Book Review Summary: After Tomorrow

Introduction

"After Tomorrow" by Gillian Cross is a dystopian novel set in a Britain that has suffered a financial collapse, resulting in a world of worthless currency, food shortages, and chaos. The story follows the journey of Matt and his little brother, Taco, as they navigate this new reality and try to survive. With its gripping plot and thought-provoking themes, "After Tomorrow" has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its realism and moral complexity.

About Gillian Cross

Gillian Cross, the author of "After Tomorrow," was born Gillian Arnold in 1945. She attended North London Collegiate School, Somerville College, Oxford, and the University of Sussex. Cross has had a diverse career, including working as an assistant to a Member of Parliament and sitting on a committee that advises ministers about public libraries. She is married to Martin Cross and has four grown-up children, two sons, and two daughters. Cross is known for her ability to craft engaging stories that explore moral and ethical dilemmas.

Analysis of Views

Plausibility of the Setting: Readers praise the book for its plausibility, as the dystopian world created by the author feels realistic and believable. The collapse of banks and the breakdown of law and order add to the sense of chaos and desperation.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: The characters in "After Tomorrow" face moral and ethical dilemmas that leave readers pondering their own values. For example, the question of how far one should go to save a loved one raises questions about sacrifice and compassion.
Page-Turner: The book is described as a page-turner that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The fast-paced plot, twists, and turns, as well as the well-crafted characters, make it difficult to put down.
Relevance to Real-Life Issues: Readers appreciate the book's relevance to real-life issues such as refugees and the struggles they face. The fact that the characters are British adds a unique perspective to the narrative, making it more relatable and impactful.
Engaging Characters: The characters in "After Tomorrow" are well-developed and engaging. Readers find themselves sympathetic towards them, rooting for their survival and growth throughout the story.

Reasons for Recommendation

Plausible Setting: The plausible setting of "After Tomorrow" adds to the book's realism and makes it more relatable to readers. The collapse of banks and the breakdown of society create a sense of urgency and authenticity that keeps readers invested in the story.
Moral Complexity: The moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the book offer readers an opportunity to reflect on their own values and beliefs. The exploration of these complex issues adds depth to the narrative and encourages critical thinking.
Page-Turning Nature: The fast-paced plot and well-crafted characters make "After Tomorrow" a page-turner that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book's ability to hold readers' attention is a significant reason for its recommendation.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Fulfilling Substance: Some readers felt that the book lacked substance in certain areas, particularly in terms of background information and explanations for certain events. They felt that certain aspects were not fully explored or explained, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction.
Unresolved Narrative Connections: A few readers expressed frustration with unresolved narrative connections at the end of the book. They felt that certain plot points were left unanswered or not fully resolved, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the story.

Conclusion

"After Tomorrow" by Gillian Cross is a gripping dystopian novel that explores themes of survival, ethics, and refugees through the eyes of British characters. With its plausible setting, thought-provoking moral dilemmas, and page-turning nature, the book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its realism and relevance to real-life issues. While some readers found it lacking in substance or felt frustrated by unresolved narrative connections, overall "After Tomorrow" is recommended for those seeking an engaging and thought-provoking read with a unique perspective on dystopian fiction.