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The Foursome
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26From #1 New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline comes a boldly original reimagining of an astonishing true two sisters in nineteenth-century North Carolina—Kline’s own distant relatives—who married world-famous conjoined twins from Siam.
When Chang and Eng Bunker arrive in Wilkes County in 1839, they’re not just a curiosity—they’re a sensation. Everyone is eager to learn whether the salacious rumors about them are true. Within months, the twins have opened a general store, bought land, and begun building a plantation. Now, word has it, they’re looking for wives—and in a place that thrives on gossip and legacy, their ambitions set the community on edge.
Sarah and Adelaide Yates, daughters of a once-prominent local family brought low by scandal, are drawn into their orbit. Bold, beautiful Addie sees in the twins’ fame a chance to reclaim her future. Sallie, quiet and observant, isn’t so sure. When the twins’ lives become entangled with theirs, they must navigate loyalty, longing, and identity in a world where everything—including race, class, and gender—is rigidly defined.
Spanning five decades and unfolding against the backdrop of a fractured nation hurtling toward war, The Foursome is both intimate and a story of love and constraint, identity and reinvention. With piercing insight and emotional precision, Kline brings to life a forgotten chapter of American history and the complex, boundary-defying marriages at its center.
When Chang and Eng Bunker arrive in Wilkes County in 1839, they’re not just a curiosity—they’re a sensation. Everyone is eager to learn whether the salacious rumors about them are true. Within months, the twins have opened a general store, bought land, and begun building a plantation. Now, word has it, they’re looking for wives—and in a place that thrives on gossip and legacy, their ambitions set the community on edge.
Sarah and Adelaide Yates, daughters of a once-prominent local family brought low by scandal, are drawn into their orbit. Bold, beautiful Addie sees in the twins’ fame a chance to reclaim her future. Sallie, quiet and observant, isn’t so sure. When the twins’ lives become entangled with theirs, they must navigate loyalty, longing, and identity in a world where everything—including race, class, and gender—is rigidly defined.
Spanning five decades and unfolding against the backdrop of a fractured nation hurtling toward war, The Foursome is both intimate and a story of love and constraint, identity and reinvention. With piercing insight and emotional precision, Kline brings to life a forgotten chapter of American history and the complex, boundary-defying marriages at its center.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 12, 2026
7 people are currently reading
13755 people want to read
About the author
Christina Baker Kline
25 books7,157 followersA #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Exiles, Orphan Train, and A Piece of the World, Christina Baker Kline is published in 40 countries. Her novels have received the New England Prize for Fiction, the Maine Literary Award, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Award, among other prizes, and have been chosen by hundreds of communities, universities and schools as “One Book, One Read” selections. Her essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in publications such as the New York Times and the NYT Book Review, the Boston Globe, the San Francisco Chronicle, LitHub, Psychology Today, Poets & Writers, and Salon.
Born in England and raised in the American South and Maine, Kline is a graduate of Yale (B.A.), Cambridge (M.A.) and the University of Virginia (M.F.A.), where she was a Hoyns Fellow in Fiction Writing. A resident of New York City and Southwest Harbor, Maine, she serves on the advisory boards of the Center for Fiction (NY), the Jesup Library (Bar Harbor, ME), the Montclair Literary Festival (NJ), the Kauai Writers Festival (HI), and Roots & Wings (NJ), and on the gala committees of Poets & Writers (NY), The Authors Guild (NY) and Friends of Acadia (ME). She is an Artist-Mentor for StudioDuke at Duke University and the BookEnds program at Stony Brook University.
Born in England and raised in the American South and Maine, Kline is a graduate of Yale (B.A.), Cambridge (M.A.) and the University of Virginia (M.F.A.), where she was a Hoyns Fellow in Fiction Writing. A resident of New York City and Southwest Harbor, Maine, she serves on the advisory boards of the Center for Fiction (NY), the Jesup Library (Bar Harbor, ME), the Montclair Literary Festival (NJ), the Kauai Writers Festival (HI), and Roots & Wings (NJ), and on the gala committees of Poets & Writers (NY), The Authors Guild (NY) and Friends of Acadia (ME). She is an Artist-Mentor for StudioDuke at Duke University and the BookEnds program at Stony Brook University.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 21, 2025
The Book begins about real-life Siamese Twins, Eng and Chung Baker. They have become a Sensation and People are So Interested in Meeting Them. This has afforded them a life of wealth and privilege. So, when they settle in Wilkes, North Carolina, they meet and want to marry Sarah and Adelaide Yates. So, on the surface this seems just an entertaining and different story, and it is, but there is so much depth beyond the surface of this book.
There is so much nuance and intimacy that Christina Baker Kline brings to this story. It examines an unusual family living life on a Plantation. The Book begins in 1839 and spans five decades. There is the beauty and struggle of family and children woven through the entire story that just was fascinating to read. Yet, always in the background is Sarah’s growing discomfort with slavery. Christina Baker Kline does such a delicate job presenting the characters reactions based on how life would have been at the time, but quietly presents the agony of this way of life.
I really loved this book. It is Excellent. Presenting such a unique story worked so well to explore so many other themes. Christina Baker Kline does a superb job that entertains, brings curiosity, love, heartache, and thinking of the choices that are made. She is in a class by herself. Highly Recommend this Book.
There is so much nuance and intimacy that Christina Baker Kline brings to this story. It examines an unusual family living life on a Plantation. The Book begins in 1839 and spans five decades. There is the beauty and struggle of family and children woven through the entire story that just was fascinating to read. Yet, always in the background is Sarah’s growing discomfort with slavery. Christina Baker Kline does such a delicate job presenting the characters reactions based on how life would have been at the time, but quietly presents the agony of this way of life.
I really loved this book. It is Excellent. Presenting such a unique story worked so well to explore so many other themes. Christina Baker Kline does a superb job that entertains, brings curiosity, love, heartache, and thinking of the choices that are made. She is in a class by herself. Highly Recommend this Book.
December 1, 2025
The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline opened my eyes to a moment in history I knew little about. Centered around conjoined twins married to two sisters, the novel explores the complexities of marriage, sisterhood, and raising children in the American South in 1839—a time and place where conformity was the norm and change was just beginning to stir. Kline weaves a beautiful tapestry of love, doubt, identity, and resilience in a world that left little room for differences.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, I was looking for something different... This was definitely different. Found the premise a little inconceivable, but interesting nonetheless. Love her clear, easy writing...
February 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This novel offers a fascinating and unexpected look at the lives of Eng and Chang, the famous conjoined twins from Siam, set against the backdrop of North Carolina during the Civil War. While the book description suggests a focus on romance or complex familial dynamics—elements that are certainly present—the story takes a surprisingly heavy turn into historical discourse regarding slavery and class. However, despite placing itself firmly in this volatile era, the narrative struggles to meaningfully engage with the moral weight of its setting. The author includes the reality of slavery, specifically through the character of Grace (an enslaved woman), yet fails to take a meaningful stance on it, or explore deeper. Sarah, the central character, notes the class differences between herself and Grace but merely muses on them rather than making a distinct point.
This passive approach to heavy themes becomes particularly glaring toward the end of the book. Once the Civil War ends, Sarah bemoans the difficulty of her life simply because the enslaved workers have left the plantation. The narrative presents this complaining as a matter of fact without critiquing Sarah’s lack of self-awareness or acknowledging the injustice of the institution itself. It feels as though the historical context was included for accuracy rather than to say anything meaningful. Similarly, while the book acknowledges the racism faced by Eng and Chang—including the use of offensive slurs—it depicts these prejudices without exploring why they are wrong or differentiating the narrative voice from the bigotry of the time.
Despite these thematic misses, the technical aspects of the novel are undeniably strong. The writing is polished and the narrative style is engaging, making for a smooth reading experience. Sarah functions as an interesting anchor for the story; as an "outsider" within the unique family dynamic, she provides a compelling lens through which to view the struggles of those around her. Her perspective allows for a degree of empathy that enriches the character work, even if the social commentary falls flat.
A standout portion of the book involves Sarah’s time living with her Aunt Joan, who is delightfully portrayed as something of a gay icon. This section successfully fleshes out Sarah's character, teaching her the value of hard work and self-reliance. These lessons feel earned and result in a satisfying callback toward the end of the novel.
Unfortunately, the book overstays its welcome with an unnecessary epilogue. This final addition failed to establish new information or add value to the story, leaving the impression that the novel would have been stronger had it ended sooner.
Ultimately, this is a well-written historical novel held back by its reluctance to dig deeper into the serious subjects it introduces.
This novel offers a fascinating and unexpected look at the lives of Eng and Chang, the famous conjoined twins from Siam, set against the backdrop of North Carolina during the Civil War. While the book description suggests a focus on romance or complex familial dynamics—elements that are certainly present—the story takes a surprisingly heavy turn into historical discourse regarding slavery and class. However, despite placing itself firmly in this volatile era, the narrative struggles to meaningfully engage with the moral weight of its setting. The author includes the reality of slavery, specifically through the character of Grace (an enslaved woman), yet fails to take a meaningful stance on it, or explore deeper. Sarah, the central character, notes the class differences between herself and Grace but merely muses on them rather than making a distinct point.
This passive approach to heavy themes becomes particularly glaring toward the end of the book. Once the Civil War ends, Sarah bemoans the difficulty of her life simply because the enslaved workers have left the plantation. The narrative presents this complaining as a matter of fact without critiquing Sarah’s lack of self-awareness or acknowledging the injustice of the institution itself. It feels as though the historical context was included for accuracy rather than to say anything meaningful. Similarly, while the book acknowledges the racism faced by Eng and Chang—including the use of offensive slurs—it depicts these prejudices without exploring why they are wrong or differentiating the narrative voice from the bigotry of the time.
Despite these thematic misses, the technical aspects of the novel are undeniably strong. The writing is polished and the narrative style is engaging, making for a smooth reading experience. Sarah functions as an interesting anchor for the story; as an "outsider" within the unique family dynamic, she provides a compelling lens through which to view the struggles of those around her. Her perspective allows for a degree of empathy that enriches the character work, even if the social commentary falls flat.
A standout portion of the book involves Sarah’s time living with her Aunt Joan, who is delightfully portrayed as something of a gay icon. This section successfully fleshes out Sarah's character, teaching her the value of hard work and self-reliance. These lessons feel earned and result in a satisfying callback toward the end of the novel.
Unfortunately, the book overstays its welcome with an unnecessary epilogue. This final addition failed to establish new information or add value to the story, leaving the impression that the novel would have been stronger had it ended sooner.
Ultimately, this is a well-written historical novel held back by its reluctance to dig deeper into the serious subjects it introduces.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just finished reading "The Foursome" by Christina Baker Kline and I am quite sure I will be mulling over this book for some time.
I was loosely familiar with the famous "Siamese" or conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker before reading this book. However, there was so much I didn't know! Even just their last name, Bunker, and how that came about was a surprise!
One thing I needed to do, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this, is realize that how I want a character to respond is based in our current time period. It is really dreadful to realize the many limitations women were under. For example, at one point I was wondering WHY does she keep having CHILDREN with this man she doesn't even LIKE? And then I realized that it was expected that wives would serve their men in all ways, and that there was no birth control. There were so many times that I flinched mentally around that, around the treatment of women in general and their lack of a voice in their own lives, around slavery and the idea of people as literal property, sub-human. I thought my heart might completely shatter when three children were bought and separated from their mother, with no one to care for them. Ugh! But those were the harsh and awful realities of the time, and it is heartbreaking.
I concur with some of the other readers that honestly, these some of these characters were not always very likable and sometimes felt downright detestable. But again, I tried to bring myself back to trying to imagine how it would feel to literally be bound physically to someone else every minute of every day of my life. Literally no ability to be alone at any moment, to have a private conversation, an intimate encounter. To never be able to decide to do a single physical action without it being a joint decision. That would truly be horrible! I can only imagine the anger and resentment I would have about that, and how other people perceived me as well.
So many thoughts about this book, my brain is just swirling. I am very glad I read it, even if it wasn't always comfortable or pleasant, and even if things didn't always go as I wished they would. To find out the author is loosely related was utterly fascinating.
Thank you to Christina Baker Kline for another well researched, fascinating book, and to the Publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was loosely familiar with the famous "Siamese" or conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker before reading this book. However, there was so much I didn't know! Even just their last name, Bunker, and how that came about was a surprise!
One thing I needed to do, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this, is realize that how I want a character to respond is based in our current time period. It is really dreadful to realize the many limitations women were under. For example, at one point I was wondering WHY does she keep having CHILDREN with this man she doesn't even LIKE? And then I realized that it was expected that wives would serve their men in all ways, and that there was no birth control. There were so many times that I flinched mentally around that, around the treatment of women in general and their lack of a voice in their own lives, around slavery and the idea of people as literal property, sub-human. I thought my heart might completely shatter when three children were bought and separated from their mother, with no one to care for them. Ugh! But those were the harsh and awful realities of the time, and it is heartbreaking.
I concur with some of the other readers that honestly, these some of these characters were not always very likable and sometimes felt downright detestable. But again, I tried to bring myself back to trying to imagine how it would feel to literally be bound physically to someone else every minute of every day of my life. Literally no ability to be alone at any moment, to have a private conversation, an intimate encounter. To never be able to decide to do a single physical action without it being a joint decision. That would truly be horrible! I can only imagine the anger and resentment I would have about that, and how other people perceived me as well.
So many thoughts about this book, my brain is just swirling. I am very glad I read it, even if it wasn't always comfortable or pleasant, and even if things didn't always go as I wished they would. To find out the author is loosely related was utterly fascinating.
Thank you to Christina Baker Kline for another well researched, fascinating book, and to the Publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2026
Christina Baker Kline has always given us informative, well written novels. Orphan Train and A Piece of the World were 5 ⭐ books for me. I was so excited to read The Foursome.
This novel is a fictionalized account of the true story of Eng and Chang Bunker, conjoined twins who lived in the mid-19th century, their wives Sarah (Sallie) and Adelaide, and their 21 (!!!) children. The twins toured the country as a side show, earning money by people gawking at their differences. They left touring and settled in North Carolina where they bought land, met and married Sarah and Adelaide, and tried to fit into society. The book examines some heavy topics - slavery, systemic racism, the class system, and the southern "way of life" prior to the civil war.
The book was very well written and I learned so much about the lives of Eng and Chang. The author did a great job of researching things about their life, even down to tiny details like the size of their farms, death dates of family members, the slaves they owned, etc. I sympathized with many of the characters, especially Sarah, the real matriarch of the novel. I thought the author did a really nice job covering sensitive topics like marital relations with conjoined twins. The book was a fascinating look at how differences can become normalized over time.
All that said, this wasn't my favorite CBK book. I thought it dragged in places; I found myself skimming parts of the chapters because they were, in some places, pretty repetitive. There were some touching moments in the book, but overall, I did not feel that the novel had the depth of some of her previous work.
3.5 ⭐s rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an advanced copy. The book is scheduled to be published on May 12, 2026.
This novel is a fictionalized account of the true story of Eng and Chang Bunker, conjoined twins who lived in the mid-19th century, their wives Sarah (Sallie) and Adelaide, and their 21 (!!!) children. The twins toured the country as a side show, earning money by people gawking at their differences. They left touring and settled in North Carolina where they bought land, met and married Sarah and Adelaide, and tried to fit into society. The book examines some heavy topics - slavery, systemic racism, the class system, and the southern "way of life" prior to the civil war.
The book was very well written and I learned so much about the lives of Eng and Chang. The author did a great job of researching things about their life, even down to tiny details like the size of their farms, death dates of family members, the slaves they owned, etc. I sympathized with many of the characters, especially Sarah, the real matriarch of the novel. I thought the author did a really nice job covering sensitive topics like marital relations with conjoined twins. The book was a fascinating look at how differences can become normalized over time.
All that said, this wasn't my favorite CBK book. I thought it dragged in places; I found myself skimming parts of the chapters because they were, in some places, pretty repetitive. There were some touching moments in the book, but overall, I did not feel that the novel had the depth of some of her previous work.
3.5 ⭐s rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an advanced copy. The book is scheduled to be published on May 12, 2026.
December 21, 2025
***Thank you NetGalley, the publisher & the author for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I went into it completely blind.
I did not realize that this book was based on a true story until the very end with the author’s note. My review immediately went up a half star because of that and the amount of research and work that went into this historical fiction novel.
I thought I was getting myself into a very freaky book because of the title, so when the story ended up based in the 1800’s I felt a bit disappointed. That’s on me! The characters were described really well, and the homes/farms/roads I could almost see from how good the writing was. I really enjoyed the writing style honestly.
Unfortunately I did feel bored throughout most of the story. I did not like ANY of the characters at all, and whenever I felt myself bonding with the FMC I knew it would only be short-lived. The twins were terrible people, and I felt tricked at the end with Grace after feeling bad for Eng throughout most of the book. I knew it was coming, but I felt that like a slap in my own face. I kinda wish the author left that unknown instead of leading us to believe Eng was the sole culprit 🤬.
Chang as a character was deplorable. I could not stand him at all for a second. I felt like the book was way too long because I felt dragged through a concrete parking lot every time he said or did anything at all. He was so incredibly selfish and miserable. The author described him really well if that’s the way she wanted to portray him, of course. It just ruined the book for me. I hated the way he got everything he wanted.
The storyline overall was very interesting, and I really enjoyed learning more about their way of life as well as the way of life at that time period. I don’t read many books that discuss slavery, and getting a glimpse into their lives during slavery with a wife who resists it was fascinating. I would potentially read another book by this author in the future. I don’t think I will recommend this book to friends due to my strong dislike of the characters.
Originally I wanted to give this book two stars, but I really enjoyed the history lesson written amongst the pages at the same time. I upped my rating to three solid stars for this book, and I want to say that I did really enjoy the ending.
I did not realize that this book was based on a true story until the very end with the author’s note. My review immediately went up a half star because of that and the amount of research and work that went into this historical fiction novel.
I thought I was getting myself into a very freaky book because of the title, so when the story ended up based in the 1800’s I felt a bit disappointed. That’s on me! The characters were described really well, and the homes/farms/roads I could almost see from how good the writing was. I really enjoyed the writing style honestly.
Unfortunately I did feel bored throughout most of the story. I did not like ANY of the characters at all, and whenever I felt myself bonding with the FMC I knew it would only be short-lived. The twins were terrible people, and I felt tricked at the end with Grace after feeling bad for Eng throughout most of the book. I knew it was coming, but I felt that like a slap in my own face. I kinda wish the author left that unknown instead of leading us to believe Eng was the sole culprit 🤬.
Chang as a character was deplorable. I could not stand him at all for a second. I felt like the book was way too long because I felt dragged through a concrete parking lot every time he said or did anything at all. He was so incredibly selfish and miserable. The author described him really well if that’s the way she wanted to portray him, of course. It just ruined the book for me. I hated the way he got everything he wanted.
The storyline overall was very interesting, and I really enjoyed learning more about their way of life as well as the way of life at that time period. I don’t read many books that discuss slavery, and getting a glimpse into their lives during slavery with a wife who resists it was fascinating. I would potentially read another book by this author in the future. I don’t think I will recommend this book to friends due to my strong dislike of the characters.
Originally I wanted to give this book two stars, but I really enjoyed the history lesson written amongst the pages at the same time. I upped my rating to three solid stars for this book, and I want to say that I did really enjoy the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I was lucky to win an ARC copy of The Foursome. I have read Orphan Train, The Exiles and A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline and am a big fan of her writing. I loved The Foursome equally. It took great curiosity and courage to write this book, to research and imagine a true and unique situation of two southern sisters marrying conjoined twins from Siam (Thailand) who were sensational “human curiosities” at public exhibitions. Together, the couples raised 21 children. Set in a meticulously drawn world of 19th century North Carolina, the sisters did this in a time of rigid restrictions on all who were not white males.
Readers can imagine the curiosity-propelling questions surrounding these sisters and their conjoined husbands—the why’s, the how’s, the what happened. The author’s imagination draws the reader through these questions with her skillful creation of the interior world of Sarah Yates, the wavering sister who the author discovered was “buried not with her husband, his brother, and her sister in the family cemetery, but alone on their farm, beneath a hard-to-find stone among people the family had enslaved.”
The author’s courage is evident in taking on this story. The sisters are distant relatives of hers. They and their husbands were slave-holders in a time and place where that was normalized. The story delicately probes what this would have been like for a woman with a compassionate heart while navigating marital, familial, gender and social tensions of her situation and time.
Readers can imagine the curiosity-propelling questions surrounding these sisters and their conjoined husbands—the why’s, the how’s, the what happened. The author’s imagination draws the reader through these questions with her skillful creation of the interior world of Sarah Yates, the wavering sister who the author discovered was “buried not with her husband, his brother, and her sister in the family cemetery, but alone on their farm, beneath a hard-to-find stone among people the family had enslaved.”
The author’s courage is evident in taking on this story. The sisters are distant relatives of hers. They and their husbands were slave-holders in a time and place where that was normalized. The story delicately probes what this would have been like for a woman with a compassionate heart while navigating marital, familial, gender and social tensions of her situation and time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. All opinions stated here are my own. I have used Christina Baker Kline's books in two book clubs now so was excited to see another Historical Fiction by the author!
I wasn't sure how I would feel about a HF book about the original Siamese Twins, but was fascinated that there is a true connection to the author and who doesn't love a good genealogical dig? Kline adeptly brings these 4 characters to life both using research and a solid understanding of human beings and how they might react under given circumstances. The book's wheels seemed to slow down a little early on and I was concerned, but the strength of Sally's character propelled the book with a push and pull of one's morals and life's condition. How could Chang and Eng abide by owning slaves? Why would Sarah agree to such a marital arrangement? How did the family function in times of crisis, illness, or bein faced with a dramatic shift in history of the time?
We read so much about slavery and the south in historical fiction format, but that was the part of the book I couldn't let go. The internal struggle between what is right and wrong - relying on slaves for your everyday existence yet wanting them to be free.
I think this book has a lot for a book club to talk about and would gladly choose it as well as recommend it to patrons.
4.5* rounded up.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about a HF book about the original Siamese Twins, but was fascinated that there is a true connection to the author and who doesn't love a good genealogical dig? Kline adeptly brings these 4 characters to life both using research and a solid understanding of human beings and how they might react under given circumstances. The book's wheels seemed to slow down a little early on and I was concerned, but the strength of Sally's character propelled the book with a push and pull of one's morals and life's condition. How could Chang and Eng abide by owning slaves? Why would Sarah agree to such a marital arrangement? How did the family function in times of crisis, illness, or bein faced with a dramatic shift in history of the time?
We read so much about slavery and the south in historical fiction format, but that was the part of the book I couldn't let go. The internal struggle between what is right and wrong - relying on slaves for your everyday existence yet wanting them to be free.
I think this book has a lot for a book club to talk about and would gladly choose it as well as recommend it to patrons.
4.5* rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this book was so intriguing that I couldn’t wait to read it. The author takes the 1800’s and writes a little known part of the history with a most unusual family story. What makes these sisters enter into a marriage with conjoined twins? Christina Baker Kline examines the psyche of Sallie and Adelaide with all the prejudices of the time period. She highlights the differences between the sisters as they enter this most unusual life. The brothers have their own individual personalities and lay down the rules of their marriages and future. She writes of the confines of their marriages and the laws of society and how they are looked upon by society. Of course living in the south during a time when many had slaves added an interesting perspective to the story especially since conjoined twins needed help with tending to their land as well as their home life with all their 21 children. The author also incorporates the Civil War and the freeing of the slaves. She also examines the psyche of freed slaves. I love all the research the author used as well as distant family history to write this most unusual story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an eGalley of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheFoursome #ChristinaBakerKline #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an eGalley of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheFoursome #ChristinaBakerKline #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fascinating reimagining of the real lives of Chang and Eng Bunker and the sisters who married them, Sarah and Adelaide Yates (who were also distant relatives of the author). So cool!
Set in North Carolina beginning in 1839 and spanning decades through the Civil War, the story explores love, identity, and ambition within a society shaped by rigid rules of race, class, and gender.
Told through Sarah’s point of view, the novel feels intimate and reflective, offering a thoughtful look at marriage, loyalty, and belonging under extraordinary circumstances. I really appreciated how the author brought this lesser-known piece of American history to life with emotional depth and care.
I can’t imagine living the life any of these characters had, and this story really makes you pause and consider what their world must have been like. It’s filled with heartache, happiness, loss, and so many layered emotions. If you enjoy truly fascinating stories that stay with you, this one is worth picking up. I’m still thinking about it weeks after finishing the book.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Release date May 11, 2026
This was a fascinating reimagining of the real lives of Chang and Eng Bunker and the sisters who married them, Sarah and Adelaide Yates (who were also distant relatives of the author). So cool!
Set in North Carolina beginning in 1839 and spanning decades through the Civil War, the story explores love, identity, and ambition within a society shaped by rigid rules of race, class, and gender.
Told through Sarah’s point of view, the novel feels intimate and reflective, offering a thoughtful look at marriage, loyalty, and belonging under extraordinary circumstances. I really appreciated how the author brought this lesser-known piece of American history to life with emotional depth and care.
I can’t imagine living the life any of these characters had, and this story really makes you pause and consider what their world must have been like. It’s filled with heartache, happiness, loss, and so many layered emotions. If you enjoy truly fascinating stories that stay with you, this one is worth picking up. I’m still thinking about it weeks after finishing the book.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Release date May 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Knowing little about the Siamese twins, Eng and Chang Bunker (and nothing about their wives and children), I was thrilled to read this book. As a big fan of all the books by this author, her newest one did not disappoint. Beginning in 1839. the twins have moved to North Carolina where they buy land and started farming. (also using slaves as labor precivil war) . Meeting two sisters, (one who has faced disgrace due to a rape and pregnancy), they quickly marry and begin their lives as plantation owners. The interactions between the two sisters and their husbands are well written. The story spans several generations covering themes of slavery, precivil war plantation life and the norms for women in that time period. A fascinating book; the author has done her research on these characters and I was thrilled to be allowed access to this book. Highly recommend to readers of Christina Baker Kline.
January 19, 2026
***3.5 Stars rounded up***
I flew through this novel! The beginning had me hooked, and as someone who loves a "different" story, this was definitely it.
After the first child was born, however, the story really took a dive. Chapter after chapter of what felt like stepping stones in life, no real detail or emotion behind them. Even when the civil war hits, what should have felt powerful and gripping, read like a grocery list of events happening.
The characters fell flat for me and felt very two-dimensional. All of them were hard to connect with (except for Aunt Joan, whom I loved!).
The truth of the story, and the first 45% of the book are what really shone through and I would recommend to anyone looking for a story rarely told!
Thank you to NetGalley Mariner Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review! #TheFoursome #NetGalley
I flew through this novel! The beginning had me hooked, and as someone who loves a "different" story, this was definitely it.
After the first child was born, however, the story really took a dive. Chapter after chapter of what felt like stepping stones in life, no real detail or emotion behind them. Even when the civil war hits, what should have felt powerful and gripping, read like a grocery list of events happening.
The characters fell flat for me and felt very two-dimensional. All of them were hard to connect with (except for Aunt Joan, whom I loved!).
The truth of the story, and the first 45% of the book are what really shone through and I would recommend to anyone looking for a story rarely told!
Thank you to NetGalley Mariner Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review! #TheFoursome #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel Cristina Baker Kline is from the true story of Eng and Chang Bunker, the famous Siamese Twins made famous (or infamous), by P.T. Barnum. They lived most of their adult lives in North Carolina with the local sisters they married. Sarah and Adelaide encountered personal adversities because of the morbid curiosity of the people in their community, and also because they had to navigate the lack of privacy in their marriages.
Kline also draws parallels with the Frankenstein character- he was misunderstood and feared, as are Eng and Chang.
And even though the brothers were viewed as 'colored' by their Southern neighbors, Chang and Eng owned and used black slaves on their plantations.
A fascinating story!
Kline also draws parallels with the Frankenstein character- he was misunderstood and feared, as are Eng and Chang.
And even though the brothers were viewed as 'colored' by their Southern neighbors, Chang and Eng owned and used black slaves on their plantations.
A fascinating story!
January 5, 2026
An incredible read!
Kline deals with delicate topics like intimacy between the sisters and their conjoined husbands with sensitivity and pragmatism, not salaciousness.
This was such a riveting read that I found myself rushing back to it when I had to break away from my reading.
The author captures the voice of Sallie so well and depicts her emotions, struggles, and evolution in a compelling manner.
I kept thinking as I read that I could never have lived with such an arrangement so it was intriguing to read about two women who did.
I’ve only scratched the surface so readers must discover this exquisite read for themselves!
Be sure to check out her website for more info on the family and her research.
Thanks NetGalley, Edelweiss, Mariner Books, and Harper Collins for the advance copy.
Kline deals with delicate topics like intimacy between the sisters and their conjoined husbands with sensitivity and pragmatism, not salaciousness.
This was such a riveting read that I found myself rushing back to it when I had to break away from my reading.
The author captures the voice of Sallie so well and depicts her emotions, struggles, and evolution in a compelling manner.
I kept thinking as I read that I could never have lived with such an arrangement so it was intriguing to read about two women who did.
I’ve only scratched the surface so readers must discover this exquisite read for themselves!
Be sure to check out her website for more info on the family and her research.
Thanks NetGalley, Edelweiss, Mariner Books, and Harper Collins for the advance copy.
December 27, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Mariner books for this early copy
Of The Foursome. I had seen historical photos of Chang and Eng but never knew they married sisters from North Carolina. I really enjoyed this fictional history of the lives of Sallly, Addie and their marriages with the conjoined twins. The novel brought up the trials this life would have brought that I would never have thought of. Especially in the time and place the novel unfolds. The story never got slow or dull to me. It just seemed to speed through the ending just a tad too quickly. Overall a great read!
Of The Foursome. I had seen historical photos of Chang and Eng but never knew they married sisters from North Carolina. I really enjoyed this fictional history of the lives of Sallly, Addie and their marriages with the conjoined twins. The novel brought up the trials this life would have brought that I would never have thought of. Especially in the time and place the novel unfolds. The story never got slow or dull to me. It just seemed to speed through the ending just a tad too quickly. Overall a great read!
January 18, 2026
I read Inseparable by Yunte Huang, so I was excited about getting this fiction version of their remarkable story from the sisters/wives point of view. It is a great but emotional book and story. Wonderfully written but tough at times learning of the unique lives of Chang and Eng Bunker, their wives, children, choices, work, heartache, hardships, and tragedies. I learned a lot about their family and the history during their time. This is one I’ll think about for a while, now I want to visit the museum.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC!
Fascinating portrayal of two sisters who marry Siamese twins!!! So interesting to see how they split up the physical, emotional and mental load of marriage! And how they tended to their two households with many children in between them! This story is based on the author’s distant cousins marriage to Siamese twins! 3.5
Fascinating portrayal of two sisters who marry Siamese twins!!! So interesting to see how they split up the physical, emotional and mental load of marriage! And how they tended to their two households with many children in between them! This story is based on the author’s distant cousins marriage to Siamese twins! 3.5
December 27, 2025
A very interesting story based on real people. It kept my attention for the most part, but I must say it was a little depressing. Thankfully it was an easy read and the time period always captivates me. I loved the Exiles from this author so I was a little disappointed with this new book. I would recommend though especially if you’re a fan of her writing!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Christina Baker Kline is a master of historical fiction. This is a beautiful story of a woman navigating an unconventional marriage in a time when unconventional was seen as being highly suspicious and sinful (as it still is on many cases). It’s a story of love, family, courage and grief. I very much recommend this book.
January 29, 2026
I found this (based on a true) story of sisters that married conjoined twins fascinating. While the plot was relatively straight forward it wove in interesting history and perspectives.
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February 3, 2026Reading List 2026 #3
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