Under the Whispering Door Book Review

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Under the Whispering Door is a light fantasy read that explores what happens after we die. Wallace has lived a life in which kindness and compassion were not perhaps a priority for him. After he suddenly dies, he witnesses his funeral and is appalled at how few people bothered to show up. Desperate to deny the fact he’s dead, when a reaper comes to get him, he begins to accept that he might be dead after all. The reaper takes him to a tea shop, owned by Hugo, who tells Wallace he will help him “cross over” in a week. While trying to come to terms with his peculiar situation, Wallace also spends more time with Hugo and the customers in the tea shop and begins to realise his outlook on life may not have been ideal. But with time running out, how will Hugo cope with crossing over to a whole new plain of existence?

Having read The House in the Cerulean Sea last year and having loved it, I was excited to read more from TJ Klune! His ability to weave compelling stories with heart-warming romances and in-depth explorations about the human condition is truly unparalleled. Both of these books are great examples of stories that will have you laughing and crying in equal measures.

I loved seeing the journey Wallace went on throughout the book, both physically and spiritually and I thought Klune did a great job of proving that it’s never too late to become a good person. As with The House in the Cerulean Sea there was also a well thought-out and complex construct regarding the “fantasy” element – in this, exploring the afterlife and what happens after we die.

The exploration of grief was really beautiful and nuanced and I imagine this book in the hands of someone who can really relate would be a powerful and emotional experience. And similarly, the relationship between Hugo and Wallace was touching and beautiful and made this book feel like a warm hug.

Under the Whispering Door has confirmed in my mind that TJ Klune is an auto-buy author for me. Both life-affirming and gorgeously written, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and urge you to pick up a copy too!