After the Crash, a riveting novel by French author Michel Bussi, tells the story of a passenger plane that crashes into a mountain on December 22, 1980. Of the 169 passengers, there is only one survivor: an infant girl. What appears to be a miracle soon turns into a nightmare, as it is revealed that there were two infants on the flight, and both families claim the surviving child as their own. Eighteen years later, the girl, now named Lylie, is given a notebook containing a private detective’s meticulous account of his investigation into her true identity in the hopes that she will be able to solve the mystery herself.
The novel has many high points that readers will appreciate. By setting the story in the 1980s, simple solutions such as DNA testing and comparing the hundreds of photos that new parents (sometimes excessively and annoyingly) post of their children on social media, are unavailable. This adds an interesting layer to the mystery, because many of us today cannot imagine a world where this technology exists, and instead we take it for granted. Additionally, the story is told from several characters’ perspectives, which allows the reader to collect bits and pieces of information to consider, and keeps the dialogue fresh. Bussi also uses just the right amount of suspense, withholding enough information to keep the reader interested without leaving them completely in the dark. Sometimes, authors try too hard to be mysterious and just end up losing the reader. Finally, Francophiles will love the constant references to French culture, names and sites.
However, the book also has a few areas that could be improved. The subplot that follows Lylie and Marc, who may or may not be her brother, is creepy, unsettling and distracting. Personally, I found it unnecessary and it made it difficult to relate to both of these characters. Additionally, while Bussi is a very talented writer, the book was originally written in French, and the translation is a bit choppy at times. Lastly, while the ending is a plot twist, it still seems quite predictable.
Ultimately, however, After the Crash is the type of book that you do not want to put down. Its premise is interesting and the many plot twists keep the reader engaged. However, there are several unnecessary subplots and the ending leaves a little to be desired. Overall, though, the pros outweigh the cons, and I would definitely recommend this book.