I could not put this book down. It was not a thriller but a story of a couples relationship pushed to the limit by a terminally ill child. It brought you in close to experience a couples love for each other and their love for their child, who developed terminal cancer before his 3rd birthday.. Using the sliding doors technique helped look at the alternative outcomes to the major decision Pip and Max made. Every character portrayed in the book felt human. This was a beautifully written story with enough dimensions to engage the reader to the very last page. I would thoroughly recommend this original book. It would make for a great Book Group choice

I really enjoyed this book but found it quite difficult in places due to the sensitive subject matter. A couple have to decide to withdraw treatment from their three year old son who has non curable cancer. One parent wants to try experimental treatment the other is concerned about his quality of life and wants to let him die with dignity.
i was well written and is a thought provoking book that brings up a lot of questions about the choices we make in life.
As medicine advances more ethical questions will need to be discussed about keeping patients alive or providing just palliative care.

I think the book is very timely as there have been similar stories in the press and on TV programmes recently. I enjoyed the book and found it interesting but just a little sad and poignant especially with the authors note at the end.

Pip and Max are the parents of Dylan who is in a coma. The doctors believe his case is irreversible, however, some hope is given from an American doctor who offers a revolutionary new approach to treatment.
I felt the first half of the book dragged a wee bit, it was a bit back and forward between Pip and Max but it did set the scene. Both characters exasperated me at the same time I was trying to understand them!
The second half of the book moved faster as we heard the story from both sides and I felt it was a more enjoyable read..

When requesting this book there was nothing to indicate this was as far away from her usual genre as you could get. I assumed it was another thriller and probably wouldn't have requested had I realised otherwise. It was well written and thought provoking just not what I was expecting and I found the dual endings a little unsatisfying.

This is not in the usual Claire Mackintosh genre but don't let that put you off. In her usual style, she manages to really suck the reader in with her impeccable writing style and ability bring the characters to life. Full review to follow.

In all honesty I didn’t enjoy this as much as I expected too. I usually love Clare’s books but this one lost some of the thriller element. This was more of a Jodi Picoult style novel which certainly isn’t a bad thing but in I just found the storyline a little depressing.

If l could give this book 10* I would it feels slightly wrong to admit to enjoying this book so much having regard to its subject matter but it was a wonderful book sad yes but not to its detriment just enough to matter but it had such hope and courage amazing - then when l thought l had felt every emotion possible l read the author’s final note and that put the whole book in another light - thank you netgalley for letting me read this fabulous book

A departure from Claire’s usually style this was nonetheless just as good, albeit in a different way. Tender but raw, punctured with sorrow and hope, I truly had tears in my eyes at times. I’m still thinking about it now, long after I have finished reading it.

This book was extremely thought-provoking and emotional. I always enjoy Clare Mackintosh and I did here too albeit the subject matter was very sad. It was very cleverly written so you didnt have to wonder about 'what if' however it still left you thinking about which were the right decisions. Clever, emotional, optimistic and a damn good read.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a thought provoking book, it is not an easy read but it is one that will stay with the reader for some time. There are many options and variables after Daniel’s death and it is these options that will stay with the reader. There is no right or wrong answer, only what is best for the child and the parents concerned. As Clare Mackintosh says at the end she and her husband had this choice to make and other parents have been in the spotlight in recent years because they wished to go against medical advice.
Highly recommended.

A truly beautiful read with well drawn characters. Both thought provoking & full of hope. A book that will stay with me. Clare’s writing is amazing

Very different from Clare's other books but my oh my what a great and emotional read! I couldn't put this down, it grabbed me from the start and pulled me right in! The second half of the book is very clever (without giving anything away!)

Recommended read most definitely

After The End was a totally different book to how Claire normally writes, I found it quite hard to get into. I found the court case quite drawn out and ended up skipping through the pages.

This book has moved me in more ways than I thought possible. My heart broke for the characters in the book; I could not imagine being in their position, facing the choices which Pip and Max must make.

With every chapter, the superbly powerful writing challenged my initial views of the decisions made by the characters. I found that, even when not reading, my thoughts returned to the dilemma encountered in this excellent novel, prompting probing discussions with my partner about what he would doing this situation.

I implore everyone to read this book.

This is very different from her other books - it is not a thriller, however like her other books it is a very good read.

'After the end' describes the heartbreak of a child's terminal illness. The book does not hide from the emotional turmoil when parents are asked the most difficult question - should their child live or die?

The 'sliding doors' approach to the story demonstrates that there are no easy answers and I appreciated that there was no sermonising, or obvious 'right solution'. It is a thoughtful, considered book, which I appreciated even more having read the final Author's Note.

A very enjoyable read! I was very interested in getting my hands on this one after I read the blurb and I am pleased to say that I was not let down.

The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page. I would recommend this read!

I enjoyed this book but found it somewhat unwieldy at times. Really sensitive subject matter and handled really well and with much sensitivity.

This book is the definition of bittersweet. Moments in it were heart-breaking, particularly during the first section, dealing with Dylan’s illness. This book will resonate strongly with anyone who has experienced the pain of watching a loved one suffer through terminal illness. Mackintosh clearly describes the grief, guilt, and exhaustion which parents in the PICU must feel every day. At the same time, she shows the bond formed between parents on the ward, and how lifelong friendship can blossom from shared trauma. I particularly liked the little instances of parents helping one another to cope, such as the book of advice (‘the tree outside is a good place to sit and think’). Grief can be a uniting force, even as it separates us from those we love; a force for strength, even in our weakest hours. Despite the upsetting content of the book, examining how partners cope with the loss of a child, the overall mood – especially in the second half – was positive and uplifting. I really appreciate that Mackintosh chose to show both possible paths (to allow Dylan die in hospital or to use experimental medicine to give him a longer life) – it was a very considered decision. Had she chosen one or the other, the tone of the book would have felt sanctimonious, as if she were judging parents who chose the ‘wrong’ option. Instead, by following both options, she demonstrates that there is no easy right/wrong decision. PICU parents are forced to make a choice that no-one should ever have to make, and they must do whatever they think best for their child. Mackintosh shows that some outcomes are inevitable – whichever path Pip and Max choose, bad things will happen, but there can be hope.

I have previously read clare mackintosh and loved them but i just did not enjoy this book. The whole book could have ended after the court case. It dragged on for me and took me much longer to read than any other books as i just was not feeling it. Such a pity as i like this authors previous books..

This was a heartbreaking read and at times I forgot to breathe. The premise appears simple a perfect couple with an ill child. Max and Pip adore one another and their son Dylan, but when Dylan becomes seriously ill what is in his best interest? The chapters are written from three POV, Max, Pip and Dylan’s doctor Leila.
I don’t want to say anymore as it will spoil the magic of the book. All I will say is that you will need tissues and the story will linger longer after you have finished.
Thanks to Sphere and NetGalley for an ARC in return for a honest review.
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