A quote about the latest Anna Quindlen novel, After Annie, says “A new Anna Quindlen novel is always cause for celebration,” and if I were asked whether I enjoy reading her novels, I would say “yes,” but then if asked to name my favorite, I’d be…stumped. Can’t think of any titles, in fact! But after reading about the story told in this latest book, I was happy to receive a copy from Random House Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

The book begins with the sudden death of Annie Brown, leaving her husband, children, and best friend Annemarie to cope with the loss. Annie was the center of their relationships, being a kind and loving woman whose efforts made the family function, saved her BFF’s life when addiction took over her entire being, and allowed her husband Bill to live his life without ever thinking about or (IMO) appreciating all that she did. 

Annie’s daughter Ali is suddenly thrust into the role of replacement mom to her younger brothers, and she finds her imagination and internal dialogue occupying much of her attention. “Annie always said that her daughter had a vivid imagination, but she didn’t, not really. It was worry that made Ali think about things…not imagination at all.”

The way Quindlen talks about grief will likely resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one. “Grief was like spring, maybe. You thought you were getting out from under it and then it came roaring back. And getting out from under it felt like forgetting, and forgetting felt like treason.”

The story unfolds over the course of a year, and swirls around the events and feelings of the ones Annie left behind. And the reassurance one gets from reading this story is that love and memories keep people alive even after they are physically gone. 

I enjoyed this more than I expected to, and appreciated the warm feelings it evoked. Four stars.