A review by kelly_e
Under the Whispering Door, by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Title: Under the Whispering Door
Author: T.J. Klune
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: September 21, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Enchanting • Contemplative • Endearing
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When Wallace is collected from his own funeral by a reaper, it appears as though he may be dead. And when he arrives at a peculiar tea shop, meeting Hugo who offers to help him cross over, it confirms he is indeed dead. Wallace wasn't a very nice person in life nor did he really live, so when he is given a week to cross over, he sets about truly living and attempting to make amends.
💭 T H O U G H T S
This is one of those books that's hard to review because there were things that I absolutely loved, but there were other things that grated on me, but at the end of the day this is a compassionate exploration of life and love, and by extension of grief and death. Written in a light tone with Klune's trademark humour and wit, the soulful, well-developed characters make the book. Wallace and Hugo are the main focus, but for me it was really the supporting cast (Nelson, Mae, and Apollo) who really shone.
I was fascinated by the concept of a stopping ground between life and death. Having dealt with a lot of death in the past three years, in some way the idea gave me a sense of peace. The teashop setting, with its warm and inviting atmosphere felt like the perfect fit for such a place.
What didn't really work for me was the length. It just felt like it went on and on, when it easily could have been condensed in placed. And I definitely was not a fan of the ending. But it was the insistent focus on positivity and that "things happen for a reason" that didn't sit well with me.
Overall, it just never hit the mark on the profoundness it should have had even though I appreciated the personal growth. It wasn't the ending I was expecting, nor the one I wanted. I liked it, just didn't love it. But I'm definitely glad I read it and would recommend picking it up, but make sure you're in the right headspace.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• T.J. Klune fans
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"This life isn't an easy one. Day in and day out we're surrounded by death. You either learn to live with it, or let it destroy you."
"From the moment you're born, you're dying."
"Sometimes the best way to help someone is not to say anything at all."
Author: T.J. Klune
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: September 21, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Enchanting • Contemplative • Endearing
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When Wallace is collected from his own funeral by a reaper, it appears as though he may be dead. And when he arrives at a peculiar tea shop, meeting Hugo who offers to help him cross over, it confirms he is indeed dead. Wallace wasn't a very nice person in life nor did he really live, so when he is given a week to cross over, he sets about truly living and attempting to make amends.
💭 T H O U G H T S
This is one of those books that's hard to review because there were things that I absolutely loved, but there were other things that grated on me, but at the end of the day this is a compassionate exploration of life and love, and by extension of grief and death. Written in a light tone with Klune's trademark humour and wit, the soulful, well-developed characters make the book. Wallace and Hugo are the main focus, but for me it was really the supporting cast (Nelson, Mae, and Apollo) who really shone.
I was fascinated by the concept of a stopping ground between life and death. Having dealt with a lot of death in the past three years, in some way the idea gave me a sense of peace. The teashop setting, with its warm and inviting atmosphere felt like the perfect fit for such a place.
What didn't really work for me was the length. It just felt like it went on and on, when it easily could have been condensed in placed. And I definitely was not a fan of the ending. But it was the insistent focus on positivity and that "things happen for a reason" that didn't sit well with me.
Overall, it just never hit the mark on the profoundness it should have had even though I appreciated the personal growth. It wasn't the ending I was expecting, nor the one I wanted. I liked it, just didn't love it. But I'm definitely glad I read it and would recommend picking it up, but make sure you're in the right headspace.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• T.J. Klune fans
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"This life isn't an easy one. Day in and day out we're surrounded by death. You either learn to live with it, or let it destroy you."
"From the moment you're born, you're dying."
"Sometimes the best way to help someone is not to say anything at all."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Animal death and Homophobia