Review: After: The Graphic Novel Volume Two by Anna Todd

After: The Graphic Novel was such a hit that volume two (based on the second part of the original novel) is now on the shelves. And what is it? Well, broadly speaking, it is a lively graphic adaption of the second half a novel about a very toxic relationship. Volume Two sees innocent Tessa break up with her high school boyfriend to pursue an often sexual and very confusing relationship with Hardin, a rough, tough and emotionally damaged student from college. Tessa has found a job at a local publishing house, cut ties with her controlling mother and she and Hardin are moving in together. The whole thing is ludicrous--the job is too good to be true, her relationship with Hardin has barely began and their already moving in together and her mother is reduced to a role that would seem almost comical if it weren't for the fact that she is every bit as emotionally abusive of Tessa as Hardin is. 

Despite the many flaws, I found myself keen to keep reading and wanting to know what would happen next. (In spite of the fact that I have read the original twice, and I knew what horrible twist was in store for Tessa.) The plot and characters aren't great. I have all the same concerns that I had with part one that it romanticises a toxic relationship. It also concerns me that despite this being a graphic novel the artist has not been given credit on the front cover--this hardly seems fair considering the huge amount of work that has been done. 

Ultimately, it is what it is. Anna Todd has never claimed that she writes realistic fiction. Any reader who gets as far as Volume Two has probably already read the original and seen the movie will know what they are in for.

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