Two Sisters: A Novel

This family dynamic kept me fully engaged until all the secrets were revealed. This is my first read by this author, and I was not surprised to learn that she had experienced her own family loss as she was writing this story, as I felt the power, vulnerability and sensitivity in her story. The section where she writes about Pia's struggles were extremely heartfelt, and the imagery was powerful and real. Muriel was an amazing character, and my heart went out to her; she suffered a lot from the verbal abuse, isolation and lack of love she perceived from her family. I'm not sure that I would have been so forgiving. Poor Owen, I almost felt as bad for him as I did for Muriel; however, he was the parent and should have shown more love to Muriel. Some of the secrets I figured out before the reveal, while others took me aback; it had a Thorn Birds element to it-okay, did I just date myself, lol! All in all, this was an insightful, engaging, and emotional read, and it has encouraged me to seek out more of this author's work. One of the things that this story makes you do is listen to your body when you know something is different or wrong, communicate with your family and loved ones, and never take life for granted. Thank you Mary for this wonderful journey.

I thought I was picking up a light chick-lit book, so it took a moment to adjust my brain, to decide if serious was okay. But by the second or third page, the book decided for me; I was in. Smooth, disturbing, sad, funny - it was all that. Initially I was a little bothered by the book's remarkable number of similes and metaphors; Mary Hogan could be the reigning queen. But after a while, they felt normal, how Muriel's quirky, smart, ashamed brain worked. And there were sentences and moments throughout like gems that I collected as bookmarks, like, "People were laughing inside, bathed in the flattering light of disposable income." And, "Even the Walmart was shoe-box shaped and mud colored. Driving past it felt like she was at Disneyland, on the New Mexico ride." Or "After a lifetime of hiding and lying for others, the truth took a moment to locate." The more I read, the more I sunk into this book and family. There are tough parts; I am afraid of death and it's in there. But it's beyond worth it. I'm a fan and want more by Mary Hogan.

This book really reflects the complex relationships between sisters . You may have the same set of parents upbringing but each of us has a different prospect and outlook of our childhood and the effect our mother plays in our upbringing and molding of our future selfs ultimately defining and imprinting themselves on us whether we like it or not. I have two sisters and two entirely different relationships with each one. When mother was dying did I then allow myself to ask the tough questions regarding f her treatment of each of her daughters she was strict. severe and withholding of her affection with me, Over-indulgent and too giving to my middle sister A true friend, travel companion and confidant with my baby sister but in the end her and I were closer, kinder and more understanding of each other it took cancer for us to let down our walls this book tsps into all the emotions mother and daughters really have.

Two sisters a novel about life and family. How deep this hurts the heart when the reality cuts like a knife. We have all felt the love and hate of sisterhood. Yet, are you also the unwanted? The unexpected? Knowing this the riptide of secrets a family holds results in future devastation. Is love enough to mend the family who is held together by fine strings of emotions. When you put the past behind and start a new life and family the fairy tale begins. But all to soon the past catches up, and decisions must be made. Can this family come together once again. I give this book a solid 4 stars for hope, sisterhood, family, faith, and future. May they all come together and complete the circle of love.

My sister an I have had a love hate relationship all our lives. Yet some of the best times I have had were with her. We've laughed an cried together many times. Side aching laughs like I've not known except with her. Although this book is very real, it has opened my eyes to how truly short and fleeting life is. One thing though, my mother is a true perfect example, the definition of mother. I know the volatile relationship my sister and I have had has caused her anguish, but she truly loves us both equally for we are both her daughters. I hope with all my heart my sister and I can find peace with each other. This book has been healing. It made me remember how it feels to know no matter what I have my sister. Because I know if I called her right this moment needing a sister she would be there. I am grateful to Mary Hogan for allowing me to realize and reflect.

a very well written book but something felt a bit...off. the time era seemed off...I swear sometimes I had to go back and make sure the novel's wasn't set in the 40s-50s rather than the early 2000s. the book also lacked a true sympathetic character as I didn't connect with any of the characters and translation was lost in the over emphasis of Muriel as the unwanted, unlikely third child. even the plot dragged a bit by the constant need for over detail. novel toward the end felt a ill "oh wow is me"- author could've made Muriel with just a smidge of self esteem and confidence instead of an insecure mess with deep rooted parental issues coupled with a classic bitchy older sister who I felt little sympathy for despite the tragic ending.

If you have siblings, if you've ever had a conflict in your family, or if you have ever tried hard to meet someone else's expectations, this story will hold something for you. Elegantly written, this novel had me spellbound from the first chapter. Muriel is the black sheep of what passes for a family. She does her best to cope through denial, then through trying to piece things together with her family members. The narration switches from present to past and back, giving the reader a full experience of the divergent personalities and what came before the present crisis. Two Sisters is written beautifully. It's one of those books of which I want to sop up every last word and phrase like a piece of bread on a plate of gravy. I hated to see it end.

The writing is strong, not least because you really do loathe the 'nasty' characters (Lidia and Pia) and get annoyed with the gentler characters (Muriel and her father) who take their time getting their own back - not that they ever really do, but they do try. However, we know from the outset that Pia wants to see her sister Muriel in order to 'say something' and yet, with all the backstory, we don't find out what that something is until slap bang half way through the book. And when I heard what it was, I kind of rolled my eyes. As a result, the last quarter of the book, with its other revelations, feels rushed.However, I'm v intrigued by a book dedicated to a dead sister (a sister who is also mentioned in acknowledgements as perhaps being pleased at how often the sister character in the book is described as 'perfect'), and yet which then presents the fictional sister as not at all pleasant and who then meets a ghastly end!

This story is excellently written. It is sad and touching and dysfunctional and very good. It broke my heart in places and then it touched my heart. I recommend this book to all mothers and sisters and anyone who loves a good book. Enjoy the story!

I found this book very depressing especially since I have a sister.

Great book, loved it !!

A novel about how being a family is more than just DNA.