Henlene's review of 'Sister' by Rosamund Lupton

   For me, reading a book does not always have to be earth-shattering or life altering and in this instance, it wasn’t….i thought that the start of the book was confusing and difficult to follow.  Whether this was the intention of the author is debatable. It was hard to follow, but having said that, I felt under pressure to get into the book as it was the first for the bookclub.  It felt a bit like school, I must say but fun, so this could have hampered my concentration.  It forced me to recognise that I need some better planning in my life and not wait for the last week before the next bookclub to start reading the book.   The middle of the book was filled with emotion although it dragged a bit, but I didn’t really mind that.  I think since I don’t have a sister of my own, it was interesting for me how she described the intensity of sisterhood. I really started “ bonding” with the prosecuter, Mr Wright, and hoped some sort of romantic relationship would evolve.  This story line was the better part of the book…the fact that it turned out to be a projection by Bee to assist her in telling her story or writing her letter but also to ultimately keep her alive…that was cool for me. The ending was an anti-climax to say the least.  The character of the doctor was lame for me…he never had real substance through-out the book.  I don’t feel that the character was explored enough.   Essentially, I wouldn’t recommend this book to medical practitioners because they might laugh their heads off, I suspect.  But as an easy read, perhaps while travelling, to keep busy and you don’t really care whether the facts are credible..….go for it!

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

On Friday, 2 September 2011, 'Die Boekrak' book club convened for the first book discussion.

The book under discussion: Sister by Rosamund Lupton. Host: Karin Baatjes. I couldn't wait to discuss this book because the book was so complex in its story telling.

One of my favourite authors is James Patterson and I think I am so used to his short chapters that I got so frustrated when the author took so long to get to her point.  I also expected a better ‘twist’ in the plot. However, I was very touched by Ms Lupton’s portrayal of the relationship between sisters. I could so identify with Beatrice. I particularly enjoyed the email correspondence between the two sisters. Only siblings can be that candid with each other and that font that Tess used would also work on my nerves.

The Saddest moment for me was the funeral. I shed a few tears because I myself in Bea’s shoes and couldn’t even imagine how she must have felt to put her sister in that cold soil. I also found the author’s comparison of the line of ‘well-wishers’ at the funeral to the those at a wedding very vivid and touching. Heartbreaking!!!!

Daai dokter was sommer al lankal vir my baie suspect. Al wat hy so vriendelik was met Bea but then he claims to have never met Tess or treated her. I was just thinking – what?maar why?(hee-hee).

Although my fellow book clubbers disagreed with about my unhappiness about the author’s inaccuracy regarding the AIDS stats in Johannesburg, I still feel that even when you right fiction, AIDS is not fiction, it’s a real disease and this should be properly researched. For example, if you are going to reference the World War I, you can’t change when it happened? Well that is just my point of view.

Thanks KB for choosing the book. I think it was the perfect book to start off with ‘cos it really got us talking.

Herewith Karin’s summary of the ‘Sister’ Boekrak gathering.
Thank you for attending our first meeting of Boekrak, to discuss Sister, by Rosamund Lipton. The discussion around the book proved to be very lively,even heated at times! Over all I think,the book was well received and resonated with members on various levels. There was also critique brought up about the writing style of the author as well as the flow of the story line.
Then we moved on to some Pictionary,this took "words" to a whole new "picture" level! Fun was had all round. Congratulations to Tania,Henlene and Ilse for winning with such a large margin!!

Sadly, Vania was unable to attend, but here is her ‘review’ of the book.
This was a great read for me as I judge a book by the first four pages. If it does not have the ability to grip me in those initial moments I can’t continue. The storyline moved me and I during and at the end of the book had an even greater appreciation for my own sisters…J

The novel of two sisters with very different personas bears testament that we often misjudge ourselves and that we easily hold back on whom we really are to uphold an image that others expect of us. Bee most certainly reminded me of myself at times…and I am sure she too longed to be as secure and comfortable within herself as her sister Tess.

Rosamund cleverly develops Bee from the investigative sister who needs to solve the mystery of her sister’s death into one who is simultaneously presented with the opportunity to find and explore her true self. On her journey to redeem her sister from being branded a weakling who committed suicide she too discovers who her artistic sister really was. Instead of being only the carefree, irresponsible student that she perceived her to be she goes to great lengths to lead the lifestyle Tess has lead and realizes how wonderful, rich in humanity and spirit Tess was.

I anticipated a much greater end as I obviously tried to figure out the outcome. Even though I already crucified the poor dr as the culprit, I changed my mind up until the point she sipped on the tea he had made her. This might sound bizarre to others but to me that was a crazy giveaway.  As from that moment I had a pressing feeling that she was in trouble! The text she sent Kasia cemented my theory and from there I spoilt the end for myself as I was convinced that Rosamund had a grand finale in store…L

Her writing style was admirable as I can only imagine that she too had to keep up with the juggling.  I enjoyed the findings that the book was completely based on the letter that Bee wrote to Tess, especially making sense of Mr Wright.

In a nutshell I appreciated Sister and will recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick, interesting holiday read.