The Heartbreaking Continuation of a Coming-of-Age Story
If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin is the emotionally devastating sequel to If He Had Been With Me, and takes readers through the aftermath of the tragic events that unfolded in the first book. While I enjoyed the first book, this follow-up hit me even harder, particularly through the perspective of Finny’s best friend, Jack. It’s a painful and beautiful coming-of-age story that explores love, grief, and healing. After reading this book, I find myself still reflecting on its emotional weight.
Content Warnings: Depictions of Death, Depression, Suicide, Pregnancy
What It’s About
In this second novel, we re-enter the timeline of If He Had Been With Me, but this time, we see events unfold from different perspectives. The book is divided into three sections, each giving us insight into different character’s lives: Finn, Jack, and Autumn. While we already know the major events that occur from book one, Nowlin’s skill writing and unique approach keep things fresh. We gain deeper insights into Finn’s perspective during the timeline of book one. But we also gain the perspective of Jack, Finn’s best friend, which expands to several months following the end of book one. Jack’s grief and guilt following Finn’s death are explored in depth, and we also get glimpses into Autumn’s life post-tragedy. We gain a deeper understanding of the characters, their emotions, and how they cope with the aftermath of loss.
The Characters
Jack’s journey was, for me, the most compelling part of this book. His grief, confusion, and sense of guilt were portrayed so poignantly that I found myself empathizing with him in a way that felt almost overwhelming. I wanted more of his story, particularly in terms of his healing process. Jack’s emotional struggle was the most gripping for me, and I feel that his character deserved even more space to process his trauma.
Autumn, whose perspective is also explored in the latter part of the book, provides insight into her life after Finn’s death, but I found myself wishing for more closure for the characters overall.
As for Sylvie, her relationship with Jack felt difficult for me to accept. Given her role in the tragedy—her reckless decision to disregard the poor weather conditions and the subsequent lack of remorse—it felt jarring to see her end up with Jack. I couldn’t help but feel frustrated that there was no real accountability or growth for her in the aftermath. I wanted Jack to have someone who could help him heal, rather than someone whose actions were central to his pain. Sylvie’s character just didn’t resonate with me in the way I had hoped, and her relationship with Jack felt like it didn’t offer the kind of healing they both needed.
Writing & Plot
Laura Nowlin’s writing remains simple yet beautiful, capturing the emotional depth of these characters and their struggles. The pacing of the story works well, allowing us to experience each character’s perspective fully. Though I usually don’t enjoy seeing the same events from different viewpoints, Nowlin kept the narrative engaging by focusing on different emotional aspects in each section. The way the story is told from multiple perspectives really enhanced the depth of the narrative and brought a fresh layer of meaning to familiar events.
What I Wanted More Of
While If Only I Had Told Her was heart-wrenching, I did feel that some things were missing. The book felt like it ended before I was ready to let go of the characters. I was hoping for an epilogue or a time jump—perhaps something that would show the characters five years down the road. Picture a scene at Jack’s graduation, or a reunion where the group reflects on their journey and how their relationships have evolved. I would have loved to see Jack and Brett’s friendship grow as they navigate adulthood, each carrying the weight of their past while supporting each other through their healing.
I think the idea of seeing them as adults—still friends, but changed by everything that happened—would have added a layer of hope and closure to an otherwise tragic story. It would have been the perfect way to show that, while the past can never be erased, growth is possible, and healing is always in motion.
Final Thoughts
If Only I Had Told Her is a beautiful, heartbreaking continuation of Finn and Autumn’s story. The emotion depth of Jack’s perspective, in particular, really struck a chord with me, though I wish we had seen more of his journey toward healing. The exploration of grief, love, and loss is effective. I appreciate how Nowlin tackled such heavy themes. However, the unresolved tension with Sylvie and the lack of closure for the characters left me with mixed feelings. I would have loved to see more growth from Sylvie and a glimpse of the characters’ lives down the road.
Would I Recommend It?
If you enjoyed If He Had Been With Me and are ready for an emotionally charged, thought-provoking follow-up, then If Only I Had Told Her is absolutely worth reading. While it may not provide the closure I was hoping for, it does offer deep emotional exploration and a deeper look at the complexities of love and loss. Fans of Laura Nowlin will appreciate the raw and honest storytelling, though if you’re seeking more resolution and closure for these characters, you might find yourself longing for that extra glimpse into their futures.
Join the Conversation
If you’ve read If Only I Had Told Her, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below! Feel free to recommend similar books that explore complex relationships and coming-of-age struggles.
What’s your favorite line from the book?
Mine: “My love for her is the closest thing I have to religion.”