Saturday, April 14, 2007

Book Review- The Girls



Warning- If you haven’t read this book it may contain some spoilers for you!
Well last night I finished The Girls by Lori Lansens and was saddened when it did end. It describes the lives of Ruby and Rose, conjoined twins and how they deal with what their lives throw at them. I have so much to say about this book but am finding it difficult to find the words if that makes sense?
The book gives the reader lots of food for thought, I found myself often looking up into space trying to imagine never having been on my own, never having full control of my life and I couldn’t. The story goes back and forth in their lives, secrets are revealed that alter your interpretation of the characters. I read on one review that the story is quite morbid, almost depressing instead of tearjerking and that is a viewpoint that interested me. It was quite a depressing tale and Uncle Stash’s betrayal at one point gutted me but I think the book lifts itself out of the depressive state by the girls optimism and ….well does anybody know what I mean? There were certainly a few moments where I had tears in my eyes but I got swept up in the narrative and they didn’t fall. I think the suddenness of Aunt Lovey’s death was what clinched it, knew she was going to die at some point but the contrast with their strawberry picking etc really made an impact, which I guess was the authors intention.
All in all I would really recommend this book. It was certainly thought provoking and moving, please let me know what you thought of it!

6 comments:

kookie said...

I can't wait to read this. It's been on my wish list forever. Your review has made me want it even more. As soon as I find three seconds of spare time....

Stephanie said...

I have not heard of this, but now that I've read your review, I'm going to search for it!! (Great. Like I need any more books!)

I'm going to add a link to your site on my list, if that's ok with you. I can see this blog is going to be one I read all the time!

a.book.in.the.life said...

Thats great Stephanie, I wanted to add yours too but wasn't sure of the etiquette for these types of things:) I will add you too seeing as you are already in my favourites folder!

Stephanie said...

I don't know if there is any sort of etiquette! I just usually ask!

Anonymous said...

I really liked this book a lot. I found it melancholy but not sappy you know. And, what struck me the most was how I felt as if I was reading a memoir. I got so involved with the characters I had to remind myself this was fiction.

a.book.in.the.life said...

I completely agree, at points I did feel it was a true story. It's funny I read a review that said it was completely un-memoir like. That's what I love abot books, everyone has their own interpretation and there is no right or wrong answer!