Scan barcode
A review by lightningmc_logyn
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
3.75
This was a slow burn for me. I struggled to get through it, until the last 150 or so pages of the book. Then, I sped through it to the end.
The description on the jacket feels misleading to me, most of the book occurs in a particular emotional space established early on in the story. There is growth and plot progression, but it is slow and subtle. In the end, I loved this book. Klune writes about death with poignancy, gentleness and confidence. The characters feel real and they are easy to root for. I cried a lot, unexpectedly. Oh, and I will always give praise for media that includes queer characters with no homophobia present-we deserve uplifting representation.
This book is a journey following the main character Wallace, and learning who he really is. And through that, the reader perhaps gleans some fresh perspective on death and grief.
Some personal complaints, I don’t like the “person with a cane uses it to whack people into their place” trope, (canes are mobility aids, not props) and that is a common occurrence with the character Nelson. Klune’s comedy often, but not always, felt jarring. I prefer books that steadily build in complexity rather than slow burns. So, all in all this books style is not for me-but I still enjoyed it.
The description on the jacket feels misleading to me, most of the book occurs in a particular emotional space established early on in the story. There is growth and plot progression, but it is slow and subtle. In the end, I loved this book. Klune writes about death with poignancy, gentleness and confidence. The characters feel real and they are easy to root for. I cried a lot, unexpectedly. Oh, and I will always give praise for media that includes queer characters with no homophobia present-we deserve uplifting representation.
This book is a journey following the main character Wallace, and learning who he really is. And through that, the reader perhaps gleans some fresh perspective on death and grief.
Some personal complaints, I don’t like the “person with a cane uses it to whack people into their place” trope, (canes are mobility aids, not props) and that is a common occurrence with the character Nelson. Klune’s comedy often, but not always, felt jarring. I prefer books that steadily build in complexity rather than slow burns. So, all in all this books style is not for me-but I still enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Blood, and Medical content
The authors note at beginning offers context and illustrates death is the main theme and I found the author handles it with compassion. The main character is a ghost.