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mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sisters is a stark but subtle novella about a woman who develops an obsession with her husband's ex-wife. This felt more like a creative writing exercise than a finished project but I appreciated the subtlety and the stylistic creativity. The author leaves a lot unsaid and asks the reader to read between the lines- she uses allusions to historical figures or pieces of art that the narrator reflects on to introduce the reader to the narrator's emotions and motivations. I finished it on a short flight and it was an easy, relaxing read that explores a topic that's often misrepresented or romanticized (the complex fixation someone can have with their partner's ex). Other than that, I didn't think it was particularly compelling- I found the characters equal parts irritating and dull, except the ex-wife.
I have such mixed feelings on this book. I thought the style was really interesting, but some of the characters were a bit difficult to get through. The exploration of a woman's insecurity and what it can cause her to do was great, but at times it felt like there were too many first-world-problems for the privileged characters, which made me less sympathetic towards them.
This brilliantly crafted novella's patina of simplicity will suck you in. Very few words but many layers. Told from the perspective of a second wife obsessed with the first, we're immersed in a sampling of serial monogamy and all that goes with it.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the e-review copy of this book.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the e-review copy of this book.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
I really enjoyed this story, although it’s about a second wife obsession with a first wife, it could apply to ex girlfriends as well . I was impressed how such a short book had so much to say.
I can see the craft in this, but it's not to my liking.
I had been recommended this book and was really looking forward to reading Lily Tuck's writing, and it did not disappoint! I finished this short novel in less than 24 hours - it read to me much more like a short story.
Tuck's writing is concise and I absolutely loved the way that she did not name the characters. Everyone was faceless, but you still understood the dynamic. She gave such minimal information but I feel as though I really understood the characters. I think the beauty of the this novel is in it's subtlety.
Tuck's writing is concise and I absolutely loved the way that she did not name the characters. Everyone was faceless, but you still understood the dynamic. She gave such minimal information but I feel as though I really understood the characters. I think the beauty of the this novel is in it's subtlety.
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really appreciate Tuck's writing style — removed and elliptical, with understated mood and tone between the words. This slim novel is good but it feels like an appetizer; I want a full meal.
emotional
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Spare, precise, revealing in its brevity. Only a few people get given names. Misogyny and patriarchy have their expected prominence, and the two exes are sisters under the skin--from the narrator's viewpoint, anyway.