Scan barcode
A review by thewildnorry
The Sullivan Sisters by Kathryn Ormsbee
4.0
This book was one of those perfect balances of beautiful and interest.
More than that, it was easily devoured. I started to read this book hoping that it would lull me to sleep, the way beginnings of books often do. Instead, I was instantly drawn in to the world of the Sullivan Sisters, and I couldn't put the book down. At no point did I feel bored with the characters or frustrated or like I had come to a good pausing point. This book is a whirlwind adventure which really makes the reader's feel like a fourth passenger along for the ride.
CHARACTERS
The characters are the very heart of this story. More than the plot, these three girls: Eileen, Claire, and Murphy, are what keep the reader reading. The thing that I loved was that their sister dynamic was so organic and realistic both when it was functional and dysfunctional. Each sister was entirely unique and had a distinct relationship with each other & their mother as well as to the sisterhood & family as a whole.
At times the characters' decisions and revelations and actions felt repetitive, and I found myself saying things like, "We get it Claire's a perfectionist." or "Yes, Eileen is falling apart." but I think rather than a flaw this is very much a product of their humanity.
I also really appreciated the dialogue. The characters talked like real people and conversations jumped around the way family conversations often do. It was really well done. Although, some of the lines we're told are "cutting" or "funny" were not particularly so.
PLOT
If you read books for plot, you might be disappointed. There's not much of a strong plot here, and the mystery is a bit unsatisfactory. The book is really more about the characters and their dynamics. That said, I am more of a plot reader myself, and there is enough of a plot there for you to wonder what comes next and piece together other parts of the story. There's a good amount of dramatic irony as well.
WRITING
The writing was poignant, sharp, and efficient. The author does a masterful job of turning emotions into words and describing the entirety of a character or their feelings in one sentence.
All in all, I loved this book and despite the fact that I was given an ARC copy by NetGalley for an honest review, I am fully intending to purchase my own copy when it's released.
More than that, it was easily devoured. I started to read this book hoping that it would lull me to sleep, the way beginnings of books often do. Instead, I was instantly drawn in to the world of the Sullivan Sisters, and I couldn't put the book down. At no point did I feel bored with the characters or frustrated or like I had come to a good pausing point. This book is a whirlwind adventure which really makes the reader's feel like a fourth passenger along for the ride.
CHARACTERS
The characters are the very heart of this story. More than the plot, these three girls: Eileen, Claire, and Murphy, are what keep the reader reading. The thing that I loved was that their sister dynamic was so organic and realistic both when it was functional and dysfunctional. Each sister was entirely unique and had a distinct relationship with each other & their mother as well as to the sisterhood & family as a whole.
At times the characters' decisions and revelations and actions felt repetitive, and I found myself saying things like, "We get it Claire's a perfectionist." or "Yes, Eileen is falling apart." but I think rather than a flaw this is very much a product of their humanity.
I also really appreciated the dialogue. The characters talked like real people and conversations jumped around the way family conversations often do. It was really well done. Although, some of the lines we're told are "cutting" or "funny" were not particularly so.
PLOT
If you read books for plot, you might be disappointed. There's not much of a strong plot here, and the mystery is a bit unsatisfactory. The book is really more about the characters and their dynamics. That said, I am more of a plot reader myself, and there is enough of a plot there for you to wonder what comes next and piece together other parts of the story. There's a good amount of dramatic irony as well.
WRITING
The writing was poignant, sharp, and efficient. The author does a masterful job of turning emotions into words and describing the entirety of a character or their feelings in one sentence.
All in all, I loved this book and despite the fact that I was given an ARC copy by NetGalley for an honest review, I am fully intending to purchase my own copy when it's released.