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The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle, book cover

The Beginning of After Summary

by Jennifer Castle

3.78 Goodreads · 8k ratingsYoung Adult425 pages14-min summary

After a car crash kills her family, Laurel finds an unexpected connection with the son of the man responsible, their shared grief creating a bond that redefines their fractured worlds.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished March 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel's life is irrevocably split into 'Before' and 'After' when her parents and brother are tragically killed in a car accident. The driver responsible is the father of her neighbor, David Kaufman, whose own mother also perishes in the crash. As Laurel grapples with profound grief, a fractured friendship, and the awkwardness of being seen as an object of pity, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to David. Their shared, devastating loss creates an undeniable, complicated bond that forces them to navigate their new realities together, confronting the complexities of love, loss, and the aftermath of a life-altering moment.
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartbreaking, poignant, hopeful, reflective

The Beginning of After Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. The Last Normal Day

    Sixteen-year-old Laurel deals with typical teenage issues: a crush on her best friend's brother, family arguments, and looking forward to summer. Her parents and younger brother, Seth, are going to a family reunion, and Laurel is staying home. She is annoyed by her brother's behavior and her parents' goodbyes, expecting a quiet night. This ordinary evening is interrupted by a phone call from the police, telling her that her entire family died in a car accident. The other driver, Mr. Kaufman, her neighbor, was also involved; his wife died, and he is in a coma. Laurel's world instantly ends, leaving her in shock and grief.

  2. A New Reality

    After the accident, Laurel moves in with her Aunt Sarah and Uncle Scott, who live nearby. The first few days are a blur of funeral arrangements, visitors, and the heavy weight of her loss. She struggles with her new life, feeling her family's absence in her old home. Her best friend, Kristen, tries to help, but their experiences grow apart. Laurel finds it hard to talk about her grief, feeling alone even with condolences, as she tries to handle life without her parents and brother, all while dealing with public attention and pity.

  3. Encounters with David

    Laurel's first meetings with David Kaufman, the son of the man who caused the accident, are full of tension and a strange pull. David's mother also died in the crash, and his father is in a coma. Their shared tragedy creates an uncomfortable bond. At first, their interactions are brief and awkward, marked by their mutual grief and the terrible circumstances linking them. David, known as a 'bad boy' at school, is also struggling. Despite the guilt and anger Laurel feels toward his father, she feels drawn to David, seeing a similar brokenness in him. These early meetings are a mix of avoidance, reluctant acknowledgment, and an underlying understanding.

  4. The Weight of Memory

    As Laurel tries to adjust to her new home, memories of her family and old life are everywhere. She revisits her house, now empty and silent, and is overwhelmed by the echoes of her family. Every object, every room, brings back vivid memories of her parents and Seth, making their absence more painful. She struggles with the feeling that she is losing parts of them and tries to hold onto every memory, fearing they will fade. This period is marked by strong emotions as she moves through grief, anger, and nostalgia, trying to make sense of the 'Before' and 'After' and find a way to live without being consumed by the past.

  5. Friendship Strains

    Laurel's close friendship with Kristen begins to weaken under the pressure of her grief. Kristen, well-meaning but unable to fully understand Laurel's experience, struggles to know how to support her. Laurel, in turn, finds Kristen's attempts at normalcy or pity unbearable. Small disagreements become larger arguments, and Laurel feels increasingly isolated, sensing that Kristen cannot truly understand her pain or her changed view of life. The distance between them grows, leaving Laurel feeling even more alone and questioning her remaining relationships. She realizes that her tragedy has changed her, and not everyone can keep up.

  6. A Developing Connection

    Despite the initial awkwardness and terrible circumstances, Laurel and David's connection grows. They find comfort in each other's company, recognizing a shared understanding of deep loss that no one else can truly grasp. They spend time together, often in silence, or talking about their families and the accident in a way they cannot with others. David's 'bad boy' image begins to break, revealing a vulnerable young man also struggling with great pain and guilt over his father's actions. Their relationship becomes a complicated mix of comfort, shared trauma, and a forbidden attraction, as they navigate being linked by such a devastating event.

  7. The Hospital Visit

    Driven by a need for answers and some closure, Laurel visits Mr. Kaufman in the hospital. He remains in a coma, silent and unresponsive. This visit is emotionally charged, as Laurel confronts the man responsible for her family's death. She talks to him, expressing her anger, confusion, and overwhelming grief, even though he cannot hear her. This act is a turning point for Laurel, allowing her to voice the raw emotions she has been holding inside. It is a difficult, cathartic experience that helps her begin to process the injustice and finality of her loss, even without receiving any direct answers.

  8. The Prom Dilemma

    As prom approaches, Laurel faces the choice of whether to attend. Kristen urges her to go, wanting to reclaim some of their old life and for Laurel to experience a 'normal' teenage event. However, Laurel feels disconnected from such events, seeing them as trivial given her tragedy. She struggles with the idea of pretending to be happy or normal, feeling it would be a betrayal of her family's memory. The prom becomes a symbol of the gap between her 'Before' and 'After' life, and she must decide if she can, or even wants to, participate in the rituals of a world that no longer feels like hers.

  9. Growing Apart and Together

    Laurel's relationships continue to change. Her friendship with Kristen reaches a breaking point, and they eventually accept that their paths are diverging. While painful, this separation allows Laurel to focus on her own healing. Her bond with David, however, strengthens. They find a unique closeness in their shared grief, understanding each other's pain in a way no one else can. They navigate the complexities of their connection, recognizing that their relationship is born from tragedy but has become genuine and supportive. Laurel also begins to form new connections, finding people who accept her for who she is now, not just who she was 'Before'.

  10. A New Beginning

    Towards the end of the book, Laurel slowly begins to embrace her 'After' life. She accepts that grief is an ongoing process, not something to 'get over.' While her family will always be a part of her, she learns to carry their memory without letting it paralyze her. Her relationship with David becomes meaningful, built on shared understanding and mutual support. She finds a sense of purpose in honoring her family's memory by living her own life fully. Laurel starts to make plans for the future, cautiously optimistic, realizing that 'After' does not mean the end, but rather a new, different beginning, marked by resilience and the quiet strength she has found within herself.

Principal Figures

Laurel

Protagonist

A sixteen-year-old girl grappling with the sudden loss of her entire family.

Laurel is a thoughtful and sensitive sixteen-year-old whose world is shattered by the sudden death of her parents and younger brother. Initially overwhelmed by grief, anger, and a profound sense of isolation, she struggles to navigate her new reality. She's intelligent and observant, but her trauma makes her withdraw from friends who can't understand her pain. Laurel grapples with survivor's guilt, the unfairness of her situation, and the daunting task of piecing her life back together. She possesses an inner strength that slowly emerges as she learns to cope with unimaginable loss.

Relationships: Kristen (best friend); David Kaufman (romantic interest/fellow survivor); Aunt Sarah and Uncle Scott (guardians/extended family); Her deceased family (parents and Seth) (primary source of grief and memory)

David Kaufman

Supporting

Laurel's neighbor, linked by shared tragedy and a complicated attraction.

David is Laurel's 'bad boy' neighbor, whose mother also died in the accident, and whose father caused it. He presents a tough, rebellious exterior, but beneath it, he is deeply grieving and carries immense guilt and pain. David is observant and sensitive, often expressing his emotions through actions rather than words. He understands Laurel's unique pain in a way others cannot, forming a profound and complicated bond with her. His presence is both a source of comfort and a reminder of the tragedy, making him a complex figure in Laurel's healing process.

Relationships: Laurel (romantic interest/fellow survivor); His deceased mother (source of grief); His comatose father (source of guilt and complication)

Kristen

Supporting

Laurel's best friend, struggling to support her through unimaginable grief.

Kristen is Laurel's loyal best friend, who tries her best to support Laurel after the accident. She represents the 'normal' world that Laurel can no longer fully inhabit. Kristen is well-meaning but often struggles to understand the depth of Laurel's pain, sometimes offering platitudes or trying to push Laurel towards normalcy when she isn't ready. This creates tension and distance between them. Despite her limitations, Kristen genuinely cares for Laurel, but their friendship ultimately strains under the weight of Laurel's altered reality.

Relationships: Laurel (best friend)

Aunt Sarah

Supporting

Laurel's compassionate aunt who provides a new home.

Aunt Sarah is Laurel's maternal aunt who, along with her husband Scott, takes Laurel in after the accident. She is kind, patient, and deeply empathetic, doing her best to provide a stable and loving environment for Laurel. Sarah understands that Laurel's grief is complex and allows her space to process it, while also offering gentle guidance and support. She represents a safe haven for Laurel, a compassionate adult figure who helps her navigate the practicalities and emotional challenges of her new life.

Relationships: Laurel (guardian/aunt); Uncle Scott (husband)

Uncle Scott

Supporting

Laurel's quiet but supportive uncle.

Uncle Scott is Aunt Sarah's husband and Laurel's uncle. He is a quieter, more reserved presence than Sarah, but equally supportive. He provides a sense of stability and normalcy in the household. While he may not express his emotions as openly as Sarah, his actions demonstrate his care for Laurel, offering a steady, reliable foundation during a tumultuous time. He helps to create a safe and predictable environment for Laurel as she grapples with her grief.

Relationships: Laurel (guardian/uncle); Aunt Sarah (wife)

Mr. Kaufman

Antagonist

The driver responsible for the accident, in a coma.

Mr. Kaufman is David's father and the driver of the car that caused the accident, killing Laurel's family and his own wife. Throughout most of the story, he is in a coma, representing the tangible source of Laurel's anger and the unanswered questions surrounding the tragedy. His comatose state prevents any direct confrontation or explanation, forcing Laurel to grapple with her feelings of injustice and rage without closure. He is a silent, yet powerful, catalyst for much of Laurel's emotional journey.

Relationships: Laurel (victim's family); David Kaufman (father)

Laurel's Parents (Mother and Father)

Supporting

Deceased, but central to Laurel's memories and grief.

Laurel's parents are only seen through her memories and flashbacks, but their presence is central to her emotional landscape. They are remembered as loving, sometimes exasperating, but ultimately foundational figures in her life. Their sudden absence creates the core conflict and drives Laurel's grief. Her recollection of their quirks, advice, and love provides both comfort and immense pain, as she struggles to hold onto their memory while learning to live without them.

Relationships: Laurel (parents); Seth (parents)

Seth

Supporting

Laurel's deceased younger brother, remembered for his playful spirit.

Seth is Laurel's younger brother, also deceased in the accident. He is remembered by Laurel as a typical, often annoying, but ultimately beloved younger sibling. Her memories of his playful antics, his unique personality, and their sibling dynamic are a significant source of her grief. He represents the innocence and vibrancy of her 'Before' life, and his absence leaves a particularly raw wound for Laurel, who often reflects on their last interactions and wishes she had been kinder.

Relationships: Laurel (brother); His parents (son)

Themes & Insights

Grief and Loss

The novel explores grief, especially the shock and emptiness after sudden, catastrophic loss. It shows how grief affects relationships, identity, and the perception of time ('Before' and 'After'). Laurel's journey illustrates the non-linear path of healing, including anger, denial, memory, and the eventual, reluctant acceptance that life must go on, though forever changed. It highlights how grief is not something to 'get over,' but rather something to integrate into one's being.

“It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.”
Narrator (Laurel)

The Nature of Identity

The story examines how a traumatic event changes one's identity. Laurel struggles with who she is in the 'After' world, feeling disconnected from her 'Before' self. Her old interests, friendships, and future plans seem meaningless after her loss. The theme explores rebuilding an identity, finding a new purpose, and understanding that while the past shapes her, it does not have to define her entirely. It is about finding strength in vulnerability and learning to carry her past without being consumed by it, forming a new, resilient self.

“The old me died with them, and this new me, she was just figuring out how to breathe.”
Laurel

Complicated Relationships and Connection

The novel explores the complexities of human connection, especially after shared trauma. Laurel's friendships strain as others struggle to understand her pain, leading to isolation. In contrast, her relationship with David, born from the same tragedy, thrives on a unique, unspoken understanding. This theme explores how shared experience can create unexpected bonds, even amid great pain and moral complication. It highlights that true connection often lies in empathy, presence, and the willingness to sit with someone in their suffering, rather than trying to 'fix' it.

“We were connected, David and I, by something so awful and so profound that it was like a third person in the room with us, always.”
Laurel

Forgiveness and Acceptance

A central theme is Laurel's difficult journey towards forgiveness and acceptance, both for herself and for the accident. She struggles with anger toward Mr. Kaufman, the driver, and even toward her own family for leaving her. The narrative explores the idea that forgiveness is not about excusing an act, but about releasing oneself from the burden of anger and resentment. It also touches on accepting the tragic nature of events and finding a way to move forward despite lingering questions and pain.

“I didn't forgive him. Not really. But I didn't hate him anymore, either. It was a start.”
Laurel

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Before and After Structure

A narrative framework emphasizing the profound impact of trauma.

The entire novel is framed around the concept of 'Before' and 'After,' marking the catastrophic car accident as the definitive dividing line in Laurel's life. This device highlights the profound and irreversible change brought about by trauma, emphasizing that life can never truly return to its previous state. It allows the narrative to explore the jarring contrast between Laurel's ordinary past and her shattered present, underscoring the depth of her loss and the struggle to adapt to an entirely new reality. This structure also helps to convey the protagonist's internal experience of time and memory.

Flashbacks and Memories

Vivid recollections that punctuate the narrative, revealing Laurel's past.

Throughout the story, Laurel experiences vivid flashbacks and recurring memories of her family and her life 'Before' the accident. These are often triggered by specific objects, places, or sounds. This device serves multiple purposes: it humanizes her lost family, allowing the reader to connect with them and understand the depth of Laurel's loss; it illustrates the persistent nature of grief and how the past intrudes on the present; and it highlights Laurel's struggle to hold onto these precious memories while also needing to move forward. They are both a comfort and a source of pain.

The Comatose Driver (Mr. Kaufman)

A silent, symbolic antagonist representing unresolved trauma and injustice.

Mr. Kaufman, the driver responsible for the accident, remains in a coma for much of the novel. This device is powerful because it denies Laurel the opportunity for direct confrontation, explanation, or apology. His unresponsive state forces Laurel to confront her anger and pain internally, without the possibility of external resolution. He becomes a silent, symbolic antagonist, embodying the injustice and the unanswerable questions of the tragedy. His condition pushes Laurel to find her own path to acceptance and a form of 'forgiveness' that doesn't rely on the perpetrator's acknowledgment or repentance.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What event fundamentally alters Laurel's life at the beginning of the novel?

    1. Her parents' divorce
    2. A car accident that kills her family
    3. Moving to a new town
    4. A breakup with her boyfriend
    Show answer

    B. A car accident that kills her family The novel begins with the tragic car accident that claims the lives of Laurel's parents and brother.

  2. Question 2

    Who is Laurel attracted to, despite her better judgment?

    1. Her best friend's brother
    2. A new student at her school
    3. David Kaufman, her neighbor
    4. Her math tutor
    Show answer

    C. David Kaufman, her neighbor Laurel finds herself attracted to David Kaufman, her neighbor, whose father was driving the car that killed her family.

  3. Question 3

    What is the primary connection between Laurel and David?

    1. They were childhood sweethearts
    2. They share a mutual loss from the accident
    3. They work at the same summer job
    4. They are distant relatives
    Show answer

    B. They share a mutual loss from the accident Their shared experience of loss due to the car accident creates a unique and lasting bond between Laurel and David.

  4. Question 4

    What is the state of David Kaufman's mother?

    1. She is in jail
    2. She moved away before the accident
    3. She is also killed in the accident
    4. She is recovering from an illness
    Show answer

    C. She is also killed in the accident The passage states that David Kaufman's mother is also killed in the same car accident.

  5. Question 5

    What literary device is suggested by the phrase 'Before and After' in the novel's description?

    1. Foreshadowing
    2. Irony
    3. Metaphor
    4. Structural framing of the narrative
    Show answer

    D. Structural framing of the narrative The 'Before and After' concept implies that the story is structured around the significant event that divides Laurel's life into two distinct periods.

  6. Question 6

    What does the description imply about Laurel's relationship with her best friend after the accident?

    1. It becomes stronger than ever
    2. They grow apart
    3. Her best friend moves away
    4. Her best friend also experiences a tragedy
    Show answer

    B. They grow apart The summary explicitly mentions that Laurel and her best friend grow apart in the aftermath of the tragedy.

  7. Question 7

    What is the description's tone regarding the novel's subject matter?

    1. Solely tragic and depressing
    2. Humorous and lighthearted
    3. Heart-wrenching but also witty
    4. Purely romantic and optimistic
    Show answer

    C. Heart-wrenching but also witty The description calls the novel 'heart-wrenching, surprisingly witty,' indicating a blend of sorrow and humor.

  8. Question 8

    The phrase 'turn your bones to plastic' is an example of what literary device?

    1. Personification
    2. Hyperbole
    3. Simile
    4. Alliteration
    Show answer

    B. Hyperbole Saying bones turn to plastic is an exaggeration used for dramatic effect, characteristic of hyperbole, to describe the profound impact of the 'crappy' event.

  9. Question 9

    What is the significance of Mr. Kaufman being 'comatose but still very much alive'?

    1. It suggests he will recover fully and quickly.
    2. It adds a layer of complexity to Laurel's relationship with the Kaufman family.
    3. It is a minor detail with no real impact on the plot.
    4. It indicates he is a suspect in the accident.
    Show answer

    B. It adds a layer of complexity to Laurel's relationship with the Kaufman family. Mr. Kaufman's comatose state, while alive, creates a lingering presence and complicates the aftermath for Laurel, especially given his role in the accident that killed her family.

  10. Question 10

    The novel is described as Jennifer Castle's debut. What does this imply about its potential reception?

    1. It is likely to be critically acclaimed due to the author's experience.
    2. It might face challenges as it's the author's first published work.
    3. It represents the author's initial exploration of themes and style.
    4. It guarantees a bestseller status.
    Show answer

    C. It represents the author's initial exploration of themes and style. Describing a work as a 'debut novel' signifies it is the author's first published book, indicating their initial foray into the literary world and their developing style.

The Beginning of After FAQ

What is 'The Beginning of After' about?

'The Beginning of After' is a young adult romance novel about sixteen-year-old Laurel, who loses her entire family in a car accident. The book explores how she navigates grief, changing friendships, and an unexpected connection with David, the son of the man who was driving the car that killed her family.

What kind of tragedy does Laurel experience?

Laurel experiences a profound personal tragedy when her parents and brother are killed in a car accident. This event fundamentally reshapes her life and her understanding of the world.

Who is David Kaufman and what is his connection to Laurel?

David Kaufman is Laurel's bad-boy neighbor. His father was driving the car that caused the accident that killed Laurel's family, and his mother also died in the crash. Despite their shared loss, Laurel finds herself drawn to David.

How does the accident affect Laurel's relationships?

The accident significantly impacts Laurel's relationships. Her bond with her best friend begins to weaken, and she struggles to determine if boys are showing interest out of genuine attraction or pity.

Is 'The Beginning of After' a sad book?

While the book deals with a profound tragedy and grief, it is also described as a surprisingly witty and a testament to resilience. It explores how life can drastically change and how individuals can find ways to move forward.

What is the theme of 'Before and After' in the book?

The 'Before and After' theme refers to the stark contrast in Laurel's life before and after the tragic accident. It highlights how a single moment can irrevocably change everything, forcing characters to confront a new reality.

What is the role of David's father in the story?

David's father was the driver of the car involved in the fatal accident. He is comatose but still alive in the story, representing a constant reminder of the tragedy and the complex connection between him and Laurel's family.

What kind of growth can readers expect for the characters?

Readers can expect to see Laurel navigate immense grief and learn to live in the 'after.' Her connection with David, forged through shared loss, suggests a journey of mutual understanding and potentially healing for both characters.

Is this book suitable for teens who have experienced loss?

The book deals with heavy themes of loss and grief, making it potentially relatable for young adults who have gone through difficult experiences. It offers a narrative of navigating tragedy and finding strength.

What makes this book different from other YA romances?

This book stands out by weaving a romance into a narrative of profound grief and loss. The central relationship is deeply intertwined with a shared, traumatic experience, offering a more complex and emotionally charged dynamic than typical YA romances.

About the author

Jennifer Castle

Jennifer Castle

Jennifer Castle is an author known for her contributions to contemporary fiction. Her notable work, "The Beginning of After," explores themes of loss and resilience. Castle's writing often resonates with young adult audiences, reflecting emotional depth and relatable characters.

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