Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

After They Go

Rate this book
“…Mercer’s prose is lucid and her themes of redemption and reinvention are resonant…” — Kirkus Reviews

A large family saga set in a coastal tourist town.
One sister chained by family tradition.
The second stunted by her sister’s shadow.
The youngest propelled by desperation.

Gwen is the oldest of four children in the Aaldenberg family, and the one who seems to have it all. She's also most desperate to escape. Betta, having nursed their dying grandpa for the past three years, is anxious for Gwen to go, so she can finally have reins to the family business. And Esmerelda, viciously determined to follow in Gwen's footsteps, vies for popularity as a freshman in high school, only to learn she must sell her soul, reputation, and most prized possession for acceptance.

As their father struggles with retirement and their mother with depression, Gwen discovers the debt her grandfather’s passing left them in—and during a time of year when their coastal town, dependent on tourists, can barely sustain itself. Gwen and their father agree Betta can’t take over the store under such stressful circumstances, not when she’s been carrying the load for so long, and to protect Betta, they play it off that she needs some time to rest.

When Gwen’s fiancé moves to town, Gwen does her best to resign herself to a local life, while Betta struggles for meaning without the store. In order to carve out a place for herself, Betta must decide to what lengths she’ll go in order to become her own person, and Gwen must decide what’s more her sister or her future.

Can this family pull through their disappointment, jealousy, and regret? Or will they cling so tightly to their desires that it ruins them?

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2018

196 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

J. Mercer

10 books89 followers
J. Mercer grew up in Wisconsin where she walked home from school with her head in a book, filled notebooks with stories in junior high, then went to college for accounting and psychology. She now writes young adult and women's fiction novels and talks editing on The Novel Ending podcast.

IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER is a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, and won the Canadian Book Awards in the young adult category. Her novel TRIPLICITY won Moonbeam and Readers' Favorite awards, and SHADY WOODS received a perfect score from the BookLife Prize, an indie arm of Publisher's Weekly.

She wishes she were an expert linguist and enjoys exploring with her husband and two daughters.

For updates and news, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram @jmercerbooks, talking about what she’s reading and other bookish things.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
38 (29%)
4 stars
43 (33%)
3 stars
32 (25%)
2 stars
11 (8%)
1 star
4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews114 followers
Want to read
August 21, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (8/21/2018)!💝

Blurb:
A large family saga set in a coastal tourist town.
One sister chained by family tradition.
The second stunted by her sister’s shadow.
The youngest propelled by desperation.

Gwen is the oldest of four children in the Aaldenberg family, and the one who seems to have it all. She's also most desperate to escape. Betta, having nursed their dying grandpa for the past three years, is anxious for Gwen to go, so she can finally have reins to the family business. And Esmerelda, viciously determined to follow in Gwen's footsteps, vies for popularity as a freshman in high school, only to learn she must sell her soul, reputation, and most prized possession for acceptance.

As their father struggles with retirement and their mother with depression, Gwen discovers the debt her grandfather’s passing left them in—and during a time of year when their coastal town, dependent on tourists, can barely sustain itself. Gwen and their father agree Betta can’t take over the store under such stressful circumstances, not when she’s been carrying the load for so long, and to protect Betta, they play it off that she needs some time to rest.

When Gwen’s fiancé moves to town, Gwen does her best to resign herself to a local life, while Betta struggles for meaning without the store. In order to carve out a place for herself, Betta must decide to what lengths she’ll go in order to become her own person, and Gwen must decide what’s more important: her sister or her future.

Can this family pull through their disappointment, jealousy, and regret? Or will they cling so tightly to their desires that it ruins them?
Profile Image for Courtney.
40 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2018
After They Go encapsulates many aspects of the messiness of life, love, family and friendships. J Mercer gives her characters pieces of the individuals we all know in our lives and you feel like you KNOW them. We all struggle at times with what we should do and want to do and where those two roads intersect. This book shows you how our perception of ourselves can become our reality but how powerful the perception of those we love can give you a new view or the strength to find one. I love how the author weaves the stories of her characters through time and she brings her reader along for the ride. You get caught up in feeling like this could be happening to you, your friend or your sister and that feeling makes you keep turning the pages to find out more. Even at the end, you wish there were more pages to turn.
Profile Image for Emma.
768 reviews23 followers
October 5, 2019
Family drama, anyone?

I am not giving this a low rating. Not going to be cruel to a writer who seems to really make an effort to create good (meaning well defined, not terribly wholesome) characters. I respect character development even more than a fast or engaging plot, which this story totally lacked.

Kudos for making the story exude the stultifying tedium of small town life via a story that seems to go nowhere. Also kudos to a female writer who telegraphs the vindictive and petty nature of sisters toward each other.

If you want a story that makes you agree with Erma Bombeck that families are the ties that bind and gag, this is your story.
Profile Image for Alayna.
28 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2018
I throughly disliked all of the whiny characters in this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
750 reviews15 followers
November 12, 2018
This novel details the inner workings of a family with a husband, wife, three daughters, and a son. Gwen, the oldest daughter, wants nothing but to leave their small town to live in the city. Betta has always longed to take over the family general store, going so far as to leaving college to return home, caring for her dying grandfather, and waiting for the store to be hers. Ezmerelda is trying to figure out adolescence, high school, boys, mean girls, and how to be her own person. Of course, Van – the only boy – has been with the same girl forever, is a football star, and loved by all. Combine all of this with their mother Wanda thinking the Dad, Harvey is cheating on her – this equals a lot of drama, heartache, and emotion.

This is one of those reviews where I could probably type away for hours and still not say everything that is going on in my head and heart. But I will begin with saying that this is a good book. Not just the story, but the writing. J. Mercer did nothing but impress me throughout the entire novel with her raw emotion, imagery, and how she completely exposed her characters down to the bone – even when it wasn’t in a positive way. She made all of the characters human in a way that was at times refreshing and at times, almost cringe-worthy. Nevertheless, she held nothing back.

Considering my only sibling is an older brother, I couldn’t personally relate to Gwen, Betta, or Ez. Each of them desperately wanted something of their own, longing to be independent and make their own mark separate from one another. However, along with this came so much whining and angst that I wanted to scream. Although they all felt tied to each other, getting each others’ seconds, and so on – they were so incredibly self-centered it blew my mind. Out of the sisters, I think that Betta was my favorite, yet I still struggled with her because of their obsession with either being like the other or being completely different to make a point.

Nevertheless, I was completely engaged in this novel and was burning up the pages. I have to admit that a few things felt unresolved at the end, but after some thought, I am assuming that is how the author intended it to be. I do wish I could have gotten concrete answers regarding Harvey and Mae, as well as, what happens with Betta and either Brennan or Gage. But I still enjoyed this novel a great deal. I definitely recommend this to fans of women’s fiction and especially anyone out there with sisters!

*Thanks to Xpresso and the author for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest review!
19 reviews
September 3, 2018
Finding ourselves.

A perfect five for an excellent writer. This book has the perfect balance between love, lust, family and duty. When duty and responsibility clash with hopes and dreams, a step back is often needed to find the right path. Kudos to the writer!
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book47 followers
November 14, 2018
This book is a little different to anything that I've read recently. It is the story of a family, mother, father, three sisters and a brother. For the most part, the book focuses on the three sisters. The eldest, Gwen, is desperate for her life to begin, to get away from the small town where she grew up. The middle sister Betta, longs to take over the family business and her role in the small society. The youngest sister, Esmerelda, longs to be popular and fit in with the in-crowd at school. (Part of me can't help but wonder if half her problem isn't her rather out there name.) Over the course of a year, they struggle to find their way and place in life.

As with many books, I think that they would probably have all had a much easier path if they had trusted one another more and talked to one another. Of course, life is often like that and communication would prevent all kinds of conflict. I really enjoyed reading about their fumbling attempts to do the right thing and discover who they really were and what they actually wanted.

Yeah, life was a bitch. Always making you choose between the people you loved and the life you needed to live for your soul's sake.

Much of this book is about the struggle between doing what you feel you should do and what you want to do. All of the characters learn the importance of being true to themselves and following the path in life that is right for them.

This was a fantastic read and the characters were well drawn and easy to relate to. I was really willing all of the characters to find happiness and where they wanted to go in life. If you're looking for something a little different then I highly recommend this.
Profile Image for C.C. Campaign.
216 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2018
I don’t know why this reminded me of Big Little Lies. The author wrote these characters in such a complex way, you needed to keep your eye on them all and each event that takes place. Since this is told by multiple perspectives, it can be difficult keeping track especially if you need to put the book down for any reason. Despite all of that, they are woven together in together in the end to make a complete, cohesive story.

The Aaldenberg family is going through financial struggles that bleed into the mother and her three daughters’ lives. Gwen wishes to be free of obligations of any kind, but since she is the oldest, she is forced to tow the line despite wanting to have her own life. Betta has taken on much of the family burdens to the degree where she wants to take the wheel of the family business. The youngest, Esmerelda, is facing the harsh reality that sometimes in order to be popular, you have to basically sell your soul.

A small community can hold it’s secret, but for this family they need to learn trust, openness, and sacrifice. This story kept me indulged to the very end. Much like the family will keep all readers.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
110 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2018
"It was fact, that with fewer bodies on the streets, there was a subtle stillness in the air. Just like it was fact, that with fewer people needing her, there was a subtle emptiness in her soul."

A great book that was hard to put down. I'm a sucker for any book that has multiple storylines that weave together. It was easily relatable and I feel a wide range of individuals can see themselves in one of the characters and connect with their stories. Mercer has a beautiful way with words that draws you in and makes you feel the love, heartbreak, and struggles the characters endure throughout their journeys.

"Most mortifying was the realization that he’d begun to feel like home—her soul’s home base—and then he’d become the kind of man the whole of her burned to get back to."

"That’s what she wanted when she was their age: to know that no matter what they went through, it was worth it. To know that if one of them strayed, even emotionally, it was possible to come back together again"

Book #12 of 2018 Reading Challenge. Theme: A book by a local author
Profile Image for Gabriela.
107 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2019
It sure kept me interested ...would read more from J. Mercer!
2 reviews
June 2, 2018
I'm a sucker for quirky, real life characters, so I love J Mercer's writing. Sweeter than a soap opera saga but with enough drama to keep the pages turning, these family members came to life in my head. The love, the competition, the sameness in the differences… they felt so real. Small town, family business, relationships ebbing from distress to peace and back, and individual plot lines masterfully weaved hooked me in. Just like family does, the characters sharpen each other, infuriate each other, question each other, disappoint each other, yet come through for each other in surprising ways. The quest for significance and meaning is relatable throughout. I found the ending satisfying enough, but also left me longing for more…
2 reviews
May 7, 2018
After They Go was a fast and entertaining book with multiple story lines woven in to one. I enjoyed reading about the lives of each sister and their parents over the course of one year. It is a great book to grab for a vacation or relaxing weekend. Add it to your list, you won't be disappointed!
22 reviews
December 23, 2018
Perfectly Charming

A story of a family, with requisite pettiness and jealousy and forgiveness and loyalty. Brought me to chuckles and ultimately to tears. Beautifully done.
16 reviews
October 28, 2024
Excellent

Ex excellent family story. It is great how the author could relate to each generation, personalizing each individual. It was so difficult to put this book done and I did not want it to end. So hoping there is a sequel!
Profile Image for Nancie Lafferty.
1,796 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2019
Terrific family tale. The characters were well-built and real, and the situation was very believable. I just kept thinking - “Talk to each other!”
Profile Image for Angelica Bentley.
Author 1 book5 followers
April 21, 2019
So dull. A depressing story that drags on relentlessly through the most mundane details of the lives of a family who own a hardware store passed down from one generation to the next. I normally avoid spoilers at all costs, but this book really annoyed me.

The author seems to hate women. She has stuffed into this book a remarkable collection of thoroughly unpleasant, petty, vengeful, capricious, selfish, stupid females. The men, by contrast, are doormats who exhibit ridiculous amounts of patience and very little personality. Also, many plot devices that strain credulity: Is that even possible? So thoughtful!

Virtually all the women are so beautiful and irresistible that men fall for them like flies. While retaining a veneer of virtuosity, the women instigate casual sex, then ignore phone calls when the men seek to continue the relationship. In one ridiculous scene, “Gwen crossed her arms with a smug grin. God, she loved to win. How had she let it go on so long that she hadn’t been winning?” Disgusting behaviour from one of the characters we are supposed to root for.

The writing style is pedestrian; not too many typos, but a frequent disregard for conventional grammar. The pace is lethargic; the only break in the monotony is achieved through skipping around, following each of the many characters in their selfish pursuits. The best thing about this book is how well the author conveyed the stifling provincialism of a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, and where questionable decisions are made for the sake of guarding one’s reputation. I kept reading waiting for the “twist”, but I’m not sure what it is; Of course.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,490 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2018
Imagine being sat in front of the TV, watching a show with intersecting characters with separate plot lines and knowing that you can't go out of the room to make a cup of tea, because if you do, you will completely lose the thread. This is the book equivalent of that.

It is a little confusing at times, to be honest, because the story is told from so many different points of view, each with a defined path through the narrative that interacts with the others.

That said, once you get into it, what the author has produced is a tale with a pervasive feeling of hopelessness and desperation.  Each of the characters plays into that in their own way - the need to leave, the desire to stay, the yearning to be accepted. And each character has a very distinctive voice.

Pulling them all together the author has created an unconventional, emotional story of family with an ending which, whilst unusual, works in the context of the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a reviewer copy of this book.
1 review1 follower
May 6, 2018
I really enjoyed Dark and Stormy by J. Mercer so was excited to read her second book, After They Go. While After They Go seems to be written for a more youthful (teen/young adult) audience, the descriptive language Mercer is so comfortable with creates an even more vivid time and place. Set in a seaside New England vacation town during the off-season when all the tourists are gone, the reality of life for the Aaladenberg family is told with humor and heartache. Three sisters are coming of age as the family hardware store transitions from parent to next generation ownership. The sisters struggle in taking responsibility for family preservation, financial security, and a filial sense of duty. All at the same time; love is found, heartbreak happens, and in the end sisterly love wins the day.
Profile Image for Taylor Lancaster.
2 reviews9 followers
May 18, 2018
The cover art completely drew me in as I started reading After They Go by J Mercer and was something that I kept coming back to in trying to describe her words and how I felt about reading this book; there's this sense of a foreboding, yet rewarding 'calm before the storm,' attribute to the novel while the reader uncovers the deeper layers of the complicated, Aaldenberg family. J Mercer spins another tale with characters that are a bit hard around the edges until you get to know them. Her ability to weave perspectives together through her structural, monthly plotting throughout her book showcases the emotions of what it's like to grow up within a family that knows your every move--when doing your best can be even better. If you haven't read J Mercer's debut novel, Dark and Stormy, I highly recommend you pick that one up next!
2 reviews
April 24, 2018
What happens when tourists leave a small community at summer’s end? After They Go is one poignant answer to that question. Mercer beautifully expands the significance of the book’s title as members of the Aaldenberg family grapple with the loss of significant people in their lives. Mercer pulls back the curtain to show us the repercussions of those losses. The Aaldenbergs react, change, and ultimately thrive “after they go.” I connected emotionally to the book’s very real characters as they sought to satisfy their deepest needs for love, understanding, identity, and purpose. Sometimes I wanted to slap them; sometimes I wanted to hug them. Ultimately, I’m glad I got to know them.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 1 book23 followers
May 18, 2023
This was truly a good read. Fans of Elin Hilderbrand will enjoy it. After they Go travels through a year in the life of the Aaldenburger family, but not just any year. A year in which big changes are afoot. The family business is up for grabs, engagements are made and broken and the family struggles with the joys and trials of living in a small "vacation" town in the winter. We get to experience the struggles of each one of the Aaldenburger women as their own lives diverge and intersect. I love this kind of family saga book and if you do too I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Barb.
1,532 reviews37 followers
July 16, 2018
Three sisters and a brother...a family tradition to keep the hardware store. One sister wanted the store when her parents retired, but it went to older daughter who didn't want it but saw that she needed to get the financials back in shape and then leave the little town. Tells the story of all the family, youngest in high school being bullied, second oldest wanting the store, brother was football star.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
Author 8 books104 followers
October 13, 2018
The author shows expert use of language. The narrative is very good, including clever descriptions. I am not a fan of more than two points of view, and this one has several. Just when I got used to being in the head of one character, I was switched to another, so I skimmed for all but two characters until I got to the middle. Glad I stuck with the story because it gets exciting there. My favorite character is the teenager Ez.
Profile Image for Kat.
11 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2018
After They Go is an intriguing story about how a family tradition, while supposed to be the foundation they're built on, can actually be the one thing to break them apart. Reading the three sisters' journeys as they navigate life and struggles is fascinating and feels authentic to how sisters fight, bond, and support each other. Great small town setting! Just the perfect amount of romance!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.