Aftermath

By: Ann McMan

Narrated by: Christine Williams

Runner-Up, 2013 Rainbow Award for Lesbian Contemporary General Fiction

Readers everywhere fell in love with Syd, Maddie, David, Michael, Pete, and the irrepressible Roma Jean Freemantle in Ann McMan's 2011 best seller, Jericho. Now, return to the tiny mountain town in the much-anticipated sequel, Aftermath.

Over the past 18 months, Syd, Maddie, and little Henry have become a family, and things are going surprisingly well for most of Jericho's residents...if you don't count the devastating storm that whips through town. In the weeks and months to come, Syd, Maddie, and all of Jericho are forced to pick up the pieces and rebuild their homes, their lives, and their town. The task is sometimes hard, sometimes emotional, and sometimes absurd, but it is always full of smart and sassy humor and an abundance of good food and wine.

©2012 Ann McMan (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Critic reviews

" Aftermath by Ann McMan is the follow-up to her debut novel, Jericho. It manages to take all of Jericho's strengths and build on them, leaving the [listener] with a story that is often hilarious, occasionally heartrending, and entirely satisfying.... Christine Williams is back as narrator, and again, the narration is excellent. I truly can't imagine anyone else bringing these words to life in the same way." ( The Lesbian Review)

Wonderful writing!

I love this series! So funny and real. The writing is witty, brilliant and engaging.

A must read.

As with the first book in this line up, it had me laughing, tearing up, making comments out loud, and falling in love with all the characters all over again. A highly under rated book. So happy I ran across this and I can't wait for the next.

Superb

This series has left me wanting more. I have 1 more yet to delve into and cannot wait. Highly recommend getting to know the characters of Jericho and peaking into their lives.

I have but one issue....

I'm pretty sure Playstation controllers don't need double A's. Everything else was awesome. Love the series.

A Contemporary Jane Austen in Appalachia

Emotional intelligence, humor, desire, longing fully developed characters and meticulous detail have me just about to begin the third book in the series, having just finished the second!

This book offers an intimate account of the arc and trajectory of a lesbian couple, with one in the relationship being an impending divorcée and newcomer to the LGBTQ community of a small town in the south.

It is not a work of pornography, and it’s not a formulaic romance, truly a rarity amongst the genre. In fact, this book transcends.

Having worked with many young lesbian mentees from our local community college, I can say with certainty that I would definitely recommend this book to them and to any young women, who are finding their way with their sexuality. I also recommend it to anyone - for all that it is and for the many pearls of wisdom to be discovered along the journey of self-discovery and love.

Absolutely Fabulous!

I was laughing uncontrollably out loud at one part! Very entertaining! Again, I think the writing is amazing and the characters well developed. Can't wait for more from this author!

Better than Jericho?

Hard to believe but reading/listening to Jericho and Aftermath back to back I found I preferred Aftermath to its rambling precursor.
Jericho sets the stage and gives us a cast of quirky and memorable characters. In Aftermath these characters get to romp and play. It helps to just sit back and let the broad comedy in many scenes envelope you. You know what's coming and still can't help yourself but laugh. The red Camaro spread across the county after the storm, the snakecapade at the revival meeting, Maddie and Syd's weekend getaway and the luncheon dustup when Sydney and Doris meet to discuss her prenup all were written with McMan's dry wit and perfect comedic timing.
What elevates Aftermath over Jericho for this reader is the way the author balances humour with the pathos of impending loss. Henry's dad is recovering from injuries sustained overseas and will soon be reclaiming his son from Maddie and Syd. The end of their foster care is in sight but it doesn't change the love Maddie and Syd feel towards young Henry.
Roma Jean Fremantle has been the face of pure slapstick in both Jericho and the opening scenes of Aftermath. Her clumsiness is often mentioned and generates lots of laughs. In Aftermath we see a Roma struggling to come to terms with her feelings towards girls. The conversations she has with Maddie voicing her fears and concerns are universal and oh so relatable.
5 stars for the perfect balance of comedy and tragedy.

Not long enough

This would have been a masterpiece if it had been as long as Jericho. Don't get me wrong, it was a VERY good book, just not enough of it!

Much Better Than the First

Without a doubt, I love these characters. This book was fantastic. The only complaints I have are (1) I am still trying to get used to Maddie and Syd comparing each other and their friends to people I don't even know. People from before my time. Like Andy Griffith (he's the only one I can think of as a close comparison). (2) The EF rating of that tornado should have been much higher. Yes, an EF-1 has wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, but based on the description of the damage it would have been at least an EF-2 (collapse of tall masonry walls at gym, cafeteria, or auditorium) (https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-okc-appendix). But with how far that car traveled, the tornado should be rated an EF-5 (automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 109 yards) (https://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/f-scale.html). This is the first time I have publically used my Crisis and Disaster Management Major (5 more classes and I can call it a degree).
I just feel like the residents of Jericho needed to receive proper acknowledgement of their sacrifice and now I can ease my mind knowing I have provided that.
Onto Goldenrod...

Aftermath

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very well done! Handled sensitive subjects with much care and concern.