Under the Whispering Door by by T.J. Klune

*** My Review ***

Under the Whispering Door, by T.J. Klune, is a touching and poignant novel that tells the story of a man named Wallace Price, who unexpectedly dies and finds himself in a limbo-like afterlife. The novel explores themes of grief, redemption, and the meaning of life, all through the lens of Wallace’s journey towards acceptance and understanding.

The novel begins with Wallace, a successful and wealthy lawyer, dying suddenly from a heart attack. He soon finds himself standing outside of a small tea shop called Charon’s Crossing, where he meets a mysterious figure named Hugo. Hugo informs Wallace that he has died and that he is now in a place between life and death, where he will have to face his past and come to terms with his mortality.

As Wallace comes to terms with his new reality, he discovers that Charon’s Crossing is actually a waystation where souls come to prepare for their final journey. He also meets the other inhabitants of the waystation, including the proprietor, Mei, and a trio of ghosts who serve as both comic relief and poignant reminders of the fragility of life.

The heart of the novel is Wallace’s relationship with Hugo, who becomes his guide and mentor in the afterlife. Hugo is a mysterious figure, with a shadowy past and a penchant for riddles and cryptic advice. However, as Wallace begins to open up to him, he discovers that Hugo has a deep understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life and face one’s own mortality. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, as Wallace grapples with his regrets and struggles to find a sense of purpose in his new afterlife.

One of the strengths of Under the Whispering Door is the way that Klune weaves together the themes of life, death, and the afterlife in a way that feels both heartfelt and nuanced. The novel avoids falling into the trap of cliches and sentimentality, instead offering a thoughtful exploration of what it means to live a good life and face one’s own mortality. Klune’s writing is also notable for its humor and warmth, with a cast of quirky and memorable characters that bring both levity and depth to the story.

One of the key themes of the novel is the idea of redemption and the possibility of growth and change, even in the afterlife. As Wallace reflects on his life and the mistakes he has made, he begins to see that there is always a chance to make things right and to find meaning and purpose in even the most difficult circumstances.

Through his conversations with Hugo and the other inhabitants of Charon’s Crossing, Wallace begins to see that the key to living a good life is not in accumulating wealth or status, but in finding connection and meaning in the world around us. This message is delivered with a light touch, but it resonates deeply and is sure to stick with readers long after they finish the book.

In addition to its powerful themes, Under the Whispering Door is also a masterful work of storytelling. Klune’s prose is engaging and lyrical, with a gentle rhythm that carries the reader along. The novel is also filled with moments of humor and wit, which help to balance out the more serious and contemplative moments.

One of the most impressive aspects of Under the Whispering Door is the way that it manages to tackle such weighty themes while still maintaining a sense of optimism and hope. Despite its focus on mortality and the afterlife, the novel is ultimately a celebration of life and the human capacity for growth and change. It offers a message of hope and redemption that is sorely needed in these uncertain times.

The novel’s ending is both poignant and satisfying, bringing together all the threads of the story in a way that is both unexpected and deeply moving. Klune manages to strike the perfect balance between closure and open-endedness, leaving the reader with a sense of hope and possibility for the future.

In addition to its narrative strengths, Under the Whispering Door is also notable for its diverse and inclusive cast of characters. The novel features characters of various ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, and it handles these identities with sensitivity and care. Klune’s commitment to diversity and representation is a welcome addition to the world of contemporary literature, and it is sure to resonate with readers from all backgrounds. The way in which each character is contributing to the overall narrative in a unique and meaningful way is truly commendable. Whether it’s the enigmatic Hugo, the quirky and lovable ghosts, or the wise and compassionate Mei, each character feels fully realized and integral to the story.

Another standout aspect of the novel is the relationship between Wallace and Hugo, which is both tender and profound. As the two characters grapple with their own mortality, they are able to forge a bond that is both mentor-mentee and something deeper. Klune’s portrayal of their relationship is sensitive and nuanced, capturing both the joys and the struggles of navigating such a complex dynamic.

However, it must be mentioned that the narrative can feel slow at times, with the focus on character development and introspection sometimes coming at the expense of plot momentum.

Another potential issue is the novel’s heavy reliance on metaphors and symbolism. While this can be an effective way to convey deeper meaning and emotion, some readers may find it overly heavy-handed or distracting. Additionally, some of the symbolism used in the novel may feel too on-the-nose or clichéd for certain readers.

Finally, some readers may take issue with the novel’s portrayal of the afterlife and its depiction of ghosts and spirits. While the novel’s metaphysical elements are central to its narrative, some readers may find the concept of a literal afterlife too fantastical or unrealistic for their tastes.

Overall, Under the Whispering Door is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores themes of life, death, and the meaning of existence with both humor and sensitivity. Klune’s writing is heartfelt and poignant, and the relationship between Wallace and Hugo is a standout element of the story. Whether you are looking for a thought-provoking exploration of mortality or simply a well-crafted and engaging story, Under the Whispering Door is a novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all backgrounds and ages. Highly recommended.