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Lisa's Reviews > A Sister's Story
A Sister's Story
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3.75 Stars
Donatella Di Pietrantonio's novel, A Sister's Story tells the story of adult relationship of the two sisters from her novel A Girl Returned. Once again the older sister narrates the story from further in the future.
First I want to get my complaint out of the way. I had trouble keeping straight where I was in time and place through the first 40 pages; I had to go back and re-read it. Once I got through that patch, the story flowed more smoothly.
Though not as finely fashioned as the previous novel, the writing/translation is still striking--sparse and evocative, and I found this novel the more reflective of the two.
"As children we were inseparable, then we had learned to lose each other."
"With my sister I shared a legacy of words not said, gestures omitted, care denied. And rare, unexpected kindnesses. We were daughters of no mother. We are still, as always, two girls who ran away from home."
"I don't know when I lost her, where our intimacy was stranded. I can't trace it to a precise moment, a decisive episode, a quarrel. We only surrendered to distance, or maybe it was what we were secretly looking for: repose, shaking each other off."
In their childhood Adriana and her sister are so dependent on each other that in their adult lives they go looking for independence, or at least the illusion of it. They choose totally different men and lifestyles. I don't think they are truly disentangled; in some ways the choices they make are in reaction to each other.
I have a complicated, uneasy relationship with my sister who is 13 months older than I am. I seldom see her. I have put up a wall, knowing that distance is essential for my wellbeing. In some ways I envy the ferocity of the attachment of these two sisters; despite their differences they are there for each other when needed.
This book is a very worthwhile read that will be much stronger if you have read A Girl Returned.
Buddy read with Jennifer.
Jennifer's thoughtful review: /review/show...
Donatella Di Pietrantonio's novel, A Sister's Story tells the story of adult relationship of the two sisters from her novel A Girl Returned. Once again the older sister narrates the story from further in the future.
First I want to get my complaint out of the way. I had trouble keeping straight where I was in time and place through the first 40 pages; I had to go back and re-read it. Once I got through that patch, the story flowed more smoothly.
Though not as finely fashioned as the previous novel, the writing/translation is still striking--sparse and evocative, and I found this novel the more reflective of the two.
"As children we were inseparable, then we had learned to lose each other."
"With my sister I shared a legacy of words not said, gestures omitted, care denied. And rare, unexpected kindnesses. We were daughters of no mother. We are still, as always, two girls who ran away from home."
"I don't know when I lost her, where our intimacy was stranded. I can't trace it to a precise moment, a decisive episode, a quarrel. We only surrendered to distance, or maybe it was what we were secretly looking for: repose, shaking each other off."
In their childhood Adriana and her sister are so dependent on each other that in their adult lives they go looking for independence, or at least the illusion of it. They choose totally different men and lifestyles. I don't think they are truly disentangled; in some ways the choices they make are in reaction to each other.
I have a complicated, uneasy relationship with my sister who is 13 months older than I am. I seldom see her. I have put up a wall, knowing that distance is essential for my wellbeing. In some ways I envy the ferocity of the attachment of these two sisters; despite their differences they are there for each other when needed.
This book is a very worthwhile read that will be much stronger if you have read A Girl Returned.
Buddy read with Jennifer.
Jennifer's thoughtful review: /review/show...
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Reading Progress
September 28, 2022
– Shelved
September 28, 2022
– Shelved as:
to-read
October 5, 2022
–
Started Reading
October 7, 2022
–
Finished Reading
October 10, 2022
– Shelved as:
2022
October 10, 2022
– Shelved as:
translation
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Ron
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Oct 10, 2022 06:51PM
Enjoyed this fine review, Lisa. To me it feels astute and true in how you describe this relationship between these sisters, complicated by their early closeness. I don't know if I'd read the book, but your review does make me think of the importance of my own sister.
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Ron wrote: "Enjoyed this fine review, Lisa. To me it feels astute and true in how you describe this relationship between these sisters, complicated by their early closeness. I don't know if I'd read the book, ..."Thanks Ron. This read definitely got me thinkinking about my relationship with my sister and my brother as well.
Splendid review, Lisa! A reflective novel about relationship of the two sisters sounds tempting.
Nika wrote: "Splendid review, Lisa! A reflective novel about relationship of the two sisters sounds tempting."It is a wonderful read. Be sure to read A Girl Returned first.
Interesting review, Lisa! You're obviously a good reader, since good readers will reread portions of a story to comprehend it.As for your relationship with your sister, I understand. My sister and I have had our ups and downs, but at this point, we are very close since we have each helped the other through some rough patches that only a sister can understand. I do hope that you eventually get there with yours. 💖
Linda wrote: "Excellent review, Lisa."Thank you, Linda.
Debbie wrote: "Interesting review, Lisa! You're obviously a good reader, since good readers will reread portions of a story to comprehend it.As for your relationship with your sister, I understand. My sister and..."
I appreciate the compliment and the words of encouragement.
I am so glad that this picked up after an initially rocky start! I sometimes find myself feeling envious of characters in books too! Beautiful review Lisa 🧡
Ellie wrote: "I am so glad that this picked up after an initially rocky start! I sometimes find myself feeling envious of characters in books too! Beautiful review Lisa 🧡"Thank you, Ellie. I am always happy when a book rights itself.
Lisa, I love your expression, ferocity of attachment, when describing these two sisters. There was something about this book that felt a bit like a whirlwind of both events and emotion. I love all the quotes you pulled, and your sharing of your own relationship, and your sensitivity and insights. Reading this with you made it a rich experience for me, along with the author’s ability to express the ache of family love.
Jennifer wrote: "Lisa, I love your expression, ferocity of attachment, when describing these two sisters. There was something about this book that felt a bit like a whirlwind of both events and emotion. I love all ..."That ache is there for so many of us, isn't it?
For me this didn't feel like a whirlwind. While a lot was going on, this felt more measured. A Girl Returned felt much more urgent. This one had me feeling a little less and thinking a little more, though it definitely touched both processes for me.
I missed your review of this one but happy to find it now! I'll definitely read the first, and it's good to know it's the stronger of the two :) Terrific review, Lisa!
Candi wrote: "I missed your review of this one but happy to find it now! I'll definitely read the first, and it's good to know it's the stronger of the two :) Terrific review, Lisa!"I bet after you read the first, you'll want to know more; and this satisfied that desire. It's very good, and just not as strong as the first. They're both slim volumes, so they go quickly.
Great to get your impressions on this one. Yours and Jen's opinion seem to converge, too. Thanks for this!
Charles wrote: "Great to get your impressions on this one. Yours and Jen's opinion seem to converge, too. Thanks for this!"You're welcome. And thank you for introducing me to Donatella De Pietrantonio. I will definitely look for more of her work in the future.
Maybe, Lisa, in one of those weird turns of events that occur in some novels, you'll find out that Jen is actually your sister! Well, probably not. But I'm glad you enjoy reading together. And I enjoy reading your reviews.
Left Coast Justin wrote: "Maybe, Lisa, in one of those weird turns of events that occur in some novels, you'll find out that Jen is actually your sister! Well, probably not. But I'm glad you enjoy reading together. And I ..."
What a delightful thought! Jennifer, if you have no objection, I will hold you as my sister in books. And Justin, I appreciate our shared love of books and the gifts of Claire Dewitt and Tim Winton that you have shared with me.
Hi Lisa, I agree, A Girl Returned felt much more urgent - great way to describe it. And, yes, we know that ache - that sums up how I feel when I read her writing, even though her details are so specific. Knowing that ache is why I’ll read her again. I think in this one, when I felt a little lost in the fragments I tried to find my ground, while you were able to pause, savor and reflect.
Loved the review, Lisa! Admire mentioning your personal relationship with the elder sister :)
Jennifer wrote: "Hi Lisa, I agree, A Girl Returned felt much more urgent - great way to describe it. And, yes, we know that ache - that sums up how I feel when I read her writing, even though her details are so sp..."
We bring ourselves to each book we read and have our own unique experience with each book, one of the many reasons I learn so much in discussing a book.
Meghna wrote: "Loved the review, Lisa! Admire mentioning your personal relationship with the elder sister :)"Thank you Meghana. I always look for myself and the people I know when I read. Finding us brings an even deeper connection to a book for me.
Lisa, I had the same complaint about the switching time frames and places . Overall, just not as good as the first one for me . Great thoughts - thanks!
Angela M wrote: "Lisa, I had the same complaint about the switching time frames and places . Overall, just not as good as the first one for me . Great thoughts - thanks!"That first quarter of the book was a struggle. And I felt satisfied knowing how their stories continued.
