Great character study in family crisis. This is a mind-numbing book for anyone who enjoys the best and worst in "just what could really happen" stories!

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A wonderful book about an ordinary Vermont family who suddenly have to cope with a horrible act committed by their son. The parents' emotions and reactions - protective, angry, accusatory, horrified, embarrassed - are beautifully and realistically protrayed in the book. Moving and memorable.

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Brown's riveting novel about a family torn apart by a son's murder of his girlfriend

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This book is so good that you won't want to put it down but the writing leaves you overwhelmed at times and you are forced to sit back, take a deep breath and think "what would I do" "what would my family do". Very good story line involving love, family, ethics with a title that is so appropriate because you won't be the same person afterward.

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Just finished this book today. Mar.4,09. I am surprised to find this did not get very good reviews at least here on Shelfari. I found this story touching and one I, as a parent can relate to. (not that we've been in this situation, however I do relate to the parents and some of their feelings they experience)

This book tells of a family, who's teenaged son is accused of killing his girlfriend. He seems to be a fairly good kid, and the family is having a hard time believing this has happened, even though his mother, is a physician and has actually seen the body of the murdered girl. The father, on the other hand, immediately decides to hide any evidence that can make his son look guilty. And the younger sister is also deeply disturbed over the next few years as the story unfolds in courtrooms and jail buildings. And on top of it all, the son accused of murder, vanishes. The title is pretty much self expainatory... Their lives... Before and After. I was touched by the book so I will give it 4 stars.

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a story that makes you think

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This was quite good, but very different.

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