Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
After the Fall
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Judith Kelman
Class/Genre: Mystery Legal Setting Thriller
Putnam, Jun 1999, $23.95, 320 pp.
Everyone believes that Jess and Charlie Magill live the good life. They have three fine children, a beautiful home, and a dog named Prozac. He is a highly regarded Yale professor who provides consulting services involving bioethics. She is a psychotherapist. However, their world collapses when the police arrest their son Danny for raping high school freshman Lisa Benington, a long time friend.
Out on bail, Danny insists it was consensual and Lisa instigated the activity. However, there is enough evidence to go to trial and Danny is being treated as an adult. Jess loses clients, the school refuses to readmit Danny, and their friends shun them. The legal verdict is almost irrelevant as the Magills have been found guilty by the court of public opinion.
Judith Kelman provides her readers with her usual thought-provoking, superb tale. AFTER THE FALL is more than a legal thriller. It is a relationship drama that centers on the reality that once charged with a crime, a person and their family are guilty regardless of the ultimate outcome of the trial. This novel is chilling because it could happen to anyone.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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