The Twin She Lost

by Shelan Rodger

What is the truth? And how do you recognise it when you hear it?

Jenny and Pippa are twins. Like many twins they often know what the other is thinking. They complete each other.

When Pippa disappears Jenny is left to face the world alone, as she tries to find out what happened to her ‘other half’.

But the truth, for Jenny, can be a slippery thing.

Genres: Thriller, Contemporary

279 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2014

About the author

Shelan's life is a patchwork of different cultures. Born in Nigeria, she grew up among the Tiwi, an aboriginal community in Australia, and moved to England at the age of eleven. After graduating in Modern Languages from Oxford, she travelled to Argentina, where she spent nine years teaching and setting up a language school. Another chapter in England was followed by six years in Kenya, where she got involved in learning and development, with an emphasis on anti-discrimination. She now lives in Spain, working in international education - and writing.

Reviews

[Jess☺️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Twin She Lost is a strangely paced book with short chapters the in an odd sense not a lot happens, but your so easily lost in them you keep flipping pages, but to say not a lot happens is kind of off to because there is child abuse (not extensively thank god) spilt personality and an even stranger kind of love so there's plenty but not all at once.
The storyline is sad but addictive and the twists are shocking but the ending for me I wanted something more but a part from that personally I enjoyed it.
This is the first book by this author I've read but I'm definitely looking to read more from her.
I'm definitely recommending this 📚

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published by Cutting Edge Press

Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy.

Jenny and Pippa are identical twins. Like many twins, they often know what the other is thinking. They complete each other’s sentences. They complete each other. Working as an English teacher in Argentina, Jenny is a lost soul. She has her English friends but they seem to be reinventing themselves, keeping secrets.

So Twin Truths then. Another great release from Cutting Edge Press who can’t put a foot wrong for me at the moment and a terrifically fascinating and compelling tale of twin sisters.

Jenny and Pippa are identical twins, but when when they suffer a childhood trauma they take different paths as they mature and grow up dealing with it in different ways. We follow mainly along in the first instance with Jenny, who is teaching English in Argentina and for reasons unknown to the reader at first, is seeking therapy. As it becomes clear that something terrible may have happened to her twin, it is endlessly and completely addictive reading. As Jenny makes many life choices, we follow along in her wake completely consumed by her and her relationships with those around her.

Twin Truths doing exactly what it says on the tin so to speak means that eventually we hear another side of the story as Pippa takes her turn and things become even more intriguing and absorbing…seeing a different perspective, a different way of dealing with life and the very real connection and love that is there. Pretty amazing and very very good.

It is very difficult to review this much without giving things away, there are an awful lot of cleverly woven layers to this tale, a hidden depth that each reader needs to discover for themselves, an extraordinary look at two lives lived in and around another persons shadow, all the influences that can bring and of course the moments of sibling rivalry.

It is a story of both love and loss and how we cope when suddenly something we have always had is gone – unexpectedly and with no warning. There is a beauty in the writing that keeps your heart and soul with Jenny and Pippa every single step of the way and utterly absorbed into their world. It made me both want a twin and at the same time be pleased that I do not. Riveting.

I won’t say more. 5 bright shiny stars for this one. Highly recommended.

Happy Reading Folks!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

Twin Truths is a beautifully-written, thoughtful novel about the power of love (in many forms), the importance attached to 'truth' and/or 'secrets', and the complex nature of identity... if this sounds a little vague, it's because I am so wary of giving too much away and ruining any of this powerful story for future readers; I feel like it's best to go into this novel without too many preconceptions!

Jenny, who we meet first, is a troubled character who I struggled to warm to initially; however as the novel continued we see there is so much more to her and her childhood with twin sister Pippa, which has affected both of their lives thereafter... there are some surprises along the way and various points where I wondered how much truth is being presented to me as the reader, something I always enjoy in a book!

There are some upsetting themes in this story and parts which to me felt quite claustrophobic, mirroring the characters' own feelings and leaving me thinking about it after I'd finished reading. There are also some interesting parts that reveal more about life in Argentina too, and I also really enjoyed the section at the end where Shelan discusses her inspiration for the book.

Overall I really enjoyed Twin Truths and raced through it, finding myself enveloped in the setting, feelings and descriptions which make this book such an absorbing read.

* Many thanks to Dome Press for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review, and for inviting me onto the blog tour! *

[Ronnie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the heat of the Argentinean sun a young woman with a troubled past and uncertain future sits in front of a psychotherapist and tells him her story. Or a story she wants him to believe. Flashes of another life that are so much easier to speak of than her own. But, Jenny, despite her love of spinning a fictitious tale, is disarmed by this man and soon he is unlocking a part of her past that she has kept hidden away. Soon he unlocks her memories of Pippa, her twin. The one who supported her, loved her, the one who was by her side through everything. And the one whose path diverged so painstakingly from her own on that terrible day.





Jenny is adventurous, daring and outgoing. Pippa is shy, reticent and reserved. She finds solace in the pages of a book, cradles a deep-seated fascination with life that only a quiet observation can satisfy. Whereas Jenny must explore, experience and revel in the wonders of the world with wild abandon. The things that make them differ are as profound as the things that make them similar. And shared by them is a mutual love, its strength rivalling even the darkness of their past; a trauma no child should endure. Shelan Rodger has created a set of characters that feel almost as real as the person next to you and a book that conjures a wealth of emotion in her readers.



There are some parts in this book that are very difficult to read but, just as always, Shelan Rodger writes with startling care and aplomb. Her prose plucks the emotions of the reader and sweeps them into a story of abuse, betrayal and discovery that will mark your heart with its depth and honesty.



Twin Truths is a very difficult book to review. I’ve tried to be careful not to give anything away because everyone should have their own chance to discover what a monumental book it is. And I don’t want to spoil even a single word of it. I can’t recommend Twin Truths enough. It will overwhelm you, resonate with you and leave you feeling like you won’t ever be able to stop thinking about it!



Emotional. Twisty. Gripping.

[Katherine Sunderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself relishing Rodger's writing style. Her prose is immersive, absorbing and poetic. She creates interesting characters and through a storyline that is partly a thriller, partly a coming of age novel and partly something much more psychologically complex, she explores challenging themes like identity, loss and love with an admirable creativity and depth. The use of twins really gives Rodger's a chance to play with language, as well as the reader, and to develop characters who are brilliantly and intricately interwoven adding a whole new layer of depth to the novel.



'We were like mirrors facing each other, our identities reflected again and again in images of images, disappearing into infinity.'



The first half of the book focuses on Jenny and her arrival in Argentina as she tries to find out what happened to her sister. The narrative voice is endearing, sometimes more flippant and sometimes a little disjointed but always cleverly conveying the emotional state of Jenny as well as reflecting the intimate relationship she had with her twin. There is a chaos or recklessness to Jenny that is unsettling and although intrigued by her, there is also a sense of concern for her fragility. The location and setting are convincingly portrayed and add to the sense of vulnerability Jenny seems to be experiencing as she tries to accept Pippa's death and work through her grief.



Part Two goes back in time to the girls childhood and the narrative is much more linear. I really enjoyed this part of the novel. I liked finding out more about their relationship, their past and the dynamics that existed between them and their mother. Rodger is not an author who shies away from difficult subjects and there are scenes and events that are emotive and traumatic, but they are intrinsic to the plot and as always, well executed through an accomplished use of language.



'I can brushstroke the scene, but the detail remains a prisoner of isolated nouns, unconnected, like a pile of tin cans on a rubbish heap'



The final section of the novel does indeed offer a 'whiplash twist' as Amazon assured me it would, but actually this really fails to do justice to what Rodger's achieves in this last part of the book. It is shocking, incredibly clever, thought provoking and challenges the reader to reconsider everything they thought they knew. It's delivered brilliantly with such assured and polished prose.



Twin Truths is haunting, moving and above all, a beautifully written book. There are lines to savour, images to reread and appreciate and a fluency to the prose which is almost entrancing. And alongside this, are characters that are intriguing and a storyline that keeps the reader engaged from the opening line. It seems a tall order but it is one met with utter ease from a writer that is definitely one to watch. I recommend!

[Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the truth? And how do you recognise it when you hear it? The opposite of truth isn’t always a lie…

Well if those questions are not enough to get you to pick up Twin Truths I don’t know what is! I was intrigued with the premise of this book from the outset and found myself drawn in quickly by the slightly unhinged Jenny!

Jenny and Pippa are identical twins and as children were as thick as thieves, literally doing everything together….they were the proverbial ‘two peas in a pod’. The book opens with the world from Jenny’s perspective, we learn from the outset that she is a bit of a lost soul in Argentina teaching English and is in therapy, for what we learn later. We hear from Jenny’s perspective during the first part of the book. In part two, we hear from Pippa which gives an interesting insight into Jenny’s personality and the events that took Jenny to Argentina.

It is so difficult to talk about this book without giving anything away – this is most definitely one of those books where it is best going in with as little knowledge as possible to get the full effect from its narrative and storyline.

What I loved most about this book was the multi-layered narrative, to start with the story is deliberately disjointed so is somewhat confusing as to what is happening in Jenny’s life and why. However, Shelan Rodger then carefully and intentionally unravels the history, the reasons and the why. In adulthood, Jenny and Pippa are very different, this comes through brilliantly through the different tone of voice the author uses for each of the women.

I thoroughly enjoyed Yellow Room last year so I was looking forward to reading another of Rodger’s books as she has such a wonderful, descriptive but strong writing style to her books. In Twin Truths, the locations that she takes her reader to are brought fully to life.

Twin Truths is a difficult book to read as deals with some tough subjects but, in my opinion is most definitely worth it.

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a riveting read!! Another one of those books that I couldn't put down once I'd picked it up as it keeps you guessing from first page to last!

Jenny and Pippa are twins. They are extremely close so when Pippa disappears, Jenny is left to face the world alone and wants to find out the truth of what happened to her sister, to make sense of her place in the world.

The story is told in 3 parts - Part One is set in Argentina where Jenny is teaching english to businessmen and you really get the sense she likes being unknown in a foreign country. She has friends there but they know very little, if anything, of her past and that is how she likes it. She is even evasive when seeing her psychologist, Ignacio, and he finds her an intriguing character to see and finds himself thinking of her even when he's not scheduled to meet her.

In Part Two, we get the story from the point of view of Pippa and is their story as children and this is when you get to really get a look at the characters. Jenny was the rebel and went off the rails, whereas Pippa found solace in books and was a total swot. Such an interesting outlook on things they went through, how they differed as personalities and how their lives took them on different journeys and how experiences they had shaped them and made them who they are.

And in Part Three the story reveals things I'd never even considered and this made the impact of this book even more astonishing for me as a reader!

There are dark undertones throughout this book, and the short snappy chapters really helped the repercussions hit home and I found that the author had such a confident style of writing within this book. There are disturbing and difficult subjects discussed but they were dealt with sensitively and I was thoroughly gripped by the drama and emotions throughout.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny lives in Buenos Aires, weaving a fabric of stories about her life and why she has come to live there, so far away from England. Her narrative is interwoven with that of her psychiatrist, Ignacio, and how her tales begin to effect and disrupt, his life. Whilst Jenny talks in the first person, Ignacio is in the third, leaving you see-sawing between the dual perspectives, giving intimacy and then taking it away, making the reader both voyeur and confidante.

The reader is never quite sure what parts of Jenny are real and which aren't which relates to the title , 'Twin Truths'. It references both the reality of what Jenny first, and then Pippa, relate as their childhood upbringing, what the truth means to them and how it has been twisted so horribly to create a truly unhappy upbringing.

From being blamed for their father leaving to refusing to acknowledge what both twins have experienced, you vacillate between horror, shock and deep, unabiding sadness at what both Jenny and Pippa have been through.

The short, pacy chapters give the book a sense of urgency as you eagerly turn each page, desperate to find out what happens next-as well as what truly happened to get both twins to the places that they end up in-and as such, it is very hard to discuss plot points without giving the whole thing away.

What I can say is this-if you enjoy reading challenging books that take you dark sometimes uncomfortable places, then is the book for you. Deeply moving, convincing and authentic, I was thoroughly moved by the rich, evocative style of Shelan's writing and am very much looking forward to reading her other Dome Press novel, 'Yellow Room'

[Claire Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intelligent read, with great characterisation and superb sense of place. The writing is lyrical and yet it's a page turner too and I loved it for its compassionate treatment of a difficult story. The twin twists are fab too!

[Siobhan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was not expecting that twist at the end 😟wow such a cool read 👍

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pippa and Jenny are identical twins and as children their lives were firmly entwined but at the point the story opens we meet Jenny far away from home, and Pippa. Jenny has gone to Argentina to teach English to the locals and I have to say, at first I struggled to warm to this young woman who seemed oblivious to others. Jenny is also in therapy although she seems to prefer to play games with the therapist than actually engage but then this is not so different to her interactions with her English friends, none of them know the truth about Jenny either.

This first section of the book was written in an engaging style even though to be honest I had my doubts about whether this was really ‘my kind of book.’ I am so glad I didn’t put what turned out to be a perceptive and intelligent novel aside.

In the second part of the novel we meet Pippa who gives us the background to Jenny’s trip to Argentina by taking us back to childhood. There we find what is at times an upsetting tale, but the interesting part is how the two girls reacted. Even though they were twins the way they reacted was entirely different and almost certainly that reaction led to their adult lives. Whereas Jenny’s tale jumps around in a somewhat disjointed fashion, imitating Jenny’s life, and mindset, Pippa’s story is far more linear, full of emotion alongside the almost memoir style of her story. It doesn’t hurt that Pippa is a booklover and so I’m drawn to this shy and thoughtful young woman, whilst her sister is brash Pippa goes for the almost invisible option in life.

In part three the book undoubtedly gains its psychological thriller but it does far more than that – with this not just being incredibly clever on the surface but opens up some of the bigger questions we all have about identity, love and loss even if we aren’t half of a twin.

Twin Truths can be hard to read in parts but it is truly that overused phrase, a multi-layered story. The assured writing altering during the course of the novel and yet still absolutely clear that it comes from the same pen. It is a clever writer who can purposely write a book that makes you question the veracity of what you are being told and yet convincing you of other elements at the same time. It is rare that this genre has that almost poetic style of writing which I love, but in this book with its ribbon of sadness it lifted the novel, there was simply so much to admire.

This haunting tale has embedded itself on my memory, not bad at all especially since I was really unsure about the content and the characterisation in the opening few pages.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truths. What is the truth? How do you know if the story you are being told is the truth? Maybe the person who is telling the story thinks it is the truth. Maybe they know that it isn't.

The reader meets Jenny, one of a pair of identical twins in Argentina where she teaches English. Jenny tells many variations of the truth, depending on who she is talking to, and how much she wants to shock them. Jenny is in therapy, we are not sure why at first, and we certainly don't know if she is telling the truth. She soon ensures that her therapist becomes part of her life in a way that he never intended, but like most people around Jenny, he seems to fall for her stories.

Something bad happened to Jenny, something bad that involved her twin Pippa and when we meet Pippa, we hear her truth. Identical twins, but identical truths? Wait and see!

That's all I can say about the characters and the plot, any more and I'd tell too much. Twin Truths is a complex, challenging and at times, difficult read. It is a story that examines relationships, devastation, loss and connections, it explores the bond between siblings and most importantly, between twins. That seemingly unbreakable connection that threads itself through everything that these women do.

Shelan Rodger is an author who conjures up evocative pictures with very few words, but each word is carefully chosen to form passages that are quite beautiful.

Twin Truths is a novel that will divide readers. It's difficult, yet satisfying. A novel that sort of wraps itself around you and doesn't let go until the very last word.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

TWIN TRUTHS by Shelan Rodger is a stunning novel that will simply blow you away.
Now this review is going to be a little different as this story really must be read to be enjoyed and I do not want to say too much or give too much away.

Jenny and Pippa are twins and connected in a way that cannot truly be described. The story opens with Jenny as a grown woman living in Argentina, teaching English as a foreign language and expressing herself in her own unique way. Jenny sees a therapist and opens up to him and tells him her story ... or a story. But as the book proceeds, the characters and their past unfolds before us and there is so much emotion trapped within these pages that it will be hard for you to put this book down.

The chapters are short and snappy which perfectly suits the overall mood of the novel, and the characters are truly unique, and I must say its hard to pin down how I felt about them. There is a melodious quality to this story as it flows from one page to another and I desperately wanted to figure out exactly what happened to Jenny and Pippa - I needed to know what was fact and what was fiction, and that twist!! Gripping, compelling, and fresh, TWIN TRUTHS by Shelan Rodger is a novel to be savoured and I highly recommend it.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher

[Haylee · Rating 1 out of 5]

The twin she lost….

When I started reading this book I got in to it after a while but as I read it I found completely boring and was not what I thought it would be. There was no excitement when it came to the story and I have no clue how I got through the book but knew I had to continue to see if it got any better but it never did. This is a quick read to help you reach the end of your goodreads challenge or whatever book app you are on to keep up to date with the book you are reading at the time. It was just a waste of my time reading this book that was never going to fill my book world life. lol. I would not recommend this book at all not as a book club book or just a general read. If I had my chance again I do not think I would buy this book for myself or as a gift . it is a shame as from what the book cover looked like I thought it would be an enjoyable book and story but I was completely wrong and always will be unfortunately but then I should not have picked the book at all. What to do as we all have various kinds of thoughts and feelings when it comes to being negative about a book but we must tell the truth and always need to no matter what others think of the book we had been reading at the time. Go with how you feel at the time.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit the locations in the novel

What is the truth exactly? Get two people to tell the same story and there are two different versions. Two different memories and two accounts. How if you believe one story can you then believe another.

Meeting one twin then the other….which is the real story or is there more than one? Twins have that sixth sense anyway, that special link but this story goes so much further and into some very dark and uncomfortable places. It’s not easy reading by any means and there are some very chilling and unspeakable scenes.

It’s a novel about identity, personality, secrets, hiding the past, revealing a truth…

So it was even more interesting to find out the author’s inspiration for this books – twins, the links between them, the idea that collective amnesia can follow a traumatic event such as the dirty war in Buenos Aires. A book which psychologists will no doubt discuss for a long time.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin Truths is definitely a story of two halves and I have to admit to struggling with the first part told From Jenny’s point of view. She is such a provocative character and I didn’t gel with her at all, I much preferred the second part which is told by her twin Pippa. Pippa is the polar opposite to Jenny, quiet and reserved. It becomes apparent that something traumatic happened in their childhood and they each have their own way of coping. Jenny seems to cause a path of broken hearts and outrageous behaviour while Pippa retreats into herself.

After a tragic accident Jenny is left without her twin and undertakes therapy trying to understand why she behaves the way that she does and come to terms with her past. Jenny is very manipulative and is prepared to lie and use shock tactics to bluff her way through appearing as if she is coping.

There isn’t much more I can say about this book due to spoilers but it all comes together for the final chapter and the truth is hidden in plain sight all along. I had a suspicion but I got it totally wrong! A dark and compelling read.

[Angie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twin Truths, is a very unusual book, a little odd, but at the same time, enticing,,
Jenny and Pippa are twins,. and have gone through a lot, in their life time, sharing the good with the bad, until, Pippa goes missing,, Jenny left on her own, is on a destructive path. not caring about anyone not even herself,
The book, is so well written, that the character of Jenny is so real, you care about her, you want to keep reading, and like I did, race through the chapters, until you get to the end,,
Oh My!! the end!! Not what I was expecting,,
I really enjoyed this book, some places are a little disturbing, but not graphic, it's so well written,, great book!

[Jess Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an identical twin doing a PhD in mental health this book ticked a lot of boxes for me, I love a book that surprises me and this did just that. However, after part two I was thinking “where is this going now”, especially the storyline with her father, but the ending all unravels to a surprising conclusion.

[neave kirkland · Rating 2 out of 5]

im still confused

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The PLOT TWIST. I didn’t expect it to end the way it did AT ALL

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Loved the end but hated reading about children being sexually abused

[Parish Biruar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased and wanted to read this book because of the title and the story about twins. As someone who has a twin sister, I kind of expected a lot on this. The book though didn't exceeded nor even met my expectations. I had no emotional connection to the characters or the story itself. There were some instances that I can relate to because of having a twin, however, I had a hard time getting into the plot. The primary reason for this is the writing style. It was quite perplexing. To be honest, the narration was mediocre. I enjoyed how short the chapters were, but the scene transitions were chaotic and nonsensical. I mostly got lost while reading.

I still kept reading it in hopes that it will eventually get better, but unfortunately, it did not. The twists though at the end stunned me but nevertheless, the book still hadn't appealed to me that much.

[Sascha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing seemed all over the place. I constantly struggled to decipher who was who. It did have quite a few very good plot twist. I would say the premis of the book was great just the way it was written wasnt great. It felt like it was a first attempt of writing but with great promise for the future

[Maddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for 4 years and I finally decided to start it, after reading the housemaid series I was in such a good reading mood but this book dropped that again😫

I really tried to get into this and it was awful I just honestly can’t remember anything about it really and had no interest in finishing it much

I dnfed it at about 70% but to fit this into my 2025 reading then here it is? Idek

[Katie Page · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found the writing very confusing. Didn’t know who was who most of the time! The twist was good but I still felt confused throughout the whole book. Glad the main character got closure but I wouldn’t recommend, sorry author!

[Kathryn Curran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Twisty and interesting

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t realky engage ir emoathuse with the characters, but an interesting read, although I had sort of worked out the ending

[Laura Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was written oddly. Not very engaging. It was hard to finish, but once you reach the end there is a small twist.

[Heather Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first part of this book very difficult to get into & quite disjointed. I'm glad I persevered because the other two parts were better but overall I was disappointed.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

That’s a twisty turny psychological book.