Afterward A Novel

Afterward A Novel by Jennifer Mathieu, published by Macmillan on September 20, 2016, is a young adult fiction that explores the aftermath of a tragic kidnapping. The story centers on eleven-year-old Dylan Anderson, whose rescue reveals the mystery of fifteen-year-old Ethan Jorgensen, who vanished four years earlier. As Dylan’s older sister, Caroline, grapples with her brother’s adjustment to life at home, she becomes entwined in Ethan’s struggle with his own traumatic past.

Readers will find a narrative that delves into themes of family, friendship, and the complexities of neurodiversity. Caroline and Ethan, both facing their own challenges, form an unlikely bond as they navigate their experiences of trauma and recovery. The book presents a poignant exploration of how connection can emerge in the darkest of circumstances, highlighting the importance of understanding and support in the face of adversity. With 320 pages, this edition provides a comprehensive look at the characters’ journeys and the social themes that underpin their stories.