Not a book that grips you, pulls you, or greatly moves you. It moves *through* you. Rhys is so excellent at the complexity of dynamics between people and people with their inner thoughts vs. exterior behavior. But without losing you in the inconsistencies. Big moments and feelings don't hit with a deafening blow but a gentle reminder.

"There was such sweetness in the air that it benumbed you. It woke up in you a hope that was a stealthy pain.
She was tortured because her brain was making a huge effort to grapple with nothingness.
Life was sweet and truly a pleasant thing."

Definitely not a cheerful read, and not one to read when you're already feeling down -- but it's powerful, and the writing is something to admire even if Julia, the main character, isn't so much...

My full review here at my blog, The Indextrious Reader.

I understood the sorrow.

3.5

This was pretty brutal. Might have to be my last Rhys for a while. Uff.

Much like “Quartet” in plot, but where that novel felt like much of the character was more concept,
“After Leaving...” works to add more past and present to the main character. Again, Rhys offers such great lines throughout.