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Des Bleus au Coeur
À l’enterrement de sa soeur jumelle, Rebecca est seule face à tous les yeux braqués sur elle. Les filles du lycée, le petit ami d’Hephzi, les profs, les voisins, et ses parents. Que s’est-il passé ? Pourquoi est-elle morte si brutalement ? De quoi ? Rebecca est la seule à savoir. À savoir qu’Hephzi avait un petit ami, à savoir qu’elle faisait le mur pour le voir, à savoir surtout ce qu’il se passait quand elle rentrait de ses escapades, ce que son père lui faisait. Car le terrible secret que Rebecca est seule à porter désormais n’est pas à l’extérieur mais à l’intérieur de la maison. Ce qui lui fait si peur, si honte et si mal, c’est ce qui se passe une fois la porte fermée, ce qui a tué sa soeur jumelle : Les Parents.
Roman coup de poing à deux voix : celle d’Hephzi, la jumelle belle et populaire, et celle de Rebecca, l’autre jumelle, renfermée et terne, et deux chronologies : avant et après la mort d’Hephzi, Des bleus au coeur donne vie à ses soeurs jumelles. Elles racontent tour à tour le cauchemar qu’elles vivent à la maison, et les rêves qu’elles font quand même. Car l’enfer qu’elles connaissent une fois la porte close, comme si les Parents étaient des monstres et la maison une antre maléfique, ne les empêche pas d’être de vraies adolescentes : ce qui les intéresse le plus, c’est leur vie au lycée, leurs premières sorties, toujours cachées, le garçon dont Hephzi tombe amoureuse, sa première fois, et leur amour de soeurs profondément attachées l’une à l’autre mais si différentes.
Entre conte de fées maléfique et fait divers, Des bleus au cœur est surtout porté par les voix de ses deux héroïnes, émouvantes, attachantes et inoubliables.
Roman coup de poing à deux voix : celle d’Hephzi, la jumelle belle et populaire, et celle de Rebecca, l’autre jumelle, renfermée et terne, et deux chronologies : avant et après la mort d’Hephzi, Des bleus au coeur donne vie à ses soeurs jumelles. Elles racontent tour à tour le cauchemar qu’elles vivent à la maison, et les rêves qu’elles font quand même. Car l’enfer qu’elles connaissent une fois la porte close, comme si les Parents étaient des monstres et la maison une antre maléfique, ne les empêche pas d’être de vraies adolescentes : ce qui les intéresse le plus, c’est leur vie au lycée, leurs premières sorties, toujours cachées, le garçon dont Hephzi tombe amoureuse, sa première fois, et leur amour de soeurs profondément attachées l’une à l’autre mais si différentes.
Entre conte de fées maléfique et fait divers, Des bleus au cœur est surtout porté par les voix de ses deux héroïnes, émouvantes, attachantes et inoubliables.
315 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2012
21 people are currently reading
1336 people want to read
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May 23, 2012
Cross-over fiction is a genre that I’ve thought a lot about.
Well, OK not really, I just said that so I sounded like I was ‘in the know’ about all things publishing. Before I read this book, a ‘cross-over fiction’ kinda book, I’d never really thought about it. But for reviewing purposes I have decided to do just that.
I’ve narrowed all my thoughts, highly highly intellectual thoughts, down to one question that I will attempt to answer in this review.
Is a book that is classed as ‘cross-over fiction’ a YA book that wants to be an adult book or is it an adult book who wants to be a YA book?
Now, you know that yours truly is a YA book blog so going off that fact alone we can establish that adult books are definitely cooler.
Nah, I’m completely kidding. YA books are all the rage right now and rightly so. Real people are reading YA books and they’re not ashamed because SURPRISE there are actually some great YA books out there. But adult books will always be the ones that top the bestselling charts and the ones that people talk about over canapés and champagne at high-brow dinner parties.
So are cross-over books, books that straddle the genre and appeal to all readers the way forward?
Anyway, let’s talk about this particular cross-over book. I have decided to create a scoring system to see if I can determine whether this book is a YA book asking an older book to buy it some Strongbow or whether it’s actually an adult book going through a mid-life crisis and pretending it’s in its late teens and is…. um… probably going to get something pierced or, I dunno, buy a motorbike.
Jo plays a snappily titled game of "Adult Book or YA book"?
1) I loved this book from the first page. That may sound completely cheesy and cliché but I literally did love it from the first page? Literally, Jo? LITERALLY?! DO YOU KNOW THE MEANING OF LITERALLY. I hear you bellow. Yes, I do and if you’d let me finish I’ll tell you why.
This book has a Sylvia Plath quote as its epigraph.
If you’re starting with a Sylvia Plath epigraph you have to have guts because, I mean, it’s Sylvia Plath. If you write a pithy, awful book after starting with Plath then you’ll always be known as the author who thinks they’re good enough to follow Plath and no one wants to be that author. Luckily, Ms Reid did not write a pithy, awful book.
And while I’m not saying that young adults can’t read and love Plath (I actually read The Bell Jar when I was 16), the mere act of quoting a dark and uncomfortable poem perfectly sets up the reader for a dark and uncomfortable read. Black Heart Blue is difficult to read, it’s harrowing and it’s dark.
I don’t want to go into the plot points because of spoilers but… wooosha.
And you can quote me on that… though you probably wouldn’t want to.
So, re: Dark tone of the book. Adult book or YA book? Adult book.
2) It seems every YA heroine has a tortured sister nowadays. Not that it’s a bad thing and I’m not saying that this book is about a heroine with a tortured sister.
It’s about two heroines with a tortured sister.
That’s right! We have twins! I’m always wary of books about twins because even though in theory, they are a great way to explore sister (or brother, though I haven’t actually read any books with male twins) relationships they always just fall flat for me. The jealously. The angst. The bitchiness. Yawn.
But what I liked about Rebecca and Hephzibah were that they were completely different from each other. They didn’t really like each other at all. Hephzibah was a bitch to Rebecca but Rebecca wasn’t all sunshine and kittens either. I loved how they had two separate personalities but there was always that bond that they shared, both from what they had gone through but also just because they have the almost supernatural bond that they have. Like I said, normally I’m reluctant to read twin books but in this case, the sisters and their relationship added lots to the overall feel of the book.
Re: Twins and tortured sisterly bonds. Adult book or YA book? YA book.
3) OK, this next bit is a bit of a quibble I had with the book. I wasn’t entirely convinced about the setting. When I started reading this book I thought it was going to be set in the 50s or something but then there was talk of A-Levels, Glee and Cheryl Cole. It’s obvious that Ms Reid knows how to deal the twisty, dark human emotions but when it came to writing general teenager stuff… it didn’t always ring true for me.
And I don’t think I’ve ever met a seventeen year old boy who would want to ride a moped. I think most of them would be happy to settle with a Megarider or a lift from their parents. Maybe that’s just me. To me, anyway, this book sometimes read like a historical book… but I like historical books, so I was fine with that but I don’t think that’s what Ms Reid intended.
Re: Adults thinking that teenagers care about if Cheryl Cole rides a moped. Adult book or YA book? Adult book.
4) Tiptoeing delicately here but the adults in this book (bar one) were absolutely horrible. Despicable. Terrible. Seriously, I was so angry and scowly. Really well done though.
Re: Horrible adults. Adult book or YA book? Seeing as adults aren’t allowed in a YA book. Adult book.
5) Insert bad boy love interest. Adult book or YA book? YA book.
6) Hopeful ending. Well Ms Reid took us for a ridiculous sad ride through this book but there was a hopeful ending. All the nastiness is still there but all was not lost. Thankfully. I seem to talk about hopeful endings an awful lot on my blog but I think, as a whole, YA books like to have hopeful endings. I think adult fiction is a lot happier at slashing your hopes and dreams and leaving you to sob and what have you.
Re: Everything’s going to be alright…. Eventually. Adult book or YA book? YA book.
So, is it a YA book that wants to be an adult book or is it an adult book that wants to be YA?
It’s neither.
And it’s both.
It’s a cross-over book.
*wink*
…..
Um…
Sorry, I felt like I needed a wink at the end of that. Like I was starring in an advert for a book genre and that was the tagline. Do book genres have taglines? They should.
Whatever Black Heart Blue is, it’s good and you should read it.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers.
You can read this review and lots of other exciting things on my blog, Wear the Old Coat.
Well, OK not really, I just said that so I sounded like I was ‘in the know’ about all things publishing. Before I read this book, a ‘cross-over fiction’ kinda book, I’d never really thought about it. But for reviewing purposes I have decided to do just that.
I’ve narrowed all my thoughts, highly highly intellectual thoughts, down to one question that I will attempt to answer in this review.
Is a book that is classed as ‘cross-over fiction’ a YA book that wants to be an adult book or is it an adult book who wants to be a YA book?
Now, you know that yours truly is a YA book blog so going off that fact alone we can establish that adult books are definitely cooler.
Nah, I’m completely kidding. YA books are all the rage right now and rightly so. Real people are reading YA books and they’re not ashamed because SURPRISE there are actually some great YA books out there. But adult books will always be the ones that top the bestselling charts and the ones that people talk about over canapés and champagne at high-brow dinner parties.
So are cross-over books, books that straddle the genre and appeal to all readers the way forward?
Anyway, let’s talk about this particular cross-over book. I have decided to create a scoring system to see if I can determine whether this book is a YA book asking an older book to buy it some Strongbow or whether it’s actually an adult book going through a mid-life crisis and pretending it’s in its late teens and is…. um… probably going to get something pierced or, I dunno, buy a motorbike.
Jo plays a snappily titled game of "Adult Book or YA book"?
1) I loved this book from the first page. That may sound completely cheesy and cliché but I literally did love it from the first page? Literally, Jo? LITERALLY?! DO YOU KNOW THE MEANING OF LITERALLY. I hear you bellow. Yes, I do and if you’d let me finish I’ll tell you why.
This book has a Sylvia Plath quote as its epigraph.
“You do not do, you do not do
Any more, black shoe
In which I have lived like a foot
For thirty years, poor and white,
Barely daring to breathe or Achoo.”
-Daddy, Sylvia Plath
If you’re starting with a Sylvia Plath epigraph you have to have guts because, I mean, it’s Sylvia Plath. If you write a pithy, awful book after starting with Plath then you’ll always be known as the author who thinks they’re good enough to follow Plath and no one wants to be that author. Luckily, Ms Reid did not write a pithy, awful book.
And while I’m not saying that young adults can’t read and love Plath (I actually read The Bell Jar when I was 16), the mere act of quoting a dark and uncomfortable poem perfectly sets up the reader for a dark and uncomfortable read. Black Heart Blue is difficult to read, it’s harrowing and it’s dark.
I don’t want to go into the plot points because of spoilers but… wooosha.
And you can quote me on that… though you probably wouldn’t want to.
So, re: Dark tone of the book. Adult book or YA book? Adult book.
2) It seems every YA heroine has a tortured sister nowadays. Not that it’s a bad thing and I’m not saying that this book is about a heroine with a tortured sister.
It’s about two heroines with a tortured sister.
That’s right! We have twins! I’m always wary of books about twins because even though in theory, they are a great way to explore sister (or brother, though I haven’t actually read any books with male twins) relationships they always just fall flat for me. The jealously. The angst. The bitchiness. Yawn.
But what I liked about Rebecca and Hephzibah were that they were completely different from each other. They didn’t really like each other at all. Hephzibah was a bitch to Rebecca but Rebecca wasn’t all sunshine and kittens either. I loved how they had two separate personalities but there was always that bond that they shared, both from what they had gone through but also just because they have the almost supernatural bond that they have. Like I said, normally I’m reluctant to read twin books but in this case, the sisters and their relationship added lots to the overall feel of the book.
Re: Twins and tortured sisterly bonds. Adult book or YA book? YA book.
3) OK, this next bit is a bit of a quibble I had with the book. I wasn’t entirely convinced about the setting. When I started reading this book I thought it was going to be set in the 50s or something but then there was talk of A-Levels, Glee and Cheryl Cole. It’s obvious that Ms Reid knows how to deal the twisty, dark human emotions but when it came to writing general teenager stuff… it didn’t always ring true for me.
And I don’t think I’ve ever met a seventeen year old boy who would want to ride a moped. I think most of them would be happy to settle with a Megarider or a lift from their parents. Maybe that’s just me. To me, anyway, this book sometimes read like a historical book… but I like historical books, so I was fine with that but I don’t think that’s what Ms Reid intended.
Re: Adults thinking that teenagers care about if Cheryl Cole rides a moped. Adult book or YA book? Adult book.
4) Tiptoeing delicately here but the adults in this book (bar one) were absolutely horrible. Despicable. Terrible. Seriously, I was so angry and scowly. Really well done though.
Re: Horrible adults. Adult book or YA book? Seeing as adults aren’t allowed in a YA book. Adult book.
5) Insert bad boy love interest. Adult book or YA book? YA book.
6) Hopeful ending. Well Ms Reid took us for a ridiculous sad ride through this book but there was a hopeful ending. All the nastiness is still there but all was not lost. Thankfully. I seem to talk about hopeful endings an awful lot on my blog but I think, as a whole, YA books like to have hopeful endings. I think adult fiction is a lot happier at slashing your hopes and dreams and leaving you to sob and what have you.
Re: Everything’s going to be alright…. Eventually. Adult book or YA book? YA book.
So, is it a YA book that wants to be an adult book or is it an adult book that wants to be YA?
It’s neither.
And it’s both.
It’s a cross-over book.
*wink*
…..
Um…
Sorry, I felt like I needed a wink at the end of that. Like I was starring in an advert for a book genre and that was the tagline. Do book genres have taglines? They should.
Whatever Black Heart Blue is, it’s good and you should read it.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers.
You can read this review and lots of other exciting things on my blog, Wear the Old Coat.
August 10, 2013
"They tried to make me go to my sister’s funeral today. In the end I’d had to give in … I’d been walking in her shadow for sixteen years and I liked its cool darkness. It was a good place to hide."
Such a beautifully written yet extremely sad book. It follows the lives of 16-year-old twin sisters, Hephzibah and Rebecca. Told in split narrative format, Hephzibah narrates the past (before her death) and Rebecca the present (after her sister's death). Hephzibah is the beautiful, outgoing and popular twin, while Rebecca is silent, disfigured and lacking in self confidence. Both girls struggle to cope with life, living with their fundamentalist Christian parents (the father is a vicar), who abuse the children, particularly Rebecca, in ways beyond imaginable. But when the girls start college, they get a taste of freedom - only a taste however, for the sisters' father is determined to prevent his daughters from leading any sort of life outside of the vicarage.
Reid's writing style is captivating; the two opposite sisters are narrated so well that you understand them both intimately, as sisters and individuals, and the coping mechanisms both employ to deal with their situation. My heart sank with every revelation and development and I simply couldn't tear myself away until I turned the last page. This is the most perfect thing about this book; once you’re in, you can’t escape...mirroring so well the twins entrapment.
Black Heart Blue deals with some complex issues such as child abuse, rape, love and death. It is horrifying, chillingly real, heartbreaking and unforgettable. A great read for teens and adults alike.
Such a beautifully written yet extremely sad book. It follows the lives of 16-year-old twin sisters, Hephzibah and Rebecca. Told in split narrative format, Hephzibah narrates the past (before her death) and Rebecca the present (after her sister's death). Hephzibah is the beautiful, outgoing and popular twin, while Rebecca is silent, disfigured and lacking in self confidence. Both girls struggle to cope with life, living with their fundamentalist Christian parents (the father is a vicar), who abuse the children, particularly Rebecca, in ways beyond imaginable. But when the girls start college, they get a taste of freedom - only a taste however, for the sisters' father is determined to prevent his daughters from leading any sort of life outside of the vicarage.
Reid's writing style is captivating; the two opposite sisters are narrated so well that you understand them both intimately, as sisters and individuals, and the coping mechanisms both employ to deal with their situation. My heart sank with every revelation and development and I simply couldn't tear myself away until I turned the last page. This is the most perfect thing about this book; once you’re in, you can’t escape...mirroring so well the twins entrapment.
Black Heart Blue deals with some complex issues such as child abuse, rape, love and death. It is horrifying, chillingly real, heartbreaking and unforgettable. A great read for teens and adults alike.
May 28, 2012
I've actually waited a couple of days before reviewing this book and I think that I made the right decision to do that. Black Heart Blue is definitely a haunting book and I think that I appreciate it more now that I've had even more time to reflect on it. I think that this will be a book that lingers in my mind for quite a long time.
On the very first page of this story is a verse from Sylvia Plath's poem, Daddy. I absolutely adore Sylvia Plath, so when I read the verse, I was so excited that I was maybe going to read something that was so marvellously interlinked, but I was also scared that the story was going to be a disappointment - in my eyes, it's quite a big thing to try and follow on after a Plath verse! Thankfully, I think that using the poem was the right thing to do - Reid definitely did it justice with the story that followed.
Black Heart Blue follows the life of two twins - the well rounded and beautiful Hepzibah (Hepzhi) and her disfigured sister, Rebecca. We learn right from the start that Hepzhi has died and we discover exactly how and why as we progress through the book. I thought that the format of the book was really well done. Hepzhi narrates chapters 'before' her death so that we get a clear picture of what life was like for the twins. On the other hand, Rebecca narrates the time after Hepzhi's death and what it meant not just for her, but her family and the community around them. Writing this way meant that we learnt so much about both twins and they were so well developed. The twins had a very troubled past (and present) and we can see this in so many ways - their behaviour, their emotions and through other people's actions towards them. Everything that was explored felt so realistic and had a lot of depth, despite the shortness of the book. We were introduced to several characters including the granny of the twins, Hephzi's boyfriend, her friends, members in the community such as a church assistant and people who Rebecca worked with, as well as non-immediate family members. Every single person in this story seemed to matter and they each contributed something to the story. I was absolutely fascinated with how everyone interacted.
It seems wrong to say that I enjoyed this book due to the subject matter. I didn't really enjoy it as such - there wasn't anything that made me feel very happy, but instead, I appreciated it. I really appreciated how well Reid had portrayed the lives of Hephzi and Rebecca - there were no holds barred on the content - this is a story that involves abuse and a whole lot more. Whilst the events weren't overly graphic or descriptive, they were unbelievably powerful. As aforementioned, the words were haunting. There was a seriously sinister undertone and it worked seriously well.
This is a book that I will recommend to others who are looking for a different read to your usual YA - I'm glad that there's something different to the usual 'boy meets girl' or paranormal subjects. This is definitely not a book for younger teens but for older teens and I know a lot of adults that would appreciate the work that's been put into this too. I look forward to more of Reid's work in the future.
On the very first page of this story is a verse from Sylvia Plath's poem, Daddy. I absolutely adore Sylvia Plath, so when I read the verse, I was so excited that I was maybe going to read something that was so marvellously interlinked, but I was also scared that the story was going to be a disappointment - in my eyes, it's quite a big thing to try and follow on after a Plath verse! Thankfully, I think that using the poem was the right thing to do - Reid definitely did it justice with the story that followed.
Black Heart Blue follows the life of two twins - the well rounded and beautiful Hepzibah (Hepzhi) and her disfigured sister, Rebecca. We learn right from the start that Hepzhi has died and we discover exactly how and why as we progress through the book. I thought that the format of the book was really well done. Hepzhi narrates chapters 'before' her death so that we get a clear picture of what life was like for the twins. On the other hand, Rebecca narrates the time after Hepzhi's death and what it meant not just for her, but her family and the community around them. Writing this way meant that we learnt so much about both twins and they were so well developed. The twins had a very troubled past (and present) and we can see this in so many ways - their behaviour, their emotions and through other people's actions towards them. Everything that was explored felt so realistic and had a lot of depth, despite the shortness of the book. We were introduced to several characters including the granny of the twins, Hephzi's boyfriend, her friends, members in the community such as a church assistant and people who Rebecca worked with, as well as non-immediate family members. Every single person in this story seemed to matter and they each contributed something to the story. I was absolutely fascinated with how everyone interacted.
It seems wrong to say that I enjoyed this book due to the subject matter. I didn't really enjoy it as such - there wasn't anything that made me feel very happy, but instead, I appreciated it. I really appreciated how well Reid had portrayed the lives of Hephzi and Rebecca - there were no holds barred on the content - this is a story that involves abuse and a whole lot more. Whilst the events weren't overly graphic or descriptive, they were unbelievably powerful. As aforementioned, the words were haunting. There was a seriously sinister undertone and it worked seriously well.
This is a book that I will recommend to others who are looking for a different read to your usual YA - I'm glad that there's something different to the usual 'boy meets girl' or paranormal subjects. This is definitely not a book for younger teens but for older teens and I know a lot of adults that would appreciate the work that's been put into this too. I look forward to more of Reid's work in the future.
June 29, 2016
(Fuh I tried so hard to make this a spoiler-free)
4.2/5 for Black Heart Blue by Louisa Reid.
Black Heart Blue is a gripping tale of twin sisters, Hephzi and Rebecca, who have been subjected to abuse and religious extremism in their own family. I like how distinctive the main characters are: Hephzi, the extroverted one, bold at the outside but most fragile at heart and then Rebecca, her twin sister, who suffered Treacher Collins Syndrome, who seemed fragile but actually was a strong-willed child in protecting her sister. They are glaringly different but they complemented each other well.
I loved how the chapters perfectly interlaced between the 'before' which was told from Hephzi's perspective and the 'after', which was told from Rebecca's. I loved how every chapter of this book explores every range of emotions suffered by the twin sisters. I didnt weep as I read this but I did feel suffocated at times - the cruelty and the sufferings are just too much.
The author's style of writing is SO simple, it doesn't beautify the story but it certainly matched the atmosphere of the book which was real and horrifying. The story is medium-paced, it sometimes got too fast but thank God the author didnt jumble up things, unrealistically.
I loved this book and I'm certain, this is the kind of book that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.
4.2/5 for Black Heart Blue by Louisa Reid.
Black Heart Blue is a gripping tale of twin sisters, Hephzi and Rebecca, who have been subjected to abuse and religious extremism in their own family. I like how distinctive the main characters are: Hephzi, the extroverted one, bold at the outside but most fragile at heart and then Rebecca, her twin sister, who suffered Treacher Collins Syndrome, who seemed fragile but actually was a strong-willed child in protecting her sister. They are glaringly different but they complemented each other well.
I loved how the chapters perfectly interlaced between the 'before' which was told from Hephzi's perspective and the 'after', which was told from Rebecca's. I loved how every chapter of this book explores every range of emotions suffered by the twin sisters. I didnt weep as I read this but I did feel suffocated at times - the cruelty and the sufferings are just too much.
The author's style of writing is SO simple, it doesn't beautify the story but it certainly matched the atmosphere of the book which was real and horrifying. The story is medium-paced, it sometimes got too fast but thank God the author didnt jumble up things, unrealistically.
I loved this book and I'm certain, this is the kind of book that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2016
Edito: lo que me pasa con este libro es MUY loco, el sentimiento que me provocó su lectura es tan deprimente, me transmitió tanta tristeza, tantas emociones negras y negativas, que no lo tolero. Lo tengo metido en un placard porque no soporto verlo, me chupa la energía. Supongo que voy a regalarlo, pero un año después de leerlo la sensación deprimente no se va. Realmente es un caso único y curioso, nunca me pasó algo así. Es verlo y que se me haga un nudo en el estomago (lo tengo ahora mientras escribo) y sentir rechazo.
Ni siquiera puedo decir que es porque no me gustó, porque sí lo hizo un poco, pero me resulta intolerable. Estoy para el interne, lo sé.
Es una sensación súper fea la que me transmite.
Review original:
**
Es una historia muy, muy cruda.
Es un buen libro, pero es tan cruel que padecí leyendolo, no tiene ni una cosa linda, solo horror tras horror.
Ni siquiera puedo decir que es porque no me gustó, porque sí lo hizo un poco, pero me resulta intolerable. Estoy para el interne, lo sé.
Es una sensación súper fea la que me transmite.
Review original:
**
Es una historia muy, muy cruda.
Es un buen libro, pero es tan cruel que padecí leyendolo, no tiene ni una cosa linda, solo horror tras horror.
July 3, 2015
The author of this book described child abuse in realistic ways, so as a result parts of the story is rather painful and disturbing to read, for example, the abused victims are always too fearful to seek for help to a point you become frustrated and wanting to scream "OMG! Seek help already!". Plus the complicated relationship between the disfigured girl and her pretty twin sister has also been handled nicely. 4 stars.
April 22, 2012
Its quite rare that I feel so emotional when reading a novel but this certainly was the case with this story. Its a very powerful and compelling story at which I felt sadness, anger and hope in equal measures. The story is told in two narratives of both past and present from two twin sisters, Rebecca and Hephzibah (Hephzi). The book starts with Hephzi’s funeral. We are not told why she died although as the book progresses, it becomes clear. Although they are twins, the two sisters are very different. Hephzi was the pretty one but Rebecca was severely facially disfigured from a birth defect. We learn about the relationship between the two sisters and that of their lives with their parents – a religious fanatic of a father and an indifferent mother.
There were times when the book horrified me at the way the girls were treated and it’s very true that you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
Although the subject matter is a difficult one to deal with, its not a depressing book by any means and I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The story certainly stayed with me long after I had finished reading it. I look forward to reading more from Ms Reid.
There were times when the book horrified me at the way the girls were treated and it’s very true that you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
Although the subject matter is a difficult one to deal with, its not a depressing book by any means and I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The story certainly stayed with me long after I had finished reading it. I look forward to reading more from Ms Reid.
December 23, 2014
Erste Zeilen: Sie haben mich gezwungen, heute zur Beerdigung meiner Schwester zu gehen. Irgendwann musste ich nachgeben.
Eye-Candy: Das Cover ist düster und traurig gehalten, das passt gut zur Geschichte. Irgendwie hätte mir eine Zwillingsthematik fast besser gefallen, aber ich will nicht meckern.
Inhalt: Eine untypische Zwillingsgeschichte, die dramatische Züge aufweist und keine leichte Lektüre für zwischendurch ist. Es geht Unteranderem um häusliche Gewalt, Krankheit und das Grauen, das unter der Oberfläche des alltäglichen Lebens lauert.
Meine Meinung: Auf dieses Buch habe ich mich sehr gefreut. Es klang wirklich vielversprechend und tiefsinnig. Die Leseprobe hat mir auch sofort zugesagt, daher bin ich mit ziemlich hohen Erwartungen an das Buch herangegangen.
Die Geschichte wird aus der Ich-Perspektive von Rebecca, der "hässlichen" Schwester erzählt. Allerdings wird auch aus der Sicht von Hephzibah erzählt, von der man von Anfang an weiß, dass sie sterben wird, bzw. gestorben ist. Die Handlung spielt in der Zukunft und gleichzeitig in der Vergangenheit, wodurch die Hintergründe aufgeklärt und Spannung aufgebaut werden.
Nicht nur äußerlich, auch innerlich sind die beiden Mädchen sehr verschieden. Sehr traurig war es für mich mitzuerleben, wie Rebecca immer wieder von allen auf ihre Äußerlichkeit reduziert wird. Dennoch schafft sie es stark unter Umständen zu sein, unter denen so manch einer zerbrechen und zugrunde gehen würde. Ihre charakterliche Entwicklung war sehr spannend mitzuverfolgen.
So sehr ich Rebecca mochte, desto weniger mochte ich die "hübsche" Schwester, die von allen nur hört, wie hübsch und toll sie eigentlich ist. Blauäugig geht sie in die Welt hinaus und denkt, dass sie mit allem durchkommen kann, weil sie wunderschön ist. Dass dies nicht der Fall ist, wird schon auf den ersten Seiten klar. Bis zum Schluss war Hephzibah mit ihrer Naivität und ihrer Arroganz eine Zumutung, sodass ich sie gerne mal geschüttelt hätte, damit sie endlich anfängt zu denken.
Das Buch lebt von seiner subtilen Spannung. Man fragt sich, wann und ob die Mädchen den Ausbruch aus ihrer verzwickten Lage schaffen und ob sie vom gewaltbereiten Vater und der herzlosen Mutter loskommen.
Bis zum letzten Drittel hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen, ab da wurden seine Schwächen mir immer bewusster, sodass der Lesespaß sich zurückgehalten hat. Die Ursache für Hephzibahs Tod und die Tatsache, dass man sie eigentlich retten könnte, haben mir nicht gefallen. Ihr Tod fühlt sich zu gewollt an, aber mit dieser Meinung könnte ich auch alleine dastehen.
Ein anderer Punkt, der mir zu schaffen gemacht hat, ist die Auflösung der Geschichte. Die Hauptknackpunkte werden dem Leser auf einem silbernen Tablett präsentiert und es wird verlangt, dass der Leser sie sich ihrer annimmt. An sich nicht sehr schlimm, aber dadurch, dass im gesamten Verlauf der Geschichte kein einziger Hinweis auf diese Auflösung hindeutet, ist das nicht gerade die feine englische Art.
Die Schreibweise ist flüssig und nüchtern. Auf Metaphern und ausschweifende Beschreibungen wird größtenteils verzichtet, dadurch wirkt die Atmosphäre etwas unterkühlt, was aber nur gewollt sein kann. Dennoch wird der Leser in den Bann der Geschichte gezogen und kann kaum aufhören zu lesen.
In der Kürze liegt die Würze: sensible Herangehensweise; unterschiedliche Charaktere, die nicht alle gleich gut ausgebaut sind; spannende Handlung; ein realistisches Ende
Bewertung: Wenn die Auflösung nicht so platt gewesen wäre, hätte das Buch mehr Punkte bekommen, aber etwas habe ich mich doch darüber geärgert, dass es sich die Autorin zu leicht gemacht hat, somit ♥♥♥♥ Herzchen.
Eye-Candy: Das Cover ist düster und traurig gehalten, das passt gut zur Geschichte. Irgendwie hätte mir eine Zwillingsthematik fast besser gefallen, aber ich will nicht meckern.
Inhalt: Eine untypische Zwillingsgeschichte, die dramatische Züge aufweist und keine leichte Lektüre für zwischendurch ist. Es geht Unteranderem um häusliche Gewalt, Krankheit und das Grauen, das unter der Oberfläche des alltäglichen Lebens lauert.
Meine Meinung: Auf dieses Buch habe ich mich sehr gefreut. Es klang wirklich vielversprechend und tiefsinnig. Die Leseprobe hat mir auch sofort zugesagt, daher bin ich mit ziemlich hohen Erwartungen an das Buch herangegangen.
Die Geschichte wird aus der Ich-Perspektive von Rebecca, der "hässlichen" Schwester erzählt. Allerdings wird auch aus der Sicht von Hephzibah erzählt, von der man von Anfang an weiß, dass sie sterben wird, bzw. gestorben ist. Die Handlung spielt in der Zukunft und gleichzeitig in der Vergangenheit, wodurch die Hintergründe aufgeklärt und Spannung aufgebaut werden.
Nicht nur äußerlich, auch innerlich sind die beiden Mädchen sehr verschieden. Sehr traurig war es für mich mitzuerleben, wie Rebecca immer wieder von allen auf ihre Äußerlichkeit reduziert wird. Dennoch schafft sie es stark unter Umständen zu sein, unter denen so manch einer zerbrechen und zugrunde gehen würde. Ihre charakterliche Entwicklung war sehr spannend mitzuverfolgen.
So sehr ich Rebecca mochte, desto weniger mochte ich die "hübsche" Schwester, die von allen nur hört, wie hübsch und toll sie eigentlich ist. Blauäugig geht sie in die Welt hinaus und denkt, dass sie mit allem durchkommen kann, weil sie wunderschön ist. Dass dies nicht der Fall ist, wird schon auf den ersten Seiten klar. Bis zum Schluss war Hephzibah mit ihrer Naivität und ihrer Arroganz eine Zumutung, sodass ich sie gerne mal geschüttelt hätte, damit sie endlich anfängt zu denken.
Das Buch lebt von seiner subtilen Spannung. Man fragt sich, wann und ob die Mädchen den Ausbruch aus ihrer verzwickten Lage schaffen und ob sie vom gewaltbereiten Vater und der herzlosen Mutter loskommen.
Bis zum letzten Drittel hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen, ab da wurden seine Schwächen mir immer bewusster, sodass der Lesespaß sich zurückgehalten hat. Die Ursache für Hephzibahs Tod und die Tatsache, dass man sie eigentlich retten könnte, haben mir nicht gefallen. Ihr Tod fühlt sich zu gewollt an, aber mit dieser Meinung könnte ich auch alleine dastehen.
Ein anderer Punkt, der mir zu schaffen gemacht hat, ist die Auflösung der Geschichte. Die Hauptknackpunkte werden dem Leser auf einem silbernen Tablett präsentiert und es wird verlangt, dass der Leser sie sich ihrer annimmt. An sich nicht sehr schlimm, aber dadurch, dass im gesamten Verlauf der Geschichte kein einziger Hinweis auf diese Auflösung hindeutet, ist das nicht gerade die feine englische Art.
Die Schreibweise ist flüssig und nüchtern. Auf Metaphern und ausschweifende Beschreibungen wird größtenteils verzichtet, dadurch wirkt die Atmosphäre etwas unterkühlt, was aber nur gewollt sein kann. Dennoch wird der Leser in den Bann der Geschichte gezogen und kann kaum aufhören zu lesen.
In der Kürze liegt die Würze: sensible Herangehensweise; unterschiedliche Charaktere, die nicht alle gleich gut ausgebaut sind; spannende Handlung; ein realistisches Ende
Bewertung: Wenn die Auflösung nicht so platt gewesen wäre, hätte das Buch mehr Punkte bekommen, aber etwas habe ich mich doch darüber geärgert, dass es sich die Autorin zu leicht gemacht hat, somit ♥♥♥♥ Herzchen.
September 25, 2014
Zwillinge wie Rebecca haben es nicht leicht. Ihre Schwester Hephzi ist wunderschön, beliebt und das genaue Gegenteil zu ihr. Doch noch etwas macht Rebecca das Leben schwer: Ihr Vater. Er ist Pfarrer einer Gemeinde, er sperrt die beiden in ihr Zimmer und würde sie am liebsten Tag und Nacht im Haus behalten. Als sie dann, wie durch ein Wunder auf ein College gehen dürfen und nicht mehr von der Mutter unterrichtet werden, merken sie wie anders sie sind. Sie kennen kein Facebook, haben nur gebrauchte Kleidung und Schminken verbietet ihnen der strenge Vater sowieso. Rebecca und Hephzi hassen ihn genauso wie sie ihn fürchten, ist er wütend oder betrunken schlägt er seine beiden Töchter. Besonders gegen Rebecca hegt er einen großen Hass. Dann verliebt sich Hephzi auch noch in einen Jungen und schleicht sich abends davon, Rebecca weiß vorneherei dass das nicht gut gehen kann. Und bald darauf ist Hephzi tot.
Das Buch wird einerseits aus einer ‚Danach‘-Perspektive von Rebecca erzählt und einer ‚Davor‘ aus Hephzis Sicht. Die beiden Perspektiven wechseln sich ab.
Ich finde den Klappentext nicht sehr passend. Meine Erwartung war ein seichter Roman über Schwesterliebe, mit Missbrausproblemen. Vielleicht ist das auch der Trick hinter der Sache; denn das Buch hat mich umgehauen. Wirklich! Es ist sehr emotional geschrieben und ich musste an mehreren Stellen herzhaft weinen, weil mich die Verzweiflung der Schwestern so gepackt hat. Sie taten mir so unglaublich leid und obwohl es nur ein Buch ist, fühlte ich mich schrecklich hilflos. Das Buch steckt voller düsterer Geheimnisse und man muss sie nach einander aufdecken.
Hephzi und Rebecca – ich weiß gar nicht welchen der beiden Zwillinge ich lieber haben soll. Beide haben sich still und leise in mein Herz geschlichen und erobert. Rebecca, ich mochte ihre scheue Art, die Beobachterin sowie die Beschützerin. Es hat mich wirklich fertig gemacht, wie sehr sich das Mädchen selbst gehasst und verachtet hat. Dabei ist sie so wundervoll. Hephzi ist die rebellische, die Schöne die alles ausprobieren möchte. Ihre Ängste haben auch mich getroffen. Im Laufe der Geschichte erfährt man so viel über Schwesterliebe, Halt und Füreinanderdasein. Es ist ein ganz besonderes Geschwisterpaar!
Der Schreibstil hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Er ist sehr flüssig und passt perfekt. In diesem Buch gibt es so viele schöne und traurige Szenen, viele davon habe ich mir rausgeschrieben weil ich sie noch oft erleben möchte.
Das Buch umfasst sehr schwer verdauliche Themen: Selbsthass, Kindesmissbrauch, Religion, Anderssein und vieles mehr. Mich hat das Buch ganz schön durchgerüttelt, ich habe sehr viel darüber nachgedacht. Man kommt den Protagonisten so nahe, dass man ihr Leid durch die Seiten spürt und in diesem Buch gibt es nur wenig Stellen in denen man vor Freude weinen oder gar lachen kann. Was der Vater seinen Töchtern angetan hat ist einfach nur grauenvoll und anfangs weiß man noch gar nicht was diese Mädchen alles durchmachen mussten.
Ich hatte schon ein bisschen Angst vor dem Ende. Es hat mich wieder zum Weinen gebracht, mir viel Stoff zum Nachdenken gegeben – aber die Geschichte wurde gut abgeschlossen. Kaum hatte ich das Buch zugeschlagen, wusste ich dass ich es bald nochmal lesen möchte.
Fazit: Ein absolutes Gänsehautbuch, im positiven Sinn. Ich habe mit diesem Buch so mitgefühlt, es war hoch emotional und ich weiß gar nicht mehr wie oft ich beim Lesen geweint habe. Eine Geschichte die traurig, schön, mitreißend und einfach nur perfekt ist.
Das Buch wird einerseits aus einer ‚Danach‘-Perspektive von Rebecca erzählt und einer ‚Davor‘ aus Hephzis Sicht. Die beiden Perspektiven wechseln sich ab.
Ich finde den Klappentext nicht sehr passend. Meine Erwartung war ein seichter Roman über Schwesterliebe, mit Missbrausproblemen. Vielleicht ist das auch der Trick hinter der Sache; denn das Buch hat mich umgehauen. Wirklich! Es ist sehr emotional geschrieben und ich musste an mehreren Stellen herzhaft weinen, weil mich die Verzweiflung der Schwestern so gepackt hat. Sie taten mir so unglaublich leid und obwohl es nur ein Buch ist, fühlte ich mich schrecklich hilflos. Das Buch steckt voller düsterer Geheimnisse und man muss sie nach einander aufdecken.
Hephzi und Rebecca – ich weiß gar nicht welchen der beiden Zwillinge ich lieber haben soll. Beide haben sich still und leise in mein Herz geschlichen und erobert. Rebecca, ich mochte ihre scheue Art, die Beobachterin sowie die Beschützerin. Es hat mich wirklich fertig gemacht, wie sehr sich das Mädchen selbst gehasst und verachtet hat. Dabei ist sie so wundervoll. Hephzi ist die rebellische, die Schöne die alles ausprobieren möchte. Ihre Ängste haben auch mich getroffen. Im Laufe der Geschichte erfährt man so viel über Schwesterliebe, Halt und Füreinanderdasein. Es ist ein ganz besonderes Geschwisterpaar!
Der Schreibstil hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Er ist sehr flüssig und passt perfekt. In diesem Buch gibt es so viele schöne und traurige Szenen, viele davon habe ich mir rausgeschrieben weil ich sie noch oft erleben möchte.
Das Buch umfasst sehr schwer verdauliche Themen: Selbsthass, Kindesmissbrauch, Religion, Anderssein und vieles mehr. Mich hat das Buch ganz schön durchgerüttelt, ich habe sehr viel darüber nachgedacht. Man kommt den Protagonisten so nahe, dass man ihr Leid durch die Seiten spürt und in diesem Buch gibt es nur wenig Stellen in denen man vor Freude weinen oder gar lachen kann. Was der Vater seinen Töchtern angetan hat ist einfach nur grauenvoll und anfangs weiß man noch gar nicht was diese Mädchen alles durchmachen mussten.
Ich hatte schon ein bisschen Angst vor dem Ende. Es hat mich wieder zum Weinen gebracht, mir viel Stoff zum Nachdenken gegeben – aber die Geschichte wurde gut abgeschlossen. Kaum hatte ich das Buch zugeschlagen, wusste ich dass ich es bald nochmal lesen möchte.
Fazit: Ein absolutes Gänsehautbuch, im positiven Sinn. Ich habe mit diesem Buch so mitgefühlt, es war hoch emotional und ich weiß gar nicht mehr wie oft ich beim Lesen geweint habe. Eine Geschichte die traurig, schön, mitreißend und einfach nur perfekt ist.
January 27, 2015
Black Heart Blue is a touching book which I really enjoyed because it is unusual and both sad and heartwarming at the same time.
I really enjoyed the way this story was told. It it told it split narrative for the majority of the book switching between the twins. One looks backs of the events the story is set around while the other is present tense. As a reader you are therefore trying to make sense and fill in the gaps between the two narratives which is something I really liked about it.
The best thing about this book is following the story of the twins as they go out into the real world after living like prisoners with a father who treats them like animals and hides them away from the world and tells him it's because they are evil. I like seeing how the girls interacted with the world in their own different ways and found myself wanting to go and take them away from everything they went through.
The story goes along nicely as you start to find out more and more about what has been going on behind those closed doors that the girls have been hidden behind all their lives the more you feel for them. Towards the last third is when everything starts to come out fully and the revelations pack a real emotional punch.
While the book is very sad I did enoy that it was uplifting too and had some nice things to say about human nature. I particularly loved the character Danny who Rebecca meets part way through the book. I loved the role he ends up playing and seeing how pivotal he and his family were to changing things for Rebecca for the better.
All in all a book I enjoyed which really made me think.
I really enjoyed the way this story was told. It it told it split narrative for the majority of the book switching between the twins. One looks backs of the events the story is set around while the other is present tense. As a reader you are therefore trying to make sense and fill in the gaps between the two narratives which is something I really liked about it.
The best thing about this book is following the story of the twins as they go out into the real world after living like prisoners with a father who treats them like animals and hides them away from the world and tells him it's because they are evil. I like seeing how the girls interacted with the world in their own different ways and found myself wanting to go and take them away from everything they went through.
The story goes along nicely as you start to find out more and more about what has been going on behind those closed doors that the girls have been hidden behind all their lives the more you feel for them. Towards the last third is when everything starts to come out fully and the revelations pack a real emotional punch.
While the book is very sad I did enoy that it was uplifting too and had some nice things to say about human nature. I particularly loved the character Danny who Rebecca meets part way through the book. I loved the role he ends up playing and seeing how pivotal he and his family were to changing things for Rebecca for the better.
All in all a book I enjoyed which really made me think.
April 17, 2020
"Sur mon coeur les bleus étaient noirs, mais là-haut le ciel était bleu et le futur m'ouvrait grands ses bras."
March 3, 2021
Ebook BR
Muito angustiante, com temas muito sensíveis, mas mesmo assim não deixa de ser um livro duro cheio de esperança e superações.
"Conversas significavam fofocas, e fofoca é a rádio do diabo."
"É engraçado como a verdade pode ser tão evasiva quanto o horizonte, afastando-se à medida que a gente se aproxima dela."
Muito angustiante, com temas muito sensíveis, mas mesmo assim não deixa de ser um livro duro cheio de esperança e superações.
"Conversas significavam fofocas, e fofoca é a rádio do diabo."
"É engraçado como a verdade pode ser tão evasiva quanto o horizonte, afastando-se à medida que a gente se aproxima dela."
April 7, 2012
Beautifully written and hauntingly sad. A reminder to us all that just because a family looks respectable it doesnt mean they are.
April 20, 2012
Wow. Just that.
October 3, 2013
Incrível do começo ao fim.
April 2, 2019
Loved this book as it was a proper turn pager, and one I did not want to put down! Depicting the saddening tale of two sisters, abused at the hands of their parents, and their escape. I loved how the chapters alternated from the sisters perspectives, showing personal thoughts and feelings as well as events from both of their perspectives and their journeys. Great read, definitely recommend!
March 22, 2025
This is not a book for the faint of heart. Rebecca and Hephzi's narrative was a heartbreaking tale of childhood abuse. Even though there was so many obstacles the twins had to endure, it was empowering to see the ways in which they were able to overcome. This wasn't the HEA I was looking for, but the ending left me satisfied.
May 12, 2012
This book was first reviewed on my blog; here
There are times when you pick up a book and it truly speaks to you. It’s words enter your mind and instantly find a place within your heart, refusing to leave and determined to leave a mark there forever. Black Heart Blue did that to me. From the very first sentence, the very first paragraph, to the very last paragraph, the very last sentence, this book grabbed for me and has not let me go since. I will carry it around with me wherever I go and I am extremely glad for that because it is a book that moved me to tears, a book that truly made me think about the world around me and just really, really spoke to me. I cannot recommend it enough.
Rebecca may just be one of my favourite characters ever. She is such a powerful protagonist but she doesn’t even realise her strength and that is just so heart-breaking in its self. All I wanted to do throughout the entire novel was reach through the pages and hug her into oblivion. She was protective and caring, damaged yet strong and proud. She only ever wanted to live, to survive, to be. She lived her life for her twin sister, and after she felt the loss weigh on her shoulders as she struggled to continue on with her life. Her passion for books was inspiring and really brought out more of her character. She felt so real and sad and great and I just loved reading more of her thoughts and feelings and actions.
Hephzi was a brilliant character as well. She was lively despite the circumstances. She wanted the best out of life that it could offer her and she tried her hardest to get it. Despite all of this, despite it all, I actually just couldn’t find myself liking Hephzi. She wasn’t strong enough, she wasn’t independent enough and she was just too self-obsessed for my entire liking. But I feel that this really helps to bring the story alive. It makes the story better that Hephzi was the way she was, it makes you understand why it was Rebecca who survived because if it had gone the other way around, Hephzi may not have lasted much longer. Hephzi gave Rebecca strength not only in her life, but also in her absence and I just loved that compassion.
The style of this book could have been confusing, it had the chance of being too heavy-going, a little too much to bear but thankfully, this simply wasn’t the case at all. It switched from Rebecca’s POV after the death and Hephzi’s POV before the death and it was just really interesting. I felt that this style really made the story that much greater. The comparison not only between the two girls but between the two journey’s just made the book and the message that much more powerful. I would find myself itching to read more of both stories as I read, wanting to know what was going to happen next. I guessed, as it came to the end, what had happened to Hephzi but I feel that this was supposed to happen. Louisa wrote it that way on purpose. It definitely had its impact, it’s gut-wrenching, heart-tugging, tear-jerking impact and it left me feeling battered and blue. As did the end of the novel, but it also lifted my spirits slightly, made me feel happy for Rebecca.
I wish there were better words to describe how amazing and brilliant this book was. I wish there was a way to convey the feelings and emotions and thoughts that went whipping through my head as I read this book without ruining it and I really, really, wish that this review does this book justice because it is a book that doesn’t just need to be read; it demands to be read. There were so many instances in the book where I had to stop and pause because I could no longer see the words on the page, so many times when my heart thumped faster in my chest, urging Rebecca on or scowling at Hephzi and wishing I could just get her to see. This book shocked me to my very core as it carried me on its journey and I know that it is one that I will read, and re-read, and re-read time and time again.
Black Heart Blue may not be full of supernatural creatures, it may not be full of the epic proportions of dystopian novels and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it certainly took a hold of me and made me fall in love with it. It quickly made it’s way into my top ten books of 2012 and may have even snuck its way into my top ten of all time. It is one of the most powerful, heart-wrenching, emotional and “realistic” reads that I have read in a very long time and it is one that I can only urge every single person to go and read. If there is only one book to buy this spring, Black Heart Blue is it. It will not be a book to disappoint.
There are times when you pick up a book and it truly speaks to you. It’s words enter your mind and instantly find a place within your heart, refusing to leave and determined to leave a mark there forever. Black Heart Blue did that to me. From the very first sentence, the very first paragraph, to the very last paragraph, the very last sentence, this book grabbed for me and has not let me go since. I will carry it around with me wherever I go and I am extremely glad for that because it is a book that moved me to tears, a book that truly made me think about the world around me and just really, really spoke to me. I cannot recommend it enough.
Rebecca may just be one of my favourite characters ever. She is such a powerful protagonist but she doesn’t even realise her strength and that is just so heart-breaking in its self. All I wanted to do throughout the entire novel was reach through the pages and hug her into oblivion. She was protective and caring, damaged yet strong and proud. She only ever wanted to live, to survive, to be. She lived her life for her twin sister, and after she felt the loss weigh on her shoulders as she struggled to continue on with her life. Her passion for books was inspiring and really brought out more of her character. She felt so real and sad and great and I just loved reading more of her thoughts and feelings and actions.
Hephzi was a brilliant character as well. She was lively despite the circumstances. She wanted the best out of life that it could offer her and she tried her hardest to get it. Despite all of this, despite it all, I actually just couldn’t find myself liking Hephzi. She wasn’t strong enough, she wasn’t independent enough and she was just too self-obsessed for my entire liking. But I feel that this really helps to bring the story alive. It makes the story better that Hephzi was the way she was, it makes you understand why it was Rebecca who survived because if it had gone the other way around, Hephzi may not have lasted much longer. Hephzi gave Rebecca strength not only in her life, but also in her absence and I just loved that compassion.
The style of this book could have been confusing, it had the chance of being too heavy-going, a little too much to bear but thankfully, this simply wasn’t the case at all. It switched from Rebecca’s POV after the death and Hephzi’s POV before the death and it was just really interesting. I felt that this style really made the story that much greater. The comparison not only between the two girls but between the two journey’s just made the book and the message that much more powerful. I would find myself itching to read more of both stories as I read, wanting to know what was going to happen next. I guessed, as it came to the end, what had happened to Hephzi but I feel that this was supposed to happen. Louisa wrote it that way on purpose. It definitely had its impact, it’s gut-wrenching, heart-tugging, tear-jerking impact and it left me feeling battered and blue. As did the end of the novel, but it also lifted my spirits slightly, made me feel happy for Rebecca.
I wish there were better words to describe how amazing and brilliant this book was. I wish there was a way to convey the feelings and emotions and thoughts that went whipping through my head as I read this book without ruining it and I really, really, wish that this review does this book justice because it is a book that doesn’t just need to be read; it demands to be read. There were so many instances in the book where I had to stop and pause because I could no longer see the words on the page, so many times when my heart thumped faster in my chest, urging Rebecca on or scowling at Hephzi and wishing I could just get her to see. This book shocked me to my very core as it carried me on its journey and I know that it is one that I will read, and re-read, and re-read time and time again.
Black Heart Blue may not be full of supernatural creatures, it may not be full of the epic proportions of dystopian novels and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it certainly took a hold of me and made me fall in love with it. It quickly made it’s way into my top ten books of 2012 and may have even snuck its way into my top ten of all time. It is one of the most powerful, heart-wrenching, emotional and “realistic” reads that I have read in a very long time and it is one that I can only urge every single person to go and read. If there is only one book to buy this spring, Black Heart Blue is it. It will not be a book to disappoint.
May 26, 2012
The day after reading this, I went to the cinema. I was going to see a great film, one I really loved. But I kept thinking about Black Heart Blue. I could not get it out of my head. That was a few weeks ago now. And it's still just as much in my head now as it was the second is finished it. That there is the sign of an amazing book…
Hephzibah and Rebecca are twins.
Hephzi is bold, beautiful and confident.
Rebecca is quiet, always living in her sister's shadow.
Now Hephzi is gone and Rebecca is all alone, alone with the lies and the secrets and abuse.
Rebecca has to escape her dreadful and prison-like home - before she shares her sister's fate...
I'm sure you all know by now that I love contemps. I knew this would be a very powerful read… What I wasn’t expecting was the pain I felt, the lump that was constantly in my throat, the tears in my eyes. This was a seriously dark book but somehow it was also so full of hope. Nonetheless, I felt my heart break a million times as I felt completely in love with both twins and hated The Parents with everything I had. This was not a light read. It will mess with your emotions, your head, your heart, it will grip you from the very first page and never let you go. And even once you’ve finished and started a new book; it won’t leave your head or heart.
And yes. It is seriously that absolutely, breaktakingly good.
The characters just stole the show for me. They were all so amazingly real. Brave, vibrant Hephzi, who was so alive and desperate for freedom, but needed her sister more than anything. Rebecca was broken inside and also the strongest person ever. As I heard her history, it just broke my heart: she was so sweet and pure and strong and I loved her so, so much. The bond between the two of them was amazing too: so real, they trusted the other with their life and this bond stretched beyond the grave. And while it had characters I loved so, so much, it also had some I hated equally. Namely The Father: I could have physically murdered him, even though he’s fictional. And the Mother was almost as bad. Their family was suffocating and full of terror, fear, pain and endless violence. It made my skin crawl – and made me love Reb and Hephzi even more.
Some of the supporting characters were amazing too – Danny in particular, and his wonderful family. They reminded me that not everyone are atrocious people like The Father, that there are truly good people too.
The writing was incredible: it was split between Hephzi and Rebecca, switching between them, and they both sounded so different. The writing was haunting, beautiful, suspenseful and just amazing. Which brings us to the incredible and horrible plot. One twin told us about “Before” and the other about “After”. Having the look at "After" made me desperate to find out what happened. I couldn't put Black Heart Blue down; I was so wrapped up in the story. I knew much of what happened would be bad, but I never saw any of it coming. Amazing…
The themes in this were really, really dark. Reid tackled some seriously tricky issues with grace, really getting into my head and making me think, but without making me want to stop reading. This book just really got inside me head and heart. Just like Rebecca, this is “a story inscribed hard on my heart”.
And the emotions were even stronger: nonstop and overwhelming. They hit so hard it hurt. Overwhelming emotions you could just drown in. I felt every single thing the girls felt. Yes, this book will shock you, scare you and touch you more than you ever thought possible. You will be so overwhelmed by emotions – hate, fear, pain, love, hope – that you will think you are about to drown in it all. And you will love Every. Single. Second.
Scary vampires are fun and I can deal with, because they’re not real. But Black Heart Blue… I knew that somewhere, maybe nearer than I’d like to think, this was happening to someone. A girl getting hit by her father, mother, a boy being beaten, a house suffocating with fear. This is why books such as this are worse than any kind of horror story. They’re the real horror stories…
With a house controlled by an abusive father and two girls trying desperately to escape, Black Heart Blue was a book that broke my heart while making me hope til it hurt. This was one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read; a book that left me breathless and shaken up inside. I still haven’t gotten it out of my head. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get it out of my head. Louisa Reid wrote a stunning debut that I’ll never forget. I honestly can’t recommend this book enough.
Beautiful. Horrible. Unforgettable. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this story. Ever.
Hephzibah and Rebecca are twins.
Hephzi is bold, beautiful and confident.
Rebecca is quiet, always living in her sister's shadow.
Now Hephzi is gone and Rebecca is all alone, alone with the lies and the secrets and abuse.
Rebecca has to escape her dreadful and prison-like home - before she shares her sister's fate...
I'm sure you all know by now that I love contemps. I knew this would be a very powerful read… What I wasn’t expecting was the pain I felt, the lump that was constantly in my throat, the tears in my eyes. This was a seriously dark book but somehow it was also so full of hope. Nonetheless, I felt my heart break a million times as I felt completely in love with both twins and hated The Parents with everything I had. This was not a light read. It will mess with your emotions, your head, your heart, it will grip you from the very first page and never let you go. And even once you’ve finished and started a new book; it won’t leave your head or heart.
And yes. It is seriously that absolutely, breaktakingly good.
The characters just stole the show for me. They were all so amazingly real. Brave, vibrant Hephzi, who was so alive and desperate for freedom, but needed her sister more than anything. Rebecca was broken inside and also the strongest person ever. As I heard her history, it just broke my heart: she was so sweet and pure and strong and I loved her so, so much. The bond between the two of them was amazing too: so real, they trusted the other with their life and this bond stretched beyond the grave. And while it had characters I loved so, so much, it also had some I hated equally. Namely The Father: I could have physically murdered him, even though he’s fictional. And the Mother was almost as bad. Their family was suffocating and full of terror, fear, pain and endless violence. It made my skin crawl – and made me love Reb and Hephzi even more.
Some of the supporting characters were amazing too – Danny in particular, and his wonderful family. They reminded me that not everyone are atrocious people like The Father, that there are truly good people too.
The writing was incredible: it was split between Hephzi and Rebecca, switching between them, and they both sounded so different. The writing was haunting, beautiful, suspenseful and just amazing. Which brings us to the incredible and horrible plot. One twin told us about “Before” and the other about “After”. Having the look at "After" made me desperate to find out what happened. I couldn't put Black Heart Blue down; I was so wrapped up in the story. I knew much of what happened would be bad, but I never saw any of it coming. Amazing…
The themes in this were really, really dark. Reid tackled some seriously tricky issues with grace, really getting into my head and making me think, but without making me want to stop reading. This book just really got inside me head and heart. Just like Rebecca, this is “a story inscribed hard on my heart”.
And the emotions were even stronger: nonstop and overwhelming. They hit so hard it hurt. Overwhelming emotions you could just drown in. I felt every single thing the girls felt. Yes, this book will shock you, scare you and touch you more than you ever thought possible. You will be so overwhelmed by emotions – hate, fear, pain, love, hope – that you will think you are about to drown in it all. And you will love Every. Single. Second.
Scary vampires are fun and I can deal with, because they’re not real. But Black Heart Blue… I knew that somewhere, maybe nearer than I’d like to think, this was happening to someone. A girl getting hit by her father, mother, a boy being beaten, a house suffocating with fear. This is why books such as this are worse than any kind of horror story. They’re the real horror stories…
With a house controlled by an abusive father and two girls trying desperately to escape, Black Heart Blue was a book that broke my heart while making me hope til it hurt. This was one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read; a book that left me breathless and shaken up inside. I still haven’t gotten it out of my head. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get it out of my head. Louisa Reid wrote a stunning debut that I’ll never forget. I honestly can’t recommend this book enough.
Beautiful. Horrible. Unforgettable. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this story. Ever.
April 5, 2013
Not only recommended my Claire but by many others, book bloggers, non-GR members & obviously, Jaimie Admans. Thanks to everyone, especially Reid.
Review includes GIF and book trailer
This book may just be ever so haunting after those horrifingly engaging 274 pages (that's the whole novel). I quite liked the depth and sombreness- it just was portrayed so well in contrast to the up points of the novel. There were some of those and I felt more for Rebecca as she seemed to be taking the blows. Rebecca may have Treacher Collins but she much less strange compared to Hephzi. It was perfectly normal that she was calling them 'The Parents'. That's what they were, at least. We don't just hear Rebecca's point of view on their life and family (if it can be called that... Dystopian families exist! It might not be a genre but hell on wheels- this is the family you won't forget).
Reid does write the novel with such vibrance. I choose that word as it's subtle and powerful at the same time. There's little clues and hints and moments when your breath is stolen.
I don't want to lighten the review too much with this GIF so...
"I keep my hurt hidden, remember?" [Quote]
Lots seem to think that The Father was worse than The Mother. I think the worse part is Louisa hasn't used a career or assumptions to The Mother. She just is plain pathetic. Like Hephzi finds, they are the people that annoy the hell out of me the most. Yes, Roderick is seen as a pillar of the community and I feel for the daughters discovery that people can be blinded- not just by love, but by expectations... and? I still feel like the Mother is the one that I couldn't even look in the eyes.
You may understand by the end... I wouldn't have believed even 75% through that I'd have hated The Mother more... I don't think Rebecca kept her hate in the end though. I think she just knew there was a reason she'd be born into a Dystopian family. That was the perfect wrap-up.
It's a novel... There are reasons. Big reasons why there is good and bad in this novel. I, as the reader, filled in those reasons aided by every paragraph of every page. The split narrative opened my mind as I found out more and I'm not exaggerating when I say I could probably compare the narrative's and keep on gushing but I already have to Louisa. It's perfectly written, the mix of characters in the Village (including Archie + family) is astounding & I highly recommend you at least watch the trailer as I've mentioned it before...
I honestly can't fault Black Heart Blue; it deserves every fragment of the stars given...
Review includes GIF and book trailer
This book may just be ever so haunting after those horrifingly engaging 274 pages (that's the whole novel). I quite liked the depth and sombreness- it just was portrayed so well in contrast to the up points of the novel. There were some of those and I felt more for Rebecca as she seemed to be taking the blows. Rebecca may have Treacher Collins but she much less strange compared to Hephzi. It was perfectly normal that she was calling them 'The Parents'. That's what they were, at least. We don't just hear Rebecca's point of view on their life and family (if it can be called that... Dystopian families exist! It might not be a genre but hell on wheels- this is the family you won't forget).
Reid does write the novel with such vibrance. I choose that word as it's subtle and powerful at the same time. There's little clues and hints and moments when your breath is stolen.
I don't want to lighten the review too much with this GIF so...
"I keep my hurt hidden, remember?" [Quote]
Lots seem to think that The Father was worse than The Mother. I think the worse part is Louisa hasn't used a career or assumptions to The Mother. She just is plain pathetic. Like Hephzi finds, they are the people that annoy the hell out of me the most. Yes, Roderick is seen as a pillar of the community and I feel for the daughters discovery that people can be blinded- not just by love, but by expectations... and? I still feel like the Mother is the one that I couldn't even look in the eyes.
You may understand by the end... I wouldn't have believed even 75% through that I'd have hated The Mother more... I don't think Rebecca kept her hate in the end though. I think she just knew there was a reason she'd be born into a Dystopian family. That was the perfect wrap-up.
It's a novel... There are reasons. Big reasons why there is good and bad in this novel. I, as the reader, filled in those reasons aided by every paragraph of every page. The split narrative opened my mind as I found out more and I'm not exaggerating when I say I could probably compare the narrative's and keep on gushing but I already have to Louisa. It's perfectly written, the mix of characters in the Village (including Archie + family) is astounding & I highly recommend you at least watch the trailer as I've mentioned it before...
I honestly can't fault Black Heart Blue; it deserves every fragment of the stars given...
April 16, 2017
I cannot stop thinking about this book. The storyline was clever and addictive and unbelievably incredible. I began to feel for the main characters and connect with them throughout the book. The style of writing was beautiful and made me turn the pages faster with each word. Louisa Reid has helped me find one of my favourite books and has me obssessing over a fantastic book.
Black Heart Blue is about two girls, which are twins, one is beautiful and the other suffers from a syndrome called Treacher Collins. Throughout the book, it shows how much they love and care for each other when their mother and father hate and hurt them, but also shows the struggles and fall-outs they face when one twin is so different to the other. And it tells the reader how a boy interferes with the trust each of them have for one and other. I could feel myself empathising with each twin the more I got into the book, and worrying when they were in trouble. Louisa Reid described the two characters perfectly, revealing their differences and similarities, and helped the reader understand them.
The ending was my favourite part of the book. For me, if the ending isn't good it ruins the entire book. But this was perfect. It left me interpreting and guessing what would happen to the characters when the pages disappeared, yet it was closed and didn't leave me annoyed with the fact that I had no clue what was going to happen later. It was beautiful. Louisa Ried has created a work of art.
Black Heart Blue is about two girls, which are twins, one is beautiful and the other suffers from a syndrome called Treacher Collins. Throughout the book, it shows how much they love and care for each other when their mother and father hate and hurt them, but also shows the struggles and fall-outs they face when one twin is so different to the other. And it tells the reader how a boy interferes with the trust each of them have for one and other. I could feel myself empathising with each twin the more I got into the book, and worrying when they were in trouble. Louisa Reid described the two characters perfectly, revealing their differences and similarities, and helped the reader understand them.
The ending was my favourite part of the book. For me, if the ending isn't good it ruins the entire book. But this was perfect. It left me interpreting and guessing what would happen to the characters when the pages disappeared, yet it was closed and didn't leave me annoyed with the fact that I had no clue what was going to happen later. It was beautiful. Louisa Ried has created a work of art.
May 20, 2012
This book was a really touching read.
Told by the perspectives of both sisters. Hephzibah speaks before her death of the details before the incident and Rebecca after Hephzibah's death.
Hephzi and Rebecca have always been homeschooled by their mother but the book begins when they have beged their strict, abusive father to let them go to college.
Hephzi becomes involved with a new group of friends and soon starts sneaking out the house to meet them.
Rebecca however struggles with her disfigured face to fit in with anyone and keeps to herself.
Both sisters are beautiful characters and everyone should be able to relate to one or the other. Hephzi is branching out after never being able to before and begins to push her sister away as she doesn't want her new friends to associate her with the disfigured girl.
Rebecca is very much alone and keeps to herself and often feels the wrath of her father.
Both girls are very naive and awkward with people having never spent much time with anyone apart from their parents. Their parents are horrible god fearing people who often abuse the twins . Lots of horrible situations arrive which i won't divulge as I don't want to give away any of the twists.
I will tell you that the secrets that emerge are gasp worthy!
This book is definitely worth your time reading!
Told by the perspectives of both sisters. Hephzibah speaks before her death of the details before the incident and Rebecca after Hephzibah's death.
Hephzi and Rebecca have always been homeschooled by their mother but the book begins when they have beged their strict, abusive father to let them go to college.
Hephzi becomes involved with a new group of friends and soon starts sneaking out the house to meet them.
Rebecca however struggles with her disfigured face to fit in with anyone and keeps to herself.
Both sisters are beautiful characters and everyone should be able to relate to one or the other. Hephzi is branching out after never being able to before and begins to push her sister away as she doesn't want her new friends to associate her with the disfigured girl.
Rebecca is very much alone and keeps to herself and often feels the wrath of her father.
Both girls are very naive and awkward with people having never spent much time with anyone apart from their parents. Their parents are horrible god fearing people who often abuse the twins . Lots of horrible situations arrive which i won't divulge as I don't want to give away any of the twists.
I will tell you that the secrets that emerge are gasp worthy!
This book is definitely worth your time reading!
June 17, 2012
Published in May 2012, Black Heart Blue is Louisa Reid's debut novel and is part of the SpineBreakers series from Penguin Books. It is aimed at a teenage audience, but is also published in an alternative, more adult cover. It is most definitely a cross-over story, one to be read by all ages.
Twin sisters Rebecca and Hephzibah are the daughters of the local vicar, they had not had an easy life, not allowed to mix with other children, beaten and abused, yet both of them had hope of a better life someday. From the beginning of the story the reader knows that Hephzi is dead, and that Rebecca is mourning her and blaming herself.
The book is cleverly told by Rebecca in the present and jumping back to Hephzi in the past, enabling the reader to get the full story.
Frankly, this is a heartbreaking read, there were times when I felt that I could read no more as the emotion in the writing really affected me. It is more about the implications of what has happened and what is happening than graphic detail, and as the twins' story slowly unfurls, the pure terror of their lives is laid bare.
Black Heart Blue is an outstanding debut novel from an author who is able to get right into the characters and bring them alive on the page. I will certainly be watching out for more from Louisa Reid.
Twin sisters Rebecca and Hephzibah are the daughters of the local vicar, they had not had an easy life, not allowed to mix with other children, beaten and abused, yet both of them had hope of a better life someday. From the beginning of the story the reader knows that Hephzi is dead, and that Rebecca is mourning her and blaming herself.
The book is cleverly told by Rebecca in the present and jumping back to Hephzi in the past, enabling the reader to get the full story.
Frankly, this is a heartbreaking read, there were times when I felt that I could read no more as the emotion in the writing really affected me. It is more about the implications of what has happened and what is happening than graphic detail, and as the twins' story slowly unfurls, the pure terror of their lives is laid bare.
Black Heart Blue is an outstanding debut novel from an author who is able to get right into the characters and bring them alive on the page. I will certainly be watching out for more from Louisa Reid.
July 18, 2012
Black Heart Blue is a powerful and harrowing tale of two sisters who have grown up sheltered from the world, subjected to religious extremism and abuse.
Told in before and after chapters by the two girls, we learn of the circumstances leading up to the death of Hephzi (before) and Rebecca's struggles to escape from her life (after).
A poignant and gripping tale, one that left me with a golf ball sized lump in my throat at times, and tears threatening to spring out at others. Do we ever know what goes on behind closed doors?
The fact the author chose to make the two girls complex characters, that you don't necessarily like instantly, especially Hephzi, who more or less abandons Rebecca when she gets a taste of freedom, was refreshing. Aside from the bleakness of the overall theme, there is a strong sense of courage and hope too, so don't be put off by the subject matter.
Absolutely 5 stars to Louisa Reid on this skillfuly written debut novel. It will most certainly stay with me.
Told in before and after chapters by the two girls, we learn of the circumstances leading up to the death of Hephzi (before) and Rebecca's struggles to escape from her life (after).
A poignant and gripping tale, one that left me with a golf ball sized lump in my throat at times, and tears threatening to spring out at others. Do we ever know what goes on behind closed doors?
The fact the author chose to make the two girls complex characters, that you don't necessarily like instantly, especially Hephzi, who more or less abandons Rebecca when she gets a taste of freedom, was refreshing. Aside from the bleakness of the overall theme, there is a strong sense of courage and hope too, so don't be put off by the subject matter.
Absolutely 5 stars to Louisa Reid on this skillfuly written debut novel. It will most certainly stay with me.
August 10, 2015
When I chose this book it was due to its intriguing blurb which though vague had all the right words to lure me in and want to know more. The story is told in two perspectives; Twins Hephzibah and Rebecca. We are first made aware of the death of Hephzibah and the seemingly sinister way in which she died through Rebecca while she is attending the funeral and throughout the novel we are given little clues and tid-bits here and there to help us piece together what happened to the girls. Rebecca's perspective tells the 'After' story; what is happening after the tragic end to her sisters short life, while Hephzibah tells the 'Before' story and tells of her life up until her death. Black Heart Blue is a very dark and tragic story that I found myself unable to put down, with horrific unveilings of the girl's life in their extremely religious household and with very well done character development. I was extremely moved by this book as a whole and would recommend Black Heart Blue to any reader who loves dark story lines!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2013
Black Heart Blue by Louisa Reid
This has to be one of the best books I’ve ever read since ‘My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece’ by Annabel Pitcher. I literally devoured it in less than two hours. Beautifully written, with a complex and original storyline, this story takes us through the lives of Hephzibah and Rebecca, two twins, one beautiful the other disfigured, when one of them suddenly dies. They cope with abuse, love, and death, and create a story out of this world. One of the twins tells the story after her sister’s death and the other the history before. There are so many twists and turns as you learn the mystery of Hepzhi’s death, and though I didn’t cry, this story moved me powerfully. I recommend this book to all the people who have ever been a victim of bullying or abuse and to everyone that loves a good story! I am so impressed I will definitely be recommending this to all my friends!
This has to be one of the best books I’ve ever read since ‘My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece’ by Annabel Pitcher. I literally devoured it in less than two hours. Beautifully written, with a complex and original storyline, this story takes us through the lives of Hephzibah and Rebecca, two twins, one beautiful the other disfigured, when one of them suddenly dies. They cope with abuse, love, and death, and create a story out of this world. One of the twins tells the story after her sister’s death and the other the history before. There are so many twists and turns as you learn the mystery of Hepzhi’s death, and though I didn’t cry, this story moved me powerfully. I recommend this book to all the people who have ever been a victim of bullying or abuse and to everyone that loves a good story! I am so impressed I will definitely be recommending this to all my friends!
May 14, 2012
I finished reading Black heart blue this afternoon, I finished this afternoon because I couldn't put this book down and stop reading. Right from reading the first page I was hooked.
The story is written at a nice pace with plenty of hints and descriptions of events and secrets hidden that I just had to keep reading to find out if they were as dark as they suggested. ( and it turns out they are.. )
The book is written from both the perspectives of two girls who are twins, one is pretty and 'normal' the other has a syndrome that caused her face to be disfigured from birth.
The story alternates nicely with each chapter switching from one of the sisters to the other, both telling there story. The story they each tell is set in slightly different timescales.
I don't want to give away too much of the story but the story is beautifully told, it is sad and cruel, there strength and bond between each other is told so well.
I loved this book.
The story is written at a nice pace with plenty of hints and descriptions of events and secrets hidden that I just had to keep reading to find out if they were as dark as they suggested. ( and it turns out they are.. )
The book is written from both the perspectives of two girls who are twins, one is pretty and 'normal' the other has a syndrome that caused her face to be disfigured from birth.
The story alternates nicely with each chapter switching from one of the sisters to the other, both telling there story. The story they each tell is set in slightly different timescales.
I don't want to give away too much of the story but the story is beautifully told, it is sad and cruel, there strength and bond between each other is told so well.
I loved this book.
April 25, 2016
Black Heart Blue es una historia que relata la cruda realidad acompañada de personas insensibles e intolerantes al dolor ajeno. Un padre salido del mismo demonio, una madre que no está muy lejos de allí y una hermana hermosa absorta en su egoísmo.
No tengo muchas palabras para expresar lo que este libro es, lo que nos cuenta a través de Rebecca, esta chica que es débil pero a la vez tan fuerte y desinteresada si lo que hay que salvar es a su hermana gemela. Tomé todo lo que relató Louisa Reid y lo acepte como venía, no siempre existen comienzos felices, pero deseo que si puedan existir los finales.
No tengo muchas palabras para expresar lo que este libro es, lo que nos cuenta a través de Rebecca, esta chica que es débil pero a la vez tan fuerte y desinteresada si lo que hay que salvar es a su hermana gemela. Tomé todo lo que relató Louisa Reid y lo acepte como venía, no siempre existen comienzos felices, pero deseo que si puedan existir los finales.
February 1, 2015
haunting, heartbreaking!
When I started reading this book,
I somehow related to Rebecca's feelings of sadness and despair, and how she somehow got used to it.
I loved how the characters developed throughout the story..
how love made hephzi strong enough to stand up to The mother
how Rebecca started as a sad person with no self confidence and ended as a strong woman ready to face the world on her own.
I held resentment for The parents and I loved the girls.
Each character had a great part and the story was put together perfectly, with beautiful and poetic writing.
When I started reading this book,
I somehow related to Rebecca's feelings of sadness and despair, and how she somehow got used to it.
I loved how the characters developed throughout the story..
how love made hephzi strong enough to stand up to The mother
how Rebecca started as a sad person with no self confidence and ended as a strong woman ready to face the world on her own.
I held resentment for The parents and I loved the girls.
Each character had a great part and the story was put together perfectly, with beautiful and poetic writing.
February 25, 2012
This book is one that stays with you for days and days. Like other reviewers I devoured it in less than a day. It is fabulous - the voices of the girls are so real you can hear them speaking as you read. The power of the relationship of the girls extending out beyond the grave is so terribly sad but also comforting for the twin left behind. It made me cry, it made me laugh. Just stunning.
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