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A review by katewhite77
My Soul Twin by Nino Haratischwili
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Very Well Written, But No Likeable Characters
This is probably born out of the fact that it is a modern retelling of Wouthering Heights. I can't really comment further on this aspect because I have never read Wouthering Heights.
My Soul Twin tells of a tumultuous relationship between a foster brother and sister Stella and Ivo were bought up together for part of their German childhood and become inextricably linked but not always in healthy ways. The novel opens with Ivo suddenly returning to the family after being estranged for seven years.
I was always going to read this because I absolutely adored Haratchiwili's first novel, The Eighth Life. However, I am the sort of reader who needs at least some likeable characters to get myself through a book. So, I found the first two-thirds hard to get through. The resolution to this novel was pretty amazing, though, and I felt my perseverance was richly rewarded.
This is probably born out of the fact that it is a modern retelling of Wouthering Heights. I can't really comment further on this aspect because I have never read Wouthering Heights.
My Soul Twin tells of a tumultuous relationship between a foster brother and sister Stella and Ivo were bought up together for part of their German childhood and become inextricably linked but not always in healthy ways. The novel opens with Ivo suddenly returning to the family after being estranged for seven years.
I was always going to read this because I absolutely adored Haratchiwili's first novel, The Eighth Life. However, I am the sort of reader who needs at least some likeable characters to get myself through a book. So, I found the first two-thirds hard to get through. The resolution to this novel was pretty amazing, though, and I felt my perseverance was richly rewarded.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and War
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder