A review by queer_bookwyrm
Under the Whispering Door, by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: death, grief, suicide mention, murder mention, anxiety/panic attacks
Under the Whispering Door is the second T.J. Klune book I've read, and just like The House in the Cerulean Sea, this book has my entire heart! I loved this so much. I don't think I've ever smiled and laughed so much while reading a book.
We follow Wallace, a grumpy, selfish, and sometimes cruel man, who dies suddenly from a heart attack. Wallace finds himself to be a ghost now and witnesses his very dismal funeral until he is brought to a tea shop by a Reaper named Mei. The tea shop, Charon's Tea and Treats, is a way station for spirits as they make their way to what is after. The ferryman, Hugo is in charge of helping them get there.
Wallace realizes that he never really lived his life, instead he overworked himself, had no friends, and a failed marriage. It's at Charon's that Wallace finally starts to grow and change to be a better person. Instead of being callous, selfish, and cruel, Wallace becomes empathetic, compassionate, and selfless. It took dying for Wallace to appreciate life and the impact of having people around you that love you.
This book is a master class of character growth. Wallace becomes truly likable, and you grow to root for him. Nelson is definitely my favorite character though. I'm a sucker for a devious old man with a sense of humor. Klune has an excellent way of writing curmudgeonly, emotionally stunted men who slowly fall in love with a quirky, compassionate man. He gives us a lot of themes to chew on around life, death, grief, and the power of found family and patience.
This book was 80% laughs and 20% tears. It sort of reminded me of the CBS show Ghosts, but with more emphasis on the introspection of life and death and what it means to let go and move on even when we're afraid of the unknown. We also get bi, gay, black, and Asian rep. Go read this book.
Under the Whispering Door is the second T.J. Klune book I've read, and just like The House in the Cerulean Sea, this book has my entire heart! I loved this so much. I don't think I've ever smiled and laughed so much while reading a book.
We follow Wallace, a grumpy, selfish, and sometimes cruel man, who dies suddenly from a heart attack. Wallace finds himself to be a ghost now and witnesses his very dismal funeral until he is brought to a tea shop by a Reaper named Mei. The tea shop, Charon's Tea and Treats, is a way station for spirits as they make their way to what is after. The ferryman, Hugo is in charge of helping them get there.
Wallace realizes that he never really lived his life, instead he overworked himself, had no friends, and a failed marriage. It's at Charon's that Wallace finally starts to grow and change to be a better person. Instead of being callous, selfish, and cruel, Wallace becomes empathetic, compassionate, and selfless. It took dying for Wallace to appreciate life and the impact of having people around you that love you.
This book is a master class of character growth. Wallace becomes truly likable, and you grow to root for him. Nelson is definitely my favorite character though. I'm a sucker for a devious old man with a sense of humor. Klune has an excellent way of writing curmudgeonly, emotionally stunted men who slowly fall in love with a quirky, compassionate man. He gives us a lot of themes to chew on around life, death, grief, and the power of found family and patience.
This book was 80% laughs and 20% tears. It sort of reminded me of the CBS show Ghosts, but with more emphasis on the introspection of life and death and what it means to let go and move on even when we're afraid of the unknown. We also get bi, gay, black, and Asian rep. Go read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Murder and Suicide