Name: The Sister
ISBN: 9780307268167

Poppy Adams

This lyrical and haunting story of two sisters, their troubling past, and the terrible secrets they each want buried will stay with you long after you close the book. A wonderful book loaded with twists and turns that come straight from the heart--Harlan Coben.

A Novel

The Sister

Tori Carrillo

When I began reading this book it immediately reminded me of We Have Always Lived in The Castle which I read earlier this year. The odd foreboding that something more was happening or had happened in the past to these sisters, but the author was just building the reader up for the conclusion with very little clues here and there. I originally rated this book 4 stars immediately after reading it but believe it to be closer to 3 or maybe 3.5 stars. This is because many things were left open ended at the end. This usually doesn't bother me but it was a lot of build up for a not as satisfying ending.

I was unsure if some parts of the plot were necessary while I was reading but everything builds to one conclusion and all events were needed in order to get to the ending. Impressive, yet the actual conclusion was abrupt and vague. Instead of leaving the reader to fill in the blanks, the conclusion kind of felt a bit insulting. Like we, the readers, couldn't handle the truth. Which, in fact sitting here typing this, I can actually say (if that was the intention) is quite clever... considering that is how Virginia was treated and protected her entire life... Maybe I should keep my rating at 4 stars haha.

I really enjoyed the connections the author allowed for the reader to make between the main character/narrator and her life's work with moths. The beauty of how she understood her own world and her place in that world through a subject that was often ignored by everyone else. The constant reference to cannibalism ("They just have a look about them.") and parasitism of other organisms living in nature and carrying about their natural urges/instincts in order to survive for even their short lives was a great way for the author to show insight into the main character, Virginia, as well as some of the minor characters actions, such as her parents. 

I personally enjoyed this book and the voice of Virginia throughout the novel. I would definitely recommend it.

The Sister A Novel

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