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Between Sisters
"We all make mistakes, but for Meghann Dontess the terrible choice she made some years ago cost her everything, including the love of her sister, Claire. Meghann is now a highly successful attorney, and has put all thoughts of love completely behind her – until she meets the one man who believes he can change her mind.
Claire has fallen in love for the first time in her life, and as her wedding day approaches she prepares to face her strong-willed older sister. Reunited after two decades, these two women who believe they have nothing in common will try to become what they never were: a family.
Tender, funny, bittersweet and moving, Kristin Hannah's Between Sisters skilfully explores the profound joys and sorrows shared in a close relationship, the mistakes made in the name of love, and the promise of redemption."
Claire has fallen in love for the first time in her life, and as her wedding day approaches she prepares to face her strong-willed older sister. Reunited after two decades, these two women who believe they have nothing in common will try to become what they never were: a family.
Tender, funny, bittersweet and moving, Kristin Hannah's Between Sisters skilfully explores the profound joys and sorrows shared in a close relationship, the mistakes made in the name of love, and the promise of redemption."
428 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
13072 people are currently reading
71930 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Hannah
140 books289k followersKristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, which was named Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People's Choice award for best fiction in the same year. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week. In 2018,
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,915 reviews
May 1, 2014
Reading this book was like eating at McDonalds. It’s fast and easy but I feel so unpleasant afterwards.
May 9, 2018
It will come as no surprise to fans of Kristen Hannah that this is a wonderful book. It’s different than the other novels of hers I read. The Great Alone was one of the best books I’ve read in the last several months, not to mention The Nightingale, which won about a million awards. Both were very different than this novel about two sisters who grew up with a mother who drank too much and cared about herself, not her daughters. This left Meg to care for her sister Claire, who was seven years younger than her.
Misunderstandings led to their estrangement when Meg was 16 and Claire was 9. They kept in contact by phone, but their closeness and friendship disappeared. Meg goes through a challenging time with her successful career in law, and she takes time off and goes to the small town where Claire lives to help with her wedding.
There is more romance than some of Hannah’s other books. I had tears in my eyes for the last thirty pages. This would make a great movie. If not for the Hollywood big screen, it would make a great tear jerker made-for-TV movie.
Recommend.
Misunderstandings led to their estrangement when Meg was 16 and Claire was 9. They kept in contact by phone, but their closeness and friendship disappeared. Meg goes through a challenging time with her successful career in law, and she takes time off and goes to the small town where Claire lives to help with her wedding.
There is more romance than some of Hannah’s other books. I had tears in my eyes for the last thirty pages. This would make a great movie. If not for the Hollywood big screen, it would make a great tear jerker made-for-TV movie.
Recommend.
June 21, 2022
3,5 Sterne
Ein unterhaltsamer Familienroman, bei dem es hauptsächlich um zwei Schwestern geht, die langsam wieder zueinander finden.
Das Buch hat mir gut gefallen. Ich mochte die zwei unterschiedlichen Schwestern sehr gerne und konnte mir ein gutes Bild von ihnen machen.
Dieses dramatische Ende hätte es für mich allerdings nicht gebraucht. Das fand ich eigentlich schon ein bisschen zu viel und auch fast ein bisschen unglaubwürdig.
Trotzdem eine schöne Familiengeschichte mit einem Happy End, so dass man das Buch nach Beenden mit einem guten Gefähl zuklappen kann :)
Ein unterhaltsamer Familienroman, bei dem es hauptsächlich um zwei Schwestern geht, die langsam wieder zueinander finden.
Das Buch hat mir gut gefallen. Ich mochte die zwei unterschiedlichen Schwestern sehr gerne und konnte mir ein gutes Bild von ihnen machen.
Dieses dramatische Ende hätte es für mich allerdings nicht gebraucht. Das fand ich eigentlich schon ein bisschen zu viel und auch fast ein bisschen unglaubwürdig.
Trotzdem eine schöne Familiengeschichte mit einem Happy End, so dass man das Buch nach Beenden mit einem guten Gefähl zuklappen kann :)
June 22, 2011
Well, I finished it. I did skip parts after about 1/2 way through but I finished.
All I can say is ...PLEASE!...
I think it had potential to be a great book, I liked the writing style for the most part and it would have been a nice quick read if I wasnt so annoyed. The Joe character was well done I wanted to get to know him - until he met Meg. There was just way too much sap in here for me. There are lines like "as much as I could love anything without you. But yeah". Eww
After 10 days this woman decides that she is in love and not only that but her 5 year old who has never had a father is suddenly ready to have him as her Daddy and isnt at all worried that he is taking some of her Mama's attention away... PLEASE!
Not 1 but 2 sisters after years of being alone fall in love at first site - uh huh that would happen.
Then to top it all off Claire has a brain tumor and turns out the ONLY doctor in the entire country who can see that it could indeed be operated on instead of her dying - is Joe. Sorry I have to say it again... PLEASE!
The entire book is full of this type of thing.
And of course they all live happily ever after.
Maybe I am just way too much of a cynic to have found this enjoyable.
All I can say is ...PLEASE!...
I think it had potential to be a great book, I liked the writing style for the most part and it would have been a nice quick read if I wasnt so annoyed. The Joe character was well done I wanted to get to know him - until he met Meg. There was just way too much sap in here for me. There are lines like "as much as I could love anything without you. But yeah". Eww
After 10 days this woman decides that she is in love and not only that but her 5 year old who has never had a father is suddenly ready to have him as her Daddy and isnt at all worried that he is taking some of her Mama's attention away... PLEASE!
Not 1 but 2 sisters after years of being alone fall in love at first site - uh huh that would happen.
Then to top it all off Claire has a brain tumor and turns out the ONLY doctor in the entire country who can see that it could indeed be operated on instead of her dying - is Joe. Sorry I have to say it again... PLEASE!
The entire book is full of this type of thing.
And of course they all live happily ever after.
Maybe I am just way too much of a cynic to have found this enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2022
A story of courage, forgiveness, and second chances.
The two sisters Meghan and Claire share a challenging childhood. Their mother was unstable growing up and left them at a young age. As a teen, Meghan reunited Claire with her biological dad. After that, the the sisters moved on with their lives and in turn each harbor some hurt and resentment from their past decisions. Now adults, the sisters lead very different and separate lives. However, they both secretly wish they were closer but feel unable to truly connect with one another.
The storyline changes from beginning to end. It ended up being a very different book than I initially thought. The novel took unexpected twists and turns. The author throws you quite a sad curve ball at the end, but it helps tie everything together. I had mixed feelings on this book. Some parts I liked, and others, I couldn’t relate to or didn’t agree with. Between Sisters was a nice story for the most part, but at times I thought that the plot dragged and wasn’t exciting to read. However, the characters were developed well. They each learn to confront and mend their past mistakes while also working to strengthen their family bonds.
Overall, though this was a slower paced Kristen Hannah novel, it was still a lovely story about the power of hope, love, and relationships. The book highlighted how it is never too late to make amends and start again.
The two sisters Meghan and Claire share a challenging childhood. Their mother was unstable growing up and left them at a young age. As a teen, Meghan reunited Claire with her biological dad. After that, the the sisters moved on with their lives and in turn each harbor some hurt and resentment from their past decisions. Now adults, the sisters lead very different and separate lives. However, they both secretly wish they were closer but feel unable to truly connect with one another.
The storyline changes from beginning to end. It ended up being a very different book than I initially thought. The novel took unexpected twists and turns. The author throws you quite a sad curve ball at the end, but it helps tie everything together. I had mixed feelings on this book. Some parts I liked, and others, I couldn’t relate to or didn’t agree with. Between Sisters was a nice story for the most part, but at times I thought that the plot dragged and wasn’t exciting to read. However, the characters were developed well. They each learn to confront and mend their past mistakes while also working to strengthen their family bonds.
Overall, though this was a slower paced Kristen Hannah novel, it was still a lovely story about the power of hope, love, and relationships. The book highlighted how it is never too late to make amends and start again.
September 7, 2019
I am sad that I didn’t love this book. I read two of Kristen Hannah’s books and they were fantastic. I was disappointed with this one from the start. Aside from being totally predictable, it was equally unbelievable.
Meghann is a high-priced divorce attorney in Seattle Washington. Her estranged younger sister, Claire, manages a “resort” with her father, Sam, in the small town of Hayden, Washington.
Claire has never been married and has a five-year old daughter, Alison or Ali-Cat as her mother likes to call her. She meets an aspiring country-western singer who she falls promptly in love with. He in turn falls for her. They get married just a few weeks after meeting. [picture me rolling my eyes].
Meghann, or Meg as her friends call her, is rather loose in the morals department. Never mind that she is a well known and respected attorney who you would think would be cognizant of her reputation. Meg goes to Hayden in an attempt to reconcile with her sister. While there, her old habits get the best of her. She happens into a tavern and picks up an attractive but shabby guy by the name of Joe. They go to Joe’s cabin. After a couple more amorous nights together, they also fall deeply in love. [now I know I’ve burned at least 5, maybe 10 calories rolling my eyes]
Of course, as you may predict, [and you will], the rest of the story. There are many other characters in this book. I’m not going to go on with any more details.
I can hardly believe this same author wrote ‘The Nightingale’ and ‘The Great Alone’.
I won’t let this one be the last book I read by Ms. Hannah. However, I will screen them carefully. I know she can write wonderfully.
Meghann is a high-priced divorce attorney in Seattle Washington. Her estranged younger sister, Claire, manages a “resort” with her father, Sam, in the small town of Hayden, Washington.
Claire has never been married and has a five-year old daughter, Alison or Ali-Cat as her mother likes to call her. She meets an aspiring country-western singer who she falls promptly in love with. He in turn falls for her. They get married just a few weeks after meeting. [picture me rolling my eyes].
Meghann, or Meg as her friends call her, is rather loose in the morals department. Never mind that she is a well known and respected attorney who you would think would be cognizant of her reputation. Meg goes to Hayden in an attempt to reconcile with her sister. While there, her old habits get the best of her. She happens into a tavern and picks up an attractive but shabby guy by the name of Joe. They go to Joe’s cabin. After a couple more amorous nights together, they also fall deeply in love. [now I know I’ve burned at least 5, maybe 10 calories rolling my eyes]
Of course, as you may predict, [and you will], the rest of the story. There are many other characters in this book. I’m not going to go on with any more details.
I can hardly believe this same author wrote ‘The Nightingale’ and ‘The Great Alone’.
I won’t let this one be the last book I read by Ms. Hannah. However, I will screen them carefully. I know she can write wonderfully.
November 30, 2015
I woke up with a major book hangover the morning after finishing this one. It was a top-notch read like so many of Kristin Hannah’s others. It’s an emotional story of two sisters finding their way back to one another after being sort of estranged. I laughed, I cried, I
felt.
Be warned - tears are inevitable.
July 22, 2017
How is this the same person that wrote The Nightingale? I think this must be one of her first books and she has just gotten better and better the more she writes. This book was entertaining enough but it felt like a very light summer beach read, with a predictable storyline and not excellent writing. And a quick tidy ending wrapped up in a bow.
May 24, 2018
This was one of those decent reads but not anything special. The story mainly revolves around two sisters and the biggest problem I had with the book was I just never really cared for the younger sister, Claire. Usually I don't have to like a character to enjoy a book but she just rubbed me the wrong way and I felt annoyed during most of her parts of the story. I'm also not a fan of "let's get married even though we have known each other for like a week" when you have a small child. I did actually like Meghann, the sister who is emotionally distant and not painted in the best light, although I'm not really sure what that says about me.
I do like though how the book explored the sisters' relationship and how events of the past shaped who they were as adults and how they interacted with one another. The book is fairly predicable but that isn't a bad thing as sometimes I just want to settle down with a comfy type book in which I know everything is going to play out how I want it to in the end. Overall, if you like Kristin Hannah's other books, you might as well read this one.
I do like though how the book explored the sisters' relationship and how events of the past shaped who they were as adults and how they interacted with one another. The book is fairly predicable but that isn't a bad thing as sometimes I just want to settle down with a comfy type book in which I know everything is going to play out how I want it to in the end. Overall, if you like Kristin Hannah's other books, you might as well read this one.
March 2, 2021
Loved this. I cried like a baby near the end. Kristin Hannah knows how to tell a story well.
As you can probably guess it is a book about sisters... (wink wink). Set in Washington State it alternates between Meghann Dontess and Claire Cavenaugh and what bonded them together as children and then the separation that took place and how it shattered their connection as adults. There is so much pain and hurt in their stories. When Claire decides to get married and Meghann has a mental breakdown at work and has to take vacation their stories start to bind and blend for the sake of their well being and love for one another.
Sweet read.
As you can probably guess it is a book about sisters... (wink wink). Set in Washington State it alternates between Meghann Dontess and Claire Cavenaugh and what bonded them together as children and then the separation that took place and how it shattered their connection as adults. There is so much pain and hurt in their stories. When Claire decides to get married and Meghann has a mental breakdown at work and has to take vacation their stories start to bind and blend for the sake of their well being and love for one another.
Sweet read.
February 20, 2014
Absolutely unrealistic. But I cried. That's good.
November 24, 2017
“If love is the answer, could you please rephrase the question?”
Another great novel by Kristin Hannah!
Between Sisters had a blend of romance, despair, and hope impacting a very dysfunctional family.
Two sisters have been estranged for decades. Meghann Dontess and Claire Cavenaugh grew up together until events in their lives separated them.
Meghann the oldest, took care of Claire when their mother was more interested in dating and later on acting than taking care of the baby. Meghann did everything for Claire but in the present, they don't even talk much to each other. The occasional phone calls always seem to be forced.
Meghann is a successful divorce attorney. Her firm is sought by many. Her plate at work is always full without time for anything else. When she needs company, she just takes a younger man to bed from a bar she frequents and that's that. Meghann realizes she has issues. She has been undergoing therapy for years but she tries never to share things that are too personal with Harriet, her therapist. She prefers to joke about it than to admit she's lonely.
Claire Cavenaugh is a single mother. She works hard at her father's resort. She came to live with Sam, her father when she was just a little girl. She has good friends she can trust and she's happy with her life. The one thing missing is the love of a man. Someone to hold her and share her the rest of her life.
Shortly, both women will have a chance at happiness and a chance to connect with each other again.
“They were always doing that to each other, misinterpreting, imagining the worst. No wonder every conversation bruised one or the other.”
It's hard to stop reading a book by Kristin Hannah. Once you start it, the world she creates keeps you trapped. Between Sisters is not an exception.
I liked both main characters. Meghann with her blunt and straightforward personality. Claire with her content and happy attitude. From the beginning, I was rooting for them to bury the hatchet and forgive each other. In a way, they reminded me of Kate and Tully from Firefly Lane. As with such book, it's probably a good idea to have some tissues close by.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
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February 22, 2022
Kai pamatau, kad pasirodys nauja Kristin Hannah knyga, žinau, jog ją skaitysiu. Jos romanai yra tie, kurie sujaudina. Ir ne iš tos pusės, kad va skaitai ir verki, ir todėl knygą vertini aukštais balais. Nes sujudino emocijas ir jausmus. Aš vis tik manau, kad yra priešingai – rašytoja ne tai, kad sujaudina, tačiau sukuria tokius veikėjus, su kuriais susigyveni, juos pamilsti, tau jie ima rūpėti. Būtent taip nutiko ir čia. Ir nors ir knyga labai patiko; jaudinausi dėl veikėjų, norėjau ir linkėjau jiems pačio geriausio, vis tik pykstu ant rašytojos. Už ką? Už tai, kad didesnę dalį problemų statė ant nesikalbėjimo pamato. O šitai, neslėpsiu, labai užknisa.
Romano centre – staigmena – dvi seserys. Viena jų – karjeristė Megana, kuri netiki meile ir dirba skyrybų „versle“. O štai jos sesuo Klerė visai kitokia. Ji vėjavaikiškesnė, paprastesnė, gyvenimą kartais mato pro rožinius akinius. Viskas susidėlioja gana nuspėjamai – seserys sutinka vyrus, galinčius pakeisti jų nusistatymus, pakelti seniau nuleistas užkardas. Ir, suprantama, seserys priverstos susitikti ir pradėti kalbėtis, nes Klerė išteka, o Megana pasisiūlo jai padėti surengti šventę.
Vis tik norėčiau iškart paminėti, kad neapsigautumėte. Neketinu nieko išduoti, bet čia tikrai bus staigmenų. Ir malonių, ir nelabai. Užmetus akį į viršelį atrodo, kad juk čia tik šeimos drama, dviejų seserų barniai, kalbėjimasis be rezultatų ir priešingai – visiškas viena kitos ignoravimas. Bet viso to čia taip pat yra, net kiek per daug mano skoniui. Tik romanas be konfliktų apima daugiau. Čia nejučia atsiranda situacija, kai vieni kitus palaikome sudėtingose gyvenimo situacijose; kai naujus santykius geriausiai išbando negandos, o senus, ko gero, atgaivina ir sustiprina.
Tiesiog saldžiai karti knyga. Tas ryškus kartumas, vis prasismelkiantis pro vietomis dantis geliantį saldumą mus vis nubloškia atgal į realybę, o po to receptoriai vėl mus skatina mėgautis salstelėjusiomis gyvenimo realijomis. Bet juk šitaip ir yra, tik taip ir gyvename. Viena diena lengvesnė, kita atmeta vis kokį išsūkį. Ir kol tie iššūkiai nesitęsia ilgą laiką, derėtų juos priimti ir išnaudoti savo naudai.
Tai romanas apie seseris. Apie gyvenimą. Jo negandas, pykčius, santykių peripetijas ir kantrybę. Taip pat ir norą, kad viskas susidėliotų į vietas, kad viskas susitvarkytų. Ir kartu tai šioks toks priminimas, kad viskas savaime nepasidaro, kartais reikia patiems pajudinti užpakalį ir imtis veiksmų.
Be to, knyga man ir vėl priminė, kaip faina yra turėti sesę. Už tave, sesyt. 🥂
Dovana.
Susitikime instagrame!
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Romano centre – staigmena – dvi seserys. Viena jų – karjeristė Megana, kuri netiki meile ir dirba skyrybų „versle“. O štai jos sesuo Klerė visai kitokia. Ji vėjavaikiškesnė, paprastesnė, gyvenimą kartais mato pro rožinius akinius. Viskas susidėlioja gana nuspėjamai – seserys sutinka vyrus, galinčius pakeisti jų nusistatymus, pakelti seniau nuleistas užkardas. Ir, suprantama, seserys priverstos susitikti ir pradėti kalbėtis, nes Klerė išteka, o Megana pasisiūlo jai padėti surengti šventę.
Vis tik norėčiau iškart paminėti, kad neapsigautumėte. Neketinu nieko išduoti, bet čia tikrai bus staigmenų. Ir malonių, ir nelabai. Užmetus akį į viršelį atrodo, kad juk čia tik šeimos drama, dviejų seserų barniai, kalbėjimasis be rezultatų ir priešingai – visiškas viena kitos ignoravimas. Bet viso to čia taip pat yra, net kiek per daug mano skoniui. Tik romanas be konfliktų apima daugiau. Čia nejučia atsiranda situacija, kai vieni kitus palaikome sudėtingose gyvenimo situacijose; kai naujus santykius geriausiai išbando negandos, o senus, ko gero, atgaivina ir sustiprina.
Tiesiog saldžiai karti knyga. Tas ryškus kartumas, vis prasismelkiantis pro vietomis dantis geliantį saldumą mus vis nubloškia atgal į realybę, o po to receptoriai vėl mus skatina mėgautis salstelėjusiomis gyvenimo realijomis. Bet juk šitaip ir yra, tik taip ir gyvename. Viena diena lengvesnė, kita atmeta vis kokį išsūkį. Ir kol tie iššūkiai nesitęsia ilgą laiką, derėtų juos priimti ir išnaudoti savo naudai.
Tai romanas apie seseris. Apie gyvenimą. Jo negandas, pykčius, santykių peripetijas ir kantrybę. Taip pat ir norą, kad viskas susidėliotų į vietas, kad viskas susitvarkytų. Ir kartu tai šioks toks priminimas, kad viskas savaime nepasidaro, kartais reikia patiems pajudinti užpakalį ir imtis veiksmų.
Be to, knyga man ir vėl priminė, kaip faina yra turėti sesę. Už tave, sesyt. 🥂
Dovana.
Susitikime instagrame!
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
March 22, 2021
I know Kristin Hannah is known for her well written historical fiction, none of which I have had access to yet but I have always wanted to read her writing and got the chance on one of her contemporaries I saw on super sale at my favorite bookstore.
Published in 2003 but this reads very current as if it was written just a couple of years back. It's like reading a combination of Nicholas Sparks' quiet suburban setting, Colleen Hoover's take on dysfunctional family, oh, and let's not forget her uncensored but still tasteful love scenes, and Harlan Coben's easy and comforting humor.
I suspect this doesn't compare to her historical fiction novels though because I have to admit this was also quite very sappy, a little unbelievable, and very much predictable although I don't blame the author considering it is one of her earlier novels. If it were not for the humor (thanks to Meghan's character), I probably wouldn't have finished it.
But as it is, it's a decent, entertaining read about the sisters' relationship, how they grew apart and how they found a way back to each other. It gives me enough reason to want to read other books written by the author.
Published in 2003 but this reads very current as if it was written just a couple of years back. It's like reading a combination of Nicholas Sparks' quiet suburban setting, Colleen Hoover's take on dysfunctional family, oh, and let's not forget her uncensored but still tasteful love scenes, and Harlan Coben's easy and comforting humor.
I suspect this doesn't compare to her historical fiction novels though because I have to admit this was also quite very sappy, a little unbelievable, and very much predictable although I don't blame the author considering it is one of her earlier novels. If it were not for the humor (thanks to Meghan's character), I probably wouldn't have finished it.
But as it is, it's a decent, entertaining read about the sisters' relationship, how they grew apart and how they found a way back to each other. It gives me enough reason to want to read other books written by the author.
May 5, 2020
A minha opinião me vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcvN8...
January 19, 2019
A good Kristin Hannah experience.
August 2, 2020
Un siropel simpatic pe care am ales să îl citesc la plajă. L-aș recomanda și după lecturi solicitante, ori pentru momentele în care se simte nevoia unei lecturi mai light.
January 7, 2022
Kristin Hannah "Seserys" labai laukiau šitos knygos. Knyga man patiko gal pati pradžia sunkiau skaitėsi, bet po to negalėjau sustoti skaityti. Knyga apie dviejų seserų prarastą ryšį, bandymą suartėti. Kaip kartais mūsų praeitis, tėvai gali įtakoti mūsų ateities pasirinkimus...Švelnus, nuotaikingas jaudinantis romanas.
October 9, 2021
We love a good, solid ending!
Between Sisters is one of Kristin Hannah's earlier works. There's no doubt her later works of historical fiction such as The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds are some of her stronger books, as well as some of my very favorites. But Between Sisters was well worth the read, despite being a little dated. (The views of women and their roles is definitely very 2003.)
Some of Hannah's signature prose can be found on the pages of this touching novel that is ultimately about family and forgiveness. I love how she can absolutely drop me into any scenery with gorgeous writing. One of these days I'll visit Washington state and it'll be because of Kristin Hannah's books.
The characters in Between Sisters make up a strong bunch of family and friends. Meghann, the older sister, was probably the best developed of them all. And Ali, Claire's daughter, was full of life and everything a five-year-old should be. Those two were probably my favorites, but many others stole my heart along the way.
I really enjoyed this one, and I'm thankful for the ending. (Again, love a good ending!)
Between Sisters is one of Kristin Hannah's earlier works. There's no doubt her later works of historical fiction such as The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds are some of her stronger books, as well as some of my very favorites. But Between Sisters was well worth the read, despite being a little dated. (The views of women and their roles is definitely very 2003.)
Some of Hannah's signature prose can be found on the pages of this touching novel that is ultimately about family and forgiveness. I love how she can absolutely drop me into any scenery with gorgeous writing. One of these days I'll visit Washington state and it'll be because of Kristin Hannah's books.
The characters in Between Sisters make up a strong bunch of family and friends. Meghann, the older sister, was probably the best developed of them all. And Ali, Claire's daughter, was full of life and everything a five-year-old should be. Those two were probably my favorites, but many others stole my heart along the way.
I really enjoyed this one, and I'm thankful for the ending. (Again, love a good ending!)
October 4, 2018
Meghann Dontess is a successful lawyer. Her work on divorce cases, her upbringing and a broken heart years earlier have left her jaded about love. She’s also made some mistakes in her life that seem irreparable, leaving her with a very distant relationship with her younger sister Claire. Meghann and Claire’s lifestyles could not be more different. That creates tension between them as well. But then just about everything seems to evoke anger and mar the strained relationship even further. It’s a poignant picture of a family torn apart by choices and misunderstandings.
When Claire falls very suddenly in love with a musician Meghann is determined to try and make her see sense. However events beyond their control change more than just the relationship between sisters.
Meghann and Claire’s mother is an actress and is a totally self-absorbed woman, who has been conspicuous by her absence and never fulfilled her responsibilities as a parent. Not even when Meghann and Claire were young. I thoroughly disliked this character.
This is a story of family, love, friendship as well as mistakes and their consequences. There are moments of humour often, but not always, connected with Claire’s friends, the Bluesers, Gina, Karen and Charlotte. Even though I spent a lot of this book not liking Meghann or being able to relate to her, I still found this is an engaging read. The characters are believable. This is a book that presses the emotional buttons and I admit to a few tears as the story unfolded. Some people may think some of the story is a little too neat or too smaltzy, and they could have a point, but sometimes that’s all a reader wants. A story that involves you and lets you escape for a bit. I liked it. But then I am always prone to like books that provoke an emotional response in me. If you like chick lit about families and relationships, you could well like this as much as I did. I also loved the blue cover of this version.
When Claire falls very suddenly in love with a musician Meghann is determined to try and make her see sense. However events beyond their control change more than just the relationship between sisters.
Meghann and Claire’s mother is an actress and is a totally self-absorbed woman, who has been conspicuous by her absence and never fulfilled her responsibilities as a parent. Not even when Meghann and Claire were young. I thoroughly disliked this character.
This is a story of family, love, friendship as well as mistakes and their consequences. There are moments of humour often, but not always, connected with Claire’s friends, the Bluesers, Gina, Karen and Charlotte. Even though I spent a lot of this book not liking Meghann or being able to relate to her, I still found this is an engaging read. The characters are believable. This is a book that presses the emotional buttons and I admit to a few tears as the story unfolded. Some people may think some of the story is a little too neat or too smaltzy, and they could have a point, but sometimes that’s all a reader wants. A story that involves you and lets you escape for a bit. I liked it. But then I am always prone to like books that provoke an emotional response in me. If you like chick lit about families and relationships, you could well like this as much as I did. I also loved the blue cover of this version.
April 5, 2022
"Kartais meilė reiškia, kad turime pasitikėti žmonėmis ir leisti jiems patiems priimti savo sprendimus. Kitaip tariant laiku užčiaupti. "
Nors knygos pradžioje veiksmas vyko tikrai gana lėtai, bet knyga įtraukė. Tikrai jautri, jaudinanti istorija. Bet nėra tokia stipri kaip kitos autorės knygos.❤️Bet vis tiek Kristin Hannah yra nuostabi rašytoja!!!
Nors knygos pradžioje veiksmas vyko tikrai gana lėtai, bet knyga įtraukė. Tikrai jautri, jaudinanti istorija. Bet nėra tokia stipri kaip kitos autorės knygos.❤️Bet vis tiek Kristin Hannah yra nuostabi rašytoja!!!
May 30, 2022
Romane nagrinėjamas vienišumo ir nepriklausomumo santykis bei kaina, kurią mokame už asmenybės laisvę, kartais tą laisvę labai skirtingai suprasdami.
Romano pagrindinės veikėjos – seserys – labai skirtingos: viena iš jų baigusi psichologijos ir teisės studijas, kita – neįveikusi nė pusės universiteto studijų, o po to metusi ir kosmetologijos mokyklą. Kaip dažnai būna romanuose, herojes persekioja praeitis. Šįkart – abejas. Viena nepripažįsta problemų, kylančių dėl praeities ir vadina jas iššūkiais, kita – ramiai gyvena, priimdama sunkumus kaip natūralų dalyką (taip, kaip neišvengiami upės, šalia kurios gyvena, potvyniai ir atoslūgiai).
Mane labiausiai sudomino Megana (ji, iš esmės, pagrindinė herojė), seniai pamiršusi, kaip pasitikima žmonėmis (jei tik kada nors iš viso mokėjo – kaip teigia autorė). Savo nepasitikėjimą grindžia tiek patirtimi, tiek logika: „O taip, būna laimingų santuokų. Lygiai taip pat pasitaiko 48 milijonų dolerių laimėjimų, penkialapių dobilų, Siamo dvynių ir visiškų saulės užtemtinų“. „Iš pradžių visi būna įsimylėję. Tai tas pats, kaip plaukti į jūrą ant ledinuko. Vanduo jį tirpina. Kelerius metus paplūduriavę nebeturite už ko laikytis. O tada pasirodo rykliai.“ Gyvena vienišos moters, kurios širdis kadaise buvo sudaužyta ir kuri nebeleidžia sau patikėti meile, gyvenimą. Gyvenimą, kurio galima pavydėti ir dėl kurio galima užjausti...
Labai meistriškai autorė „pririša“ skaitytoją prie ilgo pasakojimo: kai tik jis truputį pradeda atsibosti, padidinamas emocinis krūvis, veiksmo dinamika, įtaigumas ir nors žinai, kad tokiose knygose pabaiga būna tik gera, vis dėlto norisi ją sužinoti.
Knygos struktūra nėra tobula, bet skaitymui tai netrukdė.
Tikroviškumas ir įtikinamumas – man – pasirodė minimalūs, bet kitiems skaitytojams gali atrodyti ir kitaip...
Vertinimą įtakojo ir daugybė pastebėtų smulkių klaidelių bei nelogiškumų, o puse balo mažinu už visiškai nereikalingą epilogą.
Šis romanas kur kas prastesnis už anksčiau perskaitytą „Lakštingala“.
P.S. Keista, kad knygos nugarėlėje anonsuojama, jog tai pasakojimas apie kraujo seseris, pasirinkusias būti nepažįstamomis, – švelniai sakant, tai netiesa.
Romano pagrindinės veikėjos – seserys – labai skirtingos: viena iš jų baigusi psichologijos ir teisės studijas, kita – neįveikusi nė pusės universiteto studijų, o po to metusi ir kosmetologijos mokyklą. Kaip dažnai būna romanuose, herojes persekioja praeitis. Šįkart – abejas. Viena nepripažįsta problemų, kylančių dėl praeities ir vadina jas iššūkiais, kita – ramiai gyvena, priimdama sunkumus kaip natūralų dalyką (taip, kaip neišvengiami upės, šalia kurios gyvena, potvyniai ir atoslūgiai).
Mane labiausiai sudomino Megana (ji, iš esmės, pagrindinė herojė), seniai pamiršusi, kaip pasitikima žmonėmis (jei tik kada nors iš viso mokėjo – kaip teigia autorė). Savo nepasitikėjimą grindžia tiek patirtimi, tiek logika: „O taip, būna laimingų santuokų. Lygiai taip pat pasitaiko 48 milijonų dolerių laimėjimų, penkialapių dobilų, Siamo dvynių ir visiškų saulės užtemtinų“. „Iš pradžių visi būna įsimylėję. Tai tas pats, kaip plaukti į jūrą ant ledinuko. Vanduo jį tirpina. Kelerius metus paplūduriavę nebeturite už ko laikytis. O tada pasirodo rykliai.“ Gyvena vienišos moters, kurios širdis kadaise buvo sudaužyta ir kuri nebeleidžia sau patikėti meile, gyvenimą. Gyvenimą, kurio galima pavydėti ir dėl kurio galima užjausti...
Labai meistriškai autorė „pririša“ skaitytoją prie ilgo pasakojimo: kai tik jis truputį pradeda atsibosti, padidinamas emocinis krūvis, veiksmo dinamika, įtaigumas ir nors žinai, kad tokiose knygose pabaiga būna tik gera, vis dėlto norisi ją sužinoti.
Knygos struktūra nėra tobula, bet skaitymui tai netrukdė.
Tikroviškumas ir įtikinamumas – man – pasirodė minimalūs, bet kitiems skaitytojams gali atrodyti ir kitaip...
Vertinimą įtakojo ir daugybė pastebėtų smulkių klaidelių bei nelogiškumų, o puse balo mažinu už visiškai nereikalingą epilogą.
Šis romanas kur kas prastesnis už anksčiau perskaitytą „Lakštingala“.
P.S. Keista, kad knygos nugarėlėje anonsuojama, jog tai pasakojimas apie kraujo seseris, pasirinkusias būti nepažįstamomis, – švelniai sakant, tai netiesa.
February 21, 2020
Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.
In recent years, Kristin Hannah has become one of my very favorite authors. I’ve decided to periodically catch up on her backlist books as the mood strikes, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to snag this audiobook when I saw it was on sale on Audible. I love Kristin Hannah’s ability to convey realistic events women face in life, all while creating moments to tug on her readers’ heartstrings.
Between Sisters was exactly the type of read I was expecting, without having read the blurb. I think this is definitely a precursor to Firefly Lane, as it had similar themes, but wasn’t quite as masterful in its storytelling. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the narrator of this story, either, which may have affected my opinion of the story overall.
I enjoyed both Claire and Meghann’s perspectives while learning about how their childhoods made them into the women they were. I always find Kristin Hannah’s ability in crafting believable women of all walks of life fascinating. They have very real character traits that make them seem like people I could know or want to be friends with. Nothing in this story felt exceptionally groundbreaking, as it was fairly predictable, but it was still a decent read I was glad to have listened to.
In recent years, Kristin Hannah has become one of my very favorite authors. I’ve decided to periodically catch up on her backlist books as the mood strikes, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to snag this audiobook when I saw it was on sale on Audible. I love Kristin Hannah’s ability to convey realistic events women face in life, all while creating moments to tug on her readers’ heartstrings.
Between Sisters was exactly the type of read I was expecting, without having read the blurb. I think this is definitely a precursor to Firefly Lane, as it had similar themes, but wasn’t quite as masterful in its storytelling. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the narrator of this story, either, which may have affected my opinion of the story overall.
I enjoyed both Claire and Meghann’s perspectives while learning about how their childhoods made them into the women they were. I always find Kristin Hannah’s ability in crafting believable women of all walks of life fascinating. They have very real character traits that make them seem like people I could know or want to be friends with. Nothing in this story felt exceptionally groundbreaking, as it was fairly predictable, but it was still a decent read I was glad to have listened to.
August 21, 2014
Hardcover library book
October 5, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Book #17 in the #20BACKLISTIN2020 challenge
Estimated TBR Shelf Life: 4 years
Kristin Hannah is probably best known for her number one New York Times bestselling novel, The Nightingale. Between Sisters is a novel that Hannah first published in 2003. My edition is a 2016 Macmillan release. A story of sisterhood, fragile family relationships, life, love and everything in between, this is a moving, but also a feel good novel from an author I admire.
Between Sisters is a story of decisions, life movements and relationships. In Kristin Hannah’s 2003 release, she illustrates the deep divide that exists between two very different sisters. Meghann, the eldest, is a top lawyer in the area of marital affairs. Meghann is a career driven woman, but she is also incredibly lonely. Meghann distances herself from any form of relationship and she avoids intimacy at all costs. Although Meghann has always protected her younger sister Claire, an ill-fated decision she made in the past has caused a significant rift between these two siblings. While Meghann finds it hard to let love into her life, Claire wears her heart on her sleeve. With a new romance thanks to an up and coming country singer, Claire is excited about her upcoming nuptials to this dream lover. But Meghann’s presence and negativity concerning Claire’s impeding marriage creates yet another tough divide between these chalk and cheese sisters. As the sisters take very tentative steps towards some kind of reconciliation in the face of Claire’s big day, past hurts infiltrate their attempts to come together. However, when a health crisis emerges, the sisters will need each other more than ever and the bond they once shared in childhood may be reinstated.
I consider myself a loyal fan of American author Kristin Hannah. Long before the success of The Nightingale, I discovered Hannah’s Firefly Lane by sheer luck at a garage sale. I’m so glad I took a chance on this tender and moving novel, as it kick started a long running relationship with an author who never fails to enthrall me with her bittersweet stories. Between Sisters is a novel I have had sitting on my over stocked TBR shelves for far too long. I’m so pleased I finally plucked this 2016 publication off my shelves for the 2020 backlist book challenge.
I don’t have a sister, yet I continue to be drawn to stories about sisters, especially complex ones. Not only is Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah a story about sisterhood, it also offers an exploration into mother-daughter relationships and different forms of love. Hannah’s narration dips back into the past in the form of memories and flashbacks, which in turn provides the reader with an essential insight into the emotionally fragile past of the two focal sisters of this tale. Hannah’s approach is revealing, perceptive and sensitive. Hannah also balances the good with the bad, disclosing moments of pure sadness and despair with happiness. Between Sisters delivers a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish.
As I have come to appreciate with many of Kristin Hannah’s previous novels, the characterisation was spot on in Between Sisters. I liked how Hannah approached her leads with such contrast. We have Meghann, a woman of power and position, but Hannah exposes this woman’s vulnerabilities. Meghann is incredibly isolated and lonely. Meghann is also regretful and she feels the guilt of the past. In Claire, we have a happy, relaxed and breezy soul. Claire is also a devoted mother to a daughter and she enjoys the simple life. The romance in the novel that ensues between Claire and her aspiring country singer love interest was easy going, offering plenty of feel good moments. When love enters the equation for Meghann it is a different experience. We feel the resistance, but eventually the ultimate surrender of Meghann to an unexpected lover. I enjoyed the development of this particular relationship. Hannah does a very good job of highlighting the difficult relationship between the sisters and their absent mother. While I detested this character, Hannah did a good job of lighting her up on the pages of this novel. Plenty of conflict and heartbreaking revelations come from this protagonist.
It takes an unexpected health crisis to truly break the ice between these two estranged sisters. How the leads come full circle due to the impact of this heartbreaking medical situation is the driving force behind the novel. Although it was upsetting and I very nearly did a shed a tear (rare for me), the way in which Hannah draws on issues of past hurts, bitterness, regret, failure, blame, misunderstanding, redemption and unconditional love moved me. It is emotional pathway to the end, but the tender resolution to this sentimental novel was gratifying.
A story of relationship repair, overcoming past difficulties, healing long standing rifts, acceptance, love and family support, Between Sisters is another absorbing story from one of my favourite international authors.
Book #17 in the #20BACKLISTIN2020 challenge
Estimated TBR Shelf Life: 4 years
Kristin Hannah is probably best known for her number one New York Times bestselling novel, The Nightingale. Between Sisters is a novel that Hannah first published in 2003. My edition is a 2016 Macmillan release. A story of sisterhood, fragile family relationships, life, love and everything in between, this is a moving, but also a feel good novel from an author I admire.
Between Sisters is a story of decisions, life movements and relationships. In Kristin Hannah’s 2003 release, she illustrates the deep divide that exists between two very different sisters. Meghann, the eldest, is a top lawyer in the area of marital affairs. Meghann is a career driven woman, but she is also incredibly lonely. Meghann distances herself from any form of relationship and she avoids intimacy at all costs. Although Meghann has always protected her younger sister Claire, an ill-fated decision she made in the past has caused a significant rift between these two siblings. While Meghann finds it hard to let love into her life, Claire wears her heart on her sleeve. With a new romance thanks to an up and coming country singer, Claire is excited about her upcoming nuptials to this dream lover. But Meghann’s presence and negativity concerning Claire’s impeding marriage creates yet another tough divide between these chalk and cheese sisters. As the sisters take very tentative steps towards some kind of reconciliation in the face of Claire’s big day, past hurts infiltrate their attempts to come together. However, when a health crisis emerges, the sisters will need each other more than ever and the bond they once shared in childhood may be reinstated.
I consider myself a loyal fan of American author Kristin Hannah. Long before the success of The Nightingale, I discovered Hannah’s Firefly Lane by sheer luck at a garage sale. I’m so glad I took a chance on this tender and moving novel, as it kick started a long running relationship with an author who never fails to enthrall me with her bittersweet stories. Between Sisters is a novel I have had sitting on my over stocked TBR shelves for far too long. I’m so pleased I finally plucked this 2016 publication off my shelves for the 2020 backlist book challenge.
I don’t have a sister, yet I continue to be drawn to stories about sisters, especially complex ones. Not only is Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah a story about sisterhood, it also offers an exploration into mother-daughter relationships and different forms of love. Hannah’s narration dips back into the past in the form of memories and flashbacks, which in turn provides the reader with an essential insight into the emotionally fragile past of the two focal sisters of this tale. Hannah’s approach is revealing, perceptive and sensitive. Hannah also balances the good with the bad, disclosing moments of pure sadness and despair with happiness. Between Sisters delivers a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish.
As I have come to appreciate with many of Kristin Hannah’s previous novels, the characterisation was spot on in Between Sisters. I liked how Hannah approached her leads with such contrast. We have Meghann, a woman of power and position, but Hannah exposes this woman’s vulnerabilities. Meghann is incredibly isolated and lonely. Meghann is also regretful and she feels the guilt of the past. In Claire, we have a happy, relaxed and breezy soul. Claire is also a devoted mother to a daughter and she enjoys the simple life. The romance in the novel that ensues between Claire and her aspiring country singer love interest was easy going, offering plenty of feel good moments. When love enters the equation for Meghann it is a different experience. We feel the resistance, but eventually the ultimate surrender of Meghann to an unexpected lover. I enjoyed the development of this particular relationship. Hannah does a very good job of highlighting the difficult relationship between the sisters and their absent mother. While I detested this character, Hannah did a good job of lighting her up on the pages of this novel. Plenty of conflict and heartbreaking revelations come from this protagonist.
It takes an unexpected health crisis to truly break the ice between these two estranged sisters. How the leads come full circle due to the impact of this heartbreaking medical situation is the driving force behind the novel. Although it was upsetting and I very nearly did a shed a tear (rare for me), the way in which Hannah draws on issues of past hurts, bitterness, regret, failure, blame, misunderstanding, redemption and unconditional love moved me. It is emotional pathway to the end, but the tender resolution to this sentimental novel was gratifying.
A story of relationship repair, overcoming past difficulties, healing long standing rifts, acceptance, love and family support, Between Sisters is another absorbing story from one of my favourite international authors.
October 2, 2025
I was preparing to tell you I didn’t enjoy this one. Then Kristin Hannah knocked on my door poked my eyes and stabbed me in the heart!
February 20, 2018
Kristin Hannah hat mich schon so oft mit ihren Geschichten zu Tränen gerührt, daher habe ich mich auf ihr neustes Werk wieder sehr gefreut.
Mir fiel der Einstieg jedoch sehr schwer. Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus den Sichten der beiden Schwestern Meghann und Claire geschrieben und ab und zu erfährt man auch noch etwas von einem sonderbaren, geheimnisvollen Mann, den man lange so gar nicht zuordnen kann. Aber so ging es mir auch ein wenig mit den beiden Schwestern. Es war alles zu lange zu geheimnisvoll und ich habe nicht verstanden, worum es eigentlich gehen soll.
Kristin Hannah hat immer ein tolles Gespür für herzzerreißende Familiengeschichten, doch dieses Mal sind die Augen trocken geblieben. Das mag vor allem daran liegen, dass das Buch erst ziemlich spät spannend und unterhaltsam wird. Sobald man alles verstanden hat, ist die Geschichte aber auch schon fast vorbei und so fällt es schwer eine Verbindung zu den Protagonisten zu bekommen.
Gerade weil das Buch aber gegen Ende hin sehr viel rausreißt, gebe ich noch 3 Sterne. Die Geschichte ist unterhaltsam und im Großen und Ganzen lässt sich das Buch auch gut lesen.
Mir fiel der Einstieg jedoch sehr schwer. Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus den Sichten der beiden Schwestern Meghann und Claire geschrieben und ab und zu erfährt man auch noch etwas von einem sonderbaren, geheimnisvollen Mann, den man lange so gar nicht zuordnen kann. Aber so ging es mir auch ein wenig mit den beiden Schwestern. Es war alles zu lange zu geheimnisvoll und ich habe nicht verstanden, worum es eigentlich gehen soll.
Kristin Hannah hat immer ein tolles Gespür für herzzerreißende Familiengeschichten, doch dieses Mal sind die Augen trocken geblieben. Das mag vor allem daran liegen, dass das Buch erst ziemlich spät spannend und unterhaltsam wird. Sobald man alles verstanden hat, ist die Geschichte aber auch schon fast vorbei und so fällt es schwer eine Verbindung zu den Protagonisten zu bekommen.
Gerade weil das Buch aber gegen Ende hin sehr viel rausreißt, gebe ich noch 3 Sterne. Die Geschichte ist unterhaltsam und im Großen und Ganzen lässt sich das Buch auch gut lesen.
April 4, 2019
Just meh. It’s a bit sappy for my taste. Nothing at all like the other Kristin Hannah books I’ve read, which were excellent.
November 21, 2021
Spoilers! (Sorry)
First of all, the "horrible decision" made by the older sister Meaghan during her young adulthood, was basically the decision she made to go to college and pursue an education/career and try to make something else of her life. It was not a horrible decision, and the book tries it's best to paint what she did as something awful and regretful. She gets vilified for it, not only by most people around her, but the pressure and guilt that she puts onto herself about what happened is pretty sad. When you know her backstory, her "horrible decision" kind of makes sense, I don't really blame her for going that route. The whole premise of the book is based around this plot point, and it makes no sense once you get to know the characters and the history. So this was frustrating throughout the book.
The book itself was a fairly easy read. Enjoyable, but pretty melodramatic and unrealistic.
I was Team Meaghan throughout. Although her psychiatrist visits and one night stand behavior was a bit over the top. The basic intentions behind her lifestyle and personality were pretty understandable when you figure out what happened in her childhood. Meaghan actually had the biggest character arch, and had the most emotional growth of all the people. In the relationship with her sister Claire, Meg did ALL of the work in mending the fences.
Her character was set up to be the "bad one", who needed to see the light and change everything about herself. Throughout the story, she was judged pretty harshly by Claire, Claire's friends, Claire's dad, their horrible mom, and a lot of others. But it was Meg that actually took the giant step to make an effort to rekindle the relationship. She was going through a ton of stress and drama in her own life after almost being killed by a clients husband. She never asked anyone for help or support, other than her psychiatrist. But was expected to be the support system for everyone.
Meg planned (and paid for) Claire's entire wedding, even when she didn't totally agree with the marriage, she attempted to play along with all of the wedding hoopla even though she was out of her comfort zone in small town Claire's circle. She watched Claire's daughter while they were on their honeymoon. When Claire got sick, it was Meg who stepped up and took care of her and basically saved her life by being relentless in seeking treatment. Meaghan was the rock and the MVP of the book, and got a lot of hate for it, even though she came full circle and figured out what was needed mentally and emotionally in her life.
Claire was set up to be the sweet sister, who the reader is supposed to really fall in love with and rally behind. Her character kind of fell flat. To me she was pretty childish, needy, and quite frankly very selfish. She was also a bit slow, for lack of a better word. I think this was an attempt to portray her as endearingly sweet, kind, unselfish, and caring. For some reason, she was universally loved and praised by everyone around her. Also, quite coddled. But she didn't actually do anything in the story to warrant that love. Claire was all about Claire.
Her storyline was the most unrealistic. She falls in love with a man, and decides to get married after a few weeks. The guy somehow just inserts himself into her life and family, with no issues. None of her close friends or family questioned the relationship or voiced any concerns? Time to start thinking about who your friends are. But Meg gets lambasted for even daring think about it practically, give her some suggestions, or even just question the motives. Then there is Claire's princess fairytale wedding and honeymoon, followed by the brain tumor 3rd act. Again, Claire can't handle anything herself. She depends on Meg to lift her up and do everything, meanwhile making her feel guilty when she says the wrong thing or is too harsh or blunt, or makes any misstep that isn't the way Claire would do things. Claire literally put in zero effort in fixing the sister relationship, but still expected the world of Meg.
Claire spends the entire book trying to come to terms with Meaghan's "abandonment" of her when they were younger. When that didn't happen. Claire was safely in the care of her biological father at that point, and well loved and supported. Her struggle as a child was hardly as difficult as her sister's. Meg was a teenager, put in an awkward position of having no mother or father, and didn't know how to transition to life with Sam. So, she acted like a teenager. And eventually moved on to college, while trying to build her own life.
Claire never had the appropriate ah-ha moment of realizing: "Oh God, my older sister sacrificed her own childhood to raise me, then had to figure out where she stood once my own dad came into my life, and was young and scared and didn't know how to handle the situation so made some teenage mistakes. Then eventually decided to go to college, and seek out her own opportunities while knowing that I was now in a safe and stable place."
For being such a sweet, down-to-earth, amazing, strong, woman, Claire was never able to put herself in her sister's shoes at all, even at the age of 35. She never understood why Meg didn't want to stay with her and her bio dad as a young adult. Meg was able to rise above a lot of struggles and make something of herself (yes, she had many emotional issues along he way because of it), but still pretty admirable what she was able to do. Claire always just saw the "abandonment" and nothing else. How about blaming your horrible mother for that? She was actually the real villain of the story (yet painted as a quirky, endearing actress). Even her Dad Sam had his sweet moment with Meg when they both acknowledged what happened in the past, and explained their mindset at that time things happened.
Then there is Joe, the depressed vagrant who is actually a grief stricken, disgraced former superstar radiologist. Although I kind of liked his character in the mix, I couldn't help but role my eyes at the premise. Also Claire's husband Bobby, who is basically an NPC with a guitar and unrealistic country star side story. And Claire's daughter Ali, who just kind of goes along with her new dad and all the other stuff without any issues.
Finally, I have to mention the places in the book where the women dramatically interrupt all of the doctors and specialist, mid sentence, because they don't want to hear what they have to say. They even do this to the "good" doctors that saved Claire's life. Because they are now "strong and fearless" warriors, and finally Claire has found her voice. No honey, please just listen to the doctors. They are saying some important things, and it won't take away from your new found fierceness.
First of all, the "horrible decision" made by the older sister Meaghan during her young adulthood, was basically the decision she made to go to college and pursue an education/career and try to make something else of her life. It was not a horrible decision, and the book tries it's best to paint what she did as something awful and regretful. She gets vilified for it, not only by most people around her, but the pressure and guilt that she puts onto herself about what happened is pretty sad. When you know her backstory, her "horrible decision" kind of makes sense, I don't really blame her for going that route. The whole premise of the book is based around this plot point, and it makes no sense once you get to know the characters and the history. So this was frustrating throughout the book.
The book itself was a fairly easy read. Enjoyable, but pretty melodramatic and unrealistic.
I was Team Meaghan throughout. Although her psychiatrist visits and one night stand behavior was a bit over the top. The basic intentions behind her lifestyle and personality were pretty understandable when you figure out what happened in her childhood. Meaghan actually had the biggest character arch, and had the most emotional growth of all the people. In the relationship with her sister Claire, Meg did ALL of the work in mending the fences.
Her character was set up to be the "bad one", who needed to see the light and change everything about herself. Throughout the story, she was judged pretty harshly by Claire, Claire's friends, Claire's dad, their horrible mom, and a lot of others. But it was Meg that actually took the giant step to make an effort to rekindle the relationship. She was going through a ton of stress and drama in her own life after almost being killed by a clients husband. She never asked anyone for help or support, other than her psychiatrist. But was expected to be the support system for everyone.
Meg planned (and paid for) Claire's entire wedding, even when she didn't totally agree with the marriage, she attempted to play along with all of the wedding hoopla even though she was out of her comfort zone in small town Claire's circle. She watched Claire's daughter while they were on their honeymoon. When Claire got sick, it was Meg who stepped up and took care of her and basically saved her life by being relentless in seeking treatment. Meaghan was the rock and the MVP of the book, and got a lot of hate for it, even though she came full circle and figured out what was needed mentally and emotionally in her life.
Claire was set up to be the sweet sister, who the reader is supposed to really fall in love with and rally behind. Her character kind of fell flat. To me she was pretty childish, needy, and quite frankly very selfish. She was also a bit slow, for lack of a better word. I think this was an attempt to portray her as endearingly sweet, kind, unselfish, and caring. For some reason, she was universally loved and praised by everyone around her. Also, quite coddled. But she didn't actually do anything in the story to warrant that love. Claire was all about Claire.
Her storyline was the most unrealistic. She falls in love with a man, and decides to get married after a few weeks. The guy somehow just inserts himself into her life and family, with no issues. None of her close friends or family questioned the relationship or voiced any concerns? Time to start thinking about who your friends are. But Meg gets lambasted for even daring think about it practically, give her some suggestions, or even just question the motives. Then there is Claire's princess fairytale wedding and honeymoon, followed by the brain tumor 3rd act. Again, Claire can't handle anything herself. She depends on Meg to lift her up and do everything, meanwhile making her feel guilty when she says the wrong thing or is too harsh or blunt, or makes any misstep that isn't the way Claire would do things. Claire literally put in zero effort in fixing the sister relationship, but still expected the world of Meg.
Claire spends the entire book trying to come to terms with Meaghan's "abandonment" of her when they were younger. When that didn't happen. Claire was safely in the care of her biological father at that point, and well loved and supported. Her struggle as a child was hardly as difficult as her sister's. Meg was a teenager, put in an awkward position of having no mother or father, and didn't know how to transition to life with Sam. So, she acted like a teenager. And eventually moved on to college, while trying to build her own life.
Claire never had the appropriate ah-ha moment of realizing: "Oh God, my older sister sacrificed her own childhood to raise me, then had to figure out where she stood once my own dad came into my life, and was young and scared and didn't know how to handle the situation so made some teenage mistakes. Then eventually decided to go to college, and seek out her own opportunities while knowing that I was now in a safe and stable place."
For being such a sweet, down-to-earth, amazing, strong, woman, Claire was never able to put herself in her sister's shoes at all, even at the age of 35. She never understood why Meg didn't want to stay with her and her bio dad as a young adult. Meg was able to rise above a lot of struggles and make something of herself (yes, she had many emotional issues along he way because of it), but still pretty admirable what she was able to do. Claire always just saw the "abandonment" and nothing else. How about blaming your horrible mother for that? She was actually the real villain of the story (yet painted as a quirky, endearing actress). Even her Dad Sam had his sweet moment with Meg when they both acknowledged what happened in the past, and explained their mindset at that time things happened.
Then there is Joe, the depressed vagrant who is actually a grief stricken, disgraced former superstar radiologist. Although I kind of liked his character in the mix, I couldn't help but role my eyes at the premise. Also Claire's husband Bobby, who is basically an NPC with a guitar and unrealistic country star side story. And Claire's daughter Ali, who just kind of goes along with her new dad and all the other stuff without any issues.
Finally, I have to mention the places in the book where the women dramatically interrupt all of the doctors and specialist, mid sentence, because they don't want to hear what they have to say. They even do this to the "good" doctors that saved Claire's life. Because they are now "strong and fearless" warriors, and finally Claire has found her voice. No honey, please just listen to the doctors. They are saying some important things, and it won't take away from your new found fierceness.
May 4, 2022
K. Hannah viena iš mano mylimiausių autorių. Jos knygos tokios gyvenimiškos, vienos labai stipriai suvirpina ir paliečia jautriausias stygas, kitos gi lieka tokios vidutinės, kai viskas lyg ir kažkur matyta ir skaityta. Gaila, bet „Seserys“ kaip tik ir priskirčiau prie pastarųjų.
Kaip man norėjosi abi seseris susodinti prie vieno stalo, kad pagaliau žmoniškai pasikalbėtų, atvertų visus savo skaudulius, išsakytų savo norus ir pagaliau galėtų bendrauti kaip tikros seserys. Bet gi svajoti niekas nedraudžia, o knygos realybė pasirodė visai kitokia.
Megana - vyresnioji sesuo, sėkminga skyrybų advokatė, kandi, savo vienišumą skandinanti vienos nakties nuotykiuose.
Klerė - jaunėlė, svajoklė, vieniša mama, vis dar gyvenanti su tėčiu ir su juo palaikanti glaudžius santykius bei plėtojanti širdžiai mielą veiklą.
Seserys kadaise buvusios neišskiriamos, begalo artimos, pasirinkusios būti nepažįstamosiomis, netikėtai sau pačioms bando atkurti trapų ryšį. O kaip joms seksis ir su kokiomis kliūtimis teks susidurti, sužinosite perskaitę knygą.
„Seserys“ - įtraukianti, jaudinanti knyga apie artimų giminaičių santykius, seserišką ryšį, vaikystės nuoskaudas, tėvišką (ne) meilę ir jos padarinius. Tačiau tuo pačiu tai knyga apie meilę, draugystę, viltį ir šviesesnį rytojų. Ką jau K. Hannah tikrai moka, tai sukurti tokią istoriją, kurios nesinori paleisti, su veikėjais susigyveni ir jie pradeda tau rūpėti. Tikrai skaitysiu ir kitas autorės knygas.
Kaip man norėjosi abi seseris susodinti prie vieno stalo, kad pagaliau žmoniškai pasikalbėtų, atvertų visus savo skaudulius, išsakytų savo norus ir pagaliau galėtų bendrauti kaip tikros seserys. Bet gi svajoti niekas nedraudžia, o knygos realybė pasirodė visai kitokia.
Megana - vyresnioji sesuo, sėkminga skyrybų advokatė, kandi, savo vienišumą skandinanti vienos nakties nuotykiuose.
Klerė - jaunėlė, svajoklė, vieniša mama, vis dar gyvenanti su tėčiu ir su juo palaikanti glaudžius santykius bei plėtojanti širdžiai mielą veiklą.
Seserys kadaise buvusios neišskiriamos, begalo artimos, pasirinkusios būti nepažįstamosiomis, netikėtai sau pačioms bando atkurti trapų ryšį. O kaip joms seksis ir su kokiomis kliūtimis teks susidurti, sužinosite perskaitę knygą.
„Seserys“ - įtraukianti, jaudinanti knyga apie artimų giminaičių santykius, seserišką ryšį, vaikystės nuoskaudas, tėvišką (ne) meilę ir jos padarinius. Tačiau tuo pačiu tai knyga apie meilę, draugystę, viltį ir šviesesnį rytojų. Ką jau K. Hannah tikrai moka, tai sukurti tokią istoriją, kurios nesinori paleisti, su veikėjais susigyveni ir jie pradeda tau rūpėti. Tikrai skaitysiu ir kitas autorės knygas.
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