crying out for it. But what do you do for those who are killing themselves and don't seem to care? Anyone who has watched a loved one slowly kill themselves, become dependent on you, but can't seem to do the bare minimum to help themselves could probably relate. I watched my father struggle for all his worth to smoke half a cigarette after complaining how he can't breath and was 70lbs with stage 4 COPD. He become completely dependent on me but only ever made these half-hearted attempts stop smoking before just giving up on trying and accepting the reality of his addiction. There are people that then think that people get what they deserve. You smoke you deserve to get COPD or cancer, you eat non-stop you deserve to have your limbs removed before dying of heart failure. No one deserves that fate. No one deserves cancer and not everyone can stop their addictions because to stop addiction you have to first believe you are worth saving and society does its' best to make sure that you feel as worthless as possible; draining the resources out of society when you should just find a hole to die in. You see people with health issues become shut ins all the time because society makes them feel unwanted and they become afraid to leave the security of their homes. With people who are obese, they wear that weight with them, visible for all of society to shame. Some health issues are more sympathetic, ones that weren't caused by bad life choices.
< spoiler > Basically Ben can't get better in the current world he lives in because society is there to keep him dependent and make him feel worthless. He can't join a sport, go to group meetings, or make a purchase without his weight being brought up. He is stuck in a cycle of self-hate and depression and only feels relief when he engages in eating. With the collapse of society he is given the space to create a new identity for himself with the added aid of a lack of access to the consumer goods that are shoved down our throats all day everyday. We are trained to engage in bad behaviors, these cancer causing items are available on every shelf at any given store open 24 hours a day and now brought right to your front door with a click of a button. When the wraths shout at him and verbally attack him, he is now able to view them as monsters rather than people. These aren't good people trying to make him feel useless, these are vile monsters and their opinions don't matter.< / spoiler >.
A unique horror and representation. Provides good social commentary.
You really start to care about the character later on in the book when he starts to care about himself, which is interesting because there is a part of the book that talks about this, how healthcare workers put the effort into those who cry or plead for help. You naturally feel a stronger urge to help someone who is crying out for it. But what do you do for those who are killing themselves and don't seem to care? Anyone who has watched a loved one slowly kill themselves, become dependent on you, but can't seem to do the bare minimum to help themselves could probably relate. I watched my father struggle for all his worth to smoke half a cigarette after complaining how he can't breath and was 70lbs with stage 4 COPD. He become completely dependent on me but only ever made these half-hearted attempts stop smoking before just giving up on trying and accepting the reality of his addiction. There are people that then think that people get what they deserve. You smoke you deserve to get COPD or cancer, you eat non-stop you deserve to have your limbs removed before dying of heart failure. No one deserves that fate. No one deserves cancer and not everyone can stop their addictions because to stop addiction you have to first believe you are worth saving and society does its' best to make sure that you feel as worthless as possible; draining the resources out of society when you should just find a hole to die in. You see people with health issues become shut ins all the time because society makes them feel unwanted and they become afraid to leave the security of their homes. With people who are obese, they wear that weight with them, visible for all of society to shame. Some health issues are more sympathetic, ones that weren't caused by bad life choices.
< spoiler > Basically Ben can't get better in the current world he lives in because society is there to keep him dependent and make him feel worthless. He can't join a sport, go to group meetings, or make a purchase without his weight being brought up. He is stuck in a cycle of self-hate and depression and only feels relief when he engages in eating. With the collapse of society he is given the space to create a new identity for himself with the added aid of a lack of access to the consumer goods that are shoved down our throats all day everyday. We are trained to engage in bad behaviors, these cancer causing items are available on every shelf at any given store open 24 hours a day and now brought right to your front door with a click of a button. When the wraths shout at him and verbally attack him, he is now able to view them as monsters rather than people. These aren't good people trying to make him feel useless, these are vile monsters and their opinions don't matter.< / spoiler >.
A unique horror and representation. Provides good social commentary.
October 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ — A wild & humour-fuelled journey into the wacky world of post apocalyptic Britain, this little-known gem has made me smile more times than a dentist on a bender!
Andrew Shanahan's "Before and After" is an exquisite exploration of the human spirit's capacity for transformation, be it physically as well as emotionally, culminating in a wonderful reading experience I enjoyed almost too much. This fun but totally, literary odyssey delves deep into the world of weight loss, personal growth and self-discovery, offering a narrative that resonated with me on a tree-like scale of levels.
The novel's brilliance lies in its ability to transcend the typical weight loss story. It transcends the superficial focus on pounds shed and instead delves into the complex layers of an individual's journey. Shanahan masterfully weaves his personal experiences with those of others, crafting a tapestry of shared struggles and triumphs. Through the vividness of his writing, he places readers squarely in the shoes of those striving for transformation.
The narrative structure of "Before and After" adds a distinctive charm. Shanahan interweaves stories of those who've undergone drastic weight loss with his own reflections, creating an intimate connection with the reader. This dynamic approach not only humanizes the individuals at the heart of the story but also invites readers to confront their own inner demons and insecurities.
In an era where societal pressures to conform to physical ideals are omnipresent, Shanahan's writing is refreshingly candid. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the weight loss journey, acknowledging the mental and emotional hardships that accompany physical transformation. His poignant prose evokes empathy, understanding, and, at times, tears.
Furthermore, "Before and After" excels in its depiction of the support systems that underpin the process of change. The author delves into the importance of familial bonds, friendships, and professional guidance. He highlights the significance of not just losing weight but gaining self-acceptance, reminding readers that the journey is as much about self-love as it is about shedding pounds.
The narrative's only minor quibble lies in the pacing, as it occasionally meanders through personal anecdotes. However, this wandering approach lends itself to the narrative's intimacy, making it easier for readers to connect with the author's experiences.
Before and After is not just a humid fiction novel; it's a profound, hilarious testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a hymn to those who've faced the demons of self-doubt & yet have emerged victorious. Shanahan's storytelling is as emotionally charged as it is eloquent. To capture the profound transformation, both within & without, this novel warrants a resounding 4.5-star rating, ultimately being rounded up to 5 stars for the sheer joy it brought me. Readers will find themselves not only moved but irrevocably changed by this powerful and beautifully penned exploration of the before and after.
Andrew Shanahan's "Before and After" is an exquisite exploration of the human spirit's capacity for transformation, be it physically as well as emotionally, culminating in a wonderful reading experience I enjoyed almost too much. This fun but totally, literary odyssey delves deep into the world of weight loss, personal growth and self-discovery, offering a narrative that resonated with me on a tree-like scale of levels.
The novel's brilliance lies in its ability to transcend the typical weight loss story. It transcends the superficial focus on pounds shed and instead delves into the complex layers of an individual's journey. Shanahan masterfully weaves his personal experiences with those of others, crafting a tapestry of shared struggles and triumphs. Through the vividness of his writing, he places readers squarely in the shoes of those striving for transformation.
The narrative structure of "Before and After" adds a distinctive charm. Shanahan interweaves stories of those who've undergone drastic weight loss with his own reflections, creating an intimate connection with the reader. This dynamic approach not only humanizes the individuals at the heart of the story but also invites readers to confront their own inner demons and insecurities.
In an era where societal pressures to conform to physical ideals are omnipresent, Shanahan's writing is refreshingly candid. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the weight loss journey, acknowledging the mental and emotional hardships that accompany physical transformation. His poignant prose evokes empathy, understanding, and, at times, tears.
Furthermore, "Before and After" excels in its depiction of the support systems that underpin the process of change. The author delves into the importance of familial bonds, friendships, and professional guidance. He highlights the significance of not just losing weight but gaining self-acceptance, reminding readers that the journey is as much about self-love as it is about shedding pounds.
The narrative's only minor quibble lies in the pacing, as it occasionally meanders through personal anecdotes. However, this wandering approach lends itself to the narrative's intimacy, making it easier for readers to connect with the author's experiences.
Before and After is not just a humid fiction novel; it's a profound, hilarious testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a hymn to those who've faced the demons of self-doubt & yet have emerged victorious. Shanahan's storytelling is as emotionally charged as it is eloquent. To capture the profound transformation, both within & without, this novel warrants a resounding 4.5-star rating, ultimately being rounded up to 5 stars for the sheer joy it brought me. Readers will find themselves not only moved but irrevocably changed by this powerful and beautifully penned exploration of the before and after.
June 6, 2025
idk what happened but i finished it, so there’s that. it didn’t really hold my attention, but it wasn’t awful either. however, i can’t give it higher than a 2 star :p
September 26, 2023
not mad, just disappointed.
i don't usually write reviews, but i feel compelled to in this case. idk how to feel. i loved ben as a character. i enjoyed the matter-of-fact british tone in response to apocalyptic disaster (reminiscent of hitchhiker's guide and shaun of the dead). the gore was fun, although i don't understand why he didn't use a tourniquet. brown was a great little character foil and a very good girl.
that said, it was kind of horrible to read such a complex and compelling and lovable fat character follow such a predictable arc: ben's fatness holds him back until he reclaims his life by literally starving (mostly involuntarily) until he's thin(ner). and i don't think every book that provides representation for an underrepresented group has to be "good representation" or make a political argument on the group's behalf. but aside from aligning pretty uncritically with some really harmful cultural narratives about fat people, not to mention being biologically unrealistic, it's also just kind of cliché.
the book almost gets at some interesting points about what it's like to exist as a fat person in a public space, but the narrative still ultimately pins the responsibility on ben to lose weight rather than for others to treat him like a human being.
i don't know if i want to read the sequel. it could be interesting; maybe ben finds a reliable food source and finds that eating disorder recovery might be more complicated than swapping binge eating for severe restriction.
again, i don't need every book about a fat character to have a clear moralistic or political message about fat liberation or body neutrality, nor do i necessarily need a book to align with my personal beliefs in order to enjoy it. but man...i can't help but grieve this book's concept as a missed opportunity to do something more interesting than "fat man loses weight, becomes happier," especially since ben is such an interesting and likeable fat character. i'm disappointed/5
i don't usually write reviews, but i feel compelled to in this case. idk how to feel. i loved ben as a character. i enjoyed the matter-of-fact british tone in response to apocalyptic disaster (reminiscent of hitchhiker's guide and shaun of the dead). the gore was fun, although i don't understand why he didn't use a tourniquet. brown was a great little character foil and a very good girl.
that said, it was kind of horrible to read such a complex and compelling and lovable fat character follow such a predictable arc: ben's fatness holds him back until he reclaims his life by literally starving (mostly involuntarily) until he's thin(ner). and i don't think every book that provides representation for an underrepresented group has to be "good representation" or make a political argument on the group's behalf. but aside from aligning pretty uncritically with some really harmful cultural narratives about fat people, not to mention being biologically unrealistic, it's also just kind of cliché.
the book almost gets at some interesting points about what it's like to exist as a fat person in a public space, but the narrative still ultimately pins the responsibility on ben to lose weight rather than for others to treat him like a human being.
i don't know if i want to read the sequel. it could be interesting; maybe ben finds a reliable food source and finds that eating disorder recovery might be more complicated than swapping binge eating for severe restriction.
again, i don't need every book about a fat character to have a clear moralistic or political message about fat liberation or body neutrality, nor do i necessarily need a book to align with my personal beliefs in order to enjoy it. but man...i can't help but grieve this book's concept as a missed opportunity to do something more interesting than "fat man loses weight, becomes happier," especially since ben is such an interesting and likeable fat character. i'm disappointed/5
January 30, 2023
This book was happy and sad and then sad again. Something has happened in the book, “ a global catastrophe” but you are in the main characters head and you know as much as he does. I’m going to have to read the second part so I can figure out what’s going on. I need to know!
January 18, 2026
Is it wrong that I want to try a “Bourbon Biscuit”? This is one of the best books that I’ve read in a long time! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
January 28, 2025
Boring then not boring then not boring then not
February 5, 2023
I will never understand how this book has a four star average review. The story itself isn't terrible, but the number of times that I had to just accept that the implausible was likely or even reasonably possible is too many to count. While I understand that fiction isn't real, I would like it to be based on something that is at least not insultingly unlikely.
The fact that this author has also written weight loss guides has lowered my faith in humanity as a whole.
The fact that this author has also written weight loss guides has lowered my faith in humanity as a whole.
January 17, 2020
Worth reading
Interesting scenario and circumstances that I could never have imagined. Likeable and well rounded characters and a dog as well..good reading .
Interesting scenario and circumstances that I could never have imagined. Likeable and well rounded characters and a dog as well..good reading .
August 30, 2022
This was such a good book and I highly recommend to anyone who likes emotional end of world stories with a hint of gore and body horror
August 27, 2024
I NEVER write reviews. I'm too lazy and don't feel the need, but this, this deserves a review. This book was amazing, well written, super original concept, gruesome in the best way, heartwarming in the least expected way, triumphant, scary, wonderful. Do not sleep on this. It's amazing.
December 21, 2024
kinda put me off bourbon creams for a bit but apart from that it's a 10/10
February 17, 2020
Warning: contains dark humour, nutty behaviour, and a big guy with a huge heart.
Ben Stone is a gloriously interesting character. Not because a vegan with type 2 diabetes is an unusual choice of protagonist, or even that most of his story is set in a fourth floor council flat, but for an utterly brilliant performance on this quirky apocalyptic stage.
The challenges facing someone of Ben’s extreme size pose countless opportunities for life or death to thrive in this open season of ‘viral hostility’. Yet he launches a volley of unexpected surprises from beginning to end and addresses this new reality with candid observations and practical solutions ranging from hilarious to inspiring.
Only someone with Ben’s extensive personal experience of the world can survive the end of it by continuing to shut it out. Well, that, and maybe a little help from a dog with no bark, some innovative Lego use, the Princess Leah Buns, his mother’s Ghandi-esque wisdom, and a packet of limited edition Bourbon biscuits.
Priceless scenes include those involving the priest [especially the communion wafer], ‘Pinata’ Karl [and his many, many obscenities] and 100% anything featuring Brown [the dog]. Although a short, yet deeply poignant, epitaph provided a beautiful flourish to an already perfectly composed book.
(Wee bit incredulous that drones can transmit images wirelessly considering every other service is down, but still a cracking read!)
Ben Stone is a gloriously interesting character. Not because a vegan with type 2 diabetes is an unusual choice of protagonist, or even that most of his story is set in a fourth floor council flat, but for an utterly brilliant performance on this quirky apocalyptic stage.
The challenges facing someone of Ben’s extreme size pose countless opportunities for life or death to thrive in this open season of ‘viral hostility’. Yet he launches a volley of unexpected surprises from beginning to end and addresses this new reality with candid observations and practical solutions ranging from hilarious to inspiring.
Only someone with Ben’s extensive personal experience of the world can survive the end of it by continuing to shut it out. Well, that, and maybe a little help from a dog with no bark, some innovative Lego use, the Princess Leah Buns, his mother’s Ghandi-esque wisdom, and a packet of limited edition Bourbon biscuits.
Priceless scenes include those involving the priest [especially the communion wafer], ‘Pinata’ Karl [and his many, many obscenities] and 100% anything featuring Brown [the dog]. Although a short, yet deeply poignant, epitaph provided a beautiful flourish to an already perfectly composed book.
(Wee bit incredulous that drones can transmit images wirelessly considering every other service is down, but still a cracking read!)
January 3, 2024
A bad start to the year- a DNF. I got as far as 44% and then just thought, why am I wasting my life on this. My reasons:
1) there is so little plot. I got 44% of the way through and nothing had really happened
2) the author seemed to enjoy repeatedly describing health issues with being morbidly obese- such as the urine rash on the under belly
3) it only very briefly address the mental side of this unhealthy relationship with food (granted I read less than half the book so this may be unfair)
4) the main character, although being very unhappy, was able to be a surgeon, inventor and expert drone plot
5) the plot, what there was of it, was unoriginal
6) the characters had no depth.
Hoping for better luck with my next book.
1) there is so little plot. I got 44% of the way through and nothing had really happened
2) the author seemed to enjoy repeatedly describing health issues with being morbidly obese- such as the urine rash on the under belly
3) it only very briefly address the mental side of this unhealthy relationship with food (granted I read less than half the book so this may be unfair)
4) the main character, although being very unhappy, was able to be a surgeon, inventor and expert drone plot
5) the plot, what there was of it, was unoriginal
6) the characters had no depth.
Hoping for better luck with my next book.
December 18, 2025
This was phenomenal.
Before and After is a brutally honest, deeply compassionate story about fear, survival, and the moment someone finally chooses life—even when the cost feels unbearable. Ben Stone’s terror isn’t just about the looming amputation or the public humiliation of being craned out of his flat after nine years inside; it’s about what comes after. Who he’ll be without the weight. Whether he deserves to survive. Whether survival is even possible.
Shanahan handles obesity with rare empathy, never sensationalised, never reduced to a plot device. Ben’s body is both prison and shield, and watching him confront the trauma, shame, and self-loathing tied to it is heartbreaking in the most human way. When the post-apocalyptic twist arrives, it doesn’t cheapen the story, it sharpens it. Survival becomes literal, but the real battle has already been raging inside Ben for years.
At its core, this is a novel about choosing life when giving up would be easier. About love (for a dog, for strangers, for yourself) being the thing that keeps you moving forward. It’s tense, tender, and quietly devastating—and it stayed with me long after the final page.
Before and After is a brutally honest, deeply compassionate story about fear, survival, and the moment someone finally chooses life—even when the cost feels unbearable. Ben Stone’s terror isn’t just about the looming amputation or the public humiliation of being craned out of his flat after nine years inside; it’s about what comes after. Who he’ll be without the weight. Whether he deserves to survive. Whether survival is even possible.
Shanahan handles obesity with rare empathy, never sensationalised, never reduced to a plot device. Ben’s body is both prison and shield, and watching him confront the trauma, shame, and self-loathing tied to it is heartbreaking in the most human way. When the post-apocalyptic twist arrives, it doesn’t cheapen the story, it sharpens it. Survival becomes literal, but the real battle has already been raging inside Ben for years.
At its core, this is a novel about choosing life when giving up would be easier. About love (for a dog, for strangers, for yourself) being the thing that keeps you moving forward. It’s tense, tender, and quietly devastating—and it stayed with me long after the final page.
September 8, 2025
I don't know how to say why I don't like this book without spoilers sooooo....
📖 Before and After follows Ben Stone, who weighs 601 pounds and needs his right leg amputated due to diabetes. He's terrified because a crane will shortly lift him from his fourth-floor flat and lower him 44 feet to an ambulance waiting below. He is on the floor, strapped into a harness and ready to go, and then the world ends.
✨ Review ✨
To start with, I didn't know what to make of this book, but I appreciated how the author's voice was distinctly British. All too often, books cater to the American audience, and I always enjoy it when authors unapologetically sit in their culture, and that goes for authors of all cultures, not just British authors.
Things quickly started going downhill for me, though, and that's because I don't think I like the message this book is dishing out.
Due to the end of the world, Ben is quite literally starving. He hasn't eaten in months, but it's okay because he's fat, and malnutrition apparently doesn't exist here. Despite being starved, Ben is getting healthier because he's losing weight.
He still needs an amputation thought so he does it himself. He manages to cut his leg off, going through bone, and seals the wound and arteries up before passing out. How did he manage this? He had a 5-minute conversation with his doctor a couple of weeks ago about how the surgery would be done, and now he's an expert. He quickly heals and is hopping around in no time, because you know he's losing weight due to starvation. That makes everything better.
Near the end of the book, we discover that his doctor had previously told him he had cancer, most likely in the colon. But he's losing weight due to starvation and has only been getting fitter and healthier throughout this book. He lets us know that he can still feel it there in the last chapter, but he's thin now, so he's off to Disneyland!!!
WHAT?!?! THE!?! FUCK!?! ARE!?! YOU!?! ON!?! ABOUT!?!
The Cancer thing really tipped me over the edge!!
📖 Before and After follows Ben Stone, who weighs 601 pounds and needs his right leg amputated due to diabetes. He's terrified because a crane will shortly lift him from his fourth-floor flat and lower him 44 feet to an ambulance waiting below. He is on the floor, strapped into a harness and ready to go, and then the world ends.
✨ Review ✨
To start with, I didn't know what to make of this book, but I appreciated how the author's voice was distinctly British. All too often, books cater to the American audience, and I always enjoy it when authors unapologetically sit in their culture, and that goes for authors of all cultures, not just British authors.
Things quickly started going downhill for me, though, and that's because I don't think I like the message this book is dishing out.
Due to the end of the world, Ben is quite literally starving. He hasn't eaten in months, but it's okay because he's fat, and malnutrition apparently doesn't exist here. Despite being starved, Ben is getting healthier because he's losing weight.
He still needs an amputation thought so he does it himself. He manages to cut his leg off, going through bone, and seals the wound and arteries up before passing out. How did he manage this? He had a 5-minute conversation with his doctor a couple of weeks ago about how the surgery would be done, and now he's an expert. He quickly heals and is hopping around in no time, because you know he's losing weight due to starvation. That makes everything better.
Near the end of the book, we discover that his doctor had previously told him he had cancer, most likely in the colon. But he's losing weight due to starvation and has only been getting fitter and healthier throughout this book. He lets us know that he can still feel it there in the last chapter, but he's thin now, so he's off to Disneyland!!!
WHAT?!?! THE!?! FUCK!?! ARE!?! YOU!?! ON!?! ABOUT!?!
The Cancer thing really tipped me over the edge!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2020
600 lb shut-in Ben survives the equivalent of a zombie apocalypse. And not much happens. Basically Ben and his dog sit around aaannnd that's it until the last few chapters. Should have skipped this one..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
Absolutely brilliant!
I bought this book after a few disappointing library hauls and read it in one day! I loved the characters, the dark humour and this is now one of my favourite books. The story is not only indulgently funny but also pulls at your heart strings in some points. The book was fantastic all the way to the end and I’m not ashamed to say I leaked a few bittersweet tears.
I bought this book after a few disappointing library hauls and read it in one day! I loved the characters, the dark humour and this is now one of my favourite books. The story is not only indulgently funny but also pulls at your heart strings in some points. The book was fantastic all the way to the end and I’m not ashamed to say I leaked a few bittersweet tears.
June 23, 2022
Read this at the speed of light, it’s that good and wonderfully written.
Have to agree with the writer here, the bit with the patella is rather good; fantastically descriptive.
Read this, as books on global catastrophes go, this one is magical. Actually it’s rather good compared with any global events, catastrophe or otherwise!
Have to agree with the writer here, the bit with the patella is rather good; fantastically descriptive.
Read this, as books on global catastrophes go, this one is magical. Actually it’s rather good compared with any global events, catastrophe or otherwise!
December 24, 2023
5 Stars out of the park amazing novel! This was My 600 pound life meets dawn of the dead! Our main character Ben is a dog lover, agoraphobic, and trapped in more ways than 1! Maybe I’m biased because this book scratched an itch for two of my guilty pleasures and I had such a fun time reading this! Not saying it didn’t have its very emotional moments and horrific imagery I have already downloaded its sequel and plan to have it be my first book of the new year! This may be my new favorite book of all time!!
August 31, 2020
I wasn't sure what to think of this at first but it certainly grew on me and I ended up not being able to put it down and had to take it to work with me to finish the last 4%! A little weird and a little nauseating but different, heartwarming and uplifting. Loved it.
August 16, 2022
I did not like this book at all… the only reason it gets 1 star is because the dog didn’t die. It’s disgustingly fatphobic and triggering AF. 601lb man “survives” the apocalypse by starving for 6 months (like starving starving, he apparently can survive off all of his fat stores, because that’s realistic) losing a ton of weight and somehow gaining strength and mobility (anyone heard of malnutrition before? No?) Its so pro-anorexia that the main character finds a box of cookies in the house like 4 months in to this apocalypse (again has not eaten a THING) and throws them out the window… Also the idea that he could succeed in a back door amputation and build his own prosthetic with broomsticks is not only ableist as shit but also incredibly unrealistic (he RUNS on it, really?)
Not surprised this author also wrote a diet book. Garbage material, don’t waste your time.
*huge TW* for pro-eating disorder material and blatant fatphobia, ableism and animal abuse. Don’t waste your 99 cents.
Not surprised this author also wrote a diet book. Garbage material, don’t waste your time.
*huge TW* for pro-eating disorder material and blatant fatphobia, ableism and animal abuse. Don’t waste your 99 cents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2025
Very mixed feelings about this one. Found it slow to read at some parts but overall i liked it. Something doesn’t sit right with me about it though, not sure what the authors’ message is supposed to be? The whole book was literally like “it’s okay that’s he’s starving to death because he’s obese and needs to lose weight anyway!”
Idk gives fatphobic vibes but maybe i’m thinking too deep into it
Idk gives fatphobic vibes but maybe i’m thinking too deep into it
March 21, 2020
Gore, humour, suspense, heart - just such an enjoyable read. So many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and a main character that I absolutely adored. I never thought my love of zombie apocalypse novels and Supersize vs Superskinny could ever be combined so successfully, but here we are.
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