Review~ The Twins by Saskia Sarginson

Hachette Books
2013

The unshakeable bond between twins is expertly explored in this compelling story about sibling complicity. Viola and Issy had an unconventional childhood, living with their ‘wild child’ mother in an idyllic village setting. They were allowed to run wild amongst the fields and hedgerows and thought that their childhood would last forever. When an innocent mistake rips their world apart, they must live with the consequences of their actions.

The story opens as the twins, now in their twenties, are living independently and the narration flits between past and present. Sometimes the story is told in the third person by Issy, who is the more independent of the twins, and at other times in the first person, by Viola, who is an inpatient in hospital. Both sides of the story are compelling, but it is Issy who is the real narrator and the driving force behind most of the story.

Overall, I think this is a commendable debut novel; the author has a good way with words and describes scenes very well. There is good imagery and both the twins and their lives are sympathetically portrayed. I was especially drawn to Viola, who whilst incarcerated in hospital still plays a major part in the narrative.

I am sure that this author will go from strength to strength, and I look forward with great interest, to reading more of her books in the future.

My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for my review copy