In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath is a literary fiction novel written by American author Jane Ward and published on September 21, 2021, by She Writes Press.[1] The story centers on the profound and lasting effects of a man's suicide during the 2008 financial crisis, following David Herron, a family man whose business collapses under economic pressure, leading him to take his own life and leaving behind his widow Jules, their teenage daughter Rennie, a family friend and former detective named Denise, and a banker named Daniel burdened by guilt.[1] Set primarily in Boston two years after the tragedy, the narrative delves into themes of grief, guilt, healing, and resilience as the characters navigate their individual struggles and interconnected paths toward recovery.[2] Ward, a graduate of Simmons College who has previously authored Hunger (2001) and The Mosaic Artist (2011), draws on her background in writing book reviews and contributions to food magazines to craft a psychologically astute portrayal of ordinary people confronting extraordinary loss.[1] The novel received critical acclaim, including selection as one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Indie Books of 2021 and a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, which praised it as "an insightful and psychologically astute story of ordinary people moving forward after personal tragedy," and won awards such as the 2023 NYC Big Book Award for Distinguished Favorite in Literary Fiction, a finalist spot in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards for Fiction General and Literary Fiction, a Bronze in the Great Lakes region at the 2022 IPPY Awards, and Runner-up in the 2025 PenCraft Book Awards for Fiction - General.[2] Through its empathetic exploration of suicide's ripple effects—less focused on the act itself than on survival and human connection—In the Aftermath highlights the need for compassionate policies and support systems in addressing mental health crises.[1]Plot and characters
Plot
In the Aftermath is set primarily in Boston two years after the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the lingering effects of David Herron's suicide. Overwhelmed by the collapse of his family's lending business amid the economic downturn, David takes his own life, leaving behind his wife Jules, their 16-year-old daughter Rennie, and a network of friends and associates grappling with guilt and grief. The narrative interweaves the perspectives of those affected, exploring their individual struggles with loss, self-blame, and the search for healing. Jules manages the family's former bakery while harboring bitterness toward David's abandonment; Rennie faces social isolation and survivor's guilt at school; former detective Denise Healey, who investigated the suicide, becomes unexpectedly involved in Rennie's life out of her own remorse; and banker Dan Hopper, whose decisions contributed to David's financial ruin, wanders in transient guilt. Through these interconnected stories, the novel examines themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the ripple effects of tragedy on ordinary lives.[1][2]Characters
The novel features an ensemble of characters whose lives intersect in the wake of David Herron's death:- David Herron: The deceased protagonist, a family man and business owner whose suicide drives the story; his actions and motivations are revealed through flashbacks and others' recollections.
- Jules Herron: David's widow, a baker who takes over the family business but struggles with anger and emotional numbness.
- Rennie Herron: Jules and David's teenage daughter, dealing with adolescent challenges compounded by grief and self-doubt.
- Denise Healey: A retired police detective haunted by her role in the suicide investigation, who forms a bond with Rennie.
- Dan Hopper: The banker whose professional decisions exacerbated David's financial woes, now living a rootless existence burdened by remorse.
- Charlie Gale: David's childhood best friend, providing support to the family while confronting his own unresolved feelings.