After the Fall

Synopsis

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2019 UKLA BOOK AWARD After the fall, Humpty Dumpty is a broken egg. Life is tough: he's so afraid of heights, he can't even bear to climb onto his bed, or reach his favourite cereal on the top shelf at the supermarket. But one day, fuelled by his passion for bird-watching, he decides to conquer his fears and something amazing happens... 'A tender, wryly funny look at trauma and recovery' GUARDIAN

Summary

Chapter 1: The Fall

* Benjamin Mason, a successful businessman, is driving home one night when he is involved in a horrific car accident that kills his wife and two children.
* Traumatized by the loss, Benjamin struggles to cope and threatens to kill himself.

Chapter 2: The Letter

* Benjamin receives a mysterious letter from someone claiming to be a fellow survivor of the accident.
* The letter reveals that someone in Benjamin's past was responsible for causing the tragedy.

Chapter 3: The Investigation

* Benjamin is drawn into a dangerous investigation to uncover the truth about the accident.
* He suspects his former business partner, John Webster, but lacks concrete evidence.

Chapter 4: The Secret

* Benjamin discovers that Webster has a dark secret: he was having an affair with Benjamin's wife.
* This revelation fuels Benjamin's anger and obsession with revenge.

Chapter 5: The Chase

* Benjamin confronts Webster, but the confrontation turns violent.
* Webster flees, and Benjamin pursues him relentlessly, determined to make him pay for his crimes.

Chapter 6: The Showdown

* Benjamin tracks Webster down to a remote cabin in the mountains.
* A final confrontation ensues, with both men driven by desperation and a desire for absolution.

Chapter 7: The Aftermath

* The truth about the accident is finally revealed, and Benjamin's thirst for revenge is quenched.
* Despite finding justice, Benjamin is left with a profound hole in his heart and a realization that nothing can truly bring back what he has lost.

Chapter 8: A New Beginning

* In the wake of the tragedy, Benjamin finds solace in helping others who have experienced loss.
* He establishes a foundation dedicated to supporting victims of trauma and finds a new purpose in life.