Duet

by Carol Shields

Carol Shields' first novels, "Small Ceremonies" and "The Box Garden," each told from the viewpoint of a sister, published as one.

Genres: Fiction

406 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2003

About the author

Carol Ann Shields was an American-born Canadian author. She is best known for her successful 1993 novel The Stone Diaries, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction as well as the Governor General's Award. Her novel Swann won the Best Novel Arthur Ellis Award in 1988.

Reviews

[Sue Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think she was a genius. This book had two enjoyable voices, very little drama and much warmth. There were a few small surprises too, and plenty of wit. Much of the writing is so rich that I often re-read or read passages aloud to my husband. Carol Shields was strongest on relationships, psychology and emotions, plus the detail of the everyday contexts to our lives.

[Hjwoodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the last Carol Shields book I read was her Stone Diaries, - I'd forgotten what an excellent writer she is. The first book is about Judith - and I initially thought the women on the cover were her daughter and Judith - but then the tangential reference to her younger sister who is a poet made sense. These were first published in 1976 and '77, which is why their curious datedness is acceptable - but I found the complicated attitude towards their mother so much more acceptable than the tendency that seems rife nowadays (see Reddit!) to cut off any relationship that is not easy, positive and accepting. Both these women struggle with their mom, and I did like the easy way the grandchildren handle the same woman! I see that from both sides, having been both a child and a granny!

[Philippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Judith and Charleen are sisters. Their mother, a woman with little empathy for anyone, is about to remarry. The first half of this book is Judith’s story and the in the second half we hear Charleen’s voice. It is this second half that the wedding of their mother occurs.

I found Judith’s story slow with very little actually happening. Whilst the writing is good there was not much to keeep me going. She lives with her husband and two teenage children. The daughter experiences the usual angst that goes with growing up and trying to differentiate herself from her mother. Judith’s story provides a background to the second half but I suggest it could have been condensed to at least a third of what is written. Charleen, not as confident and having made a few bad decisions struggles with life. The movement created by the two sisters travelling for the wedding and meeting fiancé of their mum is interesting. As well, there were a few nice surprises.
Given the very slow start 3 1/2 stars.

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two short earlier novels coupled in this edition. The link being two sisters and their respective families. The storylines are essentially daily family life and relationships however the depth of character study and acute inspection of emotional inner lives are delightfully rich and very satisfying in her hallmark deft prose.

[Alison Sear · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last I read a book to the end, after half-reading loads. This is such fine writing, I must now look up her entire back catalogue. The plot is a bit thin, but the characters are so well-drawn, and the descriptions of them are finely tuned. Recommend

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This us actually her first two novels, packaged together into one book. I enjoyed them both, but the writing was similar enough that I would have preferred not to read them back to back. From John Sandoe books in Chelsea, London. (Small Ceremonies + The Box Garden)

[Yolande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written. A pair of books, as the title suggests. Two sisters, each book largely about one sister. I would rate them 3 and a half if I could. Just not absorbing enough for 4.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to get into this book and found both characters quite hard to like and rather tedious to spend time with. The book is written in two sections - each written by one of the sisters talking about their lives (in details) and referencing their family (a little). The final few chapters are OK but felt like too much of a plot change to be credible and enjoyable. Carol Shields writing is wonderful, as ever, though.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book consists of 2 novellas, each written by two sisters. One sister has emerged relatively mentally unscathed from an upbringing by a disturbed mother- the other is quite damaged.

Nothing much happens here but the writing style and the stories and reminiscences are wonderful.The ending of the second book is great. Delighted to have discovered this Canadian writer and will definitely read more of her

[Jane Seaford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is two in one, Small Ceremonies and The Box Garden. Each one featuring one of two sisters. Reading this reminded me of how much I enjoy Carol Shields' books. It's not so much the story as the way she draws you into the lives and feelings of her characters that appeals. Reading this made me feel as if I was luxuriating in something special that made me feel good.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love Carol Shields. This book actually consists of two separate books written early in her career, each about a sister. I enjoyed it immensely. Her characters are interesting, far from perfect and not always likeable, but honest.

[Kevin Darbyshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book some years ago but had forgotten the story until about half way through. A lovely book with accurate and in depth characterisations. Highly recommended.