Title: Two Sisters
Release Date: March 4/2014
Adquired: Print ARC provided by publisher
Goodreads: ADD
Purchase: Amazon/Indigo/Book Depository
Mary Hogan’s powerful and poignant debut novel about two sisters—opposites in every way—plus their mother and the secrets and lies that define them all.
One family, two sisters, a lifetime of secrets . . .
The third child in a family that wanted only two, Muriel Sullivant has always been an outsider. Short, dark-haired and round, she worships her beautiful blonde sister, Pia, and envies the close bond she shares with their mother, Lidia. Growing up in their shadow, Muriel believes that if she keeps all their secrets—and she knows plenty, outsiders always do—they will love her, too.
But that was a long time ago. Now an adult, Muriel has accepted the disappointments in her life. With her fourth-floor walk-up apartment and entry-level New York City job, she never will measure up to Pia and her wealthy husband, their daughter, and their suburban Connecticut dream home. Muriel would like nothing better than to avoid her judgmental family altogether. One thing she does quite well.
Until the day Pia shows up to visit and share devastating news that Muriel knows she cannot tell—a secret that will force her to come to terms with the past and help her see her life and her family in unexpected new ways.
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Two Sisters was so much more than what it's title implies. It was about two sisters, plus their entire family, and a chest full of life-altering secrets. It was reminiscent of a day-time soap opera, only with a few steps shy of being overly-dramatic. There was so much more I wanted out of this narrative, but aside from that need, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough-the plot line was fast paced, and full of enough subtle secret hinting that I couldn't wait to reach the twists.
This book was definitely plot-driven, because I found it hard to relate to most of the characters, and was sometimes confused about the time frame in which the book was apparently taking place. The tone of Two Sisters, and references made within, could have easily placed it in the early 90's, as opposed to present day. There was also the alternating style, that has the narrative switching between Muriel and Pia's situation in the present, and Owen and Lidia's tumultuous love affair in the 1980's. There was no indication to the switch, and it sometimes did so from paragraph to paragraph within the same chapter. It was easy enough for me to follow, but I can definitely see that as a hindrance for some readers.
My draw to Murial was unfaltering, she was definitely the most vulnerable, and therefore, most relatable character in the book. Flashbacks of the treatment she recieved as a child, the neglect and downright shunning, made my heart ache with empathy. There was a scene in the beginning, during a day out at the beach with her mother and sister, that almost brought tears to my eyes. I could have cared less for Pia, Lidia, and Owen, though their roles in the book were definitely needed. It created just the right sense of tension, and provided a conclusion that was believable, though a bit lacking to say the least-it was slightly predictable, but I was satisfied for the most part.
If you're a fan of story lines that are slow to build, but are generous with the weight of it's twists, Two Sisters may just be the read you're looking for.
Recommended for Fans of: Women's Fiction, Barbara Delinsky, drama, contemporary.
Challenges: Goodreads 100 Book Goal
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Greetings! And welcome to both teen and adult readers.
A little bit about me: I'm proud to be the Nappa Award-winning author of seven Young Adult novels. TWO SISTERS (William Morrow Publisher) is my first mainstream novel. It tells the emotional story of one family, two sisters and a lifetime of secrets.
I've also written for several national magazines. Personal stories, mostly. Look for my true article, "Lasting Lessons" in the March 2014 issue of Woman's Day. It's about my mom, my sister and me. Previously, my articles have appeared in magazines from Family Circle to Fitness, on subjects ranging from my addiction to talk radio (latest obsession: "Taking Stock with Pimm Fox") to life as a blonde. A lifelong brunette, I bleached my hair PLATINUM blonde and chronicled daily life as a blonde. Wow! What a difference. Let me say this: As soon as I was able, I dyed it back. Some people just have a brunette personality...
On a personal note, I live in New York City with my husband, Bob, and our freckly dog, Lucy. "Don't bother me, I'm lounging."
Woof!
Contact Links
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Thank-you to Trish from TLC Book Tours for hosting this tour, and to William Morrow for sending me a print copy to review!
I love books about families, I think in large part because I always imagine myself in these fictional families. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour!
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