Sunday, 7 September 2014

Sisterland – Curtis Sittenfeld


The moment I started reading this book I was unsure whether this was the right one for me. I'm usually open to all types of books and all types of subjects. However, this book is primarily based around the notion of ESP or senses and psychic abilities which is something that I struggle to believe in. I thought that it would focus entirely around this topic but was pleasantly surprised that it didn't dominate the story as expected. In reality, the story focuses on Kate who is a typical stay at home mum who has a twin sister (Violet) who predicts an earthquake. Instead of focussing on Violet, Sittenfeld focuses on the effects of the prediction on Kate’s stable and comfortable world which allows those of us who find the topic of psychic powers to enjoy the book a little more.

Sittenfeld develops her characters very well although they are slightly predictable. I also found her writing style to be somewhat wordy and at times was bored with the numerous long sentences full of descriptions. The story was also predictable and the tension that should have been created was tenuous at best. Throughout reading, I often thought that the story could have been wrapped up much quicker than Sittenfeld allowed.

I was also disappointed with the ending as it literally just stopped without any feeling of closure. The drama of the final chapters was left with an anticlimactic ending which did not offer any assistance to the reader’s perceptions of what would happen. However, Siitenfeld did attack certain topics which often cause volatile opinion, so credit where credit is due.


Overall this book is an average story probably best read on holiday where you can dip in and out of it where required. Nevertheless, it will not stop me from trying another book written by Sittenfeld.  

What are your thoughts? 

Thank you for reading my review.

Next book review: "Shatter - Michael Robotham"

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