Under the Whispering Door’s Journey – Lost in the Pacing?

T.J. Klune’s “Under the Whispering Door” takes readers on an unexpected journey exploring the realms of life, death, and the mysterious spaces in between. The Author has successfully crafted a tale full of profound reflections about the journey of life interlaced with philosophical overtones.

At its core, the story follows Wallace, a recently deceased lawyer thrust into a supernatural afterlife in mysterious circumstances. He is accompanied by a compassionate ensemble of characters who guide him to ease his journey to the afterlife. Klune masterfully introduces a world teeming with fantasies, lovable characters, and thought-provoking philosophical musings. However, the journey to uncover spiritual revelations feels heavy due to the slow pacing of the central plot and the lack of depth of central characters, thus slightly diluting the impact of its profound themes by forcing the story upon the readers. A more in-depth exploration of the characters could have enriched the promising fantasy experience.

“Death isn’t always something to be feared” – echoes the book’s central themes and conversations between central characters like Wallace and his guides offer glimpses into the intricacies of the human experience.

Although such snippets touch upon life’s cyclical nature and the acceptance of mortality, their impact due to the stretched storyline seems diminished. Unfortunately, the story feels somewhat contrived, succumbing to the weight of predictability and clichés towards the conclusion and appearing to integrate the plot’s central theme forcibly.

Furthermore, central to the plot line are the ethical obligations of guiding souls, pondering the delicate balance between life and the afterlife. Despite narrative limitations, the book successfully emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals beyond the boundaries of life and death.

“Under the Whispering Door” is an introspective foray into life, the afterlife, love, death, family, and some sub-plots touching upon the sensitive areas of suicide. While its stretched storyline and somewhat forced conclusion may affect engagement, the profound themes and central message connect with a wide array of readers. For those contemplating life, death, and the interconnectedness of humanity, “Under the Whispering Door” presents profound philosophical insights.

Despite its flaws, the book remains a testament to Klune’s capacity for weaving fantasies and reflective narratives. The themes provided in the text highlight the book’s capacity to engage the reader at a deeper level, but their brilliance is somewhat dimmed due to the stretched narrative and forced conclusion.

Overall, it’s an average read, so readers looking for well-developed characters weaved into a solid and crisp storyline may be disappointed. While it may not seamlessly deliver on its promises, the novel’s ability to provoke contemplation on the dichotomy of life and the afterlife and the interconnectedness of human experiences remains a compelling invitation for readers seeking a reflective journey through the complexities of existence.

My Rating:- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Goodreads Rating: 4.15

Under The Whispering Door Book Reviewed On:

• Paperback
• Total pages: 376
• Genre: Fiction/Contemporary Fantasy
• Under The Whispering Door by T.J.Klune