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Insightful,
Interesting,
Dramatic

2 reviews

The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen

Published: 2011-11-08
Hardcover : 336 pages
3 members reading this now
11 clubs reading this now
4 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members
 In the tradition of Marilynne Robinson’s Housekeeping and Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge, a dazzling debut novel about the family bonds that remain even when they seem irretrievably torn apart

Growing up in hardscrabble Kentucky in the 1920s, with their mother dead and their ...
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Introduction

 
In the tradition of Marilynne Robinson’s Housekeeping and Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge, a dazzling debut novel about the family bonds that remain even when they seem irretrievably torn apart

Growing up in hardscrabble Kentucky in the 1920s, with their mother dead and their stepfather an ever-present threat, Bertie Fischer and her older sister Mabel have no one but each other—with perhaps a sweetheart for Bertie waiting in the wings. But on the day that Bertie receives her eighth-grade diploma, good intentions go terribly wrong. A choice made in desperate haste sets off a chain of misunderstandings that will divide the sisters and reverberate through three generations of women.

What happens when nothing turns out as you planned? From the Depression through World War II and Vietnam, and smaller events both tragic and joyful, Bertie and Mabel forge unexpected identities that are shaped by unspeakable secrets. As the sisters have daughters and granddaughters of their own, they discover that both love and betrayal are even more complicated than they seem.  

Gorgeously written, with extraordinary insight and emotional truth, Nancy Jensen’s powerful debut novel illuminates the far-reaching power of family and family secrets.

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http://nancyjensen.org/reading-group-guide/
by ncvlib (see profile) 08/14/12

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Author is willing to join your book discussion via Skype or speaker phone.
by ncvlib (see profile) 08/14/12
I wish I had gone to her website sooner so I could have arranged a booking with her. She offers to join reading groups via Skype–or by speaker phone!

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "The Sisters"by pat g. (see profile) 10/29/12

Really enjoyed reading the book. Interesting story of the lives of two sisters. Well written.

 
  "The Sisters"by Marsha M. (see profile) 08/15/12

Interesting and thought provoking study on how one choice can influence many lives.

 
  "Sisters"by Lora Glass N. (see profile) 08/14/12

It doesn't happen often especially with a debut but we all loved this book. Sisters was well written and the characters were believable. We really enjoyed the multi-generational aspect as well as well... (read more)

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