A review by keen
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.5
This book made me tear up several times. TJ Klune has a wonderful way of writing characters that start off unlikeable and grow better through their interactions with kind and patient people. It really shows that most can become better if given the time and care, even if it takes a long time. Aside from showing this skill in this book, he's also shown it in The House on the Cerulean Sea, the first book I've read from him. Speaking of that book, he certainly shows he likes the word "cerulean" in this story.
I also appreciate him for creating a story where LGBTQ+ people aren't questioned. That's always refreshing to see. There are many stories about LGBTQ+ experiencing bigotry, either as the entire story or slice of it. Those stories are important, but I prefer to experience a world where it's simply accepted as another part of humanity.
And let me say, this artist has shown the perfect way to give a content warning. This is a book that deals with a heavy subject intrinsic to human life and shows how important it is for people to be aware of what they're going to read. It's at the start of the book under Author Notes, being quick to the point by explaining the themes.
The note: "This story explores life and love as well as loss and grief. There are discussions of death in different forms—quiet, unexpected, and death by suicide. Please read with care."
CW: Suicide Discussion
I also appreciate him for creating a story where LGBTQ+ people aren't questioned. That's always refreshing to see. There are many stories about LGBTQ+ experiencing bigotry, either as the entire story or slice of it. Those stories are important, but I prefer to experience a world where it's simply accepted as another part of humanity.
And let me say, this artist has shown the perfect way to give a content warning. This is a book that deals with a heavy subject intrinsic to human life and shows how important it is for people to be aware of what they're going to read. It's at the start of the book under Author Notes, being quick to the point by explaining the themes.
The note: "This story explores life and love as well as loss and grief. There are discussions of death in different forms—quiet, unexpected, and death by suicide. Please read with care."
CW: Suicide Discussion
Spoiler
On a more personal note, as someone with chronic depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety disorders, I've never seen those subjects written with such care and empathy. I was fully ready to be disappointed when the subject would come up by criticizing people for being in a bad place, judging them for "throwing away their lives" and "not being strong enough." I was pleasantly surprised to see TJ Klune show that those comments are some of the worst ways to react to someone's suffering. He instead presents more empathetic ways to respond to people's illnesses and choices that don't blame them for how they feel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Mental illness, and Murder
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Animal death, Cancer, and Emotional abuse