Sisters

by Kathleen Thompson Norris

Why, everyone has some alternative, Cherry pleaded. "It can't be that marriage is the only--the only irrevocable thing If you had a partner that you couldn't go on with, you could come to SOME agreement You could make a sacrifice, but somehow you could end the association Peter," she said, earnestly, "when I think of marketing again--six chops and soup-meat and butter and baking powder--I feel sick When I think of unpacking the things I've washed and dusted for five years--the glass berry bowl that somebody gave us, and the eleven silver tea-spoons--I can't bear it "

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Novels, Classics, Historical Fiction, Ebooks

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Educated at the University of California, Kathleen married Charles Gilman Norris, brother of the late Benjamin Franklin Norris, Junior, in 1909. She was a prolific author, producing over 80 novels in addition to numerous short stories and articles. Norris was a regular contributor to leading magazines such as Atlantic and Ladies' Home Journal. Her first novel, Lost Sunrise, appeared in 1909 and was immediately popular. By the end of her career her books had sold over ten million copies and made her the highest paid female author of her day.

Reviews

[Rory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I'm not sure how I came across this book--probably through Amazon's "you might like" feature for Kindle-rs. At first I figured it was some sort of obscure but well-reviewed minor masterpiece of the New Realism or something. Then, after realizing how lazy and louche the writing was, and after doing a bit of research (and finding nothing about the book), I realized that I was probably just reading a romance novel from the 20s. Upper middle class folks living in the redwood forests, not falling in love as well as they should.

I was going to finish it, for sure, because--well, it's enjoyable. Both for the history nerd in me (who likes to read about how courtship in the 20s happened) and for the gooey-girl in me.

THEN, I found one single review on GoodReads which included more than just a rating. In fact, it included spoilers and I cannot believe the shit that is going to go down in this book. It's apparently going to turn totally black and crazy and soapy and I'm all, YEAH BRING IT.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a free book for my kindle and I did not like it at all! It was about a girl who fell in love with a miner and, against her fathers wishes, got married. Well, her father was right and her life wasn't what she wanted. She kept trying to figure out a way to divorce him. She had a sister who was a total tom boy and when her father died she married the neighbor who, as it turns out, is in love with Cherry. (the girl who married the miner). Cherry finds out and then they try to run away together. Leaving her husband and her sister behind. Her sister find outs and ends up driving her car off a cliff in hopes to kill herself and Cherry's husband who was in the car with her. She dies, but the miner lives and is paralyzed. Cherry tells the neighbor that she can't leave him now that he needs her and so the neighbor leaves. STUPID!!! I hated to lies, infidelity, selfishness, and the ridiculous behavior of killing yourself just so the little sister can have her husband.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first romance novel that I have read in a long time...but it was definitely worth my read. The storyline was very interesting and had me guessing from chapter to chapter just when certain people were going to find out certain things about those they loved! Sad in the fact that you don't appreciate what you have until you lose it, or almost lose it.

Definitely worth your time to check it out. My main reason for even reading this book, besides the good reviews I read about it, is that it was the first free book I downloaded on my kindle, and am very pleased with my selection...of the book, and of my wonderful husband who purchased the kindle for me!

[Emme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely sentimental, but I did enjoy it. Reminded me a lot of The Great Gatsby, and that's one of my faves. I especially like the setting of this story, as I miss the San Francisco Bay Area.I'm interested in finding out what the critical response was for this book when it was released in 1919, and certainly, doing a feminist reading of the book would be interesting.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dont know the last time a book made me cry that much. Great book that says a lot about marriage, the significance of that union, the strength of some women, and what not thinking about others can tear apart.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really am surprised at myself that I finished reading this book. This is not the type of book I would normally read at all. I mostly started reading it because it was labeled "Classic" so I decided to check it out. It says it was first published in 2004 on goodreads and amazon doesn't say anything at all but it is obviously much, much older. I finally found out it was published in 1919. This book reads like a TV soap opera/drama and deals with the subject of divorce which was still considered taboo by many at the time. There is some womanizing talk by some and a touch of racism but not too much. It also hits on some other controversial topics but I don't want to spoil the book. I actually think the first part of the book was very dull. I think the only reason I made it through that was because of the beautiful descriptions of the area which made me wish to be there. If you like historical romance and drama tv you would probably like this a lot more than I did.

[Vicki Skywark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Available as a free e-book, I downloaded this title as a test of my new Kindle Touch 3G. Written in the early 20th century, it reads something like Louisa May Alcott, but is a bit more contemporary in its themes (think Margaret Mitchell). So it was a surprisingly satisfying read, a nice break from the more contemporary literary fiction I usually read. It might not be for everybody, but I enjoyed it, and it kept my interest until the last page.

The main characters are a loving family of two sisters and their orphaned cousin who have been raised by a widower in California. We are introduced to them just as they are becoming women. Each young woman stands out in contrast to the other two in terms of physical attributes, maturity and character. This is the story of their choices in husbands, the quality of the lives they make for themselves, and the consequences of the choices they have made.

As I read the book, I had to remind myself of the times in which it was written. Middle class families had servants, and girls had few choices other than who to marry. For these three characters, happiness is not necessarily being the most beautiful, having the most money, or falling in love most intensely.

[Perry Whitford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two sisters raised in rural California by their unworldly father commit themselves to two very different men before disappointment and tragedy teach them important lessons about what it means to be married.

The younger sister, beautiful Cherry Strickland, marries Martin, the first handsome man that come along, but soon regrets it. Alix waits and eventually marries their childhood friend, Peter. But Peter has always been in love with Cherry.

Peter and Cherry decide to run away together, but the plot always contrives to prevent them.

Kathleen Thompson Norris wrote scores of novels and they sold in droves. A quote from Wikipedia taken from a biography of her states how she 'used her fiction to promote values including the sanctity of marriage, the nobility of motherhood, and the importance of service to others.'

This novel certainly fits the bill in the first and third instances. This quote from Alix pretty much sums up the author's own views:

"Tried it! You mean you tried marriage! But one doesn't try marriage! It's a fact. It's like the colour of your eyes."

What little drama Sisters contained was trifling stuff really, but I found it breezily likable with a surprisingly affecting emotional wallop at the end.

[Kathleen Vincenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

An odd book that goes in directions you don't expect based on choices the characters make that don't seem probable based on what you've learned about them. Both sisters make poor choices in husbands and that causes all the problems. One sister believes she marries for love but finds none, and the other marries for necessity and learns she loves her husband but he doesn't return that love.

Reading books like this always make you happy to live in a time when women have more options than marriage. But still I wonder, if the author didn't choose to circumscribe the sisters more than society at that time would have allowed to make the book have the outcomes it did.

Kathleen Thompson Norris writes beautiful descriptions of the landscape of California, both when the sisters live in the woods and when one of the sisters finds herself in a mining community. I admire her work and plan to read more.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sentimental and old-fashioned 1920s romance.

As I’ve found with several of Kathleen Norris’s books, there is no surprise when I stumble over the indication of romance between several of the main characters. These characters seem ill-suited to each other, and usually deny or simply don’t realize the path they’ve been set upon. Not to say this isn’t a pleasant little tale, it is; and, I enjoyed it as a sort of novel-comfort-food. However, it doesn’t deserve a high rating, by any stretch. This story is one of the author’s better ones, with likable and annoying characters sprinkled throughout, and some predictable romance with a few almost-suspenseful plot twists. I’m glad I read it and if you haven’t read any of Ms. Norris’s works before, this is a decent example of her writing style. I’ve read her stuff before and when I’m in the mood for early-last century drama, I look for more of her books.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure coincidence that this book has similarities to the book I just finished the day before (Edith Wharton's "The Custom of the Country"). Cherry, like Undine, is a spoiled beauty but she is not despicable; she actually tries to make her marriage work. Older sister Alix is a fun and loving free-spirited person, who is like I wish I were. Unfortunately, in my mind, the "villain" in this story is a man, and I am glad I do not know anyone like him, with his superficial ideas. He should know better and acted so irresponsibly that I felt no sorrow at all for him. This book was published in 1918 and again, it was delightful to read about how life was lived then, and in Mill Valley and San Francisco. I liked it as much for the story as for the characters.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel, reminiscent of the 19th century, found ways to keep me turning pages. Two sisters, Cherry and Alix, and a cousin, Anne, idolize the girls' father, Dr. Strickland. He takes care of the girls and introduces them to society where they are eagerly welcomed. What is uncommon in the novels we read today and tv/movies aired is the lack of jealousy and revenge between the girls. Rather, it was more of a "what comes around goes around" attitude and no celebration of anyone's failures. In fact, I was tremendously saddened by the outcomes the girls faced.

[Susan Baranoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating to read a book written in a time when the moralizing ending can ruin a good PG rated 21st century romance. Well written. Good characters. Interesting dilemmas of the day. Gives me some perspective on how my grandmothers may have been raised; values, family, marriage, etc.

Certainly worth exploring at least one more of Thompson Norris's books. Do they all have such a moralistic bent?

Some might say it was "Little Women Light" without the happier ending.

[Sheila Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old fashioned romance novel, set in a much earlier time; Women were considered fragile and men gentlemen unless of course they were back stabbing, and conniving adultrous scoundrels who somehow managed to come across as the "victim". And families were loving and forgiving and supportive, regardless. I still found it rather enjoyable.

[Dayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author's description of Mill Valley, near San Francisco, and its environs was amazing, very calming and peaceful, and yet I always had a sense of foreboding that turned out to be realized in a tragic end. Set during the early age of automobiles, the author still manages to keep the story relevant to all eras.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a free Kindle download. It was actually a fairly decent story, although it dragged on much longer than I would have liked. Perhaps it was the genre, a romance novel with a twist, that bothered me, but it just seemed to go on forever. The characters were not believable, and the whole plot seemed so sanitized that I lost patience with it. It just didn't do it for me, sorry.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book. It moved along nicely with not a lot of messy characters and plots all over the place.
The story of two sisters and their orphaned female cousin who are coming of age in a time where you were married young and life was simple.
It moves along and I did not see the ending coming.

[Melinda Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have finished this book sooner, but with classes I havent been able to read as much. I like the book and it was quite intriguing. Cherry is spoiled and very immature. I hated the ending and wished it would have ended another way.

[SueDella · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was good and I was instantly attracted to the setting, which happens to be the north bay area. The story was very Russian to me especially concerning the destiny and fate aspects. I do not really recommend this book due to its drawn out storyline. This is not a romance novel.

[Deborah Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow starting book that turned into a pretty good read. Story about 2 sisters and their cousin. The story covers a 6 year period. The main story is Cherry and her sister Alex and their relationship with the men they marry. It did have an ending I wasn't expecting and was a bit of a tear jerker.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your sister wants to get rid of her husband and marry your own instead, drive yourself and the inconvenient one over a cliff. You will then be worshiped as unselfish and an angel. No wonder the world is messed up.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an enjoyable read, I really quite liked it, not for everyone but IF you happen to know my friend Melinda I think she would enjoy this book.

[Tina Mason Bond]

I enjoyed this book, tragic though...

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a free book on my kindle and i enjoyed it. It was written long long ago and you could tell. The family story was well written from a time gone by.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

The one likable character killed herself. I think that says it all.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would not recommend. Mostly about a selfish girl named Cherry. Unrealistic.

[Dinah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the story predictable at times and unfulfilling overall. There were a few interesting parts and people, butnot enough.

[Jennifer Whitteaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the book surprised me in the end!

[Tammi Owens]

FALSE

[Little Red Readinghood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely one of her worst books with a spoiled brat as the main character.