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Sisters
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""A moving and compelling tale exploring the heartbreak one impulsive lie can cause, breaking apart a family. Deft and confident, this book has it emotive and gripping in equal measure. Had to stop myself gulping it down in one go!"" Louise Mumford
An accident and a terrible lie by sixteen-year-old Angie tears her family apart and her younger sister, Lisa, being sent away. They don't speak for thirteen years, until their mother's death brings them together. Lisa quickly realises her sister is trapped in a dangerous marriage.
What does Lisa owe to the family that betrayed her? And if she tries to help, will she make things more dangerous for them all?
A powerful story of domestic violence, courage and forgiveness.
"Emotional, thought-provoking and highly recommended." Jan Baynham
"A masterclass in blending family dynamic - grief, empathy and blame mix into a glorious emotional canvas." Phil Rowlands
"
""A moving and compelling tale exploring the heartbreak one impulsive lie can cause, breaking apart a family. Deft and confident, this book has it emotive and gripping in equal measure. Had to stop myself gulping it down in one go!"" Louise Mumford
An accident and a terrible lie by sixteen-year-old Angie tears her family apart and her younger sister, Lisa, being sent away. They don't speak for thirteen years, until their mother's death brings them together. Lisa quickly realises her sister is trapped in a dangerous marriage.
What does Lisa owe to the family that betrayed her? And if she tries to help, will she make things more dangerous for them all?
A powerful story of domestic violence, courage and forgiveness.
"Emotional, thought-provoking and highly recommended." Jan Baynham
"A masterclass in blending family dynamic - grief, empathy and blame mix into a glorious emotional canvas." Phil Rowlands
"
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
7 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Judith Barrow
5 books135 followersJudith Barrow, originally from Saddleworth, a group of villages on the edge of the Pennines, has lived in Pembrokeshire, Wales, for forty years.
She has an MA in Creative Writing with the University of Wales Trinity St David's College, Carmarthen. BA (Hons) in Literature with the Open University, a Diploma in Drama from Swansea University and She has had short stories, plays, reviews and articles, published throughout the British Isles and has won several poetry competitions..
She is a Creative Writing tutor for Pembrokeshire County Council and holds private one to one workshops on all genres.
She has an MA in Creative Writing with the University of Wales Trinity St David's College, Carmarthen. BA (Hons) in Literature with the Open University, a Diploma in Drama from Swansea University and She has had short stories, plays, reviews and articles, published throughout the British Isles and has won several poetry competitions..
She is a Creative Writing tutor for Pembrokeshire County Council and holds private one to one workshops on all genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 12, 2023
Judith Barrow strikes again with this new release, Sisters. Barrow has a talent for creating rich characters who linger with us long after we've finished reading the book. She is recognized for her fantastic family saga stories, and this one had me going through varied emotions as one huge lie orchestrated by elder sister Angie, for a very evil deed she committed, is pinned on her younger sister Amanda, and changes both their lives and the family dynamic forever.
I found it a gripping read as I shook my head and wanted to shake Angie even more for destroying her family over her selfish whims and passing the blame on poor Amanda. It irked me that Amanda didn't stand up to her evil sister and tell the truth, but as Barrow so cleverly weaves this tale, she makes us understand how big sister Angie holds a grip on Amanda and talks her into good reason why Amanda shouldn't tell on her.
The horrendous event that took place that Amanda was being blamed for, eventually has her parents sending her to Wales to live with her aunt to avoid the bullying and terrorizing Amanda endured for the awful event that took place, And wanting a fresh start, Amanda even changed her name to Lisa.
The story kept me turning the pages, hoping that Angie would speak up and tell truth, while having me shake my head thinking about how one sister can even live with herself as she watches her little sister's life spiral and turn upside down because of her horrible actions and her coverup lies that went unchallenged. But it does seem Karma always find her way back to those as a reminder.
Some thirteen years would pass before the sisters are forced to meet up at their mother's funeral. In between those passing years we learn about both Angie's and Amanda's lives. Amanda/Lisa is happy in her life living with Aunt Barb and Uncle Chris, while Angie, who ran away from home shortly after Amanda was sent to Wales, lived a tawdry life, until she meets up with her childhood crush and cohort in 'the big lie', Stephen Birch, now a wealthy businessman and predator in more ways than one. Once Lisa returns home from her mum's funeral, she learns about Angie's unhappy past and present life, with her now, abusive and dominating husband Stephen Birch. And as Lisa works on sewing up her mother's estate, she discovers more dark secrets about Angie's insidious husband. The story grows darker as we learn exactly what is going on in Angie's marriage and what exactly it is Stephen wants from her - from her family.
As Stephen continues to emotionally abuse and torment Angie, Lisa's empathy has her worrying for her sister. And by the time the next tragedy strikes in their family, Lisa begins investigating and working with an old friend, Ben, now a journalist, she teams up with to investigate just what the evil Stephen Birch is really up to.
Why is Stephen so evil? What is it he wants? What is it he has hanging over Angie's head? Will Stephen be caught and punished for the physical abuse he caused to Angie? Will he be found discovered responsible for causing harm to the girls' parents? How far will this deranged man go to get what he wants from these two sisters? You will find no spoilers here, and will want to keep reading to the end, anxiously waiting to see if Angie escapes Birch's stranglehold on her and if just desserts are served.
Disclaimer: I was gifted with an ARC copy of this engaging book.
I found it a gripping read as I shook my head and wanted to shake Angie even more for destroying her family over her selfish whims and passing the blame on poor Amanda. It irked me that Amanda didn't stand up to her evil sister and tell the truth, but as Barrow so cleverly weaves this tale, she makes us understand how big sister Angie holds a grip on Amanda and talks her into good reason why Amanda shouldn't tell on her.
The horrendous event that took place that Amanda was being blamed for, eventually has her parents sending her to Wales to live with her aunt to avoid the bullying and terrorizing Amanda endured for the awful event that took place, And wanting a fresh start, Amanda even changed her name to Lisa.
The story kept me turning the pages, hoping that Angie would speak up and tell truth, while having me shake my head thinking about how one sister can even live with herself as she watches her little sister's life spiral and turn upside down because of her horrible actions and her coverup lies that went unchallenged. But it does seem Karma always find her way back to those as a reminder.
Some thirteen years would pass before the sisters are forced to meet up at their mother's funeral. In between those passing years we learn about both Angie's and Amanda's lives. Amanda/Lisa is happy in her life living with Aunt Barb and Uncle Chris, while Angie, who ran away from home shortly after Amanda was sent to Wales, lived a tawdry life, until she meets up with her childhood crush and cohort in 'the big lie', Stephen Birch, now a wealthy businessman and predator in more ways than one. Once Lisa returns home from her mum's funeral, she learns about Angie's unhappy past and present life, with her now, abusive and dominating husband Stephen Birch. And as Lisa works on sewing up her mother's estate, she discovers more dark secrets about Angie's insidious husband. The story grows darker as we learn exactly what is going on in Angie's marriage and what exactly it is Stephen wants from her - from her family.
As Stephen continues to emotionally abuse and torment Angie, Lisa's empathy has her worrying for her sister. And by the time the next tragedy strikes in their family, Lisa begins investigating and working with an old friend, Ben, now a journalist, she teams up with to investigate just what the evil Stephen Birch is really up to.
Why is Stephen so evil? What is it he wants? What is it he has hanging over Angie's head? Will Stephen be caught and punished for the physical abuse he caused to Angie? Will he be found discovered responsible for causing harm to the girls' parents? How far will this deranged man go to get what he wants from these two sisters? You will find no spoilers here, and will want to keep reading to the end, anxiously waiting to see if Angie escapes Birch's stranglehold on her and if just desserts are served.
Disclaimer: I was gifted with an ARC copy of this engaging book.
January 22, 2023
Judith Barrow is a writer whose work I snap up the moment it is released and Sisters is no exception. I received an advance reader copy from the publishers, which does not alter my review in anyway, and I will also buy my own copy once it’s released.
The story starts in 1970 when Mandy takes her younger brother, Robert, out for a walk in his pram. Her older sister, Angie, soon joins her and wants to take over but she has an ulterior motive for her sudden interest in the baby.
I won’t give any spoilers suffice to say that something truly, truly terrible happens and that changes both girls lives forever. The rest of this story shows the impact this incident has on Mandy and Angie but also on the rest of the family and community around them.
Barrow makes you feel great emotion with her writing and I have to say the beginning of the book is tough, because of what happened but also because I really hate injustice and I felt there was a lot of that in the way Mandy was treated.
The writing is beautiful, the characterisations spot on and the details of the lives of Mandy and Angie captured so perfectly you can imagine yourself next to them it is all so real. I really enjoyed the development of each character as their lives progressed and the ending is most satisfying.
Sisters is a gritty but wonderfully told tale and I don’t hesitate in recommending it to everyone who enjoys a well-written story that draws you into the lives of its characters.
The story starts in 1970 when Mandy takes her younger brother, Robert, out for a walk in his pram. Her older sister, Angie, soon joins her and wants to take over but she has an ulterior motive for her sudden interest in the baby.
I won’t give any spoilers suffice to say that something truly, truly terrible happens and that changes both girls lives forever. The rest of this story shows the impact this incident has on Mandy and Angie but also on the rest of the family and community around them.
Barrow makes you feel great emotion with her writing and I have to say the beginning of the book is tough, because of what happened but also because I really hate injustice and I felt there was a lot of that in the way Mandy was treated.
The writing is beautiful, the characterisations spot on and the details of the lives of Mandy and Angie captured so perfectly you can imagine yourself next to them it is all so real. I really enjoyed the development of each character as their lives progressed and the ending is most satisfying.
Sisters is a gritty but wonderfully told tale and I don’t hesitate in recommending it to everyone who enjoys a well-written story that draws you into the lives of its characters.
January 22, 2023
I was immediately engrossed in the premise of this book - in 1970, sisters Mandy and Angela are forever torn apart by a tragic event that changes the entire dynamic of their family life forever, and for which there is no fix. The question of fault and blame circles around all of them - a tangle of smoke and mirrors, deals made, emotions never voiced, that will imprison the players in anguish for many years; the truths are as painful as any of the lies told. Angela decides on a course of action that she will regret deeply in years to come, while Mandy takes a safer path.
The first part of this book, in particular, is so well drawn, and illustrates the time in which it was set so well. It's not the music or the mentions of platform shoes, but the attitudes of the working people, their prejudices and delight in pointing a finger. I thought Mandy's experiences at school were so realistic.
As the story carries on the true antagonist emerges; the plot is skillfully put together, with developments I did not foresee, as the two young women move forward in their vastly different lives. I felt that a lot of emotion went into the writing of this story, and it weeps out of the pages, it really does.
On occasion I would have liked a bit more detail about some areas/periods that were covered quickly, but on the whole it's a very well-structured novel. If you like down-to-earth family dramas, you will love this!
The first part of this book, in particular, is so well drawn, and illustrates the time in which it was set so well. It's not the music or the mentions of platform shoes, but the attitudes of the working people, their prejudices and delight in pointing a finger. I thought Mandy's experiences at school were so realistic.
As the story carries on the true antagonist emerges; the plot is skillfully put together, with developments I did not foresee, as the two young women move forward in their vastly different lives. I felt that a lot of emotion went into the writing of this story, and it weeps out of the pages, it really does.
On occasion I would have liked a bit more detail about some areas/periods that were covered quickly, but on the whole it's a very well-structured novel. If you like down-to-earth family dramas, you will love this!
January 19, 2023
Outstanding!
Sisters has at its core a simple, thoughtless action that tears a family apart. The sisters in question are young, not yet adults, but they are separated from each other and carry the damaging consequences with them. Years later, they meet again at a funeral and the resentments, bitterness and unhappiness simmering beneath the surface erupt.
I love everything about this book. If you like character-led novels, then they don’t come finer than this one with its beautifully developed personalities reacting to changing circumstances. Amongst the shocking revelations are touches of humour and lightness that balance the grief and darkness of the events.
For those who like a gripping plot, this one has that, too. It’s not a thriller with murder or terrorism as its theme, but I found it all the more terrifying because the subject matter is believable and the situations are ones that destroy lives without using bombs or bullets. The suspense is very real and masterfully handled.
If you like lyrical description that brings everything to vivid life, this book does it brilliantly and naturally without slowing down the pace.
Ms Barrow has written a powerful book that packs an emotional punch to the gut. “I couldn’t put the book down” may be a cliché, but I read this in one session that stretched into the early hours of the morning, from the shock of the opening to the ultimately satisfying conclusion.
Sisters has at its core a simple, thoughtless action that tears a family apart. The sisters in question are young, not yet adults, but they are separated from each other and carry the damaging consequences with them. Years later, they meet again at a funeral and the resentments, bitterness and unhappiness simmering beneath the surface erupt.
I love everything about this book. If you like character-led novels, then they don’t come finer than this one with its beautifully developed personalities reacting to changing circumstances. Amongst the shocking revelations are touches of humour and lightness that balance the grief and darkness of the events.
For those who like a gripping plot, this one has that, too. It’s not a thriller with murder or terrorism as its theme, but I found it all the more terrifying because the subject matter is believable and the situations are ones that destroy lives without using bombs or bullets. The suspense is very real and masterfully handled.
If you like lyrical description that brings everything to vivid life, this book does it brilliantly and naturally without slowing down the pace.
Ms Barrow has written a powerful book that packs an emotional punch to the gut. “I couldn’t put the book down” may be a cliché, but I read this in one session that stretched into the early hours of the morning, from the shock of the opening to the ultimately satisfying conclusion.
January 14, 2023
This is another exceptional book by Judith Barrow which will delight the fans of her storytelling.
One of the strongest and most enduring relationships is between siblings. This is particularly the case when one brother or sister is older and more experienced, and takes a younger sibling under their wing to guide and protect them.
Two sisters, Mandy and Angie have that kind of relationship. Until one day, a tragedy forces them apart and causes a split in their family that lasts many years.
The author has created compelling characters who exhibit the strengths and frailties of human nature as well as the dark side to love. As a reader it is easy to identify with both sisters as they follow a different path in life and to empathise with the choices they make, even if at times it is distressing.
The evil that becomes central to their family’s survival offers some heart stopping moments. The two sisters have to find a way back to each other to rebuild their lives and their relationship, however dangerous that might be.
This is a book I have no hesitation in recommending to lovers of family sagas and cleverly written thrillers. It is hard to put down once started, and keeps the reader engaged to the last page.
One of the strongest and most enduring relationships is between siblings. This is particularly the case when one brother or sister is older and more experienced, and takes a younger sibling under their wing to guide and protect them.
Two sisters, Mandy and Angie have that kind of relationship. Until one day, a tragedy forces them apart and causes a split in their family that lasts many years.
The author has created compelling characters who exhibit the strengths and frailties of human nature as well as the dark side to love. As a reader it is easy to identify with both sisters as they follow a different path in life and to empathise with the choices they make, even if at times it is distressing.
The evil that becomes central to their family’s survival offers some heart stopping moments. The two sisters have to find a way back to each other to rebuild their lives and their relationship, however dangerous that might be.
This is a book I have no hesitation in recommending to lovers of family sagas and cleverly written thrillers. It is hard to put down once started, and keeps the reader engaged to the last page.
January 13, 2023
Gripped by this powerfully-written story about the consequences of a tragic accident, I could not put the novel down. It was a tough read at times involving a fractured family, jealousy, grief and blame. For me, the strength of the novel is its superb characterisation. The reader is taken deep into the psyches of each of the characters and travels with them on their journeys towards the story's conclusion. They all stayed with me long after the last page. Emotional, thought-provoking and highly recommended.
February 9, 2023
Sisters is a gritty, and emotional drama that totally embodies how one small moment in time, with one seemingly innocent and thoughtless action, can change the course of countless lives. Resulting in the far reaching domino effects on family dynamics and relationships being tested beyond all limits.
Judith has clearly done her research on every facet of the story she is trying to tell. With great structure, thought provoking content and compelling characters, Judith excellently epitomises family dynamics, dysfunctionality and how this changes when grief, love, loss, secrets, loyalties/ lies, grudges and jealousies are thrown into the mix.
Impactful, gripping, tense, heartbreaking, heartwarming, shocking and with a satisfying and fitting ending. I would recommend this to thriller fans across the board.
I'll definitely be reading more of Judith's work.
Judith has clearly done her research on every facet of the story she is trying to tell. With great structure, thought provoking content and compelling characters, Judith excellently epitomises family dynamics, dysfunctionality and how this changes when grief, love, loss, secrets, loyalties/ lies, grudges and jealousies are thrown into the mix.
Impactful, gripping, tense, heartbreaking, heartwarming, shocking and with a satisfying and fitting ending. I would recommend this to thriller fans across the board.
I'll definitely be reading more of Judith's work.
May 24, 2023
Sisters is Judith Barrow's seventh novel, an absorbing, emotional and thought-provoking story.
At the outset a dramatic and tragic series of events sets in motion, and shapes, the future of two sisters, Mandy and Angela. The novel is a moving study of the deep feelings - jealousy, love, anger, and revenge - that can break a family apart. Like a Greek tragedy, the unfolding of events is poignant and inevitable.
The Yorkshire location of Micklethwaite in the 1970s is portrayed with great vividness and attention to detail, along with, to a lesser extent, the rural location of Ponthallen in Wales. The story arc follows the changes in the fortunes of the two sisters, told through their voices, where one begins to have a better life in Wales, while the other descends into terror and misery after running away from home.
The story does not shy away from difficult subjects: prostitution; corruption and bribery; adultery; and, particularly, vicious scenes of domestic abuse. Justice is done and the perpetrators punished, but, ultimately, the story is about reconciliation: the love between the two sisters and their understanding of, and forgiveness for, their father and his earlier, grief-crazed actions.
At the outset a dramatic and tragic series of events sets in motion, and shapes, the future of two sisters, Mandy and Angela. The novel is a moving study of the deep feelings - jealousy, love, anger, and revenge - that can break a family apart. Like a Greek tragedy, the unfolding of events is poignant and inevitable.
The Yorkshire location of Micklethwaite in the 1970s is portrayed with great vividness and attention to detail, along with, to a lesser extent, the rural location of Ponthallen in Wales. The story arc follows the changes in the fortunes of the two sisters, told through their voices, where one begins to have a better life in Wales, while the other descends into terror and misery after running away from home.
The story does not shy away from difficult subjects: prostitution; corruption and bribery; adultery; and, particularly, vicious scenes of domestic abuse. Justice is done and the perpetrators punished, but, ultimately, the story is about reconciliation: the love between the two sisters and their understanding of, and forgiveness for, their father and his earlier, grief-crazed actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2023
Title: Sisters
Author: Judith Barrow
Publisher: Honno Welsh Women’s Press
Pages: 352
Genre: Modern/Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
A terrible accident followed by a terrible lie tears two sisters apart. Many taking the blame for it all, because Angie believes she is too young to get into trouble. But she is very wrong and as a result, Mandy feels she is no longer wanted and goes to build a new life and identity at her aunt’s. Mandy starts new as Lisa, slowly she begins to get her life back on track, refusing to have anything to do with her sister again. But 13 years later, they meet again at their mother’s funeral and Lisa sees something is very wrong with her sister. Angie is terrified of her husband and her father also seems to be hiding something. Can Lisa put the past behind her and forgive the betrayal to help those she was once close to?
Review:
As I have sisters myself, the title of this book instantly caught my attention, then after reading the description, I knew this book would be for me and I can safely say I was correct in my thoughts! I had an incline that this book would also have me feeling a range of emotions which I was excited for, and once again, my incline was correct!
When starting this book, I have to say, the short, snappy prologue did a fantastic job at grabbing my attention, but also did a fab job at setting the mood. I liked that I was thrown straight into the story too, this book really did have a powerful opener and it had me feeling everything the characters were.
The story itself is told through the perspective of the two sisters and these are clear and easy to follow. I liked that the story was told in this way as it really allowed me to get into their heads and understand their thoughts and feelings. As a result, once again, this had me feeling a range of emotions.
There is quite a lot going off in this story, there’s plenty to get stuck into and it is actually quite intense at times which I enjoyed. The short and snappy chapters also made this a rather pacy read which I devoured in two sittings. I loved how the author would also cleverly leave you hanging at the end of some chapters, making it near enough impossible to put the book back down.
The author did a brilliant job at creating complex characters but also creating characters you could hate I literally wanted to reach into the book a few times to give a certain someone a good slap!
This book really stood out to me, it was a rather powerful read, that really did pack a punch. The author covers a range of themes in this book from loss, estrangement/family breakdowns, and domestic abuse. The author raises awareness and shows how real these things are and how it can impact and change lives.
This was a clever, thought-out book, I really did enjoy the plot. I could feel the tension building at times and I was gripped from start to finish, a powerful read.
Author: Judith Barrow
Publisher: Honno Welsh Women’s Press
Pages: 352
Genre: Modern/Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
A terrible accident followed by a terrible lie tears two sisters apart. Many taking the blame for it all, because Angie believes she is too young to get into trouble. But she is very wrong and as a result, Mandy feels she is no longer wanted and goes to build a new life and identity at her aunt’s. Mandy starts new as Lisa, slowly she begins to get her life back on track, refusing to have anything to do with her sister again. But 13 years later, they meet again at their mother’s funeral and Lisa sees something is very wrong with her sister. Angie is terrified of her husband and her father also seems to be hiding something. Can Lisa put the past behind her and forgive the betrayal to help those she was once close to?
Review:
As I have sisters myself, the title of this book instantly caught my attention, then after reading the description, I knew this book would be for me and I can safely say I was correct in my thoughts! I had an incline that this book would also have me feeling a range of emotions which I was excited for, and once again, my incline was correct!
When starting this book, I have to say, the short, snappy prologue did a fantastic job at grabbing my attention, but also did a fab job at setting the mood. I liked that I was thrown straight into the story too, this book really did have a powerful opener and it had me feeling everything the characters were.
The story itself is told through the perspective of the two sisters and these are clear and easy to follow. I liked that the story was told in this way as it really allowed me to get into their heads and understand their thoughts and feelings. As a result, once again, this had me feeling a range of emotions.
There is quite a lot going off in this story, there’s plenty to get stuck into and it is actually quite intense at times which I enjoyed. The short and snappy chapters also made this a rather pacy read which I devoured in two sittings. I loved how the author would also cleverly leave you hanging at the end of some chapters, making it near enough impossible to put the book back down.
The author did a brilliant job at creating complex characters but also creating characters you could hate I literally wanted to reach into the book a few times to give a certain someone a good slap!
This book really stood out to me, it was a rather powerful read, that really did pack a punch. The author covers a range of themes in this book from loss, estrangement/family breakdowns, and domestic abuse. The author raises awareness and shows how real these things are and how it can impact and change lives.
This was a clever, thought-out book, I really did enjoy the plot. I could feel the tension building at times and I was gripped from start to finish, a powerful read.
January 22, 2023
I am from a family of four daughters and no sons so the title of this book interested me. Sisters can be best friends or they can be enemies depending on their natures and the dynamics of the family. Fortunately, I come from a home where we all got along with each other and there was never much jealousy or competition.
Angie and Mandy come from a similar situation. Angie looks out for her little sister and Mandy looks up to Angie. The family is happy, until the day when Mandy takes her baby brother for a walk, meeting up with Angie on the way. Tragedy strikes through an irresponsible action and Angie leaves Mandy to take the blame. The axe comes down heavily on Mandy, despite her young age, and she is despised by her father, who was devoted to his only son, and ostracised and tormented by her community.
Mandy is sent away to live with her aunt and never comes home. She builds a new life and assumes a new identity. Meanwhile, Angie gets caught up in a cycle of deception to keep the secret of her brother’s death from discovery and her life takes a downward spiral.
This story is very tragic for the whole family and I wasn’t sure if it would have played out better for the family even if Angie had not allowed her sister to take the blame for the accident. It was an accident, even if it was the result of Angie’s showing off to impress a young man. Angie was not a bad person and she paid a very high price for her cowardliness and deceit.
I thought that Mandy and Angie were equal victims and that their father was the real failure in the family. He rejected his younger daughter and had her sent away, did not provide strength and support to his wife, and trapped Angie in her lie due to his unforgiving attitude.
There is a theme of sexism and emphasis on the still common view among men that a son is worth more than daughters. The small minded and unforgiving attitudes of society at this time are also very evident, as well as the cruelty and meanness of teenagers when one of their own falls from grace in any way.
This certainly a well written and evocative story that will provoke thought and emotional reactions from all readers.
Angie and Mandy come from a similar situation. Angie looks out for her little sister and Mandy looks up to Angie. The family is happy, until the day when Mandy takes her baby brother for a walk, meeting up with Angie on the way. Tragedy strikes through an irresponsible action and Angie leaves Mandy to take the blame. The axe comes down heavily on Mandy, despite her young age, and she is despised by her father, who was devoted to his only son, and ostracised and tormented by her community.
Mandy is sent away to live with her aunt and never comes home. She builds a new life and assumes a new identity. Meanwhile, Angie gets caught up in a cycle of deception to keep the secret of her brother’s death from discovery and her life takes a downward spiral.
This story is very tragic for the whole family and I wasn’t sure if it would have played out better for the family even if Angie had not allowed her sister to take the blame for the accident. It was an accident, even if it was the result of Angie’s showing off to impress a young man. Angie was not a bad person and she paid a very high price for her cowardliness and deceit.
I thought that Mandy and Angie were equal victims and that their father was the real failure in the family. He rejected his younger daughter and had her sent away, did not provide strength and support to his wife, and trapped Angie in her lie due to his unforgiving attitude.
There is a theme of sexism and emphasis on the still common view among men that a son is worth more than daughters. The small minded and unforgiving attitudes of society at this time are also very evident, as well as the cruelty and meanness of teenagers when one of their own falls from grace in any way.
This certainly a well written and evocative story that will provoke thought and emotional reactions from all readers.
March 17, 2023
Angie and Mandy are ordinary teenagers until a horrible tragedy tears their lives apart. It’s heartbreaking, and I wondered if the family would survive what’s happened. They don’t. Mandy takes the blame and is sent to live with her aunt and uncle. Here she becomes Lisa and finds some understanding. Angie, who doesn’t step up and do the right thing, can’t live with her guilt. She runs away, only to find life hard and survival harder. It’s at a funeral that the two girls meet again as adults. This is when pain and anger collide with a touch of love and forgiveness. Right or wrong, each character deals with the pain and loss in their own way. The past was gone and mishandled, but these broken people had the present moment. That’s when hope came into the story and brought back something that seemed impossible. I was taken on a journey through all my emotions. “Sisters” was a hard story to put down, and I highly recommend it.
February 10, 2023
I’m going to borrow some words I used when I reviewed The Memory – “absolutely compelling, a story superbly told, and an entirely unforgettable emotional experience”. I used the word “stunning” a few times too – and although this is a very different book, the words seem equally appropriate. With this book, the author has produced another that packs a considerable emotional punch, coupled with an original story that had me pinned to the seat as I read it from cover to cover in one sitting.
A short prologue hints at what is to come, but the book opens in 1970 – with a family who will be torn apart by a tragic accident, where the blame settles with young Mandy, and its consequences are devastating. Sent to live with her uncle and aunt in Wales, they uncover the truth about what happened – that she was unable to share with her parents – and show her the love she needs to move on, to build a new life as Lisa, and to rebuild her relationship with her mother. Meanwhile her older sister Angie, wracked with guilt after setting up an alibi to escape any consequences for her own actions, flees her home and her life follows a difficult path that will prove hard to escape. The narrative resumes in 1983 – when Lisa returns for her mother’s funeral, she finds that her estranged sister’s earlier actions and later life choices have trapped her in a marriage fraught with abuse, both physical and emotional, with no means of escape. Angie’s husband has an agenda all of his own – and, along with a friend from their shared past, the sisters need to work together to bring down a man capable of appalling acts and cruelty who has become a most unlikely pillar of the community.
My goodness, the author’s telling is so much better than that – but this book is far more than its story. Mandy’s voice – that of a confused child, torn between her own grief, her sense of right and wrong, and her love for her family – tears at your heart. We hear Angie’s voice too – the way she deals with her own guilt and justifies her actions – and any sympathy is, at first, difficult to find. The father who rejects his own child, and the mother who condones it – that’s even more complex. But when Mandy – now Lisa – achieves some redemption, we see Angie’s life heading in a different direction. And while there might be some possibility that she reaps what she deserves, the reader’s compassion builds when we see what a mess she’s made of her life. Her husband is the truly evil one, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants – but the strength of character that Lisa has developed, and that really emerges through the writing, means that there might just be some possibility of him being stopped in his tracks.
And I’m back telling the story again – and I really don’t mean to. The character development is tremendously strong – but so is the story’s backdrop, the community that closed ranks against a small child bullied mercilessly and driven from her home, and the differences once thirteen years have passed. And there are the small background details that capture the context and era for both the past and present story – so subtle you barely notice, and really cleverly done. But the most unforgettable thing about this book is the way it makes you feel, by skilfully telling a story that can’t fail to engage the full range of your emotions. And it never feels like manipulation – these are real people who you grow to care deeply for through the course of their experiences. The book’s conclusion is satisfying in every possible way – and this is the point when I really won’t tell you the story, because that would be entirely unforgivable.
A family drama, perhaps a thriller in parts – perfectly structured and beautifully written, tender and gritty, this is a book that defies placing within one genre, and is all the better for it. All I can say is that I entirely loved it – one of my books of the year, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
A short prologue hints at what is to come, but the book opens in 1970 – with a family who will be torn apart by a tragic accident, where the blame settles with young Mandy, and its consequences are devastating. Sent to live with her uncle and aunt in Wales, they uncover the truth about what happened – that she was unable to share with her parents – and show her the love she needs to move on, to build a new life as Lisa, and to rebuild her relationship with her mother. Meanwhile her older sister Angie, wracked with guilt after setting up an alibi to escape any consequences for her own actions, flees her home and her life follows a difficult path that will prove hard to escape. The narrative resumes in 1983 – when Lisa returns for her mother’s funeral, she finds that her estranged sister’s earlier actions and later life choices have trapped her in a marriage fraught with abuse, both physical and emotional, with no means of escape. Angie’s husband has an agenda all of his own – and, along with a friend from their shared past, the sisters need to work together to bring down a man capable of appalling acts and cruelty who has become a most unlikely pillar of the community.
My goodness, the author’s telling is so much better than that – but this book is far more than its story. Mandy’s voice – that of a confused child, torn between her own grief, her sense of right and wrong, and her love for her family – tears at your heart. We hear Angie’s voice too – the way she deals with her own guilt and justifies her actions – and any sympathy is, at first, difficult to find. The father who rejects his own child, and the mother who condones it – that’s even more complex. But when Mandy – now Lisa – achieves some redemption, we see Angie’s life heading in a different direction. And while there might be some possibility that she reaps what she deserves, the reader’s compassion builds when we see what a mess she’s made of her life. Her husband is the truly evil one, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants – but the strength of character that Lisa has developed, and that really emerges through the writing, means that there might just be some possibility of him being stopped in his tracks.
And I’m back telling the story again – and I really don’t mean to. The character development is tremendously strong – but so is the story’s backdrop, the community that closed ranks against a small child bullied mercilessly and driven from her home, and the differences once thirteen years have passed. And there are the small background details that capture the context and era for both the past and present story – so subtle you barely notice, and really cleverly done. But the most unforgettable thing about this book is the way it makes you feel, by skilfully telling a story that can’t fail to engage the full range of your emotions. And it never feels like manipulation – these are real people who you grow to care deeply for through the course of their experiences. The book’s conclusion is satisfying in every possible way – and this is the point when I really won’t tell you the story, because that would be entirely unforgivable.
A family drama, perhaps a thriller in parts – perfectly structured and beautifully written, tender and gritty, this is a book that defies placing within one genre, and is all the better for it. All I can say is that I entirely loved it – one of my books of the year, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
January 14, 2023
I was very privileged to be offered an ARC of Judith Graham’s latest novel, Sisters, (Honno). As I’ve read Judith’s work before, I knew I was in for a treat. I wasn’t disappointed.
The story immediately propels the reader into a crisis. What could be more heart-breaking than the death of a child? The accident is the incident which changes everything. The sisters Angela and Mandy give different versions of what happened and the deceit at the heart of the story causes a rift in the family, not just between the girls.
The novel is constructed into parts and begins when the girls are teenagers. With two points of view we are able to follow each girl’s journey following the family tragedy, although the main voice, in first person, is Mandy. Later in the novel she becomes Lisa, a device that works in helping to separate one part of her life from the other.
Short chapters help the pace of the story which rockets along. I found I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Lisa and Angie and read it over two days. There are several moments in the course of the story when the tension is heightened. Angie’s husband is a volatile character and violence simmers under the surface. Of course there are also moments of poignancy. These tear-jerking moments are where Judith Barrow excels. The depth of emotion is evident and the reader is drawn into that pit of despair and left feeling as bereft as the characters.
The story has a small cast of characters, each one drawn with care and multi-faceted. They change over the course of the story through a deeper understanding of each other’s motives and behaviours.
With themes of loss, lies, estrangement and domestic abuse there is plenty of food for thought in this story. It’s a tale with characters that linger in your mind when you close the book. Judith Barrow fans are bound to enjoy this family saga.
February 7, 2023
For 13-year-old Mandy, the consequences of sibling betrayal are devastating. Trusted with taking her cherished baby brother Robert for a walk, she gives in to big sister Angie’s demands to take charge of the pram. But Angie is more interested in showing off to boyfriend Stephen, and in a moment’s carelessness, lets the pram careen down a steeped cobbled slope. It capsizes and baby Robert is killed – a tragedy that will affect both sisters for the rest of their lives.
This incident in itself would be enough to make a strong emotional story, but it takes a twist straightaway when Angie begs Mandy to take responsibility for the accident.
The story that follows shows the devastating effect of the tragedy on the whole Marsden family. Frozen out by her parents, Mandy makes a new life for herself with her loving aunt and uncle, while Angie, unable to face her parents’ pain day after day, runs away from home.
The years pass, but their paths never cross – until more tragedy brings them together as adults.
Can Mandy find forgiveness in her heart? Can Angie finally admit to the pain she has caused her younger sister?
There is still plenty drama to come before any sort of resolution can happen, all set against the backdrop of growing up in the 70s and 80s. The story races along, exploring the strong themes of morality, guilt and forgiveness against a plot that has plenty continuing drama.
Told in a linear narrative, and alternating between Mandy and Angie’s viewpoints, the suspense here comes not from the revelation of secrets, but from the emotional pull of the two sisters’ experiences as they grow into adults.
The story also explores whether family bonds are always strong enough to withstand the most incredible fractures.
As a teenager, I would never have forgiven my sister if she had done to me what Angie did to Mandy. Would I find mercy in my heart from an adult perceptive? Will Mandy?
It’s time to find out …
This incident in itself would be enough to make a strong emotional story, but it takes a twist straightaway when Angie begs Mandy to take responsibility for the accident.
The story that follows shows the devastating effect of the tragedy on the whole Marsden family. Frozen out by her parents, Mandy makes a new life for herself with her loving aunt and uncle, while Angie, unable to face her parents’ pain day after day, runs away from home.
The years pass, but their paths never cross – until more tragedy brings them together as adults.
Can Mandy find forgiveness in her heart? Can Angie finally admit to the pain she has caused her younger sister?
There is still plenty drama to come before any sort of resolution can happen, all set against the backdrop of growing up in the 70s and 80s. The story races along, exploring the strong themes of morality, guilt and forgiveness against a plot that has plenty continuing drama.
Told in a linear narrative, and alternating between Mandy and Angie’s viewpoints, the suspense here comes not from the revelation of secrets, but from the emotional pull of the two sisters’ experiences as they grow into adults.
The story also explores whether family bonds are always strong enough to withstand the most incredible fractures.
As a teenager, I would never have forgiven my sister if she had done to me what Angie did to Mandy. Would I find mercy in my heart from an adult perceptive? Will Mandy?
It’s time to find out …
March 23, 2023
This powerful book blew me away. The story itself is an emotional, heart wrenching, journey about a family who suffer a shocking incident. The author creates a picture in your mind so clear, you actually imagine that you are there with the family. It is told through, a couple of POV’s.
Don’t get me wrong there is some cruel, sickening bits during this, but it makes the story the way it is.
A truly incredible powerful novel.
Don’t get me wrong there is some cruel, sickening bits during this, but it makes the story the way it is.
A truly incredible powerful novel.
February 14, 2023
A tragic accident in 1970 blows apart sisters Mandy and Angie’s relationship and deeply divides the family changing their lives forever. Just a young child herself, Mandy is forced to shoulder the blame for the accident and is emotionally and physically ostracised by her father, and the wider community, who can no longer bear to look at her. Sent to live in the countryside with her aunt, Mandy changes her name to Lisa and tries to build a new life for herself vowing never to see or speak to her sister again.
Then thirteen years later they meet again at their mother’s funeral but Lisa sees that things have gone very badly wrong for Angie but can she find it in her heart to help her?
Told in dual POV’s this story starts with a gently paced build up which steadily gathers speed and momentum. The reveal of the main antagonist fuels the plot with menace and foreboding and really gives it some acceleration and legs to run with!
With themes of prostitution, coercive control and domestic violence it can be difficult to read at times. Ultimately, however, it is a story of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.
An engrossing read from start to finish - I really enjoyed it!
Then thirteen years later they meet again at their mother’s funeral but Lisa sees that things have gone very badly wrong for Angie but can she find it in her heart to help her?
Told in dual POV’s this story starts with a gently paced build up which steadily gathers speed and momentum. The reveal of the main antagonist fuels the plot with menace and foreboding and really gives it some acceleration and legs to run with!
With themes of prostitution, coercive control and domestic violence it can be difficult to read at times. Ultimately, however, it is a story of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.
An engrossing read from start to finish - I really enjoyed it!
February 4, 2023
It’s a funny thing about Judith Barrow’s books. I start reading, thinking they will follow an expected genre, get about halfway through, and realize that they are about something else entirely. In Sisters, for example, I thought I was going to meet another Cinderella, one who lives through and overcomes family trauma, meets her prince, and lives happily ever after. Only… not so much.
When we meet thirteen-year-old Mandy, she’s the classic middle-child of a working-class family on a 1970s housing estate. She’s proudly pushing the pram containing their family’s much-anticipated and beloved baby brother when she runs into her big sister, Angie, a typically boy-crazy young teen. Angie is attempting to show off for a boy when a terrible accident occurs and the precious baby is killed.
A devastated Mandy rushes back to her home, but to her shock is blamed for the tragedy. She waits confidently for her big sister to explain, but Angie doesn’t step forward. Instead, their family falls apart in a meltdown of grief, blame, and shame. Publicly branded a baby-killer, Mandy is bullied at school, shunned by her parents, and lied about by her sister, the one person who could have saved her.
Of course, we can see how the adults who should have provided love and support in spite of what was obviously an accident, instead fail their child. How the sister she’d always looked up to allowed her own fear to keep her from protecting Mandy or even telling the truth. And how all of the social structures of home and school and church fail to protect and support.
The bewildered girl is sent to Wales to live with her aunt and uncle. Mandy changes her name, rejects her birth family, and reinvents herself as Lisa. But that’s only the beginning of the story. As the two girls grow up, we can see that their split-second reactions in a moment of trauma are actually reflections of the people they will grow to be.
Both leave their broken family, and very soon come to life-changing forks in their separate journeys. Angie starts down a dark path where the only piece of herself she sees as valuable, her appearance, is regularly sold.
QUOTE: "There was a moment when Angie had a chance to change her life: that first time she stepped through the door of that house, that first night, that first week, that first time, that first man… But she didn’t."
At almost the same moment, Lisa steps up to prevent a little boy being kidnapped. She recognizes that protective spirit as her life-calling, and begins training to become a child advocate.
QUOTE: "That day with the little boy, I knew I’d never have a choice if I saw a child in distress. And I knew what I wanted to do with my life."
The meltdown of Mandy/Lisa’s nuclear family, the way everyone fails each other and her in a moment of ultimate stress— that was the story I expected to read. But it wasn’t the story Sisters had to tell. Instead, as the years pass, we see each sister tentatively begin to rebuild their lives, to unfold their personalities and characters from the smashed wrecks of that devastating moment.
Raised by her loving Aunt Barb and Uncle Chris in far-off Wales, Lisa finds her own strengths and life purpose. As she grows, she rebuilds some of the tattered relationship with her mother, and becomes a strong woman unafraid to love. The frightened little girl who keeps silent to protect the big sister who has betrayed her, channels that strength to protect other children.
But Angie’s path is one where that first instinctive cowardly betrayal sets the pattern for her inability to stand up for herself. It leads almost inevitably to a shameful existence and an abusive marriage.
When their mother dies, the two sisters finally meet up again. And this is where my expected story turned around completely. Instead of vindication for Lisa, we see a family whose core has disappeared, leaving each of them fundamentally lost. Each one has to forgive themselves for the all-too-human failings of being weak, angry, judgemental, scared. Along with each member of the family, the reader has to decide if it’s even possible to reclaim their humanity by reforming the family bonds shattered by tragedy, weakness, and time.
For me, Sisters is more than a story about a family destroyed by tragedy. It’s an exploration of how much we can give up in the face of devastating betrayal and loss, and how much we must give to reclaim our identity in the face of our imperfections.
I was particularly drawn to the settings. I enjoyed the contrasting descriptions of the family home, and the very different worlds the two sisters flee to, from the comfortable chaos of Wales that welcomes Lisa, to the sterile, compulsively bleached home that imprisons Angie. And yes, there was a bad guy, but somehow he lacked substance for me, an outline of nastiness rather than a fully-rounded villain. Instead, the true antagonists are the human failings in each member of the family, and even more their inability to forgive themselves and each other.
Sisters is a slow simmer, an intimate look at a gradually unfolding train wreck. It invites the reader to examine the effects of tragedy in the moment, but also as those effects ripple outward across the years, and especially the amount of strength and determination needed to swim against those ripples until feet finally find firm ground again. It’s not an easy read, but readers willing to explore the collapse of a family will be rewarded with characters who ultimately redeem their lives, reclaim their humanity, and most of all, affirm their båonds of love and family.
I unreservedly recommend this beautifully written, devastating, but ultimately hopeful story.
When we meet thirteen-year-old Mandy, she’s the classic middle-child of a working-class family on a 1970s housing estate. She’s proudly pushing the pram containing their family’s much-anticipated and beloved baby brother when she runs into her big sister, Angie, a typically boy-crazy young teen. Angie is attempting to show off for a boy when a terrible accident occurs and the precious baby is killed.
A devastated Mandy rushes back to her home, but to her shock is blamed for the tragedy. She waits confidently for her big sister to explain, but Angie doesn’t step forward. Instead, their family falls apart in a meltdown of grief, blame, and shame. Publicly branded a baby-killer, Mandy is bullied at school, shunned by her parents, and lied about by her sister, the one person who could have saved her.
Of course, we can see how the adults who should have provided love and support in spite of what was obviously an accident, instead fail their child. How the sister she’d always looked up to allowed her own fear to keep her from protecting Mandy or even telling the truth. And how all of the social structures of home and school and church fail to protect and support.
The bewildered girl is sent to Wales to live with her aunt and uncle. Mandy changes her name, rejects her birth family, and reinvents herself as Lisa. But that’s only the beginning of the story. As the two girls grow up, we can see that their split-second reactions in a moment of trauma are actually reflections of the people they will grow to be.
Both leave their broken family, and very soon come to life-changing forks in their separate journeys. Angie starts down a dark path where the only piece of herself she sees as valuable, her appearance, is regularly sold.
QUOTE: "There was a moment when Angie had a chance to change her life: that first time she stepped through the door of that house, that first night, that first week, that first time, that first man… But she didn’t."
At almost the same moment, Lisa steps up to prevent a little boy being kidnapped. She recognizes that protective spirit as her life-calling, and begins training to become a child advocate.
QUOTE: "That day with the little boy, I knew I’d never have a choice if I saw a child in distress. And I knew what I wanted to do with my life."
The meltdown of Mandy/Lisa’s nuclear family, the way everyone fails each other and her in a moment of ultimate stress— that was the story I expected to read. But it wasn’t the story Sisters had to tell. Instead, as the years pass, we see each sister tentatively begin to rebuild their lives, to unfold their personalities and characters from the smashed wrecks of that devastating moment.
Raised by her loving Aunt Barb and Uncle Chris in far-off Wales, Lisa finds her own strengths and life purpose. As she grows, she rebuilds some of the tattered relationship with her mother, and becomes a strong woman unafraid to love. The frightened little girl who keeps silent to protect the big sister who has betrayed her, channels that strength to protect other children.
But Angie’s path is one where that first instinctive cowardly betrayal sets the pattern for her inability to stand up for herself. It leads almost inevitably to a shameful existence and an abusive marriage.
When their mother dies, the two sisters finally meet up again. And this is where my expected story turned around completely. Instead of vindication for Lisa, we see a family whose core has disappeared, leaving each of them fundamentally lost. Each one has to forgive themselves for the all-too-human failings of being weak, angry, judgemental, scared. Along with each member of the family, the reader has to decide if it’s even possible to reclaim their humanity by reforming the family bonds shattered by tragedy, weakness, and time.
For me, Sisters is more than a story about a family destroyed by tragedy. It’s an exploration of how much we can give up in the face of devastating betrayal and loss, and how much we must give to reclaim our identity in the face of our imperfections.
I was particularly drawn to the settings. I enjoyed the contrasting descriptions of the family home, and the very different worlds the two sisters flee to, from the comfortable chaos of Wales that welcomes Lisa, to the sterile, compulsively bleached home that imprisons Angie. And yes, there was a bad guy, but somehow he lacked substance for me, an outline of nastiness rather than a fully-rounded villain. Instead, the true antagonists are the human failings in each member of the family, and even more their inability to forgive themselves and each other.
Sisters is a slow simmer, an intimate look at a gradually unfolding train wreck. It invites the reader to examine the effects of tragedy in the moment, but also as those effects ripple outward across the years, and especially the amount of strength and determination needed to swim against those ripples until feet finally find firm ground again. It’s not an easy read, but readers willing to explore the collapse of a family will be rewarded with characters who ultimately redeem their lives, reclaim their humanity, and most of all, affirm their båonds of love and family.
I unreservedly recommend this beautifully written, devastating, but ultimately hopeful story.
March 27, 2023
⭐️ 4/5
📚 17/48
📍 🇬🇧
🗂️ Contemporary Fiction
📖 Mandy is 13 years old when her family’s life changes forever. She will never forgive her older sister for what she did. When the time comes and Mandy needs to face Lisa again, will they be able to talk about the past? Or is history written forever?
❤️ Felt real - almost feels like a memoir
✅ Dual POV
✅ Short chapters
✅ Time moves quickly
✅ The author allows you to empathise with all characters regardless of their choices
✅ Lots of difficult topics
🔀 Firefly Lane but thrillery
⚠️ Yes - check before reading
📆 1st February 2023
📚 17/48
📍 🇬🇧
🗂️ Contemporary Fiction
📖 Mandy is 13 years old when her family’s life changes forever. She will never forgive her older sister for what she did. When the time comes and Mandy needs to face Lisa again, will they be able to talk about the past? Or is history written forever?
❤️ Felt real - almost feels like a memoir
✅ Dual POV
✅ Short chapters
✅ Time moves quickly
✅ The author allows you to empathise with all characters regardless of their choices
✅ Lots of difficult topics
🔀 Firefly Lane but thrillery
⚠️ Yes - check before reading
📆 1st February 2023
February 18, 2023
Thank you to @gwasghonnopress for this copy of Sisters by @judithbarrow2912 in return for an honest review. Thank you also to @randomthingstours for a spot on the blog tour for this book. I apologise profusely for posting my review later than I was supposed to, please forgive me.
Description 🔖
Two sisters are torn apart by a terrible lie. In shock after an unbearable accident, Angie lets her sister Mandy take the blame, thinking she’s too young to get into trouble. But she’s wrong. Mandy is hounded out and goes to find a new identity with their aunt. As Lisa, she builds a new life, never wanting to see her sister again.
Angie’s guilt sends her spiralling into danger. Thirteen years later, they meet again at their mother’s funeral. Lisa starts to suspect something is wrong. Angie seems terrified of her husband, and their father is hiding something too.
Can she overcome her old resentment and forgive the betrayal?
General Thoughts 🤔
Firstly, I need to apologise again for missing my date on this blog tour. Long story short, I was away last minute and without access to be able to write and post my review. The weird thing is, I was away in Pembrokeshire which is where the author of this book lives so it all feels kind of destined now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect balance between easy to read and heart wrenching and emotional. The story started in the 1970s and straight away, I was hit with a tonne of emotion about what the characters were going through at that time. Not only did it make me sad, it made me angry and I felt so bad for Mandy. She was far too young to have to navigate a situation like that.
The story didn’t get particularly rosier as it progressed however I did start to feel hopeful and I really liked reading about the characters and how they changed and developed over the years.
Characters 👫👭👬
The characters were a huge part of how much I enjoyed this book. The story was told from both Angie and Mandy’s perspectives and I felt connected to them both in different ways.
My heart broke for Mandy as a child; I thought that she was extremely lucky to get through a situation like that relatively unscathed and still grow up to be a functioning adult. As an adult she was strong minded but also vulnerable and I loved how those two traits were balanced out.
I struggled to like Angie in the beginning because I felt like she was the sole cause for all of the injustice and pain that her younger sister and the rest of her family were going through. It wasn’t the act but the way she dealt with it. At sixteen years of age, I think she ought to have known better. In her adult years, Angie was a completely different person and although my heart broke for her, I also found her to be quite frustrating. She was so lucky to have her younger sister back in her life because I think it would have been a very different ending otherwise.
Writing Style ✍️
As I mentioned above, I found this book quite easy to read from a binging perspective. The chapters were short, snappy and a mix of the character’s perspective so I definitely found the book moreish. Though the writing was easily consumable and not over complicated, the subject matter was at times difficult and there were multiple chapters that gave me a lump in my throat.
I really liked the way that the author weaved together a story about family and the relationships that exist and struggle within them. For the time that this book started off in, sending away a child wouldn’t have been unheard of and I thought that the way the plot and characters both developed felt painfully real.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
This was a book that landed at the exact right time for me and I think that played into how much I enjoyed it. A story that started with such a horrific event that drove a family apart, but ended with two sisters who were able to reconcile their differences when they needed each other the most. There were many lumps in my throat throughout this book for both good and bad reasons and it was because of the devastatingly flawed and also brilliant characters created by this author. I’d definitely recommend this book for a weekend read; but keep your tissues close by.
Description 🔖
Two sisters are torn apart by a terrible lie. In shock after an unbearable accident, Angie lets her sister Mandy take the blame, thinking she’s too young to get into trouble. But she’s wrong. Mandy is hounded out and goes to find a new identity with their aunt. As Lisa, she builds a new life, never wanting to see her sister again.
Angie’s guilt sends her spiralling into danger. Thirteen years later, they meet again at their mother’s funeral. Lisa starts to suspect something is wrong. Angie seems terrified of her husband, and their father is hiding something too.
Can she overcome her old resentment and forgive the betrayal?
General Thoughts 🤔
Firstly, I need to apologise again for missing my date on this blog tour. Long story short, I was away last minute and without access to be able to write and post my review. The weird thing is, I was away in Pembrokeshire which is where the author of this book lives so it all feels kind of destined now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect balance between easy to read and heart wrenching and emotional. The story started in the 1970s and straight away, I was hit with a tonne of emotion about what the characters were going through at that time. Not only did it make me sad, it made me angry and I felt so bad for Mandy. She was far too young to have to navigate a situation like that.
The story didn’t get particularly rosier as it progressed however I did start to feel hopeful and I really liked reading about the characters and how they changed and developed over the years.
Characters 👫👭👬
The characters were a huge part of how much I enjoyed this book. The story was told from both Angie and Mandy’s perspectives and I felt connected to them both in different ways.
My heart broke for Mandy as a child; I thought that she was extremely lucky to get through a situation like that relatively unscathed and still grow up to be a functioning adult. As an adult she was strong minded but also vulnerable and I loved how those two traits were balanced out.
I struggled to like Angie in the beginning because I felt like she was the sole cause for all of the injustice and pain that her younger sister and the rest of her family were going through. It wasn’t the act but the way she dealt with it. At sixteen years of age, I think she ought to have known better. In her adult years, Angie was a completely different person and although my heart broke for her, I also found her to be quite frustrating. She was so lucky to have her younger sister back in her life because I think it would have been a very different ending otherwise.
Writing Style ✍️
As I mentioned above, I found this book quite easy to read from a binging perspective. The chapters were short, snappy and a mix of the character’s perspective so I definitely found the book moreish. Though the writing was easily consumable and not over complicated, the subject matter was at times difficult and there were multiple chapters that gave me a lump in my throat.
I really liked the way that the author weaved together a story about family and the relationships that exist and struggle within them. For the time that this book started off in, sending away a child wouldn’t have been unheard of and I thought that the way the plot and characters both developed felt painfully real.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
This was a book that landed at the exact right time for me and I think that played into how much I enjoyed it. A story that started with such a horrific event that drove a family apart, but ended with two sisters who were able to reconcile their differences when they needed each other the most. There were many lumps in my throat throughout this book for both good and bad reasons and it was because of the devastatingly flawed and also brilliant characters created by this author. I’d definitely recommend this book for a weekend read; but keep your tissues close by.
March 14, 2023
I found this book very hard to set aside as it was so compelling. 'Sisters' is a tragic tale right from the outset, when a freak accident becomes the catalyst for lives to spiral out of control. At times, I was afraid for both sisters whilst simultaneously rooting madly for them. Deeply moving, this story's strength lies in the realistic portrayal of ordinary lives put under extraordinary pressure. The reader is never left thinking 'this would never happen in real life' as is so often the case in fiction, because the plot impacts the very real characters who are stretched to the limit in a completely believable way. Instead, you find yourself thinking - how would I have coped in that situation?
Ms Barrow is skilled in using very few words to create the atmosphere around the action - a blackbird's evocative song, the physical sensations under stress, the ever-changing British weather, a cat scraping its fur with its tongue: the background is woven into each sentence, bringing the scene to life so that the reader feels part of it.
It's a good story too so you can't wait to see if the complex plot will work out for the two beleaguered sisters as life drives them apart. Will they ever be able to retrieve their sisterly bond?
Highly recommended reading.
Ms Barrow is skilled in using very few words to create the atmosphere around the action - a blackbird's evocative song, the physical sensations under stress, the ever-changing British weather, a cat scraping its fur with its tongue: the background is woven into each sentence, bringing the scene to life so that the reader feels part of it.
It's a good story too so you can't wait to see if the complex plot will work out for the two beleaguered sisters as life drives them apart. Will they ever be able to retrieve their sisterly bond?
Highly recommended reading.
December 31, 2023
Probably my favorite thing to read, no matter the genre, is well-written, character-driven fiction. And this is exactly what Judith Barrow excels at. This is the second book of hers that I’ve read. Having loved the first one, choosing Sisters was a no-brainer.
This novel’s blurb offers an overview of the story as do many of the reviews. I don’t see any reason to recap the plotline. For one, it’s too delicious and best savored without knowing all that much. I shall only say this: the book is as the title says, about sisters. It begins in 1970, when a string of actions in a small slice of one day, spell tragedy and change the lives of sisters Mandy and Angela forever.
Barrow’s evolution of the story is well plotted in a way that is so natural, she makes it look easy. As I read, gripped by this emotional story, I loved that it wasn’t predictable, yet reminded me so much of my own stories and those of others that have taken a path because of something that happened in moment in time, or because of a good or bad choice that we as humans make.
I read this straight through over two days, not wanting to put it down. Not only is it a beautiful and compelling read, it was deeply satisfying. This is an author who truly understands human nature.
This novel’s blurb offers an overview of the story as do many of the reviews. I don’t see any reason to recap the plotline. For one, it’s too delicious and best savored without knowing all that much. I shall only say this: the book is as the title says, about sisters. It begins in 1970, when a string of actions in a small slice of one day, spell tragedy and change the lives of sisters Mandy and Angela forever.
Barrow’s evolution of the story is well plotted in a way that is so natural, she makes it look easy. As I read, gripped by this emotional story, I loved that it wasn’t predictable, yet reminded me so much of my own stories and those of others that have taken a path because of something that happened in moment in time, or because of a good or bad choice that we as humans make.
I read this straight through over two days, not wanting to put it down. Not only is it a beautiful and compelling read, it was deeply satisfying. This is an author who truly understands human nature.
February 2, 2023
The sisters are teenagers when a silly prank leads to the death of their baby brother. The younger girl, Mandy, takes the blame. Shunned by her father and ostracised by her schoolmates, she goes to live with her aunt and uncle on a smallholding in Wales. Reinventing herself as Lisa, she prospers and begins a career as a social worker protecting vulnerable kids.
Meanwhile, the guilt has led Angie to run away to Manchester, where she struggles to survive on the city’s streets. Eventually, she marries and returns to the Yorkshire village to be (partly) reconciled with her parents, albeit not with Lisa. (Here, author Judith Barrow treats us to some lovely descriptions of compulsive behaviours Angie uses to substitute for her lack of control.)
The sisters don’t communicate until their mother’s funeral, and the tension between them isn’t solely due to Lisa’s resentment. Should it matter to Lisa that Angie is afraid of her husband? Will Stephen’s malice affect her too? Another page-turning novel about fraught family relationships from the author of The Memory, shortlisted for Wales book of the year 2021.
Meanwhile, the guilt has led Angie to run away to Manchester, where she struggles to survive on the city’s streets. Eventually, she marries and returns to the Yorkshire village to be (partly) reconciled with her parents, albeit not with Lisa. (Here, author Judith Barrow treats us to some lovely descriptions of compulsive behaviours Angie uses to substitute for her lack of control.)
The sisters don’t communicate until their mother’s funeral, and the tension between them isn’t solely due to Lisa’s resentment. Should it matter to Lisa that Angie is afraid of her husband? Will Stephen’s malice affect her too? Another page-turning novel about fraught family relationships from the author of The Memory, shortlisted for Wales book of the year 2021.
February 18, 2023
As I read Sisters, the latest book from the talented pen of Judith Barrow, I made a few notes. One of them reads: ‘Expertly measured & nuanced.’ This, in essence, describes the book perfectly. Judith Barrow is at her best when she is exploring the minutiae of family life with its accompanying dynamics. Her storytelling skills blend seamlessly with her ability to shape a story – even one as disturbing & tragic as Sisters – with grace & wisdom.
Lying at the heart of Sisters is the kind of family tragedy that can happen in a heartbeat: a moment of shocking misfortune followed by a decision that, once made, quickly & irrevocably becomes etched in stone. The one made in the aftermath of the unbearable & accidental death of their infant brother, sets Mandy & her elder sister Angie on entirely separate paths. Years later, when they meet again, it becomes apparent that both the psychological & very real consequences are far reaching; every bit as devastating as the original, terrible event.
This book, for me, is Judith Barrow’s best to date & I have no hesitation in recommending it. Not enough stars!
Lying at the heart of Sisters is the kind of family tragedy that can happen in a heartbeat: a moment of shocking misfortune followed by a decision that, once made, quickly & irrevocably becomes etched in stone. The one made in the aftermath of the unbearable & accidental death of their infant brother, sets Mandy & her elder sister Angie on entirely separate paths. Years later, when they meet again, it becomes apparent that both the psychological & very real consequences are far reaching; every bit as devastating as the original, terrible event.
This book, for me, is Judith Barrow’s best to date & I have no hesitation in recommending it. Not enough stars!
December 1, 2023
As a sister myself, I know how easy it is for a family argument to turn into a major war. In this heartbreaking and very personal story, we see first-hand just how devastating family tragedies can be, especially when someone dies.
How one stupid mistake can destroy everyone and everything.
The sisters are forced to survive alone and live very different lives, losing hope along the way. Luckily, this isn’t the end of the story, as fate hadn’t finished with either of them yet. When they meet again at their mother’s funeral, another journey begins, in some ways worse than before.
I first had trouble relating to both sisters, as my heart went out to the innocent sister. But both girls were on a journey that would change their lives completely, and I gradually warmed to them both as they rebuilt their lives.
Harrowing at times, as the family falls apart, but so rewarding as we watch their forgiveness begin to grow…
How one stupid mistake can destroy everyone and everything.
The sisters are forced to survive alone and live very different lives, losing hope along the way. Luckily, this isn’t the end of the story, as fate hadn’t finished with either of them yet. When they meet again at their mother’s funeral, another journey begins, in some ways worse than before.
I first had trouble relating to both sisters, as my heart went out to the innocent sister. But both girls were on a journey that would change their lives completely, and I gradually warmed to them both as they rebuilt their lives.
Harrowing at times, as the family falls apart, but so rewarding as we watch their forgiveness begin to grow…
August 25, 2023
Firstly, let me say that Judith Barrow is one of my favourite authors. She writes beautifully and with such authenticity I can picture every scene she sets.
Opening in 1970, Angela and Mandy are sisters with an adored baby brother. But one day an innocuous excursion turns into a heartbreakingly tragic event and everything is changed forever.
Following which an intricate web of secrets, lies and betrayal lay the foundation for their relationship for many years to come.
The essence of the era, with all it's bigotries and prejudices is perfectly yet lightly told and this tale had me gripped from start to finish.
An emotional, poignant and accomplished telling of a family secret, the trauma it wreaks and the sacrifices the characters make to keep everything together as best they can.
Highly recommended.
Opening in 1970, Angela and Mandy are sisters with an adored baby brother. But one day an innocuous excursion turns into a heartbreakingly tragic event and everything is changed forever.
Following which an intricate web of secrets, lies and betrayal lay the foundation for their relationship for many years to come.
The essence of the era, with all it's bigotries and prejudices is perfectly yet lightly told and this tale had me gripped from start to finish.
An emotional, poignant and accomplished telling of a family secret, the trauma it wreaks and the sacrifices the characters make to keep everything together as best they can.
Highly recommended.
January 25, 2024
I love family dramas. Born into a very large family myself, I know the highs and lows of sibling love. When Judith Barrow’s book came out, I immediately added it to my Kindle. How could I not with three sisters? Only recently did I find time to read this jewel.
This is a story of trust broken and restored, of love expected but lost, of secrets betrayed and hope sacrificed. It is also a story of redemption. Forgiveness skirts the sidelines of conversations and encounters. And sometimes – warranted or not, hope resurrects. I highly recommend this story.
This is a story of trust broken and restored, of love expected but lost, of secrets betrayed and hope sacrificed. It is also a story of redemption. Forgiveness skirts the sidelines of conversations and encounters. And sometimes – warranted or not, hope resurrects. I highly recommend this story.
May 23, 2024
Sisters is an unforgettable read about siblings, relationships, how they get along and what can tear them apart. One lie changes the lives of this one family forever.
Sibling rivalry is a common occurrence and most things can be forgiven by a family but this one lie to cover up the death of a baby cannot be. These two sisters are close until one fateful day as the younger sister takes their baby brother for a walk, the older sister, trying to impress a boy, pushes the carriage that resulting in it rolling away from both girls causing the death of their brother.
The author has created a heart wrenching story about a family broken by mistakes that can’t be undone. She is known for creating the kind of stories that stay you readers for a long time.
I highly recommend this book!
Sibling rivalry is a common occurrence and most things can be forgiven by a family but this one lie to cover up the death of a baby cannot be. These two sisters are close until one fateful day as the younger sister takes their baby brother for a walk, the older sister, trying to impress a boy, pushes the carriage that resulting in it rolling away from both girls causing the death of their brother.
The author has created a heart wrenching story about a family broken by mistakes that can’t be undone. She is known for creating the kind of stories that stay you readers for a long time.
I highly recommend this book!
November 5, 2024
Judith Barrow has woven a beautifully written story of two sisters whose lives are irretrievably changed by one brief, stupid moment. The consequences of a foolish mistake are gut-wrenching, and I was completely gripped by the first half of the book.
The story of domestic violence in the second half was also powerful, but I found it less emotionally affecting, perhaps because I felt Stephen’s character lacked the depth that had been so richly created in the main characters early in the book. For me, this is a 4.5 star read.
The story of domestic violence in the second half was also powerful, but I found it less emotionally affecting, perhaps because I felt Stephen’s character lacked the depth that had been so richly created in the main characters early in the book. For me, this is a 4.5 star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
I didn't know what to expect from this book, as I have never read Judith Barrow before. Within the first few chapters I was deeply interested in the characters.
Mandy, Angie, Stephen, Ben, Eve, Barb... All were captivatingly written. The interwoven relationships are so clever and real.
What a ride of a novel, I have already downloaded another of Judith's books and am very excited to start!
Mandy, Angie, Stephen, Ben, Eve, Barb... All were captivatingly written. The interwoven relationships are so clever and real.
What a ride of a novel, I have already downloaded another of Judith's books and am very excited to start!
August 5, 2023
I was totally gripped from the start. Imagine the worst that could happen, happened! Then you had the blame but you were blameless? Can you ever come back from that? Is forgiveness even possible?
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