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This Bright Beauty
Franci and Lottie may be identical twins, but that’s where the similarities end. Franci has always been the stable one, while Lottie has bipolar disorder, constantly battling depression and mania. After years of taking care of her sister, Franci moves across the country to build a life for herself. Now, all the two share is distance.
But when Lottie gets in an accident, Franci reluctantly steps back into her familiar role as protector. She returns to find her sister’s life in complete disarray and makes a shocking discovery: Lottie has an infant daughter she never told Franci about. Although Franci swore she wouldn’t get sucked back in, she can’t leave the baby alone in Lottie’s care.
As Lottie further unravels, a secret is revealed that she has kept since childhood—one that has the power to reframe the sisters’ entire relationship, forcing Franci to ask herself if the secret was too much for Lottie to bear. Was the accident really an accident, and who has been protecting whom all these years?
But when Lottie gets in an accident, Franci reluctantly steps back into her familiar role as protector. She returns to find her sister’s life in complete disarray and makes a shocking discovery: Lottie has an infant daughter she never told Franci about. Although Franci swore she wouldn’t get sucked back in, she can’t leave the baby alone in Lottie’s care.
As Lottie further unravels, a secret is revealed that she has kept since childhood—one that has the power to reframe the sisters’ entire relationship, forcing Franci to ask herself if the secret was too much for Lottie to bear. Was the accident really an accident, and who has been protecting whom all these years?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2018
749 people are currently reading
1607 people want to read
About the author
Emily Maine Cavanagh
4 books156 followersThanks for checking out my Goodreads Author page! A little about me: Originally from the Boston area, I now live on the island of Martha's Vineyard with my husband and two daughters. During the day I work as a middle and high school English teacher. When not teaching, parenting, reading or cooking, I write contemporary fiction. My writing tends to focus on family, motherhood, relationships, work and career angst, sibling rivalry, and other messy stuff. My first novel, THE BLOOM GIRLS, released in 2017 with Lake Union Publishing. My second novel, THIS BRIGHT BEAUTY, releases March 1, 2018. Want to hear more? Read more about my work on my website (www.emilycavanaghauthor.com), sign up for my author newsletter. or follow me on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 19, 2018
Francie and Lottie are identical twins but they could not be more different. Francie is married with twin girls and lives in Boston. Lottie is single and struggling with bipolar disorder in California. They were close as children but their relationship decayed over Lottie’s unpredictable behavior. Francie has tired of her caregiver role since her mother's death. Lottie is inconsistent about taking her medication creating tension between the sisters.
Francie rushes to California after Lottie is involved in a bicycle accident. She is shocked to learn that her sister has an infant daughter. Francie puts her life on hold to help her sister and niece. During that time they start to repair their relationship and reveal secrets from their childhood.
This Bright Beauty examines the complexities of sibling relationships. Emily Cavanagh does a beautiful job of giving a sympathetic voice to mental illness. This is the second novel by the author. The author’s first novel, The Bloom Girls, was released in May 2017.
Francie rushes to California after Lottie is involved in a bicycle accident. She is shocked to learn that her sister has an infant daughter. Francie puts her life on hold to help her sister and niece. During that time they start to repair their relationship and reveal secrets from their childhood.
This Bright Beauty examines the complexities of sibling relationships. Emily Cavanagh does a beautiful job of giving a sympathetic voice to mental illness. This is the second novel by the author. The author’s first novel, The Bloom Girls, was released in May 2017.
June 6, 2021
As someone who reared a gorgeous, intelligent, perfect daughter while being diagnosed as ultra rapid, dual cycling bipolar, I take offense with some of what is written in this story. For example I’m fairly certain that anyone would have trouble making a bottle with a broken arm to feed an infant; you don’t have to be bipolar for that to be an issue. I found this book to be overly pessimistic, and I shook my head a lot. My star rating is simply from frustration with the plot and my focus on my experiences. For most people this prob wouldn’t be a problem.
March 20, 2018
I received This Bright Beauty as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Franci and Lottie are twins. Growing up, Lottie was Franci's protector, but their roles are soon reversed as Lottie struggles with bipolar disorder in California, while Franci lives a fairly stable, middle-class life in Boston with her husband and two young daughters. When Lottie suffers an accident, Franci travels across the country, shocked to discover that in the year or so since she's seen her sister, Lottie has given birth to a daughter herself. Feeling obligated to stay not only for her sister, but her helpless infant niece, Franci is sucked back into Lottie's tumultuous life, and in the process, discovers dark family secrets that may explain Lottie's past and their family struggles.
This Bright Beauty was a powerful story about the stigma of mental illness and the true meaning of strength. It's an unflinching look at mental illness--the havoc it can wreak on a family, but also the daily struggle that people with mental illnesses go through. There seems to be a notion in our society that the mentally ill are "crazy" and not fit to associate with "normal" people; it simultaneously makes light of their struggles while also writing them off completely. What you get from a character like Lottie is someone who has been through a lot, who may already have been genetically predisposed to mental illness, who then suffered a trauma in young adulthood that even her twin didn't experience. The result is a woman struggling to mantain a hold on stability while her brain is effectively working against her. It's poignant and difficult and incredibly enlightening, and a really moving portrait of what so many people in our lives struggle with but may fear speaking aloud.
Franci and Lottie are twins. Growing up, Lottie was Franci's protector, but their roles are soon reversed as Lottie struggles with bipolar disorder in California, while Franci lives a fairly stable, middle-class life in Boston with her husband and two young daughters. When Lottie suffers an accident, Franci travels across the country, shocked to discover that in the year or so since she's seen her sister, Lottie has given birth to a daughter herself. Feeling obligated to stay not only for her sister, but her helpless infant niece, Franci is sucked back into Lottie's tumultuous life, and in the process, discovers dark family secrets that may explain Lottie's past and their family struggles.
This Bright Beauty was a powerful story about the stigma of mental illness and the true meaning of strength. It's an unflinching look at mental illness--the havoc it can wreak on a family, but also the daily struggle that people with mental illnesses go through. There seems to be a notion in our society that the mentally ill are "crazy" and not fit to associate with "normal" people; it simultaneously makes light of their struggles while also writing them off completely. What you get from a character like Lottie is someone who has been through a lot, who may already have been genetically predisposed to mental illness, who then suffered a trauma in young adulthood that even her twin didn't experience. The result is a woman struggling to mantain a hold on stability while her brain is effectively working against her. It's poignant and difficult and incredibly enlightening, and a really moving portrait of what so many people in our lives struggle with but may fear speaking aloud.
February 11, 2018
My Review of “This Bright Beauty” by Emily Cavanagh
Kudos to Emily Cavanagh, Author of “This Bright Beauty” for her weaving her vivid descriptions of her characters, their relationships, and the storylines into a sensitive unique, and emotional novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Contemporary Fiction.
The Author describes her characters as flawed, complicated and complex. Franci and Lottie (Charlotte) are identical twins. The twins may be identical but after a tragic event and a very dark secret, Lottie develops a bipolar disorder, that not only changes their relationship, but those of the people around them. Lotti stays and teaches in California and Franci moves on to Boston, where she gets married and has twins.
There are times when Lotti doesn’t take her medication and vacillates between the”blackness” and “light”. Franci has tried to be responsible and watches that Lotti takes her medication from the distance. Lotti’s long time boyfriend will tell Franci, that Lotti is strong, but sick. After a major problem occurs, both Franci and Lotti don’t talk to one another for quite a while.
Franci gets a call that Lotti has been in an accident, and should come to watch Lotti’s infant daughter. Franci had not realized that Lotti had been pregnant. What can Franci do now? What should Franci do now?
I appreciate that Emily Cavanagh discusses the issues of mental illness, and sheds some light on bipolar disorders and depression. I also like that the author discusses the importance of family, emotional support, acceptance, love and hope. This is a powerful and emotional story that I would highly recommend. I received An Advanced Reading Copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
Kudos to Emily Cavanagh, Author of “This Bright Beauty” for her weaving her vivid descriptions of her characters, their relationships, and the storylines into a sensitive unique, and emotional novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Contemporary Fiction.
The Author describes her characters as flawed, complicated and complex. Franci and Lottie (Charlotte) are identical twins. The twins may be identical but after a tragic event and a very dark secret, Lottie develops a bipolar disorder, that not only changes their relationship, but those of the people around them. Lotti stays and teaches in California and Franci moves on to Boston, where she gets married and has twins.
There are times when Lotti doesn’t take her medication and vacillates between the”blackness” and “light”. Franci has tried to be responsible and watches that Lotti takes her medication from the distance. Lotti’s long time boyfriend will tell Franci, that Lotti is strong, but sick. After a major problem occurs, both Franci and Lotti don’t talk to one another for quite a while.
Franci gets a call that Lotti has been in an accident, and should come to watch Lotti’s infant daughter. Franci had not realized that Lotti had been pregnant. What can Franci do now? What should Franci do now?
I appreciate that Emily Cavanagh discusses the issues of mental illness, and sheds some light on bipolar disorders and depression. I also like that the author discusses the importance of family, emotional support, acceptance, love and hope. This is a powerful and emotional story that I would highly recommend. I received An Advanced Reading Copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
March 3, 2018
Franci and Lottie are identical twins. While in the beginning Lottie was the stronger one, later in life the balance shifted. Lottie's constant struggle with bipolar disorder and her reluctance to stay on her medication are making it difficult for Franci to stop worrying about her sister. Lottie stops taking her pills because she doesn't feel like she can be herself and she misses the manic periods, but being without her medication also brings the inevitable blackness of depression. Franci used to watch her sister's every move, however they have lost their closeness. First in distance and then a terrible incident caused a rift between them.
When Franci finds out Lottie was in an accident she rushes to the other side of the country to be there for her sister. She's stunned when she finds out Lottie has a daughter. Franci didn't know her sister was pregnant and never knew she had a baby girl. She has to take over the care while her sister is recovering. When she enters Lottie's apartment Franci finds a big mess. Franci should let Lottie lead her own life, but can she do this when she knows her sister isn't as stable as she should be, now that there's a child involved? When secrets of the past come to the surface the relationship between the sisters and their careful balance is being tested once more. What will happen when a terrible truth comes to light?
This Bright Beauty is a beautiful poignant story about two very different sisters. Franci and Lottie are twins and they look the same, but their personalities aren't very similar. Franci is levelheaded and craves stability. She finds it hard to be social, she doesn't easily make contact with others and she prefers to be invisible. Lottie gets along with everyone, she's outgoing and adventurous. When she wants something she goes after it. Franci and Lottie love each other unconditionally, but they have many issues. Lottie's illness and the consequences of her unwillingness to keep taking her medication are putting pressure on their relationship. Franci can't let go and wants to tell her sister how to live her life, which constantly causes friction. Their basis is a fierce love from both sides and the sisters try to protect each other, even if they don't get along. I love stories about siblings and was captivated by their complex bond from the start. Franci and Lottie clearly want to be individuals, but they have a connection that will never break. This makes fascinating reading and it kept me glued to the pages.
Emily Cavanagh writes about the emotional effects of being ill and watching a loved one struggle with a terrible illness in a fantastic emphatic way. She thoroughly explores every single layer of the feelings that are involved and the result is a terrific story. This Bright Beauty is heartbreaking and I often had tears in my eyes while reading this novel. I love it when I feel so much and This Bright Beauty impressed me on many different levels. I was mesmerized by the compelling relationship between Franci and Lottie from the start. I highly recommend this amazing book.
When Franci finds out Lottie was in an accident she rushes to the other side of the country to be there for her sister. She's stunned when she finds out Lottie has a daughter. Franci didn't know her sister was pregnant and never knew she had a baby girl. She has to take over the care while her sister is recovering. When she enters Lottie's apartment Franci finds a big mess. Franci should let Lottie lead her own life, but can she do this when she knows her sister isn't as stable as she should be, now that there's a child involved? When secrets of the past come to the surface the relationship between the sisters and their careful balance is being tested once more. What will happen when a terrible truth comes to light?
This Bright Beauty is a beautiful poignant story about two very different sisters. Franci and Lottie are twins and they look the same, but their personalities aren't very similar. Franci is levelheaded and craves stability. She finds it hard to be social, she doesn't easily make contact with others and she prefers to be invisible. Lottie gets along with everyone, she's outgoing and adventurous. When she wants something she goes after it. Franci and Lottie love each other unconditionally, but they have many issues. Lottie's illness and the consequences of her unwillingness to keep taking her medication are putting pressure on their relationship. Franci can't let go and wants to tell her sister how to live her life, which constantly causes friction. Their basis is a fierce love from both sides and the sisters try to protect each other, even if they don't get along. I love stories about siblings and was captivated by their complex bond from the start. Franci and Lottie clearly want to be individuals, but they have a connection that will never break. This makes fascinating reading and it kept me glued to the pages.
Emily Cavanagh writes about the emotional effects of being ill and watching a loved one struggle with a terrible illness in a fantastic emphatic way. She thoroughly explores every single layer of the feelings that are involved and the result is a terrific story. This Bright Beauty is heartbreaking and I often had tears in my eyes while reading this novel. I love it when I feel so much and This Bright Beauty impressed me on many different levels. I was mesmerized by the compelling relationship between Franci and Lottie from the start. I highly recommend this amazing book.
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March 1, 2018This book really didn't work for me. Twin sisters, with the narrative split between the two, though I found it difficult to remember who was speaking because their voices were pretty much identical (not a pun!). The story was about how they coped with the bi-polar disease suffered by one of them, and the front story was about her having a baby, and the back story was about how they dealt with the death of their mother.
It was a very worthy book (sorry, but I'm afraid that's how it read to me) and very informative in terms of the illness concerned, but it seemed to me a very tenuous idea for a novel. I never really connected with either of the twins, one of whom in particular I found extremely annoying and controlling, an as I said, the voices weren't different enough for me to feel they were real characters, more like two role models created to demonstrate the realities of dealing with such a terrible mental illness. I saw the back story coming, and I saw the ending coming, and to be honest, I flicked through the last third of it. Simply not for me.
It was a very worthy book (sorry, but I'm afraid that's how it read to me) and very informative in terms of the illness concerned, but it seemed to me a very tenuous idea for a novel. I never really connected with either of the twins, one of whom in particular I found extremely annoying and controlling, an as I said, the voices weren't different enough for me to feel they were real characters, more like two role models created to demonstrate the realities of dealing with such a terrible mental illness. I saw the back story coming, and I saw the ending coming, and to be honest, I flicked through the last third of it. Simply not for me.
March 7, 2018
I was so captivated by Emily Cavanagh's writing that I found myself a few times stopping and rereading a passage for the sheer beauty of the language. This was one of the few books that I couldn't put down yet didn't want to get to the end. The characters were raw and real and Cavanagh's descriptions brought me back to the Bay Area, a place I loved but haven't been back to in years.
October 3, 2018
I loved this book, so much so that I bought the author’s previous book and now I’m reading it.
May 9, 2018
This was a Goodreads giveaway win.
"The Black had arrived, unbidden as usual, and he had snaked his way into my heart and soul, leaving his filthy fingerprints on all that I held dear."
This Bright Beauty was a beautiful, heart-breaking, brilliant book! We are introduced to Franci and Lottie, identical twin sisters who haven't spoken to each other in over a year. Franci receives a frantic phone call from one of Lottie's neighbors. Lottie has been in an accident, can Franci come right away! Franci at first thinks its to be there for Lottie, which if course is one reason, but the other reason is to help with the baby that Lottie has!! That no one knew Lottie had. Franci leaves her husband and her twin daughters to be by Lottie's side and to find out what has happened.
The book shifts back and forth from Franci and Lottie's perspectives. From now and into the past. We discover the reasonings behind their turbulent relationship, of Lottie's struggle with bi-polar and Franci's need to mother, protect and control Lottie.
The author did a wonderful job of depicting the highs and lows of someone suffering from bi-polar disorder. There were times I felt as if I was right there in Lottie's head. Feeling her sadness and confusion. This was an outstanding book. Beautifully written. If I could give it more stars I would!
"The Black had arrived, unbidden as usual, and he had snaked his way into my heart and soul, leaving his filthy fingerprints on all that I held dear."
This Bright Beauty was a beautiful, heart-breaking, brilliant book! We are introduced to Franci and Lottie, identical twin sisters who haven't spoken to each other in over a year. Franci receives a frantic phone call from one of Lottie's neighbors. Lottie has been in an accident, can Franci come right away! Franci at first thinks its to be there for Lottie, which if course is one reason, but the other reason is to help with the baby that Lottie has!! That no one knew Lottie had. Franci leaves her husband and her twin daughters to be by Lottie's side and to find out what has happened.
The book shifts back and forth from Franci and Lottie's perspectives. From now and into the past. We discover the reasonings behind their turbulent relationship, of Lottie's struggle with bi-polar and Franci's need to mother, protect and control Lottie.
The author did a wonderful job of depicting the highs and lows of someone suffering from bi-polar disorder. There were times I felt as if I was right there in Lottie's head. Feeling her sadness and confusion. This was an outstanding book. Beautifully written. If I could give it more stars I would!
June 6, 2019
I have a lot of feelings about this book! From beginning to end, Emily Cavanagh has created a captivating cast of characters in a difficult situation. Both Charlotte and Franci are easy to empathize with, which makes both of their struggles even more heartbreaking throughout. I’m still trying to process how I feel about the ending because it was somewhat expected, but that doesn’t mean I like it. I think it was supposed to show that everyone has come full circle but ultimately, it comes across as a bit of a cop out. I don’t know. Time will tell.
Overall, this is a breathtaking novel about bipolar disorder and how it affects everyone’s lives: those who have it and those who don’t have it but still have to live with it. Highly recommend!
Overall, this is a breathtaking novel about bipolar disorder and how it affects everyone’s lives: those who have it and those who don’t have it but still have to live with it. Highly recommend!
March 9, 2018
I really love how this book brings and gives a voice to a horrible mental illness - bipolar disorder. One twin has it, one does not. One goes through black and white stages, stages of extreme depression and stages of extreme highs, while the other twin tries to help take care of her sister while focusing on her own family.
This Bright Beauty is gripping and full of emotion. The characters really come alive in the pages of this book. Everyone should read this.
This Bright Beauty is gripping and full of emotion. The characters really come alive in the pages of this book. Everyone should read this.
April 15, 2018
Finally! A Novel Worth Reading
Could not stop reading. I don't pretend to understand the unique bond only twins share, nor the struggle of living with bipolar disorder, but I appreciate the author's ability to take me into the world of characters who do and whose lives are impacted by both. I recommend this excellent book to anyone tired of cheesy, formulaic storylines, underdeveloped and unsympathetic characters, and unbelievable plot twists thrown in merely for the sake of compelling the reader to continue. This book has none of that, but the characters are so interesting and complex, and the story develops so organically that one wants to continue reading because you actually care what happens next.
Could not stop reading. I don't pretend to understand the unique bond only twins share, nor the struggle of living with bipolar disorder, but I appreciate the author's ability to take me into the world of characters who do and whose lives are impacted by both. I recommend this excellent book to anyone tired of cheesy, formulaic storylines, underdeveloped and unsympathetic characters, and unbelievable plot twists thrown in merely for the sake of compelling the reader to continue. This book has none of that, but the characters are so interesting and complex, and the story develops so organically that one wants to continue reading because you actually care what happens next.
January 25, 2019
This Bright Beauty
Emily Cavanaugh
Narrated by Cristina Panfilio
Cavanaugh’s poignant family drama highlights love and loss, the bond of sisters, of twins, the tragedy of mental illness and the heartbreak of its heredity. Hidden in the pages of this fantastic fictional novel are frighteningly real mental illness details, the white and black of bipolar disorder, the bleakness of depression the limitlessness of loved ones reaching out a helping hand and the sometimes powerlessness of the victim to accept the help. The author’s using only first names somehow makes the characters more intimate, her portrayal of Lotty’s mania is hauntingly genuine while her portrayal of Francie is grounding. The story moves quickly via a fluent powerful narrative that’s both hopeful and helpless both full of joy and full of sadness that will pull on reader’s heartstrings with an ending that will break reader’s hearts but with a clear message to never give up.
The narration of Cristina Panfilio is amazing, articulate and emotion filled. Her voices of Francie and Lotty are fantastic and her men’s voices are good too, but when it comes to the voices of the children characters this narrator rocks!
Summary:
Identical twins Charlotte (Lotty) and Francie spent the early years inseparable where older by minutes Lotty always took care of her younger more fragile sister. But when they lose their mother at seventeen to a terrible accident the roles reverse when Lotty is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and Francie suddenly becomes the stronger twin. Life changes again when Francie moves across the country to begin a life without her sister yet knowing she’s leaving Lotty in the capable hands of her longtime boyfriend, Whit. When Lotty has an accident and needs help, even though they’ve been estranged for the past year or so, Francie wastes no time leaving behind her own twins and husband in Boston to head to California to once again care for her sister. When she arrives she’s gobsmacked by how Lotty’s life has changed since they last spoke and the surprises just keep on coming.
Emily Cavanaugh
Narrated by Cristina Panfilio
Cavanaugh’s poignant family drama highlights love and loss, the bond of sisters, of twins, the tragedy of mental illness and the heartbreak of its heredity. Hidden in the pages of this fantastic fictional novel are frighteningly real mental illness details, the white and black of bipolar disorder, the bleakness of depression the limitlessness of loved ones reaching out a helping hand and the sometimes powerlessness of the victim to accept the help. The author’s using only first names somehow makes the characters more intimate, her portrayal of Lotty’s mania is hauntingly genuine while her portrayal of Francie is grounding. The story moves quickly via a fluent powerful narrative that’s both hopeful and helpless both full of joy and full of sadness that will pull on reader’s heartstrings with an ending that will break reader’s hearts but with a clear message to never give up.
The narration of Cristina Panfilio is amazing, articulate and emotion filled. Her voices of Francie and Lotty are fantastic and her men’s voices are good too, but when it comes to the voices of the children characters this narrator rocks!
Summary:
Identical twins Charlotte (Lotty) and Francie spent the early years inseparable where older by minutes Lotty always took care of her younger more fragile sister. But when they lose their mother at seventeen to a terrible accident the roles reverse when Lotty is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and Francie suddenly becomes the stronger twin. Life changes again when Francie moves across the country to begin a life without her sister yet knowing she’s leaving Lotty in the capable hands of her longtime boyfriend, Whit. When Lotty has an accident and needs help, even though they’ve been estranged for the past year or so, Francie wastes no time leaving behind her own twins and husband in Boston to head to California to once again care for her sister. When she arrives she’s gobsmacked by how Lotty’s life has changed since they last spoke and the surprises just keep on coming.
September 14, 2018
Trigger warning in this book for depression & suicide & self harm
This Bright Beauty was so good, so beautifully written and powerful. Oh, and it's really sad. I'm so glad I read this book!
June 20, 2018
This is a powerful and emotional story that I highly recommend. It’s beautifully written with real characters who interested me from the very first paragraph. Loved it.
January 12, 2019
This story hurt my heart. Very good book and well worth the read.
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April 25, 2019I haven't read this one either. It was perfectly fine, but I suddenly burned out on thrillers. I may go back to it someday.
<3
<3
July 30, 2020
I got 55% through this and gave up. The writing wasn't bad but I couldn't connect with, or care about the characters. In fact, Lottie just irritated me. I found that I simply didn't care what happened next, and gave up.
July 29, 2018
A little slow to start but got better. Also a bit predictable at points. Overall it was a good read.
February 22, 2018
Almost everyone agrees that there's no more complicated relationship than the one that exists between sisters. Unless we're talking about twin sisters. And one of those twins suffers from bipolar disorder. That's the premise behind Emily Cavanagh's wonderful novel, This Bright Beauty. Two sisters, one illness, and a long-buried secret at the root of it all. Through the deftly woven perspectives of both sisters, Cavanagh gives us glimpses into the sisters' early history; the gradual decent of one twin into mental illness, while the other desperately fights to hold what's left of her family together. The gut wrenching flips between the bright and dark sides the bipolar coin are vividly rendered, as are the slow fraying of sisterly bonds, and the ever-present angst of waiting for the next inevitable unraveling. They say a GOOD book incorporates all the senses, and I totally agree. But for me, a GREAT book incorporates all the "feels" and This Bright Beauty certainly does. Sparkling prose, raw emotion, and a keen sensitivity to subject combine to make this a read that's definitely worth savoring.
May 17, 2018
I wasn’t a huge fan of this one. For one, it was so tediously slow to get through. I was doing pretty good and enjoying what I was reading for a while when I started wondering where we’d hit that secret reveal moment promised in the blurb. I look down and I’m only at 35% or so when I expected to be so much farther into the book. From there, everything just really started to drag.
Nearly the entire book is done in memories of each character. I don’t mind that so much, but that is part of why this felt so slow. You are waiting and waiting for the promised build up that takes forever to get to and are constantly dropped into yet another memory with nothing ever really coming out of those other than background. When you do finally get to it, way farther into the story than I expected, it wasn’t anything I hadn’t already expected and when it is all said and done, it doesn’t actually change a thing. Not really.
I had a hard time connecting or getting invested in either of the main characters as I felt that they were both petty and spiteful to each other which made them not very likable. Sure, there are some potential reasons, but those reasons didn’t change their likability.
All the wait and plowing through to get to the end and, again, it wasn’t anything that I didn’t already think was going to happen and I kind of felt like I was left with a “That’s it?” kind of a feeling which is pretty irritating as a reader.
Nearly the entire book is done in memories of each character. I don’t mind that so much, but that is part of why this felt so slow. You are waiting and waiting for the promised build up that takes forever to get to and are constantly dropped into yet another memory with nothing ever really coming out of those other than background. When you do finally get to it, way farther into the story than I expected, it wasn’t anything I hadn’t already expected and when it is all said and done, it doesn’t actually change a thing. Not really.
I had a hard time connecting or getting invested in either of the main characters as I felt that they were both petty and spiteful to each other which made them not very likable. Sure, there are some potential reasons, but those reasons didn’t change their likability.
All the wait and plowing through to get to the end and, again, it wasn’t anything that I didn’t already think was going to happen and I kind of felt like I was left with a “That’s it?” kind of a feeling which is pretty irritating as a reader.
June 27, 2018
This book kind of reminds me of Jodi Picoult's writing but in reverse (Picoult usually deals with big issues that leads to moderate amounts of drama, Cavanagh writes about small issues which lead to huge amount of drama). And the portrayal of bipolar disorder felt a bit iffy. (No I don't have it myself, but I know people who have it). Iffy in the same way that Anastasia Steel in Fifty Shades of Grey does to romance (OH MY! INNER GODDESS!). Like there is some truth in it but at the same time it's stylized and kind of embarrassing. Had this story been more realistic and less hollywoodized I think I'd enjoyed this book immensely.
Huge spoiler:
Huge spoiler:
April 3, 2018
A hard life
I never felt really pulled into the story. It could have been so much more. I would call it clinical rather than emotional.
I never felt really pulled into the story. It could have been so much more. I would call it clinical rather than emotional.
March 2, 2018
Good characterisation, good insight into bipolarity, considerable depth
This is a novel about contrasts - black or white, head or heart, health or sickness, even life or death,and about priorities - putting your sister first or you children, protect yourself or others, do what is expected or what you feel is right for you - all with a mental health theme, since one of the identical twin protagonists is bipolar.
The twins, Franci and Lottie, act as narrators, allowing the reader to get to know them as individuals and appreciate their often diametrically opposed points of view. I have read some other novels focusing on mental health issues recently (try 'My Sister and Other Liars' by Ruth Dugdall for an amazing first person portrayal of anorexia and Han Kang's poetic description of the fragmentation of a mind in 'The Vegetarian') and found it satisfying and interesting to learn more about mental conditions. This book, perhaps to a slightly lesser extent, engenders an understanding of bipolarity (as well as the complexities of being a twin) through the two well-drawn and utterly believable protagonists.
Lottie describes the highs and lows of bipolarity as White and Black, giving Emily Cavanagh the opportunity to use a whole rainbow of colour-related imagery in Lottie's thoughts: 'A black anger at myself. A jagged red streak of love. The gleaming silver of guilt. The pink hope of possibility. All tinged by the yellow pallor of fear.' I could pick out more examples of Cavanagh's beautiful writing - her similes and metaphors are a particular strength, but it would make the review unnecessarily long. Suffice it to say that it is s book that will stay with me for a long time for both its content and its style.
This is a novel about contrasts - black or white, head or heart, health or sickness, even life or death,and about priorities - putting your sister first or you children, protect yourself or others, do what is expected or what you feel is right for you - all with a mental health theme, since one of the identical twin protagonists is bipolar.
The twins, Franci and Lottie, act as narrators, allowing the reader to get to know them as individuals and appreciate their often diametrically opposed points of view. I have read some other novels focusing on mental health issues recently (try 'My Sister and Other Liars' by Ruth Dugdall for an amazing first person portrayal of anorexia and Han Kang's poetic description of the fragmentation of a mind in 'The Vegetarian') and found it satisfying and interesting to learn more about mental conditions. This book, perhaps to a slightly lesser extent, engenders an understanding of bipolarity (as well as the complexities of being a twin) through the two well-drawn and utterly believable protagonists.
Lottie describes the highs and lows of bipolarity as White and Black, giving Emily Cavanagh the opportunity to use a whole rainbow of colour-related imagery in Lottie's thoughts: 'A black anger at myself. A jagged red streak of love. The gleaming silver of guilt. The pink hope of possibility. All tinged by the yellow pallor of fear.' I could pick out more examples of Cavanagh's beautiful writing - her similes and metaphors are a particular strength, but it would make the review unnecessarily long. Suffice it to say that it is s book that will stay with me for a long time for both its content and its style.
May 9, 2018
Good book
I feel like I know more about what it's like to be a twin and more about the experience of living with bi-polar from reading this book. The story is excellent-- written in first person from 2 different women who are identical twins. It is written in an elegant style, having all it needs to impart story, wisdom, and character development, with no added fluff or confusion. The author does beautiful work making each person in the story human, understandable, and likeable. This includes the secondary, supporting characters as well, particularly the men in the twin sisters' lives. I switched back and forth from reading to listening and preferred reading as the narration was above average but not great. Reading depicted the huge differences in the twins personalities that narration didn't capture. The book was professionally written, not littered with bad writing and confusing punctuation as many books are nowadays. The author is truly professional and talented; she also thoroughly researched the material that set the framework of the story, and wrote from the heart.
I feel like I know more about what it's like to be a twin and more about the experience of living with bi-polar from reading this book. The story is excellent-- written in first person from 2 different women who are identical twins. It is written in an elegant style, having all it needs to impart story, wisdom, and character development, with no added fluff or confusion. The author does beautiful work making each person in the story human, understandable, and likeable. This includes the secondary, supporting characters as well, particularly the men in the twin sisters' lives. I switched back and forth from reading to listening and preferred reading as the narration was above average but not great. Reading depicted the huge differences in the twins personalities that narration didn't capture. The book was professionally written, not littered with bad writing and confusing punctuation as many books are nowadays. The author is truly professional and talented; she also thoroughly researched the material that set the framework of the story, and wrote from the heart.
April 7, 2019
I loved this book. The story features twins, Franci and Lotti, who have very different personalities. Franci is logical and responsible. Lotti suffers from bipolar disorder making her subject to periods of White (mania) and Black (depression).
When Lotti gets hit by a car while riding her bike, her sister Franci, flies across the US to help her and as it turns out she needs more help than anyone knew.
Told in alternating viewpoints, the story reveals the trials families with bipolar members have. How close do you need to watch that family member? When are they aware of what they’re doing? Will they get angry if you remind them to take their medication?
Each sister’s character was well-drawn and their reactions logical according to their personas. Cavanagh writes very well, keeps the reader engaged, moves the plot along and she did her homework when it comes to the effects of mental illness. I would love to read more of her work.
When Lotti gets hit by a car while riding her bike, her sister Franci, flies across the US to help her and as it turns out she needs more help than anyone knew.
Told in alternating viewpoints, the story reveals the trials families with bipolar members have. How close do you need to watch that family member? When are they aware of what they’re doing? Will they get angry if you remind them to take their medication?
Each sister’s character was well-drawn and their reactions logical according to their personas. Cavanagh writes very well, keeps the reader engaged, moves the plot along and she did her homework when it comes to the effects of mental illness. I would love to read more of her work.
July 15, 2018
Sad. . .
Sad story about bipolar disorder. Fast read and well written. Shows how this horrible illness destroys lives.
The one character I did not like was Mike. He had no right showing up and interfering while Franci was helping her sister. What was he thinking taking this family out for the day when they where suppose to be helping Lottie? Lottie was barely able to move about. Franci should of had more back bone and told him to go home. He could of hired help at home if Franci needed some more time to help Lottie. I also did not understand why there was not a good psychiatrists in the picture? It sometimes takes years to find the correct cocktail of meds that work and doesn't make you feel numb. Franci needed to concentrate on getting Lottie into a good therapy program. Instead of talking about taking Mia away maybe finding away for her to keep Mia.
Sad story about bipolar disorder. Fast read and well written. Shows how this horrible illness destroys lives.
The one character I did not like was Mike. He had no right showing up and interfering while Franci was helping her sister. What was he thinking taking this family out for the day when they where suppose to be helping Lottie? Lottie was barely able to move about. Franci should of had more back bone and told him to go home. He could of hired help at home if Franci needed some more time to help Lottie. I also did not understand why there was not a good psychiatrists in the picture? It sometimes takes years to find the correct cocktail of meds that work and doesn't make you feel numb. Franci needed to concentrate on getting Lottie into a good therapy program. Instead of talking about taking Mia away maybe finding away for her to keep Mia.
March 7, 2019
This book felt a lot longer than three pages. I also expected the book to be more of a insight into mental illness, but I felt in getting into Lottie's head, she understood what she was doing when she refused to take her medication and I was so upset the entire book that she never considered how mental illness would affect her daughter or would spread to her daughter. She constantly refused the help that was offered her. She had spent almost ten years in a relationship with a man, but then she went to a sperm bank while they were still together and got pregnant. She also let her nieces take a bath while she was on the telephone. Was that part of her mental illness or was it just her selfishness? I guess maybe these thoughts are what we are supposed to get out of the book. I was let down by the ending.
Read
October 13, 2020I will be your light, I will watch you shine
until you fall down on your feet I will watch
your mind.
If your feeling a bit unsteady I will be your guide
I will try to keep you on the safest side
I know the medicine they give you dulls most of your shine
I think I'm faltering I think I'm falling behind
I want to be your keeper the place where you feel safe
but you keep on going of the deep end and where you
go you are not safe.
I don't know how to help you we are in to very deep
were rolling on the edge of a little tiny little piece.
A tiny piece of sanity that's shredded all to hell where do we
go now now and how can i tell if you will be ok when I let go of
your hand. Can I begin to believe you when you say that you
can stand?
Please don't fly away to far to where I cannot reach for I cannot save you
from this manic disease. jodell 2019 for BJ.
until you fall down on your feet I will watch
your mind.
If your feeling a bit unsteady I will be your guide
I will try to keep you on the safest side
I know the medicine they give you dulls most of your shine
I think I'm faltering I think I'm falling behind
I want to be your keeper the place where you feel safe
but you keep on going of the deep end and where you
go you are not safe.
I don't know how to help you we are in to very deep
were rolling on the edge of a little tiny little piece.
A tiny piece of sanity that's shredded all to hell where do we
go now now and how can i tell if you will be ok when I let go of
your hand. Can I begin to believe you when you say that you
can stand?
Please don't fly away to far to where I cannot reach for I cannot save you
from this manic disease. jodell 2019 for BJ.
March 28, 2018
This was a very good book. It had me interested from the beginning. It is about twin sisters. One twin,Lottie is injured and the other twin, Franci flies across the country to help take of her. This occurred after a phone call from a neighbor telling Franci that Lottie has a baby that is in her care until family can get there. Franci was confused as she had been out to see her sister 7months before that and Lottie never mentioned being pregnant. This story continues to unfold and Franci learns that Lotti has kept a dark secret about their mother's death. Lotti is also suffering from some mental health issues that requires the use of medication that she doesn't always take. The ending was kind of a surprise for me. This is a good read.
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