Review~ Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

2014

Intrigued by the concept of twins and their uncanny bond of connection,I was interested to read this novel by the American author Curtis Sittenfeld. As always she gets right into the very heart and soul of the characters and yet allows the reader the time to make up their own mind on where the story is going.

Twins Violet and Daisy know from the very beginning that they are different, but their ability to see future events and people's secrets puts them into a very vulnerable position. When they are grown ups, Daisy changes her name to Kate and tries to hide away from her skill; however, Violet seems to relish the fact that she can predict the future and works as a medium. When a national catastrophe strikes, Vi is determined to use her knowledge to warn people whilst Kate is horrified of Violet's involvement, especially when Violet makes her predictions public on television.

What then follows is an interesting look at how the ties that bind us can very often force us apart but the love and compassion between the twins eventually begins to shine through and the family bond becomes all the stronger. There are some gentle moments of real perception as the twins acknowledge that their very differences are what make them special.

The author has again succeeded in creating remarkable characters and successfully brings small town America to life in a realistic and empathic manner.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my digital copy of this book.

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About the Author

Curtis Sittenfeld is the author of the bestselling novels American Wife, Prep, and The Man of My Dreams, which are being translated into twenty-five languages. Prep also was chosen as one of the Ten Best Books of 2005 by The New York Times, nominated for the UK's Orange Prize, and optioned by Paramount Pictures.