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Sister
Nothing can break the bond between sisters ...When Beatrice gets a frantic call in the middle of Sunday lunch to say that her younger sister, Tess, is missing, she boards the first flight home to London. But as she learns about the circumstances surrounding her sister's disappearance, she is stunned to discover how little she actually knows of her sister's life - and unprepared for the terrifying truths she must now face. The police, Beatrice's fiance and even their mother accept they have lost Tess but Beatrice refuses to give up on her. So she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth, no matter the cost.
358 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
1,815 people are currently reading
47k people want to read
About the author
Rosamund Lupton
13books1,973followersThank you for visiting this bio. My books are not easy to slot into a particular genre, and you can usually be found under 'contemporary fiction', 'literary fiction', 'political thriller' and 'psychological thriller.' If you try one I hope you enjoy it.
From the publisher:
Three Hours was chosen by the Times as their thriller of the year. The Sunday Times called Three Hours 'a brilliant literary thriller...reminiscent of both Greek tragedy and Shakespeare�
Ruth Jones, author and actress, said 'It's gob-smackingly, heart-stoppingly, breath-holdingly brilliant.. the tension will blow your mind....'
Her debut novel, 'Sister' was a BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime, a Sunday Times and New York Times best seller and the fastest selling debut in WHSmiths'history. Her next two books 'Afterwards' and 'The Quality of Silence' were also Sunday Times best sellers. Her novels have been translated into over thirty languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,528 reviews
April 11, 2017
I'm no longer taking Amazon's recommendations for suspense novels. I was recently disappointed by A Discovery of Witches, and now Sister is getting a big push. Two more boring "thrillers" are hard to imagine. Sister follows snobby, racist Beatrice as she investigates the disappearance and possible murder of her free-spirited sister. Actually, Beatrice has already solved the crime, and is telling the story to a policeman in a series of sessions - which is as annoying a narrative structure as I have ever encountered. The structure only reinforces the repetitiveness of the narrative, and spends far, far too much time detailing Beatrice's coming and goings (She's in transition. Get it? GET IT? DO YOU GET IT YET? WELL, IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE, ANYWAY.). Sister is unusual in that it deals seriously with the depth of Beatrice's grief, a subject that is glossed over in many otherwise similar novels. The thing is, it's glossed over for a reason - it's dead boring, and endlessly repetitive. As another reviewer noted, Beatrice's reliability is slightly called into question as certain aspects of the story ring false, but I personally feel that the flaws are in Lupton's writing and are not intentional. Finally, I don't want to head into spoiler territory, but given the ending of the novel... the herrings are too red, and the reveal is a terrible "Had I But Known" cliche.
July 2, 2020
“Maybe terror and dread, once experienced, embed themselves into you even when the cause has gone, leaving behind a sleeping horror, which is too easily awakened.�
This was a pretty good mystery/thriller. Beatrice has always been close to her sister Tess, but after moving to the States they grow more distant. So when Beatrice gets a call from her mother to say that Tess has gone missing, she jumps on the first flight home to London.
Told as a narrative, as Beatrice recounts it to her lawyer, along with frequent flashbacks to the time in which she is retelling, I found the way the story progressed to be interesting and slightly different from the norm.
*Mild spoilers* as Beatrice returns home, it comes to light that her sister was pregnant, shortly after, it becomes known that she gave birth but the baby died. So when Tess� body is found, everyone believes it was suicide. But was it?
I enjoyed following Beatrice as she unravels the sinister events that led to her sister’s death. We learn that their younger brother died of Cystic Fibrosis as a child, which heavily impacted their family, and possibly Tess� baby.
When everything eventually came to light I was slightly confused. Without spoiling it, a lot of the information involved is heavily medical, and went right over my head. So even now having finished the book I still can’t entirely understand what the motive behind it all was.
But overall, it was a mystery done well. I didn’t guess the culprit and I liked Beatrice as a character. 3 stars ⭐️
This was a pretty good mystery/thriller. Beatrice has always been close to her sister Tess, but after moving to the States they grow more distant. So when Beatrice gets a call from her mother to say that Tess has gone missing, she jumps on the first flight home to London.
Told as a narrative, as Beatrice recounts it to her lawyer, along with frequent flashbacks to the time in which she is retelling, I found the way the story progressed to be interesting and slightly different from the norm.
*Mild spoilers* as Beatrice returns home, it comes to light that her sister was pregnant, shortly after, it becomes known that she gave birth but the baby died. So when Tess� body is found, everyone believes it was suicide. But was it?
I enjoyed following Beatrice as she unravels the sinister events that led to her sister’s death. We learn that their younger brother died of Cystic Fibrosis as a child, which heavily impacted their family, and possibly Tess� baby.
When everything eventually came to light I was slightly confused. Without spoiling it, a lot of the information involved is heavily medical, and went right over my head. So even now having finished the book I still can’t entirely understand what the motive behind it all was.
But overall, it was a mystery done well. I didn’t guess the culprit and I liked Beatrice as a character. 3 stars ⭐️
September 16, 2011
What rating do you give a book that definitely holds your interest and keeps you reading any time you can snatch a chunk of time, however small, yet leaves you disappointed and irritated when it ends? Which is more important - constantly being kept pulled into a story or coming away at the end of the book a satisfied reader???
I do not recall where I read the review that led me to queue up for this book at the library (and the line was long, believe me), but I noticed that most of the ŷ reviews are 4 and 5 stars so I figured I was in for a good read. The plot line is fully explained in the ŷ blurb (perhaps too fully?) ... and I was keen to know the resolution to the ‘mystery’which is why I kept reading, but the ending got progressively nuttier and I found the final chapters to be quite unsatisfying. It just became too unrealistic...characters were doing and saying things that I could not buy. More than once I said “oh, puhlese". Bohjalian’s “The Double Bind", with its ending that irritated the heck out of me, came to mind when I finished this book - same sense of disappointment in the resolution of the story.
I did find the genetic cure for cystic fibrosis scenario fascinating... the germ of a really good story was there... I just wish the author had devised a more plausible ending.
I do not recall where I read the review that led me to queue up for this book at the library (and the line was long, believe me), but I noticed that most of the ŷ reviews are 4 and 5 stars so I figured I was in for a good read. The plot line is fully explained in the ŷ blurb (perhaps too fully?) ... and I was keen to know the resolution to the ‘mystery’which is why I kept reading, but the ending got progressively nuttier and I found the final chapters to be quite unsatisfying. It just became too unrealistic...characters were doing and saying things that I could not buy. More than once I said “oh, puhlese". Bohjalian’s “The Double Bind", with its ending that irritated the heck out of me, came to mind when I finished this book - same sense of disappointment in the resolution of the story.
I did find the genetic cure for cystic fibrosis scenario fascinating... the germ of a really good story was there... I just wish the author had devised a more plausible ending.
September 25, 2011
Dark, harrowing,sad, and taut suspense. Also, very emotional. At times really hard not to let it get you down because you feel so bad for Bee. But, you also know she is in danger, but can't decide from whom. I love the style of writing. Highly recommended! Can't believe this was a first novel for this writer.
January 16, 2019
A very enjoyable debut from Rosamund Lupton, Sister follows the narrator, Beatrice, as she attempts to uncover the truth about the disappearance of her free-spirited sister Tess. As other readers have commented, the blurb on the back cover is a tad misleading: it suggests that
The plot is very cleverly constructed, drawing you right into the heart of the mystery while simultaneously withholding one vital fact, a fact which will only be revealed at the very end of the novel. For pages and pages you think you are in step with Beatrice in trying to probe the circumstances surrounding Tess's disappearance, learning new facts as she learns them; then, with just a few pages to go, you realise that possibly the most important element of the plot has been hidden from you all along - hinted at (you realise with hindsight), but never actually revealed. Some other ŷ reviewers, I notice, appeared to find this annoying, but I thought it pretty breathtaking, and take my hat off to Lupton's narrative skills.
I got through this one in an evening or two, and found it by turns touching, humorous and, indeed, surprisingly creepy. The use of language was beautiful, and the narrative structure irresistible. This may be Lupton's first novel, but I can safely say that I'm already looking forward to reading her follow-up.
The plot is very cleverly constructed, drawing you right into the heart of the mystery while simultaneously withholding one vital fact, a fact which will only be revealed at the very end of the novel. For pages and pages you think you are in step with Beatrice in trying to probe the circumstances surrounding Tess's disappearance, learning new facts as she learns them; then, with just a few pages to go, you realise that possibly the most important element of the plot has been hidden from you all along - hinted at (you realise with hindsight), but never actually revealed. Some other ŷ reviewers, I notice, appeared to find this annoying, but I thought it pretty breathtaking, and take my hat off to Lupton's narrative skills.
I got through this one in an evening or two, and found it by turns touching, humorous and, indeed, surprisingly creepy. The use of language was beautiful, and the narrative structure irresistible. This may be Lupton's first novel, but I can safely say that I'm already looking forward to reading her follow-up.
April 8, 2018
So, Sister by Rosamund Lupton. I know I’m a few years behind the times with this one and, in truth, I’d not come across this author before but I was sat in the hairdressers enduring the endless wait for my hair colour to take when I noticed a girl across the waiting area whose hair was a shock of foils sticking out in every direction only she didn’t look anywhere near as bored as me. In fact, she was completely devouring a dog-eared paperback, absolutely engrossed. I squinted across the room and could just make out the word ‘Sister� and surreptitiously retrieved my phone from my bag, scrolled through Amazon until I found the book and ordered myself an ebook! I wanted to be that engrossed, that lost in a book.
I have to confess that, once I’d started, the style took me a little while to settle into. It’s written in second person POV and I found it a little jarring at first. The narrative is, by and large, addressed to ‘you� and I had to keep reminding myself who it was actually aimed at. It’s not a style you see very often in novels and it took me several chapters to get used to it and finally get into the flow of it but once I did, there was no turning back. It’s highly intriguing with the story being drip fed to us the readers tortuously slowly but deftly managing to keep just the right amount of suspense to keep me turning the pages.
It takes place in London in winter but this is not a sparkly, romantic Winter Wonderland. No, this is a bleak midwinter with an overwhelming air of sadness and grief that permeates just about every page. The despair is just palpable and there’s some really desperately sad, touching moments here. As spring slowly starts to reveal itself in the book, so do the mysterious facts as we inch inexorably towards the dramatic conclusion.
And it really is a dramatic conclusion � Rosamund Lupton is playing tricks on us and I truly didn’t even realise for a very long time but, when you know, it’s obvious but I’m almost tempted to reread with hindsight and just relish the clever ruses she deploys on us! My only gripe is the ending � as so often in books, I wanted more. I needed the next two scenes handed to me on a plate, to see the aftermath and hear what happens to everyone and to get their explanations but, sadly, it’s not to be. I guess it’s the hallmark of a good book that the author leaves you itching for me but, miserly as I am, I’m knocking off half a star for it � I give Sister 4 1/2 twisty stars. Great page turner � would make a good film.
So, to the girl in the hair salon, even if you don’t know it � Cheers love for a fab recommendation!
I have to confess that, once I’d started, the style took me a little while to settle into. It’s written in second person POV and I found it a little jarring at first. The narrative is, by and large, addressed to ‘you� and I had to keep reminding myself who it was actually aimed at. It’s not a style you see very often in novels and it took me several chapters to get used to it and finally get into the flow of it but once I did, there was no turning back. It’s highly intriguing with the story being drip fed to us the readers tortuously slowly but deftly managing to keep just the right amount of suspense to keep me turning the pages.
It takes place in London in winter but this is not a sparkly, romantic Winter Wonderland. No, this is a bleak midwinter with an overwhelming air of sadness and grief that permeates just about every page. The despair is just palpable and there’s some really desperately sad, touching moments here. As spring slowly starts to reveal itself in the book, so do the mysterious facts as we inch inexorably towards the dramatic conclusion.
And it really is a dramatic conclusion � Rosamund Lupton is playing tricks on us and I truly didn’t even realise for a very long time but, when you know, it’s obvious but I’m almost tempted to reread with hindsight and just relish the clever ruses she deploys on us! My only gripe is the ending � as so often in books, I wanted more. I needed the next two scenes handed to me on a plate, to see the aftermath and hear what happens to everyone and to get their explanations but, sadly, it’s not to be. I guess it’s the hallmark of a good book that the author leaves you itching for me but, miserly as I am, I’m knocking off half a star for it � I give Sister 4 1/2 twisty stars. Great page turner � would make a good film.
So, to the girl in the hair salon, even if you don’t know it � Cheers love for a fab recommendation!
August 26, 2012
Initially, I really enjoyed this book. It opens up and immediately grasps readers with its unique perspective - the book is narrated by one sister directly to her deceased sister, catching her up on what has been happening since her death. It really gives an interesting frame to the novel and its actions. There is a lot of emotion in this book - and Lupton does a wonderful job of conveying a realistic relationship between these two sisters.
Unfortunately, the ending spoiled the entire book for me. It is one of those manipulative endings with a surprise so shocking that it completely detracts from the entire build-up of the book. The final conflict and resolution are rendered pointless. Despite the manipulative end twist, other parts in the plot felt predictable, which slowed the action down quite a bit in sections. Lupton introduces a lot of interesting information about cystic fibrosis here which adds a lot to the overall storyline, but her betrayal to the reader just soured the book past the redeeming point for me. I don’t like books that seem to revel in tricking the reader, and it just felt especially disappointing have such a promising beginning (and middle) of the book.
Unfortunately, the ending spoiled the entire book for me. It is one of those manipulative endings with a surprise so shocking that it completely detracts from the entire build-up of the book. The final conflict and resolution are rendered pointless. Despite the manipulative end twist, other parts in the plot felt predictable, which slowed the action down quite a bit in sections. Lupton introduces a lot of interesting information about cystic fibrosis here which adds a lot to the overall storyline, but her betrayal to the reader just soured the book past the redeeming point for me. I don’t like books that seem to revel in tricking the reader, and it just felt especially disappointing have such a promising beginning (and middle) of the book.
August 6, 2019
Beautifully written. Heartbreakingly sad.
Potently emotional. Brilliantly executed. Terrifyingly realistic. Happy ending? You decide.
Undeniably one of the best novels out there.
It is absolutely amazing that this is 's first novel. I was so riveted to the pages that I lost three hours of time before coming up for air. I'm looking forward to reading more novels by this undeniably talented writer! Highly recommended!
Potently emotional. Brilliantly executed. Terrifyingly realistic. Happy ending? You decide.
Undeniably one of the best novels out there.
It is absolutely amazing that this is 's first novel. I was so riveted to the pages that I lost three hours of time before coming up for air. I'm looking forward to reading more novels by this undeniably talented writer! Highly recommended!
August 17, 2013
This isn’t a roller-coaster ride, rather than a thriller I’d call it psychological-suspense. Even rather than fast-paced with a pervading sense of menace, an uneasiness that quietly builds. Beatrice the successful level-headed older sister arrives from New York to unravel the mystery surrounding Tess’s death. Her flighty artistic kid sister who in her own condescending and slightly superior fashion she deeply loved.
Beatrice undergoes a journey of self-discovery when she moves into her sister’s seedy London flat, rubbing shoulders with students and artists, the sort of riff-raff she normally shuns. But treating everyone like a potential suspect erodes her credibility, her confidence is replaced by paranoia, her polished veneer stripped away. Along with the mystery it was the maturing of Beatrice’s character that kept me turning the pages.
Cons: While the female characters are portrayed with empathy the men are such stereotypes. Beatrice’s fiancé Todd (are men even still called Todd??) is weak & shallow; her only friend Kasia’s boyfriend an abuser in definite need of some anger management classes. Pretty common in books target-marketed too women, I prefer a little more balance. Find it sorta boring and done to death. A well written and impressive debut � looking forward to her next novel, hopefully she’ll buck the trend.
Bottom-line an easy read that’s smart & insightful; kept me riveted. In its genre of psychological-suspense a solid 4 stars.
Beatrice undergoes a journey of self-discovery when she moves into her sister’s seedy London flat, rubbing shoulders with students and artists, the sort of riff-raff she normally shuns. But treating everyone like a potential suspect erodes her credibility, her confidence is replaced by paranoia, her polished veneer stripped away. Along with the mystery it was the maturing of Beatrice’s character that kept me turning the pages.
Cons: While the female characters are portrayed with empathy the men are such stereotypes. Beatrice’s fiancé Todd (are men even still called Todd??) is weak & shallow; her only friend Kasia’s boyfriend an abuser in definite need of some anger management classes. Pretty common in books target-marketed too women, I prefer a little more balance. Find it sorta boring and done to death. A well written and impressive debut � looking forward to her next novel, hopefully she’ll buck the trend.
Bottom-line an easy read that’s smart & insightful; kept me riveted. In its genre of psychological-suspense a solid 4 stars.
January 12, 2018
I thought this book was silly and beyond that insulting in its treatment of depression and suicide. Having said that, it was a lot better than any book I've ever written (none). Still...ugh.
From the first page, I winced at the over-blown tone of the main character's voice. I felt like I was reading a thirteen-year-old's idea of what an emotionally distraught person should sound like. I was seriously relieved when the "gasp" ending at least revealed the name "Mr. Wright" was not totally an intentional pun.
The writing style bothered me, a lot, but I've read plenty of books with cheesy writing that I ended up liking because the plot or mood or characters were so great. One element a lemon does not make. However, the characters in this book were awful as well, pretty two-dimensional. We have Tess, the deceased, who is perfect. Even her flaws are lovable and darling and perfect. We have an ice-Queen, b%$#* of a mother. We have the deceased sweetheart younger-brother. We have the main character, Bee, who goes on about how well she knew Tess and that Tess couldn't possibly have changed in spite of the intense and painful recent events of her life. All the while Bee claims she's saying and doing things her sister would never believe because Bee herself is so different now. Bee dresses differently, wears her hair differently, lives differently, and even the mother has miraculously done a complete flip and become a soft and tender mother. But all the while Bee refuses to admit that Tess might have changed. Ridiculous!
Bee is also supposedly mature and sophisticated enough to understand the powers and pitfalls of both depression and therapy. Yet, at the same time she insists over and over and over again that her sister, Tess, could not have committed suicide because she wasn't the type to hide from her problems and because she valued life too much after losing their brother to a prolonged illness. I found this response to depression deeply offensive. Suicide has little to do with hiding from problems or one's respect for life. It has everything to do with an abiding need for peace, for an end to the pain. Depression is a disease that can be fatal. It infuriated me when Bee would insist that she "knew" Tess and that Tess would never commit suicide. Bee may have known a healthy Tess, but someone in the grips of depression no longer has a strong sense of self. In many ways they are no longer themselves.
I also felt that this absolute certainty weakened the plot. It would have made for a better mystery if Bee was at least willing to acknowledge that while she felt it was remote, it was possible that Tess may have committed suicide. This would have provided one more possible outcome to the story behind Tess's disappearance and eventual death.
From the first page, I winced at the over-blown tone of the main character's voice. I felt like I was reading a thirteen-year-old's idea of what an emotionally distraught person should sound like. I was seriously relieved when the "gasp" ending at least revealed the name "Mr. Wright" was not totally an intentional pun.
The writing style bothered me, a lot, but I've read plenty of books with cheesy writing that I ended up liking because the plot or mood or characters were so great. One element a lemon does not make. However, the characters in this book were awful as well, pretty two-dimensional. We have Tess, the deceased, who is perfect. Even her flaws are lovable and darling and perfect. We have an ice-Queen, b%$#* of a mother. We have the deceased sweetheart younger-brother. We have the main character, Bee, who goes on about how well she knew Tess and that Tess couldn't possibly have changed in spite of the intense and painful recent events of her life. All the while Bee claims she's saying and doing things her sister would never believe because Bee herself is so different now. Bee dresses differently, wears her hair differently, lives differently, and even the mother has miraculously done a complete flip and become a soft and tender mother. But all the while Bee refuses to admit that Tess might have changed. Ridiculous!
Bee is also supposedly mature and sophisticated enough to understand the powers and pitfalls of both depression and therapy. Yet, at the same time she insists over and over and over again that her sister, Tess, could not have committed suicide because she wasn't the type to hide from her problems and because she valued life too much after losing their brother to a prolonged illness. I found this response to depression deeply offensive. Suicide has little to do with hiding from problems or one's respect for life. It has everything to do with an abiding need for peace, for an end to the pain. Depression is a disease that can be fatal. It infuriated me when Bee would insist that she "knew" Tess and that Tess would never commit suicide. Bee may have known a healthy Tess, but someone in the grips of depression no longer has a strong sense of self. In many ways they are no longer themselves.
I also felt that this absolute certainty weakened the plot. It would have made for a better mystery if Bee was at least willing to acknowledge that while she felt it was remote, it was possible that Tess may have committed suicide. This would have provided one more possible outcome to the story behind Tess's disappearance and eventual death.
June 28, 2011
This is a great summer read. Not because it is light and fluffy, quite the opposite, but because it is the kind of book that keeps you up very late at night to finish and it's good to be on vacation and not need to get up for work or to get kids ready for school the next morning. That is how I read it. In one night. Stayed awake til after one am to do so. Something about the way the author constructed the plot and the unfolding revelations kept me turning the pages. The shifting tenses and backwards way of looking forwards ( if that makes sense) was an unusual but effective style.
I realized almost immediately after beginning this book that the blurb on the back and the phrase on the front are misleading. You find out very early on that the fate or location of Bea's sister is not in question. It's the who and why that needs to be revealed. Its a very well done, darkly imagined story with a, for me, unexpected development at the end. I hesitate to cheapen it with the twist label because looking back, clues to that development were laced subtly throughout the narrative and made me really curious to get to the end to find out what she was alluding to. I just didn't expect it to be that.
I don't have a sister, but I can imagine that if I did I'd be calling her today.
I realized almost immediately after beginning this book that the blurb on the back and the phrase on the front are misleading. You find out very early on that the fate or location of Bea's sister is not in question. It's the who and why that needs to be revealed. Its a very well done, darkly imagined story with a, for me, unexpected development at the end. I hesitate to cheapen it with the twist label because looking back, clues to that development were laced subtly throughout the narrative and made me really curious to get to the end to find out what she was alluding to. I just didn't expect it to be that.
I don't have a sister, but I can imagine that if I did I'd be calling her today.
July 20, 2017
Oh my gosh, what a fantastic book! I really loved this one and am looking forward to reading Rosamund's other two novels. I loved the suspense throughout, and the ending was a massive shock. The final page made me cry big fat tears. Finding out why the main character was writing a long letter to her sister was absolutely devastating. The things we do to try and cope... Can't say too much without giving the whole story away. This is definitely one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
September 26, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. Good story, well written, suspenseful, 'whodunnit'is a big question mark and at the same time it is a touching, grieving story for a sister lost. Great read.
February 12, 2024
Am ales cartea în lipsă de altceva și am descoperit un thriller interesant, cu un mod plăcut de relatare a întâmplărilor. Finalul nu a fost chiar pe gustul meu, a fost cumva prea lipsit de sens, un criminal cam neglijent aș zice.
August 10, 2014
I loved this. I put this book on my ‘mystery/thriller� shelf based on its blurb, but there’s SO much more to it than that. Yes, the question of what happened to Tess is its central thread, but that’s only one of its many layers and complexities.
I was absorbed by it, confused, compelled. It’s an emotive read, looking at every kind of human trait, and I was moved to tears more than once. It’s one of those books where the full story is only revealed right at the very end, and even then you have to think, digest, re-read sections and digest some more before you’re hit by its full impact and meaning...and still you think about it, soaking it all in. It’s such a cleverly crafted book, dark and original.
I’ve purposely not delved into the plot line in this review, as the newer the reader is to the story, the better their discovery of its concept and twist. Highly recommended if you like things a bit different.
I was absorbed by it, confused, compelled. It’s an emotive read, looking at every kind of human trait, and I was moved to tears more than once. It’s one of those books where the full story is only revealed right at the very end, and even then you have to think, digest, re-read sections and digest some more before you’re hit by its full impact and meaning...and still you think about it, soaking it all in. It’s such a cleverly crafted book, dark and original.
I’ve purposely not delved into the plot line in this review, as the newer the reader is to the story, the better their discovery of its concept and twist. Highly recommended if you like things a bit different.
February 13, 2019
...But grief is the ultimate unrequieted love. However hard and however long we love someone who has died, they can never love us back. At least that is how it feels...
Well, this book surprised the hell out of me.
Sister is a psychological thriller about two sisters - Beatrice and Tess. The bond between them has always been strong, and when Beatrice hears that her younger sister is missing, she comes back to her hometown to find out what exactly happened to her sister. The story shifts between present and past narrative as we slowly find out about both of her lives, and whether Beatrice really knew her sister at all.
I did not have high expectation going into this novel. I knew that it was a decent thriller, because a friend of my suggested that I should read it, but I did not expect to be blown away by it... Boy was I wrong.
In its core, Sister is an emotional story about two siblings and their relationship. While there is a mystery going on (and it is quite a good one), the focus is never completely on that - which is why I enjoyed this novel as much as I did. A lot of thrillers focus on the twists and turns, and because of that, the characters end up being flat. Here, that is not the case. I loved reading about both Beatrice and Tess, and I loved how their bond was always strong, no matter how different they were. This is one of those rare thrillers that got me really emotional, and I cared more for the characters, than the mystery - and I think that is why I was really moved and shaken at the end, when I found out what was really going on.
If you have not read this novel, and you enjoy stories with strong characters and a good mystery, I suggest that you check it out. It might just end up being one of your favorite books, like it was the case with me.
Well, this book surprised the hell out of me.
Sister is a psychological thriller about two sisters - Beatrice and Tess. The bond between them has always been strong, and when Beatrice hears that her younger sister is missing, she comes back to her hometown to find out what exactly happened to her sister. The story shifts between present and past narrative as we slowly find out about both of her lives, and whether Beatrice really knew her sister at all.
I did not have high expectation going into this novel. I knew that it was a decent thriller, because a friend of my suggested that I should read it, but I did not expect to be blown away by it... Boy was I wrong.
In its core, Sister is an emotional story about two siblings and their relationship. While there is a mystery going on (and it is quite a good one), the focus is never completely on that - which is why I enjoyed this novel as much as I did. A lot of thrillers focus on the twists and turns, and because of that, the characters end up being flat. Here, that is not the case. I loved reading about both Beatrice and Tess, and I loved how their bond was always strong, no matter how different they were. This is one of those rare thrillers that got me really emotional, and I cared more for the characters, than the mystery - and I think that is why I was really moved and shaken at the end, when I found out what was really going on.
If you have not read this novel, and you enjoy stories with strong characters and a good mystery, I suggest that you check it out. It might just end up being one of your favorite books, like it was the case with me.
October 27, 2010
This book was astonishing. The blurb does not do the book justice and from what I read on the cover, it was certainly not what I expected. From the start, the book was quite a page turner and it was filled with intrigue. I thought that the way it was written - through a letter/conversation with her 'lawyer'/sister - was very different and effective. The realisation of what the message was and who Beatrice was talking to all along was incredible and quite shocking - The concept of this book is amazing.The book was quite complex with the twists, but easy to follow and become absorbed in. The twists and turns are what make this book - especially the great twists at the end, where what you think is changed dramatically at the turn of each page. Emotive and full of intrigue, this was a book that I really enjoyed.
September 19, 2015
The story is told from the perspective of Beatrice, and is, in a way, written as one big letter to her missing sister. I struggled to get into this one. I was never in a hurry to get back to reading the story and I often found at times I was reluctant to read it. There was a fair bit of repetitiveness which really slowed the pace of the novel down and I felt that every little movement or life event was documented and probably didn't need to be. I think Rosamund Lupton did convey Beatrice's grief and loss very well, and I did feel a level of empathy for her. I'm still uncertain how I feel about the ending. It was certainly unexpected and did change my perspective of the story, though I felt a bit let down as well. Unfortunately this one didn't really work for me and my rating is more like 2.5 stars.
May 7, 2018
"Сестра" е много емоционално наситена книга, в която се откроява силната връзка между две сестри. Историята не е нещо особено- абсолютно обикновен психологически трилър, въртящ се около изчезване и предполагаемо убийство, но начинът, по който е представена- под формата на писмо, е много оригинален и още повече засилва усещането за дълбока свързаност между сестрите. Разказът на Биатрис препуска между минало, настояще и бъдеще, разкривайки в детайли случилото се. Ярко се откроява цяла съвкупност от чувства- безпокойството, че нещо лошо може да се е случило; тъгата от трагедията ; болката от безвъзвратното, от разкъсаната връзка; загубата на най-близкия човек; липсата да видиш, да прегърнеш, да усетиш съществото, с което си споделял всичко;чувството за вина, че не си обърнал достатъчно внимание; носталгията по красивите и топли спомени.
" Сестра" е много внушителна книга, пропита с меланхолията на Биатрис и необходимостта ѝ да си излее душата, да изкара всичко неизказано пред малката ѝ сестричка Тес. Самата история е своеобразен процес на дълбоко разтваряне и едновременно с това- на опознаване.
Историята направо пулсира от чувства и емоции. Точно те са предадени толкова автентично, че не могат да останат незабелязани. Силата и дълбочината на
" Сестра" се крият именно в автентичното представяне на душевността и облика на персонажите.
" Сестра" е много внушителна книга, пропита с меланхолията на Биатрис и необходимостта ѝ да си излее душата, да изкара всичко неизказано пред малката ѝ сестричка Тес. Самата история е своеобразен процес на дълбоко разтваряне и едновременно с това- на опознаване.
Историята направо пулсира от чувства и емоции. Точно те са предадени толкова автентично, че не могат да останат незабелязани. Силата и дълбочината на
" Сестра" се крият именно в автентичното представяне на душевността и облика на персонажите.
July 9, 2015
This was one of those books I really wanted to like; there seemed to be such a general buzz around it and I hoped it would live up to the hype. Unfortunately, I just found it average overall.
On the plus side: it was certainly compelling and the plot had me hooked from the start. Most impressively, particularly for a debut, I was kept guessing all the way through and didn't work out who the culprit was until the end of the story was very near. I did have an inkling what was going to happen when I reached the last couple of chapters, but then there was another twist I hadn't anticipated. It's very readable and, as a mystery, it works; you do find yourself rooting for Beatrice, the narrator, as she endeavours to uncover the truth about what really happened to her younger sister, Tess - who has supposedly committed suicide, though Beatrice believes she was murdered. Along with Beatrice, you find yourself questioning the verdicts of the police; and along with many of the other characters, you find yourself questioning Beatrice's grip on reality too. As the story flashes back and forward, small clues about what's going to happen in the future keep you gripped as the past and the present gradually come together.
So, on to the problems:
- The character of Beatrice. I couldn't get to grips with her personality. At several points she describes herself as if she is introverted; she's afraid of confrontation, shies away from large groups of people, is anxious around attractive men etc; she seems to paint herself as a rather unremarkable, at times even timid person, yet she's also supposed to be a partner at a New York marketing firm at the age of 26. This didn't ring true for me and I didn't see why Beatrice had to have a high-flying job or be living in New York for the story to work.
- The narrative structure. The whole book is written as if it's a letter from Beatrice to Tess, so it's both first person and second person AND it flips back and forth between past and present tense. This is an ambitious thing to attempt and, given the complexity of it, Lupton has done quite a good job, but unsurprisingly it falls flat at times. When Beatrice is describing past events in detail (including dialogue) and then suddenly throws a 'you' in there, it's confusing. The whole narrative is, while not what I'd call badly written, very self-conscious; there were lots of moments where it really seemed like extra description or a couple of synonyms had been deliberately inserted to change the feel of the style.
- Perhaps a bit of a minor point, but Tess's body lies undiscovered in a Hyde Park toilet for five days...? Is it really plausible that nobody would have gone into the building in all that time, especially since a young girl was missing from the local area and the case was being publicised heavily?
- There is INSANE overuse of the word 'kind'. Someone is kind or looks kind or does or says something kindly/with kindness on more or less every other page. Also, the thing about the sisters' mum with her 'dressing gown rustling in the dark/smelling of face cream' in their childhood is repeated at least FOUR times, which is definitely unnecessary in quite a short book. These flaws should both have been sorted out when the book was edited.
I would put this on the same shelf as the better of the two Sophie Hannah mysteries I read last year, (and I think readers who loved Sister would probably enjoy that book too). It's definitely a page-turner but is probably best read quickly and/or with most of your brain turned off.
On the plus side: it was certainly compelling and the plot had me hooked from the start. Most impressively, particularly for a debut, I was kept guessing all the way through and didn't work out who the culprit was until the end of the story was very near. I did have an inkling what was going to happen when I reached the last couple of chapters, but then there was another twist I hadn't anticipated. It's very readable and, as a mystery, it works; you do find yourself rooting for Beatrice, the narrator, as she endeavours to uncover the truth about what really happened to her younger sister, Tess - who has supposedly committed suicide, though Beatrice believes she was murdered. Along with Beatrice, you find yourself questioning the verdicts of the police; and along with many of the other characters, you find yourself questioning Beatrice's grip on reality too. As the story flashes back and forward, small clues about what's going to happen in the future keep you gripped as the past and the present gradually come together.
So, on to the problems:
- The character of Beatrice. I couldn't get to grips with her personality. At several points she describes herself as if she is introverted; she's afraid of confrontation, shies away from large groups of people, is anxious around attractive men etc; she seems to paint herself as a rather unremarkable, at times even timid person, yet she's also supposed to be a partner at a New York marketing firm at the age of 26. This didn't ring true for me and I didn't see why Beatrice had to have a high-flying job or be living in New York for the story to work.
- The narrative structure. The whole book is written as if it's a letter from Beatrice to Tess, so it's both first person and second person AND it flips back and forth between past and present tense. This is an ambitious thing to attempt and, given the complexity of it, Lupton has done quite a good job, but unsurprisingly it falls flat at times. When Beatrice is describing past events in detail (including dialogue) and then suddenly throws a 'you' in there, it's confusing. The whole narrative is, while not what I'd call badly written, very self-conscious; there were lots of moments where it really seemed like extra description or a couple of synonyms had been deliberately inserted to change the feel of the style.
- Perhaps a bit of a minor point, but Tess's body lies undiscovered in a Hyde Park toilet for five days...? Is it really plausible that nobody would have gone into the building in all that time, especially since a young girl was missing from the local area and the case was being publicised heavily?
- There is INSANE overuse of the word 'kind'. Someone is kind or looks kind or does or says something kindly/with kindness on more or less every other page. Also, the thing about the sisters' mum with her 'dressing gown rustling in the dark/smelling of face cream' in their childhood is repeated at least FOUR times, which is definitely unnecessary in quite a short book. These flaws should both have been sorted out when the book was edited.
I would put this on the same shelf as the better of the two Sophie Hannah mysteries I read last year, (and I think readers who loved Sister would probably enjoy that book too). It's definitely a page-turner but is probably best read quickly and/or with most of your brain turned off.
February 21, 2013
I found a lot to like in this psychological thriller about an ordinary person seeking justice for her murdered sister. Bee gets called to London from New York because her sister Tess has disappeared. Soon she is found dead, and the police judge it suicide in her despair over the birth of a stillborn baby. Yet Bee just knows that her free-spirited sister would not kill herself, and step by step she does her own form of investigation.
The art of the book comes from how it draws you in from the fundamental perspective of the bonds between sisters. The narrative is in the form of Bee talking to Tess while she looks at everyone in her life with suspicion. In the process, she is contrasting her own approach to life with that of her sister. While Bee has always sought safety and security in her life choices, Tess took the path of a bohemian artist, open to helping strangers in need and takes risks in her relationships. Bee slowly develops the gumption to defy everyone who accepts the suicide theory, including her mother, her fiancé, Tess’s psychiatrist, and the police. In the process, this adoption of an open mind about everything makes her become more like her sister.
Soon she turns up a number of suspects, including a married professor and a weird fellow art student obsessed with her. It was fun to see how a relatively helpless woman with no experience with crime comes up with approaches to assess the various possibilities. The way that everything she turns up and brings to the police gets twisted to fit the theory of mental illness is well done. You know she is taking too many risks in trying to shake out the truth, but you can’t help wanting to make the same steps out of empathetic frustration with her. The twists and turns at the end made this a satisfying tour of how much the love of a sibling could drive one to come out of your shell to find the truth.
The art of the book comes from how it draws you in from the fundamental perspective of the bonds between sisters. The narrative is in the form of Bee talking to Tess while she looks at everyone in her life with suspicion. In the process, she is contrasting her own approach to life with that of her sister. While Bee has always sought safety and security in her life choices, Tess took the path of a bohemian artist, open to helping strangers in need and takes risks in her relationships. Bee slowly develops the gumption to defy everyone who accepts the suicide theory, including her mother, her fiancé, Tess’s psychiatrist, and the police. In the process, this adoption of an open mind about everything makes her become more like her sister.
Soon she turns up a number of suspects, including a married professor and a weird fellow art student obsessed with her. It was fun to see how a relatively helpless woman with no experience with crime comes up with approaches to assess the various possibilities. The way that everything she turns up and brings to the police gets twisted to fit the theory of mental illness is well done. You know she is taking too many risks in trying to shake out the truth, but you can’t help wanting to make the same steps out of empathetic frustration with her. The twists and turns at the end made this a satisfying tour of how much the love of a sibling could drive one to come out of your shell to find the truth.
August 14, 2011
My mum always describes mediocre films and books as ‘quite entertaining� or ‘diverting�. This book quite simply sums up both these statements; it was ‘ok� and it did keep me entertained for a couple of days, but it is no great work of fiction.
The story revolves around Beatrice who, once she discovers that her sister has gone missing, flies to England from New York in order to find her. When her sister, Tess, is found dead, Bea is certain that there is far more to the case than at first meets the eye.
Tess' family and the police close the case as suicide and try to move on with their lives, coming to terms with some revelations and self questioning, however, Bea takes it upon herself to discover the real truth. Single-minded in her search for a killer, Bea moves into Tess’s apartment, and into her life (including wearing her clothes) and throws herself headlong into finding her sister’s murderer. Everyone thinks she is mad (which quite frankly she probably is), but Bea knows her sister would never have killed herself voluntarily, even under incredible tragic circumstances.
The book is written in the style of many letters and Bea is writing to her sister, as well as reminiscences and self reflections. The gaps in the plot may be huge and the ending is quite unbelievably awful (in my humble opinion) however, as a diverting read and a bit of escapism, you can forgive the author and thank her for the ride. The writing is good, and has some heart warming moments of sibling love and tenderness, and it keeps you interested throughout.
If you are after a good story, to read over a long summer holiday, but not one to think too deeply about, then you will enjoy this book. It was, as my mum would say, ‘Quite entertaining�.
The story revolves around Beatrice who, once she discovers that her sister has gone missing, flies to England from New York in order to find her. When her sister, Tess, is found dead, Bea is certain that there is far more to the case than at first meets the eye.
Tess' family and the police close the case as suicide and try to move on with their lives, coming to terms with some revelations and self questioning, however, Bea takes it upon herself to discover the real truth. Single-minded in her search for a killer, Bea moves into Tess’s apartment, and into her life (including wearing her clothes) and throws herself headlong into finding her sister’s murderer. Everyone thinks she is mad (which quite frankly she probably is), but Bea knows her sister would never have killed herself voluntarily, even under incredible tragic circumstances.
The book is written in the style of many letters and Bea is writing to her sister, as well as reminiscences and self reflections. The gaps in the plot may be huge and the ending is quite unbelievably awful (in my humble opinion) however, as a diverting read and a bit of escapism, you can forgive the author and thank her for the ride. The writing is good, and has some heart warming moments of sibling love and tenderness, and it keeps you interested throughout.
If you are after a good story, to read over a long summer holiday, but not one to think too deeply about, then you will enjoy this book. It was, as my mum would say, ‘Quite entertaining�.
April 1, 2019
I thought Sister was really good... especially for a debut novel. It was a little dry in places, and the timeline was a little confusing at the beginning, but I really was kept guessing up until the end. Beatrice wasn't the most likeable or sympathetic character, but I think that was on purpose. She wasn't trying to be likeable, she would just do anything to find out what happened to her sister.
January 15, 2019
"Сестра" е не толкова забързан трилър, колкото психологически съспенс, в който Лъптън рядко умело и проникновено разкрива мислите, чувствата и душата на героите и по - специално тези на по-голямата сестра, главната героиня в романа.
Самата история не е нещо невиждано и оригинално, но това, което ме грабна в романа, е начинът, по който е поднесена - като писмо към по-малката мъртва сестра. Това допринася за емоционалния заряд, който носи книгата в себе си. Звучи толкова истинско.
В това писмо Биатрис казва със закъснение всичко, което приживе е спестила на сестричката си; всичко, за което в забързаното ежедневие не ѝ е останало време да сподели, почувства, даде. Всяка дума е на мястото си. Не просто виждаш, а чувстваш огромната мъка от загубата й. Изразите са живи, силни, дълбоки, неклиширани. Сякаш аз преживявах същото. Защото имам сестричка, точно 5 години по-малка от мен, и когато дори само за миг се запитах "Ами ако това бяхме ние?" (мисля, че който има сестра, не може да не си зададе този въпрос и да не се постави на мястото на Биатрис поне веднъж), веднага изтръпвах и осъзнавах, че емоциите са предадени максимално достоверно, че аз бих се чувствала точно по този начин.
Обратът в края също ме изненада, което е още един плюс.
Може би защото обичам такива мрачни сюжети, може би защото и краят ме изненада приятно (тъй като не го предусещах, а обичам непредвидените завършеци! ), може би пък и защото имам сестра и съпреживях болката на героинята... Заради всичко това - 5 звезди.
И със сигурност, защото книгата ме разчувства, "хващаше ме" за гърлото периодично и ме остави просълзена в края.
Самата история не е нещо невиждано и оригинално, но това, което ме грабна в романа, е начинът, по който е поднесена - като писмо към по-малката мъртва сестра. Това допринася за емоционалния заряд, който носи книгата в себе си. Звучи толкова истинско.
В това писмо Биатрис казва със закъснение всичко, което приживе е спестила на сестричката си; всичко, за което в забързаното ежедневие не ѝ е останало време да сподели, почувства, даде. Всяка дума е на мястото си. Не просто виждаш, а чувстваш огромната мъка от загубата й. Изразите са живи, силни, дълбоки, неклиширани. Сякаш аз преживявах същото. Защото имам сестричка, точно 5 години по-малка от мен, и когато дори само за миг се запитах "Ами ако това бяхме ние?" (мисля, че който има сестра, не може да не си зададе този въпрос и да не се постави на мястото на Биатрис поне веднъж), веднага изтръпвах и осъзнавах, че емоциите са предадени максимално достоверно, че аз бих се чувствала точно по този начин.
Обратът в края също ме изненада, което е още един плюс.
Може би защото обичам такива мрачни сюжети, може би защото и краят ме изненада приятно (тъй като не го предусещах, а обичам непредвидените завършеци! ), може би пък и защото имам сестра и съпреживях болката на героинята... Заради всичко това - 5 звезди.
И със сигурност, защото книгата ме разчувства, "хващаше ме" за гърлото периодично и ме остави просълзена в края.
May 5, 2014
'Grief is the ultimate unrequited love.' A different way to think of death, to be sure. Bee's upwardly mobile lifestyle is thrown to the winds as she digs into the circumstances of her younger sister's disappearance. Her grasp on sanity seems a bit fragile, and as the story unfolds, she steps into Tess' shoes and moves into her flat in an effort to learn more. The morphing of Bee from her safely staid life into the more bohemian leanings of her sister is interesting.
Every person attending a funeral has his/her own memories of the individual being laid to rest. Conversations, laughs shared, a brief aside remembered, recollections of time spent together, fragments of the whole person, but residing in the minds and hearts of family, friends and acquaintances. Never heard it put quite that way, and the idea is somehow comforting.
Several reviewers have noted this does not come across as a thriller, but rather a psychological suspense novel. I agree. I enjoyed the way the story was laid out and the ending was killer!
Every person attending a funeral has his/her own memories of the individual being laid to rest. Conversations, laughs shared, a brief aside remembered, recollections of time spent together, fragments of the whole person, but residing in the minds and hearts of family, friends and acquaintances. Never heard it put quite that way, and the idea is somehow comforting.
Several reviewers have noted this does not come across as a thriller, but rather a psychological suspense novel. I agree. I enjoyed the way the story was laid out and the ending was killer!
September 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this novel which was a relief as I haven't been getting on that well with some of my recent choices! It is outside of my usual genre being fiction and non-Christian.
The story is told by Beatrice whose sister Tess has gone missing whilst pregnant. Beatrice is writing a letter to her sister and tells the story through her writings. The author jumps backwards and forwards in the time line from the perspectives of the various characters. Maybe that sounds confusing. Normally I would agree but she skillfully pulls it off and I managed to follow the story. It is a novel that will keep you guessing right until the end with quite a few twists.
The author's writing style is easy to read and her creativity flows from each page. There are a lot of unusual metaphors that worked really well. She captures the emotions of someone dealing with death extremely accurately and sensitively. She also deals with cystic fibrosis and genetic modification.
The only drawback to this book was the occasional use of bad language. It wasn't frequent but was enough that I noticed it. As this is my own copy I have crossed all of the swearing through with a black pen so that when it goes in the charity shop the next reader won't be faced with it. I hope this doesn't result in them spending hours attempting to work out what the words were.....There are a few sexual scenes but nothing graphic and limited violence.
I would recommend this book, even more so if you want to try and find my slightly edited copy in a used book store local to Banbury in England....
The story is told by Beatrice whose sister Tess has gone missing whilst pregnant. Beatrice is writing a letter to her sister and tells the story through her writings. The author jumps backwards and forwards in the time line from the perspectives of the various characters. Maybe that sounds confusing. Normally I would agree but she skillfully pulls it off and I managed to follow the story. It is a novel that will keep you guessing right until the end with quite a few twists.
The author's writing style is easy to read and her creativity flows from each page. There are a lot of unusual metaphors that worked really well. She captures the emotions of someone dealing with death extremely accurately and sensitively. She also deals with cystic fibrosis and genetic modification.
The only drawback to this book was the occasional use of bad language. It wasn't frequent but was enough that I noticed it. As this is my own copy I have crossed all of the swearing through with a black pen so that when it goes in the charity shop the next reader won't be faced with it. I hope this doesn't result in them spending hours attempting to work out what the words were.....There are a few sexual scenes but nothing graphic and limited violence.
I would recommend this book, even more so if you want to try and find my slightly edited copy in a used book store local to Banbury in England....
June 21, 2011
"...Grief is love turned into an eternal missing."
Upon turning the last page of this book, I felt as though I got the wind knocked out of me. Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton is flat out powerful, riveting, and an emotional wallop of a read.
From the first page, I was plunged into Bee's despair and rage over her sister's death. Unlike what the synopsis might indicate - and although Bee does attempt to uncover her sister's killer, even when those around her doubt she had even been murdered, Sister, is first and foremost about the unshakeable bond between Bee and Tess and how it gives Bee the uncharaceteristic tenacity bordering on madness at a deep personal cost. No angelic rendering of sisterly love here; instead, Lupton gives us a realistic portrait of two sisters, opposites in many ways, but linked by much more than DNA:
"I know that I am bereaved but not diminished by your death. Because you are my sister in every fiber of my being. And that fiber is visible-two strands of DNA twisted in a double helix in every cell of my body-proving, visibly that we are sisters. But there are other strands that link us, that wouldn't be seen by even the strongest of electron microscopes...We are conjoined by hundreds of thousands of memories that silt down into you and stop being memories and become a part of who you are."
Bee, Tess, almost every character felt intimately real - I felt like I was the third sister and that the grief was happening to me as well. If you don't have a sister, and even if you do but aren't close to her, Sister will give you the experience of one; certainly if something happened to me, I would want my own flesh and blood to be the one person I would say without a doubt - she would know me better than anyone else, she would have my back, and she would never stop until she got to the truth of what happened to me. I wish for myself the imperfect, but extremely close relationship between Bea and Tess.
I debate on whether or not to tell you about the mystery - for there is one, which I've so far minimized. Believe me when I say, by the time you turn the last page of the book, the outcome of the mystery will leave you breathless with shock.
Upon turning the last page of this book, I felt as though I got the wind knocked out of me. Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton is flat out powerful, riveting, and an emotional wallop of a read.
From the first page, I was plunged into Bee's despair and rage over her sister's death. Unlike what the synopsis might indicate - and although Bee does attempt to uncover her sister's killer, even when those around her doubt she had even been murdered, Sister, is first and foremost about the unshakeable bond between Bee and Tess and how it gives Bee the uncharaceteristic tenacity bordering on madness at a deep personal cost. No angelic rendering of sisterly love here; instead, Lupton gives us a realistic portrait of two sisters, opposites in many ways, but linked by much more than DNA:
"I know that I am bereaved but not diminished by your death. Because you are my sister in every fiber of my being. And that fiber is visible-two strands of DNA twisted in a double helix in every cell of my body-proving, visibly that we are sisters. But there are other strands that link us, that wouldn't be seen by even the strongest of electron microscopes...We are conjoined by hundreds of thousands of memories that silt down into you and stop being memories and become a part of who you are."
Bee, Tess, almost every character felt intimately real - I felt like I was the third sister and that the grief was happening to me as well. If you don't have a sister, and even if you do but aren't close to her, Sister will give you the experience of one; certainly if something happened to me, I would want my own flesh and blood to be the one person I would say without a doubt - she would know me better than anyone else, she would have my back, and she would never stop until she got to the truth of what happened to me. I wish for myself the imperfect, but extremely close relationship between Bea and Tess.
I debate on whether or not to tell you about the mystery - for there is one, which I've so far minimized. Believe me when I say, by the time you turn the last page of the book, the outcome of the mystery will leave you breathless with shock.
January 1, 2011
'Sister' is perhaps the best debut thriller I have ever read.
It is written in the form of a letter from Beatrice. In this letter, Bee (as Tess always called her) tells her sister Tess everything about the things that happened after Tess disappeared without any known reason. Throughout the whole book, you can read the text messages and e-mails sent between the two sisters.
Bee's voice is very distinctive. From the start of Tess' disappearance, she believes there has been a crime, because she KNOWS Tess wouldn't have committed suicide, as everyone else believes. In the end, when you think you've finally figured it out - WHAM! Not wanting to spoil anything, please read it. My recommendation to all...if you happen to come across this amazing book, pick it up and enjoy.
It is written in the form of a letter from Beatrice. In this letter, Bee (as Tess always called her) tells her sister Tess everything about the things that happened after Tess disappeared without any known reason. Throughout the whole book, you can read the text messages and e-mails sent between the two sisters.
Bee's voice is very distinctive. From the start of Tess' disappearance, she believes there has been a crime, because she KNOWS Tess wouldn't have committed suicide, as everyone else believes. In the end, when you think you've finally figured it out - WHAM! Not wanting to spoil anything, please read it. My recommendation to all...if you happen to come across this amazing book, pick it up and enjoy.
April 1, 2016
With , I started wrongly by reading her second book firstly. , her debut novel didn't disappoint me at all. Written as a letter to her deceased sister was an excellent choice. I was hooked to it from the beginning, especially with Bee's prose talking. it is also an emotional read, with great twists especially at the end. I totally recommend this book to those who like a good psychological thriller.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
September 21, 2011
This book is a debut novel by the author. That said, all I can say is I will definitely be reading more by her.
This book was a gripping page-turner, with some of the most heartfelt writing I have come across in a long time (I really can't say enough about her writing!). Phrases that made me catch my breath. For example: "being depressed would be so welcome compared with the pain of bereavement"; "I'd rather feel guilty for the rest of my life than for her to have felt a second's fear" (mother talking about her daughter); "grief is the ultimate unrequited love"; and finally, Bee talking about London which perhaps anyone who has moved away from there original home can understand: "I feel surprised, not just by the pride I feel for my city, but also by the word ‘my�. I’d opted to live in New York, an Atlantic Ocean away, but for no discernible reason I feel a sense of belonging here." (Since I am from Boston now living in LA, this phrase really struck a chord with me.)
The story is written in the voice of Bee, who is writing a letter to her sister, Tess. Bee returns home to London from New York when her mother phones to tell her that her younger sister, Tess, has gone missing. Very shortly into the story, Tess is found dead apparently by her own hand; however, Bee, knowing her sister so intimately, does not believe this is the case. We follow Bee through her often frustrating journey of trying to get to the bottom of what really happened to her sister, as she winds back and forth from past to present while relaying everything to the Crown Prosecution Service attorney, Mr. Wright.
The novel is written in a very clever style, and it took me a couple of chapters to figure get the jist of it. It's also a book that has lots to discuss, so be sure you have a friend or 2 that read it with you.
This book was a gripping page-turner, with some of the most heartfelt writing I have come across in a long time (I really can't say enough about her writing!). Phrases that made me catch my breath. For example: "being depressed would be so welcome compared with the pain of bereavement"; "I'd rather feel guilty for the rest of my life than for her to have felt a second's fear" (mother talking about her daughter); "grief is the ultimate unrequited love"; and finally, Bee talking about London which perhaps anyone who has moved away from there original home can understand: "I feel surprised, not just by the pride I feel for my city, but also by the word ‘my�. I’d opted to live in New York, an Atlantic Ocean away, but for no discernible reason I feel a sense of belonging here." (Since I am from Boston now living in LA, this phrase really struck a chord with me.)
The story is written in the voice of Bee, who is writing a letter to her sister, Tess. Bee returns home to London from New York when her mother phones to tell her that her younger sister, Tess, has gone missing. Very shortly into the story, Tess is found dead apparently by her own hand; however, Bee, knowing her sister so intimately, does not believe this is the case. We follow Bee through her often frustrating journey of trying to get to the bottom of what really happened to her sister, as she winds back and forth from past to present while relaying everything to the Crown Prosecution Service attorney, Mr. Wright.
The novel is written in a very clever style, and it took me a couple of chapters to figure get the jist of it. It's also a book that has lots to discuss, so be sure you have a friend or 2 that read it with you.
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