Sister power - of sorts
Two books about sisters, two books that could not be more different.
The Van Apfel Girls Are Gone by Felicity McLean
Kindle Edition, 352 pages, Published June 25th 2019 by Algonquin Books
It is 1992, it is hot in Australia, Lindy Chamberlain is being compensated and the three Van Apfel sisters have disappeared.
Tikka was friends with the three sisters and through her eyes we unwrap the mystery.
This is a complicated little story, told by one narrator but at different points of time. Some when she is 11 and others when she is in her 20s.
Tikka 11 is trying to find her way, she worships Cordelia Van Apfel and just wants to be a part of everything. Tikka 20s is a mess, coming to grips with trauma of the disappearance and riddled with the what ifs.
As the narrative unfolds instead of clarity you are provided with more shades of grey. Could the teacher be involved, what is going on with Mr and Mrs Van Apfel and does everyone know the truth but chooses to look the other way?
McLean captures the languid summer days and the turmoil of an 11 year old trying to figure out the world. Her writing does evoke those moments of childhood when you meet the trusted world of adults. You know it is wrong but they are adults and they are always right, right?
The ending? Well, I was not expecting a nice tidied up resolution, what was provided, was somewhat disappointing.
Still the book is an entertaining read.
If you would like some more information on Felicity McLean check out the link to her site.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Kindle Edition, 228 pages, Published November 20th 2018 by Doubleday
What do you do when your sister has a habit of killing the men who displease her? In My Sister, the Serial Killer, Korede finds herself habitually cleaning up after her younger sister Ayoola. It has been something she has done since a child.
Korede is meticulous, she is driven, she ensures that the hospital she works at is held to the highest standards. Ayoola lives in the world of social media, being popular and being the centre of attention. The two sisters are poles apart but are unified by events that occurred in their past.
All the characters are well crafted and completely believable. It is a credit to Braithwaite whose writing is crisp, and keeps you engaged in the story.
This is a different read and really enjoyable.
If you want to know more about Oyinkan Braithwaite here is a link to the website.
Kindle Edition, 352 pages, Published June 25th 2019 by Algonquin Books
It is 1992, it is hot in Australia, Lindy Chamberlain is being compensated and the three Van Apfel sisters have disappeared.
Tikka was friends with the three sisters and through her eyes we unwrap the mystery.
This is a complicated little story, told by one narrator but at different points of time. Some when she is 11 and others when she is in her 20s.
Tikka 11 is trying to find her way, she worships Cordelia Van Apfel and just wants to be a part of everything. Tikka 20s is a mess, coming to grips with trauma of the disappearance and riddled with the what ifs.
As the narrative unfolds instead of clarity you are provided with more shades of grey. Could the teacher be involved, what is going on with Mr and Mrs Van Apfel and does everyone know the truth but chooses to look the other way?
McLean captures the languid summer days and the turmoil of an 11 year old trying to figure out the world. Her writing does evoke those moments of childhood when you meet the trusted world of adults. You know it is wrong but they are adults and they are always right, right?
The ending? Well, I was not expecting a nice tidied up resolution, what was provided, was somewhat disappointing.
Still the book is an entertaining read.
If you would like some more information on Felicity McLean check out the link to her site.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Kindle Edition, 228 pages, Published November 20th 2018 by Doubleday
What do you do when your sister has a habit of killing the men who displease her? In My Sister, the Serial Killer, Korede finds herself habitually cleaning up after her younger sister Ayoola. It has been something she has done since a child.
Korede is meticulous, she is driven, she ensures that the hospital she works at is held to the highest standards. Ayoola lives in the world of social media, being popular and being the centre of attention. The two sisters are poles apart but are unified by events that occurred in their past.
All the characters are well crafted and completely believable. It is a credit to Braithwaite whose writing is crisp, and keeps you engaged in the story.
This is a different read and really enjoyable.
If you want to know more about Oyinkan Braithwaite here is a link to the website.
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