I was excited to be approved to read Catherine Texier's After David. I'm not too much younger than the protaganist and I thought the book would focus on women's empowerment. I have NO problem with an older woman dating younger men. But this book just wasn't for me. I had a hard time connecting to the main character. The writing was basic and at times, I felt a bit uncomfortable. After David had the potential to be a great book. Unforunately, it wasn't.

I unfortunately, just could not connect with this book whatsoever. It's very possible that a divorcee may have more of a connection to this life after story - however I've never had an issue connecting with an age gap story before.

I think it was descriptive, written well, and had the potential to be better, however I felt it lacked a lot of actual substance.

It gave me Sex and the City meets Cougar Town vibes. I do feel like Eve, our FMC somewhat changed between the first and second half of the book, but not in a positive to the plot way and moreso how she was written changed.

I found Eve super empowering, but overall I wasn't really moved by her or the rest of the characters. This is also the definition of "no plot, just vibes" which normally, I love! But I think it was hard to feel connected with this story. One thing that really worked for me though was the beautiful and immersive description of New York City.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

I'm really sorry, but this book is not for me. I think this story will have an audience, I'm just not in it.

The about 10% that I read was simple and clean writing. Nothing to flashy. I was not interested in the subject matter.

Because this book is not for me, I can't give a fair star rating, but since I have to in order to submit the feedback, I'm giving it an arbitrary middle of the road rating of 3. I will not publish a review on Goodreads. Thank you for granting me access to the arc. Best of luck!

i have a lot of thoughts with this one. i found it empowering that an older woman felt the confidence and bravery to connect with someone in more of a platonic away at her age and stage of life. though i loved the concept and it was unique, i felt not drawn to the story and it took me awhile to read and i typically will read a book this short in one or two sittings. i liked it but didn’t love or hate!

After David by Catherine Texier is another book to add to my "all vibes, no plot" list. After David is a smoky, sexy, punch of desire. The main character, Eve, is struggling to understand herself -- divorced, over 60, technically a grandma, a struggling writer, and also not dead yet. She undertakes the task of online dating and beings to see a younger man, Jonah, and falls deeply in love with him. Becoming more and more obsessed with Jonah, Eve embarks on this twisted journey of shame, desire, lust, and vulnerability.

Overall, I enjoyed the story of Eve and her life. I think it's important to read stories about women enjoying sex and their bodies longer after 29. I also think we've all been an Eve in the sense that it feels good when someone chooses us and we want to do everything we can to keep that attention. Aside from Eve, however, I didn't feel very connected to the other characters. Many of the characters and Eve's own backstory felt really two dimensional and it was hard to stay connected/interested in them.

My biggest issue with the book is the lack of quotation marks. I totally get that some texts can read really well without them (i.e. Cursed Bread) but that is usually because these stories don't have a ton of dialogue. After David has a wild amount of dialogue for a book that refused to use quotation marks. It was extremely confusing to read and I would find myself having to stop and reread a sentence or two to figure out if someone was speaking or not. That structure can work for some books, and it did not work for After David.

Overall I gave this book at 3.25/5. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was strangely unmoved by this book and although I finished it didn’t care about any of the protagonists.

Catherine Texier's "After David" delves into the intricacies of Eve's life, a writer in her early sixties, who finds herself struggling with a dwindling sex life after a divorce and the challenges of aging. With unapologetic and sensuous prose, Texier fearlessly explores Eve's journey of self-discovery and sexual liberation in the face of societal expectations and her own Catholic guilt. The novel begins by delving into Eve's casual encounters with younger men she meets through online dating, fulfilling her desires while battling the internal conflict of her seductiveness. Texier masterfully captures the inner turmoil and the lingering effects of Eve's failed marriage, portraying her as a complex and multifaceted character. However, everything changes when she embarks on a passionate affair with Jonah, a jazz guitarist in his thirties, who reinvigorates her life and tempts her to leave behind the ghosts of her past. Texier's writing seamlessly weaves together elements of eroticism and poignancy, creating a captivating literary work that explores the aftermath of divorce and the transformative power of love. The novel's exploration of the lopsided love affair is reminiscent of Colette's "Chéri," presenting a raw and authentic portrayal of a contemporary woman fearlessly navigating the challenges of aging and love. Catherine Texier, a renowned author, brings her wealth of experience to "After David." With six novels and a memoir under her belt, Texier's talent shines through in her ability to delve deep into the intricacies of her characters' lives. Her work has garnered international acclaim, and "After David" is no exception. The vividness of Texier's storytelling evokes a range of emotions, immersing readers in a thought-provoking exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. Texier's ability to capture the essence of the fearlessly aging contemporary woman is commendable. Through Eve's journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences with love and aging, resonating with the universal themes presented in the novel. Texier's portrayal of Eve serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of women as they navigate the challenges of life and embrace their true desires. "After David" is an absorbing and evocative read, shedding light on the intricacies of love, sex, and self-discovery. Catherine Texier's masterful storytelling and profound exploration of the human psyche make this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and unabashedly honest portrayal of the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of personal happiness.

While I am younger, reading about an older women having some of the same struggles as me when it comes to online dating was almost reassuring? Not sure how else to put it. This was a well written book, the only complaint I have is the lack of quotation marks, but that is something that some can look past so definitely not that big of a deal.

All in all, this is a good book!

An updated How Stella Got Her Groove Back.

Woman in her 60's going through a sexual peak with men in their 30s.

This made me uncomfy!!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

I want more! What a story. Texier might be my new favorite writer. Her story was so well written and I felt like I was in NYC with her. I loved the perspective of a woman in her sixties dating a younger man. This had all the things I desire in a book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.