The Other

by Sandy Hogarth

An atmospheric tale of identical twins, and the ties that bind and break. Identical twins Clemmy and Helen, named after the beautiful heroines of Greek mythology, live in a dilapidated cottage in the woods, having little contact with the outside world. Abandoned at birth by their father, a painter, the girls are raised by their mother, who they ignore, existing only for each other. Aged 14, they break into their father’s locked studio, discovering a self- portrait their father left for them, alongside a note – addressing them as ‘his beauties.’ This discovery opens the first cracks in their relationship. Helen becomes obsessed with him, determined to become painter herself. Clemmy fights against this, dreaming of an escape from the forest which has always frightened her, and becoming an actor. Aged 16, their mother abandons them. Clemmy celebrates their freedom, and the fault lines between the twins widen. Within a year Clemmy leaves for London and Helen finds herself alone at the cottage and pregnant by Beautiful Boy. The Other is story of love in all its from the unique love of twins who yearn both for togetherness and individualism to sharing the love of a child.

296 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2023

Reviews

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story lit with the colour and force of grand narrative. It's a story that grips with compelling emotional depth. Every word counts, every detail shaped with enormous care. The writing is tender, potent, acerbic; the plot is surprising, shocking, tragic; but also elegant and enchanting.
The forest as a backdrop is mysteriously alive. Helen and Clemmy are drawn with singular grace and beauty, but can also be bitter and destructive. They are characters clearly determined to never be forgotten.
The luminous quality of the forest is at odds with London's brash kaleidoscopic multitude of streets full of anonymous people.
Sandy Hogarth's novel is brilliantly unconventional and utterly dazzling.

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful and creepy. I have to be honest here. The writing was perfection but it made me feel way too much. Likely because I have my own weird twins. I was completely absorbed, which is wonderful due to my covid brain, but then I get too emotional.
Art is supposed to make you feel something but this was too much for me. Again because I have twins and not because it isn't the best book.

[Kate Messick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Hogarth’s imagery of the forest is vivid and immersive, and the way she draws you into the twins’ lives makes every decision feel deeply personal. The story is dark and complex, filled with shades of grey, yet still rooted in forgiveness despite the pain of the choices made.

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! This felt like so much more than a thriller. It's one of those books that captivates you and the writing style is descriptive in a way that really draws you in and evokes a response. A very original and unique book. Creepy, unexpected and unconventional

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen and Clemmy are an interesting pair and this book really makes you think about the nature of the twin relationship. The author has a lovely writing style, making even the dark subject matter quite beautiful.