This is what I call a "journey book". We read along as two sisters age - and we ponder the changes in their relationship as they go through their separate lives. One is an artist/author and the other dedicates her life to studying and saving mammals, both of sea and land. Both women are independent and opinionated, despite always having a man in their lives. As in real life, you never know what's around the corner for yourself or your family members. There were a few unexpected events in these two women's lives for sure!
I always feel bad when parents have "favorite" children. I have never understood it myself. I certainly can't believe that Louisa & Clem's mother would be so blatant about Clem being her favorite daughter! I think knowledge like that can alter a child's life forever. Although in this case, Louisa comments that it's actually a relief to them both when they overhear their mother telling a friend that Clem is her favorite. That way they could stop thinking about it and move on with their lives and relationship as sisters.
I identified more with Louisa than Clem. She just seemed to want a husband, a home, a family. It took her awhile to get there (with a few missteps and one major roadblock), but she seemed happy in the end. I understood Louisa's shock at Clem's decision to end her life. I didn't see it coming either! Why?? She had people who loved her; who respected her; a job that she loved. I totally understood why Louisa just wanted to know WHY? It would be incredibly hard to live the rest of your life wondering what Clem was thinking. It was also sad that she seemed so distant from her parents after Clem's death. And this seemed like a mutual decision. Another thing I didn't really understand. Clem's death brought her parents closer to each other, but they shut Louisa out of their lives. I would have thought the opposite would have happened.
There are sad events in this novel, but the ending is one of hope. I certainly would have preferred a different ending for those involved, but life throws us curve balls. We have to make the best of the lives we have instead of wallowing in "what could have been".
Wendy's Rating: ****
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