Helpful Score: 3
Read. This. Novel.
I loved the reading experience of this book about twin sisters Fern and Rose. The women have a very close relationship, due in part to Fern being on the autism spectrum and Rose functioning as sister and protector. The story has elements of women's fiction, mystery, and domestic suspense, and I was here for every page!
Fern is a fabulous character and having insight into her thought process was intriguing. Just when I thought I knew where the plot was going, the author begins dropping tiny hints that my assumptions may be wrong. I won't share more to risk spoiling any plot points.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed Barrie Kreinik's narration. Her Australian accent was delightful and kept me anchored to the setting of the story.
I loved the reading experience of this book about twin sisters Fern and Rose. The women have a very close relationship, due in part to Fern being on the autism spectrum and Rose functioning as sister and protector. The story has elements of women's fiction, mystery, and domestic suspense, and I was here for every page!
Fern is a fabulous character and having insight into her thought process was intriguing. Just when I thought I knew where the plot was going, the author begins dropping tiny hints that my assumptions may be wrong. I won't share more to risk spoiling any plot points.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed Barrie Kreinik's narration. Her Australian accent was delightful and kept me anchored to the setting of the story.
Helpful Score: 2
Rose and Fern Castle are fraternal twins. Rose is married and is an interior designer. Her husband is currently working on a project in London, and she is planning on joining him for a 4-week holiday. Fern lives a simple life as a librarian. She is socially awkward and very literal. The sisters are very close. When Rose admits she wants a child but is having fertility issues, Fern realizes that carrying a baby for her sister is something she could do for her sister.
This story is told from two points-of-view...Fern in the present, and excerpts from Rose's diary. Even though she has not been diagnosed, we quickly figure out that Fern is on the autism spectrum. Her ways of dealing with stress and interpreting questions was eye opening. Because of Fern's difficulties, Rose shielded Fern from their mother's moods when they were children. She now considers herself Fern's protector.
A friend recommended this book to me. It is a mixture of family drama and psychological suspense. The characters are well developed. Fern and her friend, Wally, were my favorites. This is probably not a book that I would have picked up on my own, but I'm glad I read it. The story was riveting. As I listened to the audiobook, I wasn't sure where the story was going, but I didn't want to stop listening. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, did a fantastic job. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This story is told from two points-of-view...Fern in the present, and excerpts from Rose's diary. Even though she has not been diagnosed, we quickly figure out that Fern is on the autism spectrum. Her ways of dealing with stress and interpreting questions was eye opening. Because of Fern's difficulties, Rose shielded Fern from their mother's moods when they were children. She now considers herself Fern's protector.
A friend recommended this book to me. It is a mixture of family drama and psychological suspense. The characters are well developed. Fern and her friend, Wally, were my favorites. This is probably not a book that I would have picked up on my own, but I'm glad I read it. The story was riveting. As I listened to the audiobook, I wasn't sure where the story was going, but I didn't want to stop listening. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, did a fantastic job. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Helpful Score: 1
An excellent book! Some wonderful characters to root for! I was wound up, tense and worried for some of these characters for much of the book, as well. A perfect mix of genuine family ties and psychological suspense.
I got a very distinct Jodi Picoult vibe reading this book, in style, tone, and subject matter. Definitely an engrossing story with a surprising conclusion.
A very suspenseful book, and perhaps a good lesson on family dynamics. Two sisters raised by a mother with you might say has questionable parenting skills. Depends who is being parented. By the time you get to the second half, you will find yourself questioning most of what you read in the first half. An engrossing tale of family and fiends.
very good book! Will definitely read more by this author
if you loved "elinor oliphant is completely fine" or "the reading list", you will love "the good sister" too. the main character, fern, is magnetic. and her new beau, "wally" (aka rocco ryan), is a perfect match for her. the awkward but genuine romance and friendship that grows between them is just lovely. but there is more. there is the dark side, the twin sister, rose. i'll go no further, no spoilers.
oh and fern works in the library. which is always my favorite milieu. read this book!
oh and fern works in the library. which is always my favorite milieu. read this book!
