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Die andere Welt
Louise und Louis haben alles gemeinsam, bis auf eines: ihr Geschlecht. Beide wachsen zu willensstarken jungen Menschen heran, verlieben sich, träumen davon, Romane zu schreiben – und verlieren in einer dramatischen Nacht viel zu früh das Vertrauen ins Leben. Dreizehn Jahre später können beide nicht mehr vor der Vergangenheit davonlaufen und kehren in die Heimat zurück. Was denkt und fühlt Louise, was Louis? Wie verlaufen zwei Wege, die mit nur einem Unterschied beginnen? Einfühlsam erkundet Julie Cohen in ihrem vielschichtigen Roman, wie das Geschlecht unser Leben und unsere Identität bestimmt.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2019
140 people are currently reading
2403 people want to read
About the author
Julie Cohen
61 books569 followersJulie Cohen (also writing as Julie Mae Cohen) is an award-winning, bestselling author and a popular teacher of creative writing. She was born in Maine in the USA, and currently lives in the UK with her family and a terrier of dubious origin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
January 22, 2019
One life, told two ways.
Meet Louise. A red haired daughter born in 1978 to Peggy and Irving Alder.
Meet Louis. A red haired son born in 1978 to Peggy and Irving Alder.
We follow both Louis and Louise from childhood through to adulthood. They have the same friends, the same ambitions to be a writer, they go into and out of relationships and have the inevitable parental issues to deal with in later life. However they are not really treated equally. Because of that ‘e’ and their gender, society and their families treat them differently, not only in emotional and practical terms, such as inheritance, but in expectations.
Aged 18 on graduation night, something happens to Louis and Louise which will have a life changing effect, the memory of which they will never forget. It’s enough to make them leave the paper mill town of Casablanca. Maine and not return for many years until they are called back by family.
Told by Louis and Louise in their separate voices, with other chapters being non-gender specific (‘Lou’) and which relate to both of them, I was completely absorbed by both their stories and the path that they had taken. There are some dark times for Lou and some quite emotional moments.
It’s a Sliding Doors type of book – some of the characters are not necessarily in the same situations in both realities and although initially, this threw me a little once I’d got my head round it, it wasn’t an issue at all.
There is a real sense of place in the setting of the story, not only in the vivid description of the location but also that of the townspeople and you really have that feeling of small-town America with its prejudices. The paper mill, owned by generations of male (not female) Alders, is the town’s main employer and although it enables people to live, its foul smell poisons the atmosphere.
Aside from Lou, there are some excellently drawn supporting characters who are integral to the story, including Dana, Louise’s petulant teenage daughter, Irving their father, Allie the best friend – they all stood out for me.
I’ve always loved Julie Cohen’s writing and this book is possibly one of her best. It’s beautifully written with a narrative that is both poignant and thought provoking. She says in an introduction that it could be the most personal book she has written – this certainly comes across in the novel for me.
There are many themes explored here, including gender, sexuality, and forgiveness. I enjoyed it very much indeed and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Meet Louise. A red haired daughter born in 1978 to Peggy and Irving Alder.
Meet Louis. A red haired son born in 1978 to Peggy and Irving Alder.
We follow both Louis and Louise from childhood through to adulthood. They have the same friends, the same ambitions to be a writer, they go into and out of relationships and have the inevitable parental issues to deal with in later life. However they are not really treated equally. Because of that ‘e’ and their gender, society and their families treat them differently, not only in emotional and practical terms, such as inheritance, but in expectations.
Aged 18 on graduation night, something happens to Louis and Louise which will have a life changing effect, the memory of which they will never forget. It’s enough to make them leave the paper mill town of Casablanca. Maine and not return for many years until they are called back by family.
Told by Louis and Louise in their separate voices, with other chapters being non-gender specific (‘Lou’) and which relate to both of them, I was completely absorbed by both their stories and the path that they had taken. There are some dark times for Lou and some quite emotional moments.
It’s a Sliding Doors type of book – some of the characters are not necessarily in the same situations in both realities and although initially, this threw me a little once I’d got my head round it, it wasn’t an issue at all.
There is a real sense of place in the setting of the story, not only in the vivid description of the location but also that of the townspeople and you really have that feeling of small-town America with its prejudices. The paper mill, owned by generations of male (not female) Alders, is the town’s main employer and although it enables people to live, its foul smell poisons the atmosphere.
Aside from Lou, there are some excellently drawn supporting characters who are integral to the story, including Dana, Louise’s petulant teenage daughter, Irving their father, Allie the best friend – they all stood out for me.
I’ve always loved Julie Cohen’s writing and this book is possibly one of her best. It’s beautifully written with a narrative that is both poignant and thought provoking. She says in an introduction that it could be the most personal book she has written – this certainly comes across in the novel for me.
There are many themes explored here, including gender, sexuality, and forgiveness. I enjoyed it very much indeed and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
April 26, 2019
Despite its clever concept, the 'sliding doors' aspect of Louis & Louise came less to the fore than I was expecting. I found myself wondering how much of what happens to Louis/Louise in the book is actually a product of their gender and social stereotyping and how much (aside from things that have obvious biological limitations) might have happened to either of them anyway? Some key events, such as bereavement, happen to both of them, others to only one. It seemed to me that this determined what followed as much perhaps as the fact of their gender.
The author juxtaposes Louis and Louise who are two iterations of the same person with Allie and Benny, non-identical twins who nevertheless look alike. At times, I felt the story became more about Allie and Benny as it is they who propel many of the events.
I did find it a little difficult at times to remember what happened in each life (especially as both characters are often referred to as 'Lou') and had to resort to drawing myself a chart.
In Casablanca, Maine, the reader gets an evocative portrait of small-town America. A place that has become slightly rundown over the years due to the impact of economic decline but where everyone knows everyone else and life is built around community events and small acts of neighbourliness. And there were some clever touches such as the fact the book Louis writes is about a woman who posed as a man. I also really liked the depiction of the relationship between Louis's mother and father. Even when separated there was a touching love and understanding between them.
There were unexpected elements of melodrama between the subtle character studies that exemplify Julie Cohen's writing.
The author juxtaposes Louis and Louise who are two iterations of the same person with Allie and Benny, non-identical twins who nevertheless look alike. At times, I felt the story became more about Allie and Benny as it is they who propel many of the events.
I did find it a little difficult at times to remember what happened in each life (especially as both characters are often referred to as 'Lou') and had to resort to drawing myself a chart.
In Casablanca, Maine, the reader gets an evocative portrait of small-town America. A place that has become slightly rundown over the years due to the impact of economic decline but where everyone knows everyone else and life is built around community events and small acts of neighbourliness. And there were some clever touches such as the fact the book Louis writes is about a woman who posed as a man. I also really liked the depiction of the relationship between Louis's mother and father. Even when separated there was a touching love and understanding between them.
There were unexpected elements of melodrama between the subtle character studies that exemplify Julie Cohen's writing.
March 18, 2019
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Cohen’s idea of the same person living two lives, one as a female and one as a male simultaneously is novel and intriguing.
Louise Dawn Alder is born to Peggy and Irving Alder on 8th September 1978 and
Louis David Alder is born to Peggy and Irving Alder on 8th September 1978.
In the ensuing story the combined child is Lou. They pretty much do everything the same; climbing, whistling, talking but slowly small differences start to emerge by their 4th year. Lou is best friends with twins Allie and Benny and it was interesting to see how the twin’s lives differed because of their friend’s gender.
The stories diverge at times and the chapters are headed by either Louise or Louis and we see how their lives take different paths, even though their dreams were very similar when they were younger, but it was not only Louis and Louise’s life that was altered but also those of the people around them. Showing how some choices have a domino effect, affecting others.
The town of Casablanca and the Paper Mill have important parts in the story. The residents of Casablanca, a small town in Maine, rely on the paper mill for their livelihood, either working in the mill or providing services to mill workers. The mill, owned my Lou’s grandfather is the lifeblood of the town but when the workers strike it tears the town apart and creates a rift in the friendship of Lou, Allie and Benny.
With a main theme of gender Cohen also explores small town communities, death, divorce, cancer clusters, love, pain and forgiveness.
A unique concept and emotively written, certainly food for thought. Do you treat your sons and daughters differently?
Cohen’s idea of the same person living two lives, one as a female and one as a male simultaneously is novel and intriguing.
Louise Dawn Alder is born to Peggy and Irving Alder on 8th September 1978 and
Louis David Alder is born to Peggy and Irving Alder on 8th September 1978.
In the ensuing story the combined child is Lou. They pretty much do everything the same; climbing, whistling, talking but slowly small differences start to emerge by their 4th year. Lou is best friends with twins Allie and Benny and it was interesting to see how the twin’s lives differed because of their friend’s gender.
The stories diverge at times and the chapters are headed by either Louise or Louis and we see how their lives take different paths, even though their dreams were very similar when they were younger, but it was not only Louis and Louise’s life that was altered but also those of the people around them. Showing how some choices have a domino effect, affecting others.
The town of Casablanca and the Paper Mill have important parts in the story. The residents of Casablanca, a small town in Maine, rely on the paper mill for their livelihood, either working in the mill or providing services to mill workers. The mill, owned my Lou’s grandfather is the lifeblood of the town but when the workers strike it tears the town apart and creates a rift in the friendship of Lou, Allie and Benny.
With a main theme of gender Cohen also explores small town communities, death, divorce, cancer clusters, love, pain and forgiveness.
A unique concept and emotively written, certainly food for thought. Do you treat your sons and daughters differently?
January 24, 2019
Louis & Louise, using the sliding doors format, is a novel that explores the topical issues of gender identity and stereotypes and how both of these impact the way a person lives their life. The plot follows Louis & Louise in alternating chapters with the only difference is their lives being the gender to which they were born. It covers some weighty topics in respectful and deeply compelling ways, and the subtle differences between Louis & Louise are brought to the fore. We all know that males and females are treated differently, but this novel really hammers this home with a clarity I've rarely seen before and makes it very easy to empathise with the characters. Each character is beautifully drawn and I felt invested in them from the first chapter onwards.
This is so much more than a fiction book, in fact, it uses fiction as a device to explore ever-present topics encountered in everyday society and challenges our preconceived ideas of gender identity, sexuality and the lifestyle of those struggling to reconcile their position with those of some of the population. It's a raw, powerful and very clever way of looking at the importance we place on gender and the decisions we make based on our identity. It will leave you with a myriad of questions about life and although it indirectly asks you to look at the way you view societal norms, it never comes across as preachy. This is a beautifully written book, and despite the structure, it reads really well. It's emotive and thought-provoking and highlights how far we have come in terms of our evolving views, but it also addresses the fact that we still have so much further to go.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
This is so much more than a fiction book, in fact, it uses fiction as a device to explore ever-present topics encountered in everyday society and challenges our preconceived ideas of gender identity, sexuality and the lifestyle of those struggling to reconcile their position with those of some of the population. It's a raw, powerful and very clever way of looking at the importance we place on gender and the decisions we make based on our identity. It will leave you with a myriad of questions about life and although it indirectly asks you to look at the way you view societal norms, it never comes across as preachy. This is a beautifully written book, and despite the structure, it reads really well. It's emotive and thought-provoking and highlights how far we have come in terms of our evolving views, but it also addresses the fact that we still have so much further to go.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
June 15, 2020
Die Geschichte ist grandios gestartet,so besonders und mega gut geschreiben. Wir begleiten Lou und erleben die Geschichte einmal aus männlicher und einmal aus weiblicher Sicht. Leider hat mir die Tiefe vom Anfang am Ende etwas gefehlt besonders bei einer Figur....aber trotzdem ein echt gutes Buch😊
September 11, 2021
3.5/5
Labai amerikietiška istorija. Visomis prasmėmis. Mažas miestelis ir jo paslaptys, fabrikai ir streikai, beisbolas ir smurtas, šeimos paslaptys ir skausmas. Visgi, autorė žengia vienu žingsniu tolyn, už ką karmos taškai jai garantuoti, ir jau šimtus kartų girdėtus reikalus perkelia į kitą lygį. Žada, kad tą pačią istoriją parodys iš dviejų perspektyvų. Jei Adlerių šeimai gimtų Luisas. Ir jei Luisa. Ar jai pasiseka? Kaip kada. Ar genialu, kaip skelbia viršelis? Ne, tikriausiai ne, bet originalu, o tas visada gerbtina. Ar primena penktadienio vakaro filmą, per kurį verktų tavo mama? Labai, bet ir kokiam kietuoliui beskaitant gali tekti apsimesti, kad tiesiog kažkas į akį įkrito. Ir dar tos alergijos visokios, tpfū...
Knyga nesukrėtė, bet gal ir neturėjo? Gražiai, paprastai surašyti bendražmogiški dalykai, mano mylimas, per Kingą pažįstamas Meinas, atmosferinė ir sporto/smurto apeliacija į „Lokių miestą“, sunki liga suartinanti sunkiai sutariančius šeimos narius. Tikėjausi kur kas daugiau feminizmo, nei kad jo gavau, todėl negaliu sakyti, kad autorė užmojus išpildo iki galo – ne visada man atrodė, kad tinkamai atskleidžia Luisos problemas ir Luiso praslydimus. Ir atvirkščiai. Turiu pagirti, kad skaitosi knyga ne atskirais veikėjų blokais, o dailiai po skyrių susijungia į laiko juostą – veiksmas nesikartoja. Kai kur autorė net sugeba rašyti iš abiejų Luisų perspektyvos – fainai, galėjo tuo sužaisti dažniau. Vertimas (ypač dialogai) retkarčiais atrodo negrabūs ir nesiskaito, bet tai – pirmoji L.L.Švedaitės verčiama knyga, jei GR nemeluoja, tai tebūnie –skaityti vis tiek labai netrukdo.
Žvaigždutė krenta už, mano akiai, nepilnavertį idėjos išpildymą. Čia jis vietomis klišakojis, ne iki galo įtikinantis, kartais net perteklinis, kartais atrodo net čiut pamirštas pačios autorės. Tačiau nenueita į nereikalingą patosą, neprailgsta. Daug banalybių, bet gal ir gyvenimas dažnai banalus? Tikriausiai būčiau lengva ranka kalusi 3*, bet paskutinis skyrius gražiai užsuka siužetinį ratą ir įprasmina moteris/vyras idėją. O ir #metoo siužetinė linija čia labai jautri, su jautriai, asmeniškai, subtiliai sudėliotais akcentais. Tai tebūnie su puse ir su įspėjimu, kad arčiau cukraus vatos, bet ir ne visai plunksnos lengvumo, kaip kad viršelis galėtų sumeluoti.
Labai amerikietiška istorija. Visomis prasmėmis. Mažas miestelis ir jo paslaptys, fabrikai ir streikai, beisbolas ir smurtas, šeimos paslaptys ir skausmas. Visgi, autorė žengia vienu žingsniu tolyn, už ką karmos taškai jai garantuoti, ir jau šimtus kartų girdėtus reikalus perkelia į kitą lygį. Žada, kad tą pačią istoriją parodys iš dviejų perspektyvų. Jei Adlerių šeimai gimtų Luisas. Ir jei Luisa. Ar jai pasiseka? Kaip kada. Ar genialu, kaip skelbia viršelis? Ne, tikriausiai ne, bet originalu, o tas visada gerbtina. Ar primena penktadienio vakaro filmą, per kurį verktų tavo mama? Labai, bet ir kokiam kietuoliui beskaitant gali tekti apsimesti, kad tiesiog kažkas į akį įkrito. Ir dar tos alergijos visokios, tpfū...
Knyga nesukrėtė, bet gal ir neturėjo? Gražiai, paprastai surašyti bendražmogiški dalykai, mano mylimas, per Kingą pažįstamas Meinas, atmosferinė ir sporto/smurto apeliacija į „Lokių miestą“, sunki liga suartinanti sunkiai sutariančius šeimos narius. Tikėjausi kur kas daugiau feminizmo, nei kad jo gavau, todėl negaliu sakyti, kad autorė užmojus išpildo iki galo – ne visada man atrodė, kad tinkamai atskleidžia Luisos problemas ir Luiso praslydimus. Ir atvirkščiai. Turiu pagirti, kad skaitosi knyga ne atskirais veikėjų blokais, o dailiai po skyrių susijungia į laiko juostą – veiksmas nesikartoja. Kai kur autorė net sugeba rašyti iš abiejų Luisų perspektyvos – fainai, galėjo tuo sužaisti dažniau. Vertimas (ypač dialogai) retkarčiais atrodo negrabūs ir nesiskaito, bet tai – pirmoji L.L.Švedaitės verčiama knyga, jei GR nemeluoja, tai tebūnie –skaityti vis tiek labai netrukdo.
Žvaigždutė krenta už, mano akiai, nepilnavertį idėjos išpildymą. Čia jis vietomis klišakojis, ne iki galo įtikinantis, kartais net perteklinis, kartais atrodo net čiut pamirštas pačios autorės. Tačiau nenueita į nereikalingą patosą, neprailgsta. Daug banalybių, bet gal ir gyvenimas dažnai banalus? Tikriausiai būčiau lengva ranka kalusi 3*, bet paskutinis skyrius gražiai užsuka siužetinį ratą ir įprasmina moteris/vyras idėją. O ir #metoo siužetinė linija čia labai jautri, su jautriai, asmeniškai, subtiliai sudėliotais akcentais. Tai tebūnie su puse ir su įspėjimu, kad arčiau cukraus vatos, bet ir ne visai plunksnos lengvumo, kaip kad viršelis galėtų sumeluoti.
December 21, 2022
Louis and Louise are the same person born in two different lives. One was born female, and one male.
An amazing concept .... they have the same best friends, the same red hair, the same dream of being a writer. They are both uncomfortable for being perceived as ‘privileged’, as the only child of the local paper factory owner. They both feel confined in their small town lives.
Alternative chapters for Louis and Louise run through the book with the occasional neutral chapter thrown in.
A great read, experimental and enjoyable.
An amazing concept .... they have the same best friends, the same red hair, the same dream of being a writer. They are both uncomfortable for being perceived as ‘privileged’, as the only child of the local paper factory owner. They both feel confined in their small town lives.
Alternative chapters for Louis and Louise run through the book with the occasional neutral chapter thrown in.
A great read, experimental and enjoyable.
January 6, 2019
Perfect poolside reading. A baby is born on 8 September 1978 and in one timeline said baby is a boy, Louis, and in the other it’s a girl, Louise. The book follows both children as they grow into adults and return to their childhood home when their mother gets sick. They share many attributes and the parallels and diversions of their respective lives are interesting. A solid read.
February 2, 2019
This is a quite extraordinary story, told skilfully and cleverly and I'm really struggling to put my feelings into words. Louis & Louise is unlike anything I've ever read in the past; it's a story that has made me think and consider things that I've not really thought about before. It's a brave and powerful story, handled deftly by this very talented author.
Peggy and Irving Adler's first and only child was born on 8 September 1978. The baby is called Lou most of the time, but it's official name is Louis .... and Louise.
Julie Cohen takes one child and gives it two life stories and we the reader watch how this plays out. We see how Louis and Louise are spoken to and treated differently by people, because of their gender. We watch them grow, discover new relationships, deal with the feelings of the local community and witness tragedy and sadness.
Louis and Louis both leave the small mill town of Casablanca in Maine, USA. They leave under difficult circumstances and only return reluctantly when their mother is dying.
Whilst this is most certainly a novel that deals with gender issues, it is also a tender and powerful study in relationships in both families and in communities. For me, this is Julie Cohen's hugest strength; her ability to take ordinary people from an ordinary background and make them remarkable.
The small town of Casablanca is a wonderful character in itself, overshadowed by the paper mill which is owned by Lou's family. I really felt as though I'd visited; as though I'd walked down the street, eaten in the diner and baked a lasagne for a grieving family. The sense of place is incredible.
This is a complex and cleverly structured novel, and I suspect that it was not easy to put together. However, it flows seamlessly, and despite Louis and Louise experiencing different things, albeit with the same cast of characters, it is so perfectly constructed.
Whilst Lou is most certainly the lead character in this story, I was totally bowled over by Allie and Benny; twin brother and sister who were Lou's childhood friends. Louis and Louise have differing views of Allie and Benny; with different experiences and a whole new set of circumstances according to gender. I found these relationships particularly beautiful, and the questions raised by the experience of gender are multiple.
Whilst Louis and Louise certainly have differing experiences and their stories are separate, there is one particular scene that they experience as Lou; seeing the same thing, hearing the same thing and feeling the same emotions and this scene displays this author's incredible talent so well.
Whilst the reader could be left an emotional wreck, this is such an uplifting and enlightening novel that it raises the spirits so high.
Wise, wonderful and beautifully written. Louis & Louise a brave and adventurous story of love, friendship, differences and hope.
Peggy and Irving Adler's first and only child was born on 8 September 1978. The baby is called Lou most of the time, but it's official name is Louis .... and Louise.
Julie Cohen takes one child and gives it two life stories and we the reader watch how this plays out. We see how Louis and Louise are spoken to and treated differently by people, because of their gender. We watch them grow, discover new relationships, deal with the feelings of the local community and witness tragedy and sadness.
Louis and Louis both leave the small mill town of Casablanca in Maine, USA. They leave under difficult circumstances and only return reluctantly when their mother is dying.
Whilst this is most certainly a novel that deals with gender issues, it is also a tender and powerful study in relationships in both families and in communities. For me, this is Julie Cohen's hugest strength; her ability to take ordinary people from an ordinary background and make them remarkable.
The small town of Casablanca is a wonderful character in itself, overshadowed by the paper mill which is owned by Lou's family. I really felt as though I'd visited; as though I'd walked down the street, eaten in the diner and baked a lasagne for a grieving family. The sense of place is incredible.
This is a complex and cleverly structured novel, and I suspect that it was not easy to put together. However, it flows seamlessly, and despite Louis and Louise experiencing different things, albeit with the same cast of characters, it is so perfectly constructed.
Whilst Lou is most certainly the lead character in this story, I was totally bowled over by Allie and Benny; twin brother and sister who were Lou's childhood friends. Louis and Louise have differing views of Allie and Benny; with different experiences and a whole new set of circumstances according to gender. I found these relationships particularly beautiful, and the questions raised by the experience of gender are multiple.
Whilst Louis and Louise certainly have differing experiences and their stories are separate, there is one particular scene that they experience as Lou; seeing the same thing, hearing the same thing and feeling the same emotions and this scene displays this author's incredible talent so well.
Whilst the reader could be left an emotional wreck, this is such an uplifting and enlightening novel that it raises the spirits so high.
Wise, wonderful and beautifully written. Louis & Louise a brave and adventurous story of love, friendship, differences and hope.
December 25, 2018
It's such a great concept. And it's such a let-down.
What happens when a person is either born a boy or a girl? Someone gets raped or someone gets killed, apparently. What I had hoped would be a meditative, subtle exploration of gender roles, was a sensationalist mess.
For starters, the prose is very bland. I don't expect Man Booker-levels of beauty but I do want something that shows rather than tells. Cohen writes the whole book like it's a 500-word short story and there's limited time to get all the information about the characters and their feelings in. I'm surprised the author has published books before because she reads like she's totally new to writing.
Then there's the plot. As I said before, sensationalist. Melodramatic. There is no subtlety. There is no focus on the "micro-moments", the often small, throwaway things that people do or so that reinforce gender stereotypes and steer girls and boys down different paths (the one exception: at her mother's advice, Louise starts wearing contacts a few years earlier than Louis). Throwing in references like 'The Left Hand Of Darkness' does not a clever book make.
Aside from the unfulfilled promise of the concept, the plotting itself is disappointing too. We really only get glimpses into a few stages of Louise and Louis' lives, and the characters simply don't encounter obstacles. Louise's estranged best friend comes around to her almost instantly. Louis randomly decides to tell his dad the secret about what happened to his friend Benny. Every revelation felt contrived in its delivery.
It might quote Naomi Alderman's 'The Power', but it's no way near as good.
What happens when a person is either born a boy or a girl? Someone gets raped or someone gets killed, apparently. What I had hoped would be a meditative, subtle exploration of gender roles, was a sensationalist mess.
For starters, the prose is very bland. I don't expect Man Booker-levels of beauty but I do want something that shows rather than tells. Cohen writes the whole book like it's a 500-word short story and there's limited time to get all the information about the characters and their feelings in. I'm surprised the author has published books before because she reads like she's totally new to writing.
Then there's the plot. As I said before, sensationalist. Melodramatic. There is no subtlety. There is no focus on the "micro-moments", the often small, throwaway things that people do or so that reinforce gender stereotypes and steer girls and boys down different paths (the one exception: at her mother's advice, Louise starts wearing contacts a few years earlier than Louis). Throwing in references like 'The Left Hand Of Darkness' does not a clever book make.
Aside from the unfulfilled promise of the concept, the plotting itself is disappointing too. We really only get glimpses into a few stages of Louise and Louis' lives, and the characters simply don't encounter obstacles. Louise's estranged best friend comes around to her almost instantly. Louis randomly decides to tell his dad the secret about what happened to his friend Benny. Every revelation felt contrived in its delivery.
It might quote Naomi Alderman's 'The Power', but it's no way near as good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
The idea behind Louis and Louise is (fairly) simple but brilliant: what if a baby was born, but two different realities told that baby's story, one where the baby was a boy - Louis - and one where the baby was a girl - Louise (but often also shortened to Louis). How would their lifes be different just because of their gender, because of an 'e' added or missing from the end of their name? This book explores that in a fantastic, fascinating way.
The story itself is in some ways a slow burner. Everyday, fairly normal aspects of both their lives are told as they grow up and become adults, and enter into relationships, but the fact that the reader gets to explore the two different gendered lives is, to me, fascinating. I love the little nuances that mark the way a woman's life could be different to a man's, even with the same parents and upbringing. I don't want to give too much away but there were certain parts which really highlighted that, and made for brilliant reading.
This book really made me think, and I loved the story it weaved. There were some emotional parts and it definitely left me with a sense of poignancy, but I hugely enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone.
Many thanks to Orion for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
The idea behind Louis and Louise is (fairly) simple but brilliant: what if a baby was born, but two different realities told that baby's story, one where the baby was a boy - Louis - and one where the baby was a girl - Louise (but often also shortened to Louis). How would their lifes be different just because of their gender, because of an 'e' added or missing from the end of their name? This book explores that in a fantastic, fascinating way.
The story itself is in some ways a slow burner. Everyday, fairly normal aspects of both their lives are told as they grow up and become adults, and enter into relationships, but the fact that the reader gets to explore the two different gendered lives is, to me, fascinating. I love the little nuances that mark the way a woman's life could be different to a man's, even with the same parents and upbringing. I don't want to give too much away but there were certain parts which really highlighted that, and made for brilliant reading.
This book really made me think, and I loved the story it weaved. There were some emotional parts and it definitely left me with a sense of poignancy, but I hugely enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone.
Many thanks to Orion for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
January 9, 2022
Velniškai mėgstu knygas, kurias perskaičius galvoje lieka chaosas. Kai svarstai, dėlioji viską ir lauki, kol kibukai sukibs reikiama tvarka. Ar visada viskas susidėlioja į savo vietas? Toli gražu, kartais ir lieki suglumintas. Ir nemanau, kad visada tai yra blogai, nes ne visiems klausimams yra įmanoma rasti atsakymus.
Vienoje šeimoje gimė Luisas. Ir Luisa. Tiems patiems tėvams, tuo pat metu. Tačiau ne – jie nėra dvyniai. Tai istorija, pasakojanti tai, kaip atrodytų žmogaus gyvenimas, jei tas žmogus būtų gimęs moterimi arba vyru. Ir kaip stipriai jis skirtųsi; o ypač apie tai, kaip tuos skirtumus lemtų lytis.
Labai aktuali knyga. Dabar juk visur kalbama apie lytis, apie jų pasirinkimą, apie įvardžius. Ir tokia istorija iliustruoja, koks didelis skirtumas vis tik yra tarp buvimo moterimi ir vyru. Nieku gyvu nesakau, kad va, vieniems ar kitiems yra lengviau ar sunkiau. Aplinkybės daugelį dalykų sudėlioja už mus. Tik galiu pasidžiaugti, kad tokiomis temomis yra imama kalbėti. Kad žmonės nebesibaido feminizmo ar žmogaus teisių temų.
Knyga sukėlė dvejopus jausmus – knygos idėja nuostabi. Temos aktualios ir svarbios, tačiau kažkas nutiko ties knygos viduriu ir aš „pakibau“. Lyg ir labai įdomu. Lyg ir sudėtinga situacija – miršta mama, viskas pasakojama iš Luiso ir Luisos perspektyvos, kartais ir iš jų abiejų viename. Nuolat tarp eilučių pabrėžiami tie skirtumai: jis vyras, ji moteris, dėl to yra taip, o ne kitaip. Ir puikiai supratau, kad tie skirtumai turėjo būti. Ir jog kitaip būtų tiesiog neįmanoma. Bet man kažko trūko. Ir šioje situacijoje tas trūkumas nebuvo geras. Čia ne ta situacija, kai perskaičius romaną su interperuotuotina pabaiga net džiaugiesi, jog autorius leido pačiam pasirinkti. Knyga pasirodė kiek neišbaigta ir neįsimintina. Prisiminsiu dar ilgai Luisą ir Luisą. Prisiminsiu knygos idėją. Kai kurias mintis. Ir viskas. Siužetas tarsi skendi rūke jau dabar. Ir labai gaila, nes būčiau norėjusi stipresnės istorijos ir įdomesnių veikėjų. Nes kaip ir knygoje akcentuojama – lytis neturėtų vaidinti pagrindinio vaidmens. Tokį atlieka žmonės.
Leidyklos dovana.
Susitikime instagrame!
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
Vienoje šeimoje gimė Luisas. Ir Luisa. Tiems patiems tėvams, tuo pat metu. Tačiau ne – jie nėra dvyniai. Tai istorija, pasakojanti tai, kaip atrodytų žmogaus gyvenimas, jei tas žmogus būtų gimęs moterimi arba vyru. Ir kaip stipriai jis skirtųsi; o ypač apie tai, kaip tuos skirtumus lemtų lytis.
Labai aktuali knyga. Dabar juk visur kalbama apie lytis, apie jų pasirinkimą, apie įvardžius. Ir tokia istorija iliustruoja, koks didelis skirtumas vis tik yra tarp buvimo moterimi ir vyru. Nieku gyvu nesakau, kad va, vieniems ar kitiems yra lengviau ar sunkiau. Aplinkybės daugelį dalykų sudėlioja už mus. Tik galiu pasidžiaugti, kad tokiomis temomis yra imama kalbėti. Kad žmonės nebesibaido feminizmo ar žmogaus teisių temų.
Knyga sukėlė dvejopus jausmus – knygos idėja nuostabi. Temos aktualios ir svarbios, tačiau kažkas nutiko ties knygos viduriu ir aš „pakibau“. Lyg ir labai įdomu. Lyg ir sudėtinga situacija – miršta mama, viskas pasakojama iš Luiso ir Luisos perspektyvos, kartais ir iš jų abiejų viename. Nuolat tarp eilučių pabrėžiami tie skirtumai: jis vyras, ji moteris, dėl to yra taip, o ne kitaip. Ir puikiai supratau, kad tie skirtumai turėjo būti. Ir jog kitaip būtų tiesiog neįmanoma. Bet man kažko trūko. Ir šioje situacijoje tas trūkumas nebuvo geras. Čia ne ta situacija, kai perskaičius romaną su interperuotuotina pabaiga net džiaugiesi, jog autorius leido pačiam pasirinkti. Knyga pasirodė kiek neišbaigta ir neįsimintina. Prisiminsiu dar ilgai Luisą ir Luisą. Prisiminsiu knygos idėją. Kai kurias mintis. Ir viskas. Siužetas tarsi skendi rūke jau dabar. Ir labai gaila, nes būčiau norėjusi stipresnės istorijos ir įdomesnių veikėjų. Nes kaip ir knygoje akcentuojama – lytis neturėtų vaidinti pagrindinio vaidmens. Tokį atlieka žmonės.
Leidyklos dovana.
Susitikime instagrame!
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
June 10, 2020
Ich habe mich bei der Bewertung des Buches sehr schwer getan.
Aufgrund des Klappentextes habe ich eine Geschichte erwartet, die sich gesellschaftskritisch mit den Geschlechterrollen auseinandersetzt oder Bezug nimmt auf den Doing Gender- Ansatz. Diese Erwartungen haben sich für mich leider nicht erfüllt.
Stattdessen hat die Autorin es geschafft eine emotionale, wenngleich auch zum Teil vorhersagbare Geschichte zu kreieren, die mich nach einigen Startschwierigkeiten dennoch in seinen Bann ziehen konnte.
Da es Julie Cohen trotz meiner nicht erfüllten Erwartungen geschafft hat, mich für ihre Geschichte zu begeistern bekommt das Buch 4 Sterne.
Aufgrund des Klappentextes habe ich eine Geschichte erwartet, die sich gesellschaftskritisch mit den Geschlechterrollen auseinandersetzt oder Bezug nimmt auf den Doing Gender- Ansatz. Diese Erwartungen haben sich für mich leider nicht erfüllt.
Stattdessen hat die Autorin es geschafft eine emotionale, wenngleich auch zum Teil vorhersagbare Geschichte zu kreieren, die mich nach einigen Startschwierigkeiten dennoch in seinen Bann ziehen konnte.
Da es Julie Cohen trotz meiner nicht erfüllten Erwartungen geschafft hat, mich für ihre Geschichte zu begeistern bekommt das Buch 4 Sterne.
November 20, 2021
Vienoje šios knygos istorijoje Luisas gimsta vyru, kitoje Luisa gimsta moterimi. Tačiau daugeliu atžvilgiu jie yra tapatūs ir dalinasi ta pačia istorija, tėvais, draugais ir svajonėmis, tik dėl skirtingos lyties viskas atrodo ir klostosi kitaip. Aš labai laukiau, kai pradėsiu šią knygą, nes istorijos pasakojimo būdas buvo toks kitoks ir neskaitytas. Žinoma, buvo įdomu, autorė didžiojoje knygos dalyje puikiai laviravo tarp dviejų skirtingų lyčių žmonių, buvo įdomu įvykių dėliojimas iš abiejų perspektyvų ir kaip vienais atvejais svarbu yra tavo lytis, nors taip galėtų ir nebūti.
Tačiau, man buvo sunku į šią knygą “įsivažiuoti”, taip pat, nors pasakojimo būdas buvo kitoks, nei įprasta, keliose vietose man jis atrodė truputį neišpildytas ir kiek klišinis ir neįtikinantis? Tačiau be šių kelių pastebėjimų, viskas man tikrai patiko! Pakankamai įtempta, daug paslapčių, mažas miestelis, taisyklės, kurių reikia laikytis, skausmas, netektys ir pyktis. O kartu ir viltis, draugystė bei graži, net, galima sakyti, prasminga pagaiba.
Manau, kad tai turėtų būti puikus skaitinys ieškantiems kitaip papasakotų istorijų, nei įprasta, bet apie tai, ką mėgstame - mažą miestelį, paslaptis ir skaudžius įvykius, bei tai, kaip tam tikrų situacijų įvykimas gali priklausyti nuo tavo lyties. Labai smagi autorės idėja, papasakota labai paprastai ir pakankamai lengvai, realistiškai ir jautriai.
Tačiau, man buvo sunku į šią knygą “įsivažiuoti”, taip pat, nors pasakojimo būdas buvo kitoks, nei įprasta, keliose vietose man jis atrodė truputį neišpildytas ir kiek klišinis ir neįtikinantis? Tačiau be šių kelių pastebėjimų, viskas man tikrai patiko! Pakankamai įtempta, daug paslapčių, mažas miestelis, taisyklės, kurių reikia laikytis, skausmas, netektys ir pyktis. O kartu ir viltis, draugystė bei graži, net, galima sakyti, prasminga pagaiba.
Manau, kad tai turėtų būti puikus skaitinys ieškantiems kitaip papasakotų istorijų, nei įprasta, bet apie tai, ką mėgstame - mažą miestelį, paslaptis ir skaudžius įvykius, bei tai, kaip tam tikrų situacijų įvykimas gali priklausyti nuo tavo lyties. Labai smagi autorės idėja, papasakota labai paprastai ir pakankamai lengvai, realistiškai ir jautriai.
January 24, 2019
After Julie's Cohen's last novel which is basically written backwards, I didn't think she could come up with anything that would blow my mind quite as much as that. Well this novel did that, it is just such an original concept, I literally don't know how she does it. If you are looking for something completely different from the things you usually read then stop what you;re doing and read this now, you won't regret it.
It took me a little while in the first stages of this novel to realise that we would be living each scene in Louis/Louise's hometown twice because we needed to see how it worked out differently whether we were talking about Louis or Louise. It just completely baffles me how different a life can be based on whether the doctor says you're a girl or a boy a birth and yet how much can be the same too. It is such a thinker of a book and I really took my time over reading it so I could digest and take it all in.
The origins of both of these characters are so full developed as well. We know about their parents and grandparents, their friends and also their future and so these characters fell completely real and like their story really could have happened. I could relate to and enjoyed spending time with both of them. Louise is a teacher and has a child and so perhaps I feel I could relate to her a little more but I liked them both equally. I liked hearing about their lives outside of their home town, their relationships and their issues and then I liked being able to see how well or not they slotted into their old lives and with their old friendships. Let's face it that kind of thing is hard for anyone.
I loved the setting of this novel too. The Maine landscape, its damp and its beaches really does add something to the undulating nature of the plot. I enjoyed reading about the contrast between small town Maine and New York (whether that be Brooklyn or Manhattan) and the ways that it has changed over the years the Louis/Louise have been away.
The fact that this novel deals with what happens if you're born a boy versus if you're born a girl means that there is a lot of gender inclusive language used, that the LGBTQ+ community is represented and the notion of gender and sexuality are not set in stone. Julie Cohen did this really well throughout this novel and I love the fact that there is an author note and acknowledgements included that address these issues head on.
I really enjoyed this novel. I cried, I laughed, I related but as I keep saying, I feel like my mind was expanded from reading it. It is time.y and it is well-executed and I don't really think I'll get to read anything like this ever again!
It took me a little while in the first stages of this novel to realise that we would be living each scene in Louis/Louise's hometown twice because we needed to see how it worked out differently whether we were talking about Louis or Louise. It just completely baffles me how different a life can be based on whether the doctor says you're a girl or a boy a birth and yet how much can be the same too. It is such a thinker of a book and I really took my time over reading it so I could digest and take it all in.
The origins of both of these characters are so full developed as well. We know about their parents and grandparents, their friends and also their future and so these characters fell completely real and like their story really could have happened. I could relate to and enjoyed spending time with both of them. Louise is a teacher and has a child and so perhaps I feel I could relate to her a little more but I liked them both equally. I liked hearing about their lives outside of their home town, their relationships and their issues and then I liked being able to see how well or not they slotted into their old lives and with their old friendships. Let's face it that kind of thing is hard for anyone.
I loved the setting of this novel too. The Maine landscape, its damp and its beaches really does add something to the undulating nature of the plot. I enjoyed reading about the contrast between small town Maine and New York (whether that be Brooklyn or Manhattan) and the ways that it has changed over the years the Louis/Louise have been away.
The fact that this novel deals with what happens if you're born a boy versus if you're born a girl means that there is a lot of gender inclusive language used, that the LGBTQ+ community is represented and the notion of gender and sexuality are not set in stone. Julie Cohen did this really well throughout this novel and I love the fact that there is an author note and acknowledgements included that address these issues head on.
I really enjoyed this novel. I cried, I laughed, I related but as I keep saying, I feel like my mind was expanded from reading it. It is time.y and it is well-executed and I don't really think I'll get to read anything like this ever again!
January 30, 2019
Louis and Louise is an original and thought provoking read that explores the subject of gender. The author does this skillfully through the lives of her two main characters who live the same life apart from one difference – their gender. Without ever pushing the reader towards one particular point of view, the author explores the different attitudes and opportunities given to the characters depending on their gender. I’d love to think that in this day and age things like this don’t happen but unfortunately you do still read about cases. It was very interesting to explore all the different attitudes people have and how they can affect the decisions people make.
The story is told from both Louis and Louise’s point of view with clear headings at the start of each chapter to show whose story we are following. Some chapters are simply headed ‘Lou’ and this shows that the same events have happened to both of the characters. This sounds confusing but it’s isn’t and helps provide a really fascinating read. Both characters are very well drawn and I found myself feeling sympathy with both of them.
The story really takes off when a traumatic event happens to both characters but the outcome or consequences of it are different depending on their gender. This made for very emotional and compelling reading as the reader discovers how big an impact this will have on the characters lives.
Overall I found this a compelling, easy read that manages to handle some serious subjects in a sensitive manner. It has definitely had an impact on my attitudes and has made me wonder if I treat my daughter differently to my son’s, something that I will work on in the future.
I’ve read quite a few of this author’s books and she always manages to write compelling, emotional reads. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orion for my copy of this book.
The story is told from both Louis and Louise’s point of view with clear headings at the start of each chapter to show whose story we are following. Some chapters are simply headed ‘Lou’ and this shows that the same events have happened to both of the characters. This sounds confusing but it’s isn’t and helps provide a really fascinating read. Both characters are very well drawn and I found myself feeling sympathy with both of them.
The story really takes off when a traumatic event happens to both characters but the outcome or consequences of it are different depending on their gender. This made for very emotional and compelling reading as the reader discovers how big an impact this will have on the characters lives.
Overall I found this a compelling, easy read that manages to handle some serious subjects in a sensitive manner. It has definitely had an impact on my attitudes and has made me wonder if I treat my daughter differently to my son’s, something that I will work on in the future.
I’ve read quite a few of this author’s books and she always manages to write compelling, emotional reads. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orion for my copy of this book.
February 22, 2019
I’m a huge fan of Julie Cohen both as a writer and person and one of her earlier books Dear Thing is still one of my favourite books, so when I saw that she’d written a new book that seemed to blow away all the bloggers I was eager to read it and I also choose it as the first book for my real-life book club which is meeting in March.
Reading the blurb, Louis & Louise appealed to me because it sounded intriguing, thought-provoking and original. A type of literary “sliding-doors”. One story told through two voices and Julie Cohen manages to weave a fascinating tale giving both Louis and Louise a credible voice.
Growing up in a small town called Casablanca both Louis & Louise have the same friends, the same goals and aspirations and dreams. However their world is shattered on Graduation Night when something catastrophic causes Louis & Louise to leave town and stay away for 13 years, until both are forced to return home and face issues they’ve tried to hide for over a decade.
This novel explores the differences in sexes, how our parents treat us differently, how society views us and reacts to situations based on gender. Without doubt this book will makes you think twice and whilst the world is certainly not perfect yet, there is hope that our future generations see beyond our gender and treat people for who they are rather than what’s between their legs.
Reading the blurb, Louis & Louise appealed to me because it sounded intriguing, thought-provoking and original. A type of literary “sliding-doors”. One story told through two voices and Julie Cohen manages to weave a fascinating tale giving both Louis and Louise a credible voice.
Growing up in a small town called Casablanca both Louis & Louise have the same friends, the same goals and aspirations and dreams. However their world is shattered on Graduation Night when something catastrophic causes Louis & Louise to leave town and stay away for 13 years, until both are forced to return home and face issues they’ve tried to hide for over a decade.
This novel explores the differences in sexes, how our parents treat us differently, how society views us and reacts to situations based on gender. Without doubt this book will makes you think twice and whilst the world is certainly not perfect yet, there is hope that our future generations see beyond our gender and treat people for who they are rather than what’s between their legs.
unfinished
February 19, 2019I read the first 45 pages. I’d been curious about Cohen’s writing (I once saw her interviewing Maggie O’Farrell at a local library event) so thought I’d give her a try with this novel about one person, born as two versions, in 1978 in a Maine paper mill town. How will gender affect how they turn out? “Lou, in pink or blue, learns to walk, but what they really love to do is to run.” In 2010, with the news that their mother is ill, they both return to their hometown. The prose is fine – easy to read; nothing special. Though Cohen says she was inspired by Alderman’s The Power and Woolf’s Orlando, I don’t have faith that there will be any significant points made about gender identity.
January 24, 2019
What a brilliant idea for a book. The parallel stories of the same couple having a baby. On one time line a little girl Louise Alder is born and on the other a little boy Louis Alder is born. That is the only difference in each story everything else and everyone else is the same. The chapters alternate between the two characters covering the same time period then at times a chapter that is relevant to both of them.
The Alders are the paper mill owner which is the prime employment for the towns people, they are wealthy and not really wanting for anything though I have to say here that they never come across as thinking themselves above anyone else. In both instances they are best friends with twins Benny and Allie, who were born only a little while before them. The twins mum and Peggy, Lou’s mum were best friends and remain that way.
The story is broke down into when ‘Lou’ is growing up to late teens and again when they are in their early 30’s. On both time lines terrible events occurs that is life changing for everyone in the story.
I loved how both ‘Lous’ have similar traits in their thinking, talents that come through in both of them and likes and dislikes besides the physical similarities too. I suppose that is why they have the same taste in friends, although there is of course the outside influences too. I grew to love both these characters and honestly couldn’t choose between them I just wanted them both to find peace and happiness. One of my favourite characters in both stories was Irving Alder, Lou’s father. He had such a pure soul.
I do have to admit to shedding tears a number of times but love that a writer can affect me in this way. With each chapter I wanted more but excited to see what the other Lou was getting up to as well. There is such an openness in the writing that is just emotion and I felt it all. The hurt, the anger and the wanting. Beautiful writing that was simple with a massive impact. Loved the end.
Thanks to Tracy Fenton and Orion Books for a copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
The Alders are the paper mill owner which is the prime employment for the towns people, they are wealthy and not really wanting for anything though I have to say here that they never come across as thinking themselves above anyone else. In both instances they are best friends with twins Benny and Allie, who were born only a little while before them. The twins mum and Peggy, Lou’s mum were best friends and remain that way.
The story is broke down into when ‘Lou’ is growing up to late teens and again when they are in their early 30’s. On both time lines terrible events occurs that is life changing for everyone in the story.
I loved how both ‘Lous’ have similar traits in their thinking, talents that come through in both of them and likes and dislikes besides the physical similarities too. I suppose that is why they have the same taste in friends, although there is of course the outside influences too. I grew to love both these characters and honestly couldn’t choose between them I just wanted them both to find peace and happiness. One of my favourite characters in both stories was Irving Alder, Lou’s father. He had such a pure soul.
I do have to admit to shedding tears a number of times but love that a writer can affect me in this way. With each chapter I wanted more but excited to see what the other Lou was getting up to as well. There is such an openness in the writing that is just emotion and I felt it all. The hurt, the anger and the wanting. Beautiful writing that was simple with a massive impact. Loved the end.
Thanks to Tracy Fenton and Orion Books for a copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
October 10, 2021
Turbūt reikėjo duoti 5* dėl to, kiek ši knyga paskatino galvoti apie žmogaus lytį. Visą pusdienį sukasi galvoje apie tai, kad kiek žmogaus lytis turi įtakos susiklosčiusiam gyvenimui. Kas vienai lyčiai laikoma vos ne norma ir susilaukia kaip ir palaikymo, kita būtų atstumta. Pati knygos idėja tikrai labai įdomi bei ne banaliai įgyvendinta (istorija nekartojama), žinoma, kad tam tikrų klišių/banalybių neišvengta, bet kaip teisingai @bookduo apžvalgoje pastebėta, kad ir gyvenime jų neišvengiame. Man grožinės literatūros istorijos karts nuo karto iššaukia pamąstymus labiau nei mokslinė literatūra. Nežinau gal dėlto, kad dar galvoju, kaip autorė sugalvojo tokią knygos idėją.
June 16, 2020
Die Idee der Geschichte hat mir richtig gut gefallen, das Buch fing auch sehr stark an, hat nur leider zum Ende hin nachgelassen. Die Story flachte leider ab. Schade. Aber es lies sich gut lesen und wird mich gedanklich bestimmt noch länger begleiten.
May 7, 2022
❝ negalime sakyti, kad vienas įvykis nulemia visą likusį gyvenimą. Kiekvienas pasirinkimas yra rezultatas kitų pasirinkimų, kurie yra prieš tai buvusių pasirinkimų rezultatas. Negalime pasirinkti kūno, kuriame gimstame, negalime kontroliuoti kitų žmonių elgesio su mumis dėl to. Galbūt pasaulis nevaldomas: mažos jėgos, didelės jėgos, nuo vieno pasirinkimo priklauso kitas, pasekmių mechanizmas mums nesuprantamas.
June 4, 2020
This isn’t a book about two people called Louis and Louise. Louis and Louise are one and the same. The story is told from two perspectives. How would Lou’s life have developed had they been born male, and if they had been born female.
They have the same family and friends, and in many ways their lives are the same. At times their lives take different paths, sometimes returning to the same point before diverging again.
A particular incident occurs which changes their lives and the lives of those around them. The consequences for Louis and Louise are different and we see how that affects their relationships with friends and family and the different trajectories of their own lives. Many years later, Lou returns home…
I was very drawn to the premise of this book. Despite fighting for equality for many, many years, men and women are undoubtedly treated very differently in many ways. But to what extent does that actually affect our lives?
Cohen writes the characters with heart. Lou is likeable and has depth. But it’s not just Lou that the story is about. We see not only how Lou’s gender affects their own life, but also the lives of those close to them. Casablanca, the town that features predominantly in the book, also goes through some changes, and because the characters are so entrenched in the place, it’s as thought the town and it’s inhabitants are breathing as one.
I liked this book a lot. The premise, as far as I’m aware, is original – which is pretty hard to find. I’ve found myself talking to people about the story, and having lengthy discussions about how we feel our lives would have been different had we been born the opposite sex. It’s also an easy read, and, given I’m constantly hearing friends say they’ve lost their reading mojo, it’s probably what many need right now.
I’m sure that, like myself, many of you are missing your local bookshops and libraries at the minute, but lots are still offering an online service. Independents would be particularly grateful for your custom.
Stay safe x
They have the same family and friends, and in many ways their lives are the same. At times their lives take different paths, sometimes returning to the same point before diverging again.
A particular incident occurs which changes their lives and the lives of those around them. The consequences for Louis and Louise are different and we see how that affects their relationships with friends and family and the different trajectories of their own lives. Many years later, Lou returns home…
I was very drawn to the premise of this book. Despite fighting for equality for many, many years, men and women are undoubtedly treated very differently in many ways. But to what extent does that actually affect our lives?
Cohen writes the characters with heart. Lou is likeable and has depth. But it’s not just Lou that the story is about. We see not only how Lou’s gender affects their own life, but also the lives of those close to them. Casablanca, the town that features predominantly in the book, also goes through some changes, and because the characters are so entrenched in the place, it’s as thought the town and it’s inhabitants are breathing as one.
I liked this book a lot. The premise, as far as I’m aware, is original – which is pretty hard to find. I’ve found myself talking to people about the story, and having lengthy discussions about how we feel our lives would have been different had we been born the opposite sex. It’s also an easy read, and, given I’m constantly hearing friends say they’ve lost their reading mojo, it’s probably what many need right now.
I’m sure that, like myself, many of you are missing your local bookshops and libraries at the minute, but lots are still offering an online service. Independents would be particularly grateful for your custom.
Stay safe x
November 7, 2018
Wow this book is just simply sublime.
Louis and Louise are the same person born in two different lives. They are separated only by the sex announced by the doctor and a final ‘e’
They have the same best friends, the same hair, the same height, the same nose, eyes, ears, the same dreams and aspirations. They Live in the same town, the same, house and have the same lives. Then they both suffer the most life changing night of their lives with the same life changing consequences.
This book tells the an extremely powerful message. What makes the person a specific gender. In this book we see that the only thing that does is society. An extremely important message for the world of today.
I have been a fan of Julie’s writing style for a while now. She just writes so passionately, so beautifully and with so much emotion that the reader cannot help but be swept up in it all.
This book is breathtaking and so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. A triumph of a book and I cannot wait for it to releases to the general public next year as I have a good feeling that this book is going to do amazingly well.
Louis and Louise are the same person born in two different lives. They are separated only by the sex announced by the doctor and a final ‘e’
They have the same best friends, the same hair, the same height, the same nose, eyes, ears, the same dreams and aspirations. They Live in the same town, the same, house and have the same lives. Then they both suffer the most life changing night of their lives with the same life changing consequences.
This book tells the an extremely powerful message. What makes the person a specific gender. In this book we see that the only thing that does is society. An extremely important message for the world of today.
I have been a fan of Julie’s writing style for a while now. She just writes so passionately, so beautifully and with so much emotion that the reader cannot help but be swept up in it all.
This book is breathtaking and so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. A triumph of a book and I cannot wait for it to releases to the general public next year as I have a good feeling that this book is going to do amazingly well.
February 1, 2020
The concept and premise of this book is really interesting but the execution was unfortunately lacking for me. All throughout reading this I thought that there could have been done so much more to emphasize the different opportunities, prejudices and obstacles in life depending on gender. Instead „Louis & Louise“ is melodramatic and boringly predictable. Instead of addressing gender issues it takes the easy and safe way out.
It still was an okay-ish read but it could have been brilliant if it was handled better.
If you want to read a really good book about gender dynamics I recommend Juno Dawson’s „The Gender Games“ instead.
2.5/5 stars
It still was an okay-ish read but it could have been brilliant if it was handled better.
If you want to read a really good book about gender dynamics I recommend Juno Dawson’s „The Gender Games“ instead.
2.5/5 stars
March 22, 2019
I really liked this book. A fairly unique "sliding-doors-esque" structure which made it rather compelling - more plot driven than I had expected actually... some serious (and triggering) themes dealt with reasonably gently, and while there certainly were gender analysis themes I didn't think they were too heavy-handed so it would appeal to a broad audience I believe.
March 5, 2019
Louis and Louise are the same person born in two different lives. They are separated only by the sex announced by the doctor and a final 'e'. They have the same best friends, the same red hair, the same dream of being a writer, the same excellent whistle. They both suffer one catastrophic night, with life-changing consequences. Thirteen years later, they are both coming home.
I absolutely loved the premise of this book, it sounded refreshing and something different and I was so excited to get stuck into this. Sadly, I cannot say I loved this book. Louis and Louise are supposed to be two versions of the same person, I did not really get this feel from the book. Instead it felt like I was reading about two different people. Towards the end of the book, Cohen does bring in the similarities and I got the impression that I was then reading about two versions of the same person, but it was too late, I was already disappointed by the rest of the book. I feel that this book could have been better if Cohen had revealed they were two versions of the same person as a plot twist.
As well as not really getting that Louis and Louise were the same person, I did not feel that Cohen really explored gender expectations or how gender predetermines a person's life. Again, towards the end Cohen touches on this but it is not an ongoing theme throughout the book which is what the plot description hints will happen and it was disappointing that this did not happen for the entirety of the book.
I would normally comment on characters in a book but I cannot really say I have strong feelings either way on the characters in this book. They are forgettable and despite reading about essentially the same person twice, I did not feel that I gained a good understanding into Louis and Louise, again a real shame.
I was very disappointed in 'Louis & Louise', the plot description made it sound exciting and incredibly different but I was given a bland, dull read that did not deliver what was promised. To make matters worse I thought 'Louis & Louise' was boring and I quickly lost interest, still the positive side of this is 'Louis & Louise' is quite a short book so at least I finished it quickly!
I absolutely loved the premise of this book, it sounded refreshing and something different and I was so excited to get stuck into this. Sadly, I cannot say I loved this book. Louis and Louise are supposed to be two versions of the same person, I did not really get this feel from the book. Instead it felt like I was reading about two different people. Towards the end of the book, Cohen does bring in the similarities and I got the impression that I was then reading about two versions of the same person, but it was too late, I was already disappointed by the rest of the book. I feel that this book could have been better if Cohen had revealed they were two versions of the same person as a plot twist.
As well as not really getting that Louis and Louise were the same person, I did not feel that Cohen really explored gender expectations or how gender predetermines a person's life. Again, towards the end Cohen touches on this but it is not an ongoing theme throughout the book which is what the plot description hints will happen and it was disappointing that this did not happen for the entirety of the book.
I would normally comment on characters in a book but I cannot really say I have strong feelings either way on the characters in this book. They are forgettable and despite reading about essentially the same person twice, I did not feel that I gained a good understanding into Louis and Louise, again a real shame.
I was very disappointed in 'Louis & Louise', the plot description made it sound exciting and incredibly different but I was given a bland, dull read that did not deliver what was promised. To make matters worse I thought 'Louis & Louise' was boring and I quickly lost interest, still the positive side of this is 'Louis & Louise' is quite a short book so at least I finished it quickly!
March 21, 2020
Louise & Louise is a wonderful, clever story about a a couple living in Maine who have a baby, during the late 1970's. The story has a sliding door moment and has two different timelines running throughout the book. In one, Louis David Alder is born a male and in the other, Louise Dawn Alder is born a female. Their lives are similar but gender plays a role in the outcome of their futures. I received an ARC of Julie Cohen's book from Books With Heart.
June 17, 2019
I honestly adored this book.
It's like a gender-bending Sliding Doors that delicately explores trauma in a small country town.
It's a kicker of a concept, well executed.
It's like a gender-bending Sliding Doors that delicately explores trauma in a small country town.
It's a kicker of a concept, well executed.
February 11, 2020
The idea of following Lou throughout their life as both a female version ‘Louise’ and a male version ‘Louis’ and comparing them was a brilliant one. However I felt the plot really let this story down and there was a lack of any real development. Quite difficult to get to the end.
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