The Crooked Little Pieces: Volume 1

by Sophia Lambton, Eloise G Morgan (Cover Art) (Illustrations)

"Lyrical and poetic prose... the conclusion is an unsolved mystery that leaves the reader itching for more pent-up drama." — Mari Carlson, Midwest Book Review
"A true work of literature. The language is beautiful – the story engrossing." -— Veronika Jordan, Author

Lost are the creatures destined never to be understood.

1926. Professor Josef van der Holt obtains a post at an all women’s college overseas. Stuffy London suddenly becomes the site for the unseemly exploits of his half-Dutch and half-German daughters Anneliese and Isabel. When tragedy carves out a hollow in their lives, an ailing soul sends the sororal twins along a jagged while Isabel takes flight in sensual hedonism Anneliese skirts danger in her role as sleuth. Elusive are the sentiments they swift stopovers of fleeting feeling. Seditious loves and passions scarcely probable veer each away from the predictable.

And when the obvious appears unstoppable the opposite may achingly be true.

Spanning the twentieth century’s five most volatile decades, The Crooked Little Pieces is a series about inextricable entanglements. Perverse relationships pervade a glossary of scenes. Plots criss-cross over a rich tapestry of twists and tension-fuelling some relatable, others opaque and many “crooked”.

It is television drama. Novelised.

Genres: Historical Fiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2022

About the author

Sophia Lambton became a professional classical music critic at the age of 17 when she began writing for Musical Opinion, Britain’s oldest music magazine. Since then she has contributed to The Guardian, Bachtrack, musicOMH, BroadwayWorld, BBC Music Magazine and OperaWire. She spent twelve years conducting research to create The Callas Imprint: A Centennial Biography, which won the 2024 ARSC Award for Best Historical Research in Recorded Classical Music.

Elsewhere she is a novelist. The first five volumes of her saga The Crooked Little Pieces were released by The Crepuscular Press between 2022 and 2025.

Her Substack Crepuscular Music comprises classical music and opera reviews that seek to capture the ephemeral escapism of live performance. You can find it at at sophialambton.substack.com.

She lives in London.

Reviews

[Rainz ❤️rainnbooks❤️(on a break) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do with a story that creates a buzzing in your ears and plays havoc in your mind? The Crooked Little Pieces is one such story that has parts in it that are gonna wrung you out to dry. Author Sophia Lambton takes the reader on a journey akin to watching a family drama on television. A father and his two daughters and their coming of age story set around an era where the world was not all white and gloried.

Annaliese and Isobel are not characters that instill any warmth and as such, I had difficulty connecting to their antics. It was difficult to sympathize with their predicament of an absent mother and a clueless father and their own self-serving and adamant attitudes. But once the children lose their father, the story delves deeply into the psyche of both the girls and it is then one feels for Leisa and Isabel. Twins born 6 days apart, Isabel and Leisa are as different as chalk and cheese, and their ways and choices reflect in all their entanglements.

While Isabel chooses to find a husband come what may, in stark contrast, Leisa shuns all relationships to the point of deciding to never settle with a man though her obsession is seeking a motherly figure in her psychiatrist. But do the choices give them the joy both are seeking in life is left to be seen as Isabel discovers the peril of her chosen life and Leisa discovers that her mentor has her share of trauma to deal with. I loved the juxtaposition of these two parts of the sisters’ lives, unable to connect and finding no common ground between them. Their love is yes visible but unfortunately, both of them find it demanding to express emotions, and more than once, a sentence begun is left hanging and conveyed wrongly or misunderstood.

Sophia Lambton has painted the characters of Leisa and Isabel as selfish at first glance but having deeper and obscure layers upon reflection and that makes this part one of the story a study by itself. The Crooked Little Pieces is paced slowly capturing the girls thru the different times of their lives, one who is a prodigy but doesn’t want to perform, and the other completely immersed in books and the learning of it all. Even though Isabel and Leisa are very well fleshed out, I would have loved to have a more emotional connection with their situation which didn’t really happen throughout the plot, and the only reason why, I am going with 4 stars.

Many thanks to The Crepuscular Press and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.

This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 


Review for 'The Crooked Little Pieces' by Sophia Lambton. 


Read and reviewed for Sophia Lambton. 


Publication date 25th May 2022. 


This is the first book I have read by this author. 


I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover and gripping sounding synopsis and title. 


This novel consists of a prologue and 43 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


This book is based in Zurich, Switzerland 🇨🇭.m and London, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿  


This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Professor Josef Van Der Holt, Anneliese and Isabel. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

 


I will start by saying that this isn't my usual choice of genre so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the storyline but I was looking forward to trying it out and I am very pleased to say I did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!! The storyline is unique and Sophia's fantastic writing skills and descriptions take you on an journey into the past with Josef, Annelise and Isabel in this family saga. I was so engrossed in this book that I seemed to completely disappear into the storyline. I absolutely loved travelling around to different places with the characters and when I came to the end I was devastated to unpack my suitcase!! I believe this is the first family saga that I have actually read and it was definitely a good one to begin my journey on. I must admit it take me a little time to get into it but when I did I became completely engrossed throughout until the very last page. It is filled with emotions, history, family, love, loss and everything you'd expect in the complicated lives of this family. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Isabele and Anneliese change throughout and go through different stages from being close to tested. This book is exactly how I imagined a family saga being and how they should be. It is just like looking through a window at the family's lives through the years. 


A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Sophia on creating an absolutely incredible journey through this family's lives!! 


The whole novel is told chronologically through the alternate perspectives of the sisters, and occasionally that of their father. Through dialogue we see the relationship between the sisters as being fraught, tested and sometimes close; we see how they react to different scenarios. There is so much in this novel - the writing at times is lyrical and poetic and some of the situations keep you asking for more. It is as if the reader is being gifted glimpses without ever knowing the full story - we are always wanting more. The ending does not bring us resolution, it is not even really a cliff-hanger. The final page is almost like the end of a chapter and we are just waiting to turn the page to start the next one, we are left waiting to see what the sisters do next.



Although I was devastated to come to the end, I was absolutely over the moon when I discovered this was the first book in a series and I cannot wait to get hold of the second one to read more from this family. 


It wasn't just the storyline I was completely invested in but also the characters. The storyline begins with the family of four. We meet the father Professor Josef Van Dee Holt. I found him to be a bit of a strange character and at times he seemed overprotective of his children and seemed to not want them to learn or grow but then at others he seemed quite dismissive of them. He is a neurologist whose ideas are considered outdated with the times. We meet his wife and Isabel and Anneliese's mother Elise. If I considered Josef strange then Elsie's character was absolutely bizarre. She seems to have no emotions or feelings towards her children at all and spends her life in her room. She has to be told that they are going on holiday in order to move. We also meet half Dutch and half German twin sisters Anneliese and Isabel who we meet at 6 years of age and who were born 6 days apart. However, we do meet them briefly in the prologue when they are 48 years old. The sisters are like chalk and cheese when it comes to their personalities. They are both talented in very different ways. Anneliese is a book worm as a child and reminded me of myself at that age constantly having my nose in the book. Anneliese ends up in medical school and her main interest is psychiatry which makes her unpopular. Due to her interest in the sciences her father seems to bond better with her than he does with Isabel. She has no interest in relationships apart from with her psychiatrist. Isabel on the other hand could play complicated pieces on both the cello and piano at a very young age but is unable to perform in front of others so struggles in her career but she is also hedonistic as an adult. . We follow these two very different twins from their childhood into their twenties. Sophia's creates very strong characters with alot of character building throughout ensuring the characters come alive and seem to jump out of the book. This is where I have a confession. I loved the book but was not a fan of the sisters at all, or Josef for that matter!! This shocked myself as I have never enjoyed a book that has characters I did not like so a huge WELL done to Sophia on a first!! I found Isabel and and Anneliese to be very self centred as children and although I seemed to have more of a bond with Anneliese due to seeing myself in her as a child I was disgusted by some of their "bratty" behaviours. However, this would not have been helped by Josef bending to their every needs and endorsing their behaviours by letting them getting away with too much and giving in to them. However, as adults Anneliese annoyed me more with the actions she takes after seeing her psychiatrist and I have more sympathy towards Isabel and her situation. I am looking forward to meeting them again and seeing where their lives take them next!! 


Congratulations Sophia on what promises to be a hugely successful series!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books!!! Here is to your next success 🥂 


Overall an absolutely addictive family saga/drama that comes to life at the turn of every page. 


Genres covered in this book include Romance Sagas, Family Sagas, Romance, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, Classic Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Literary Fiction amongst others. 



I would recommend this book to the above as well as absolutely everyone looking for an absolutely addictive and unputdownable page turning family saga/drama. 



448 pages



This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle free and £8.65 in paperback via Amazon at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain. 



Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 




Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews 




#TheCrookedLittlePieces  #SophiaLambton #TheCrepuscularPress #BookReview #BlogTour 



@TheCrookedLittlePieces @SophiaLambton @TheCrepuscularPress @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 



https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86



https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...



https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...



https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...



https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...



https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86 

[Mari LivTollefsonCarlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josef, a professor, takes a new teaching position, and moves with his twin daughters, Anneliese and Isabel, and his largely absent wife, from Zurich to London shortly before WWII. In London, while Anneliese aims with laser focus to pursue medicine, and Isabel follows her music passion, a tragedy in their teens shifts the focus of their interests.
Set against the impending war, the book proceeds toward chaos rather than resolution. Tension builds between the siblings throughout the book. Halting, fraught dialogue conveys their trouble relating. What they fail to say, expressed in unfinished sentences and realistic pauses, is how much they care for each other. This comes across in constant references to the other. The plot is tightly wound around these two foils. Anneliesa’s obsession with her therapist and Isabel’s many boyfriends draw out facets of the siblings’ relationship. Lyrical and poetic prose captures all that goes on below the surface action, and within these staid and inhibited characters, starting with stuffy Josef. Together, they stand for a generation of people coming out from under societal restrictions. Sequences move in chronological order that builds in intensity and yet the conclusion is an unsolved mystery that leaves the reader itching for more pent up drama. Luckily, the book is the first of a series.

[hiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

an incredibly written novel about 2 twin sisters and their traversing through life, with all the drama that comes with it.

this novel’s strength is the superb writing skills of the author and her craft into producing such a beautiful novel. i was captivated by the way the story flowed cohesively with time and the constant page flicking that i would do, ready for the next page and next story.

this story is set throughout the early 20th century, and follows 2 twin sisters and their father, initially in zurich and then ending up in london, and all the chaos they get up to.

i particularly loved the dynamic of the two sisters and the juxtaposition between them. the situations that they end up in, the relationships that they encounter was so lovely to see.

it is times like this where i wish goodreads has a half star option - as this is truly a 4.5 star novel! i am very excited to soon traverse the next 2 novels in this saga - with the almost cliffhanger-like ending!

[Susan Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt thank you to the author for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. I have not read a family saga in ages. When I first saw it, I thought it's a thriller due to it's title. As I gradually read on, it was explained in the novel, the meaning of this title. Somehow, this one reminded me of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance, though different in plot aspects.

The Crooked Little Pieces is about 2 girls, twins who were born a week apart. It tells the story about their struggle after their father passed away and the gap between their relationship... their sisterhood. Both characters are a total opposite and as they grew older with different expectations in life, they slowly became closer. As this is volume 1, it ended with the war :-)

I've enjoyed how it was written and I did find it engaging though some may find it slow. It fits my reading mood nowadays and I was curious of Anneliese's friendship with the psychiatrist who sort of shaped her future. Also, when it ended, I wonder about Isabel's relationship with her sadistic husband. Both sisters are talented in their own ways but their vulnerability is what shaped them eventually. I do wonder what happens next in volume 2 :-)

[Sindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️ - The first volume of The Crooked Little Pieces has me completely hooked! Describing it as a “TV drama, novelized” is spot on—I felt like each chapter was part of a gripping episode.

This coming-of-age novel follows Annaliese and Isabel from childhood into their 20s, as they live completely opposite lifestyles, exploring their experiences with love, struggle, war, grief, and adolescence (and more!!). Sophia Lambton has brilliantly developed these twin sisters, who are so different yet feel so real in their interactions. The writing was so compelling and immersive, making every scene come alive with detail.

I can’t wait to dive into the next volume! I’m already obsessed, much like I was with My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. I can’t wait to start the second volume!

[Faith aka Suckerforcoffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I came for the cover and synopsis, stayed for the plot and story line. The Crooked Little Pieces is the perfect mix of plot based and character based book. I enjoyed the show and tell aspects of the book as it made for a wonderful reading experience.

I loved the writing. It was quite easy to get through and I loved how I was able to grasp even the things I didn’t know much about, the science/academic parts, as the way it is written made me able to understand without googling. The Crooked Little Pieces has a strong sense of place with vivid descriptions that I felt like I was there too.

One thing I really loved is the narration. A coming of age story that follows these twin girls and seeing their perspective; the child-like innocence and view of the world to them being grown and the decisions and choices they make. It’s all brilliantly written.

Some of the themes the book explored that I loved how it was handled, grief, mental health and feminism. Some are plain outright while others it’s undertones here and there.

There is such a haunting feeling that creeped up on me as I read The Crooked Little Pieces. Some scenes and events had me at the edge of my seat and honestly, I was scared for some characters.

There is a cast of characters, each well written and thought out. The morally grey characters were my favorite.

One thing I didn’t quite like was that I didn’t see any character development and some issues could be solved with communication. There is a book 2 and I am hoping that that gets better.

All in all I did enjoy reading the book and would recommend if you’re looking a well told, haunting, coming of age story

[Naomi's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to start off by saying that this is not my kind of book. I have enjoyed a few epic family sagas but that is not norm. I have also enjoyed a few books with polarizing characters but that is also not the norm. It is unfortunate that this book highlights both of these things. I found it to be easy to read and engaging but I didn’t love it for the reason already listed. I can think of several people who would love this book because of those elements. The twins were interesting but I wasn’t invested. This is probably because another trope I don’t gravitate towards is coming-of-age. I believe that my ability to fly through the story and give it 3 stars reflects that this is a good book even if I am not the right audience.

I received an arc from the author in exchange for a honest review.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cerebral read – vocabulary, conversations, relationships, etc. It seems to me that the author wants the reader to read this slowly, savor the choice of words & syntax, compare & contrast the sisters… THINK.

I received this as an ARC, so I need to post a review. I DEFINITELY am enjoying this and will continue.

NOT a beach read.



EDIT:
Starting book #2 very soon!

[ps.stillreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an only child, reading about sibling dynamics has always fascinated me. I don’t know what it’s like to grow up with someone who knows the same things as you, sharing a childhood and a home, experiencing similar things in a way that only living as siblings in a family unit can provide. This exploration of a relationship between sisters is what made me so excited to read The Crooked Little Pieces.

In The Crooked Little Pieces, we follow twin girls Anneliese and Isabel. Isabel is the older twin, with Anneliese being born six days later. Their mother is mentally and emotionally incapable of caring for her girls, so the task of raising them falls to their father, Josef van der Holt. Even when the twins were young, it was apparent that they had very different personalities and temperaments. Receiving very little attention from their mother, the twins seek their father’s approval instead, though they go about it very differently. Isabel demands attention, coaxing you to focus on her, and expects you to bend to her will while Anneliese is quieter, sees herself as more sensible, more interested in following the rules, and not ruffling any feathers. The sisters have different interests as well: Isabel is a piano prodigy, and Anneliese is a science whiz. In truth, there are more differences than similarities between the twins which ends up straining their relationship. Their father tries valiantly to help his daughters get along. Although he loves his daughters, he does not truly understand them, and so can do very little to actually help them.

But sisters are sisters, and however different they may be, this is a bond that runs deep. And when tragedy strikes their family, Anneliese and Isabel find common ground and begin to lean on each other.

Sisters can get on your nerves like no one else can, and that dynamic defines Anneliese and Isabel. It was so interesting how they responded differently to the things that happened to both of them. But how they handled these things made complete sense to me: with one twin seeking approval and connection elsewhere and with the other twin working to discover things about herself she didn’t know. They both felt inferior to the other, misinterpreting their differences as flaws in their characters, then lashing out because of it. It was a little annoying how much they dismissed the other, I just wanted them to actually communicate and listen without judging. But hey, sisters are like that sometimes (says an only child who has zero first-hand experience of sibling relationships).

Also, it took me a while to get that character reveal but wow did that shock me. Will Anneliese realize the significance? Did Susanna know? My heart also goes out to Isabel. Her marriage does not look good and I want my girl to leave it before something more sinister happens to her.

Sophia Lambton introduces us to characters who feel so vivid and real. Each twin has her own desires, anxieties, problems, and stubborn beliefs. I finished Volume 1 of The Crooked Little Pieces and I’m very much looking forward to reading Volume 2 and finding out what happens to these two sisters. Thank you, Sophia and Crepuscular Press for sending me Volumes 1-3 🫶🏽✨

[Jennifer deBie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Crooked Little Pieces in exchange for an honest review. See the full review at https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/

Sophia Lambton’s The Crooked Little Pieces follows Isabel and Anneliese van der Holt from the age of six in 1920s Zurich, into their early twenties in Blitz-struck London. Raised by their neurology professor father, each van der Holt twin is exceptional, with Isabel holding the promise of being a musical prodigy, and Anneliese following her father’s passion for medical sciences. Together they move countries, attend school, nurture and neglect their talents by turns, suffer many of the expected triumphs and heartaches expected in a coming-of-age story and yet… I never quite cheered for these girls.

Protagonists do not have to be good people, and I have certainly taken my own, private glee in following a story through the eyes of some true monsters, but at the end of the day a reader needs a reason to like the people they’re reading about. I never found Anneliese and Isabel likeable. Both are self-destructive narcissists with a disdain for other people that was off putting to this reader.

Don’t get me wrong, Lambton has fully fleshed out both girls. Their characterization is strong, and with the chapters alternating perspective between the twins and their father (until his death) we get a thorough understanding of how they speak, the ways they act in different situations, and why they are the way they are. However, affection and sympathy did not grow with this understanding.

Lambton also shows a talent for creating the potential for interesting scenarios: the push and pull between a flighty, musical twin and her more grounded, scholarly sister. The dynamic of being raised by a scientist father who has, if not a preference, at least a greater understanding of the scholarly daughter as opposed to the musician. The enigmatic, female psychologist who Anneliese begins seeing. The universal tensions that came with being in London after one Great War and before the second kicks off. There’s some really good and interesting material to be plumbed here,
however, sadly, to me The Crooked Little Pieces never quite sang.

[Milly Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sent to me in return for an honest review.

Isabel and Anneliese van der Holt are twins born six days apart with Isabel being the older sister. They are brought up by their father, Josef, who is a neurology professor, and each twin is exceptional and obsessive about their respective passions. Isabel is a musical prodigy while Anneliese is passionate about medical sciences which makes it easier for her father to bond with her. As for the mother - we are told about her but she is not a character we ever see, she seems to have no emotional input. When Josef is offered a new teaching post, the family move from Zurich to London and the story covers the period after World War One to the beginning of World war Two.

The novel follows the girls from childhood to their early twenties and they are fully fleshed out- the character building is very strong. In fact, in the beginning there is very little that is likeable about Isabel and as a reader, you begin to feel some sympathy for Anneliese. However, our perceptions change and although Isabel is hedonistic, she thinks only of her own pleasure, by the end of the novel the reader has more sympathy with her situation. On the other hand, when Anneliese starts seeing a psychologist our sympathy for her is tested because of the actions that she begins to take.

The whole novel is told chronologically through the alternate perspectives of the sisters, and occasionally that of their father. Through dialogue we see the relationship between the sisters as being fraught, tested and sometimes close; we see how they react to different scenarios. There is so much in this novel - the writing at times is lyrical and poetic and some of the situations keep you asking for more. It is as if the reader is being gifted glimpses without ever knowing the full story - we are always wanting more. The ending does not bring us resolution, it is not even really a cliff-hanger. The final page is almost like the end of a chapter and we are just waiting to turn the page to start the next one, we are left waiting to see what the sisters do next.

[Miracle Meryll · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book made me feel like i was watching a slow-burn drama set in the 1900s. it’s a great read when you want to cozy up with a cup of tea or coffee. it’s like a warm hug, inviting you to dive into someone’s story.

the crooked little pieces by sophia lambton is a compelling historical fiction and coming-of-age novel that follows the lives of two sisters, annelise and isabel. set against the backdrop of early 20th-century england, the story explores their contrasting personalities and life choices. annelise prefers reading and studying over making acquaintances and attending parties, while isabel is talented with instruments and explores relationships until she finally meets someone who helps her achieve her dream of marriage and becoming a wife. we follow their journey from discovering their talents to knowing what they want and reaching college.

the two sisters are both talented in their own ways, though they differ from each other. i witnessed the typical sibling relationship, with subtle competition to be the better daughter. you can see how these sisters strive to be exceptional not only for their own good but especially to be seen by their father. but in the end, when life gets hard, the only person they can rely on is each other.

the lyrical prose of this book makes it more engaging, and I appreciated the touch of psychology in it. the story ends in a mysterious way, which makes me curious about Volume 2.

i think this book is meant to be read when you are not in a rush to finish it, especially if you enjoy stories that focus on character development and the tapestry of life during the time the story is set.

thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of this book, not only Volume 1 but also the 2nd and 3rd. additionally, the 4th volume of this book has already been published!

[Veronika Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I never expected this. It’s a true work of literature. The language is beautiful – the story engrossing.

It starts with half-Dutch and half-German twin sisters Anneliese and Isabel aged six living with their father Professor Josef van der Holt in Switzerland. He is a neurologist, but his ideas are considered old-fashioned. He forms a platonic relationship with another neurologist called Sara, but it does not develop.

Josef is offered a job in London and his two daughters are devastated. His wife Elise is a strange character, who never seems to come out of her room. I’m not sure how she survives to be honest, as they don’t have a maid or cook. In order to persuade her to go with them to London, she is told they are going on holiday.

The sisters are both talented. Anneliese is destined for great things in the medical profession, though her interest in psychiatry makes her unpopular at medical school. Isabel is potentially a musical genius on both cello and piano, but her inability to perform in front of others prevents her career from flourishing.

Anneliese has no interest in relationships and cannot see herself ever marrying. The most intense relationship she forms is with her psychiatrist shortly after a tragic event in the sisters’ lives.

Isabel is seemingly the opposite. Her hedonistic lifestyle is a constant source of worry to her twin sister.

The Crooked Little Pieces is very different. Don’t expect straightforward historical fiction. It’s more about emotions and the relationship between two women, who even though they are twins are disparate and diverse. As we leave them amidst world war two, I look forward to the next instalment in this fascinating tale.

Many thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[BetinaBoughtBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and The Crepuscular Press for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Crooked Little Pieces. It was beautifully written. The wording, language, and descriptions and the way they were strung together to make this story were so purposeful. You can tell the author spent a lot of time thinking through each sentence and wanted this book to read like a work of art, which it was. It is definitely a book that I wanted to take my time reading and highlighting all of my favorite passages.

I fell in love with the two sisters, Anneliese and Isobel. I love how they contrast with one another; one being more brash and willing to take risks while the other being more introverted and cautious.

The story itself took place during the Second World War. It discusses feminism and the roles of females and how that changed so much during this time. I love World War Two historical novels and powerful female main characters so this book was right up my alley.

Another huge focus in this book is music and Isobel’s passion for it from a young age. I could definitely relate to this as I am also a musician and have been from a young age. The way Lambton writes about music is absolutely beautiful and so resonant with me (and likely any other reader with a love of music).

Definitely pick up this book if you are looking for the perfect read that you can take your time with and enjoy the language and the wording. You will also fall in love with the two sisters and will want to get to know them even more in the sequels (which is where I’m headed next).

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author who provided me with a free copy of their book for an honest review!

The Crooked Little Pieces is a historical fiction revolving around a family right around the beginning of WWII. A father, Josef, moves his two twin daughters Isabel and Leisa from their home in Zurich to London.

The best way to describe this book is that it is a family drama, slowly revealing layers of relationships over time. The two sisters are complete foils of each other, one choosing to follow romance while the other shuns romantic relationships of any kind. Though the thing that keeps them together through it all is their love for each other.

Lovers of slow-paced historical fiction will enjoy this deep dive into the psyche of two young women during such a hard time in history. Exploring and finding themselves in an unforgiving and cruel world.

The prose in this book is well-done and quite beautiful. However, at times I found the plot to be slow-moving which made it hard to stay engaged with the story. Our main characters are explored thoroughly and both were well developed. However, they are often not likable, so if you are someone who needs a main character that is likable, I don't know if this would be the one for you. At times, their decision-making and actions made me want to tear my hair out (though often in a good way lol).

If you're looking for a book that transcends a lifetime (we start the story when the girls are only 6 years old, and end when they are in their 20s) of heartache and self-discovery, this could be the book for you!

[Rupsa Pal Kundu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crooked Little Pieces by Sophia Lambton is a psychological family drama series that explores the inner lives of twin sisters, Anneliese and Isabelle. Growing up in 20th-century London the sisters are extremely different from each other. Maria is pious and an introvert, while Isabelle is brilliant but emotionally volatile.

Volume 1 of Crooked Little Pieces introduces the van der Holts family, focusing on twins Anneliese and Isabelle as they grew up in post-war London during the 1950s and early '60s. As they navigate childhood into adolescence, their personalities clash and intertwine while revealing the fragile threads of sisterhood hold them together.

This volume lays the foundation for a haunting psychological portrait, examining mental illness, identity, and the early fractures in their tightly bound but fragile sisterhood. The twins' early childhood was shaped by strict religion, a cold mother, and psychological isolation. I personally enjoyed the tug between the sisters and the dysfunctional family dynamics.

Rich in literary and philosophical allusions, the novel offers a haunting portrayal of obsession and repression while the search for meaning and self is something which never loses its touch. Through vivid prose, the novel delves into themes of identity, mental health, religion, and the claustrophobia of familial bonds. The writing is introspective and the language is rich.

Thank you Sophia @thecrepuscularpress for these gifted copies.

[Sammi Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

The summary of this story really made me want to dive in. As someone who went to school to study screenwriting the phrase "a television drama novelized" really made me want to get right into it.

Upfront, my definition of a TV drama and Labmbton's are different.

You can easily see that classic texts' writing styles influenced this author and she emulates it with this story that is set in the past. There is a LOT of advanced language in this book. I can honestly say that if I weren't reading on my kindle where there are definitions at the tap of a finger, I would not have been able to follow some scenes. I don't believe that I have a limited vocabulary, but there could also have been some non-American English words that I didn't know because we don't use them.

There is a strength in the character's independence that can get pushed to the wayside in other stories because characters are family members but every one of the main characters that we follow is distinct.

The conflicts I feel could have been bigger and a bit more dramatic (hence, my definition of TV drama being different) but that could also just be my personal taste.

This book gives me the same energy as Chekov's Three Sisters so if you are a fan of that type of story, I believe this book is for you.

I'm more of a reader for the general enjoyment of the story and the diction choices made me have a harder time getting into the plot than I would have liked but once you get used to the style it moves easier.

2.5/5 I think this book is for readers who prefer different things than I do

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This novel is the first in a series that follows twin sisters Isabel and Anneliese, for now in this book from childhood to early twenties.
I was instantly hooked from the prologue which is vague and intriguing, it makes you want to keep reading to fill in all the gaps that are placed in front of you.
As a classics lover the twins felt like they jumped out of a book that was written at the time period it’s set (1920s/30s) which felt so clever and fun. They also managed to remain realistic and relatable.
One of my favourite aspects was the dialogue in scenes with one twin and a psychiatrist, so cleverly crafted and I could read those scenes forever.
The author does a really good job at writing unlikeable characters that you still want to read about and can root for. I’m really excited to see where the story takes them next.
Some small critiques would be sometimes certain paragraphs felt slightly overwritten which made them harder to digest and I felt it took away rather than added to the story. Certain storylines I felt could be dug into a bit more but this is only the first so that still might happen in the next book.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, following the two twins, getting to know them and thankyou to the author for reaching out and sending me her novels. (@thecrepuscularpress)

[Shomeret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked to read Sophia Lambton's novel, The Crooked Little Pieces: Volume 1, by the author who had seen my reviews on my blog Flying High Reviews . This is the first book in a series which explains why it's not as resolved as a standalone novel would be.

The protagonists are the sisters Isabel and Anneliese who were born six days apart. I expected to like Isabel because she is a musician, but the focus wanders away from music. I ended up liking Anneliese a good deal better than Isabel.

Although the prologue takes place in 1968, the first chapter opens in the 1920's when the girls were six. The novel ends in the WW II era. I expect that the second book will continue with this WWII progression.

For my complete review see https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2022...

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Crooked Little Pieces" by Sophia Lambton is a captivating drama that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Set just before World War 2, the story follows the family of Josef as he moves his twin daughters, Isabel and Leisa, from Zurich to London. As the family's dynamics unfold, the book reads like a riveting soap opera.

The twins, who are polar opposites, have a unique bond that adds depth to the narrative. Despite their questionable decisions and behavior, their strong connection is evident throughout the story. Lambton successfully captures the complexities of growing up in a historical context, making this book a compelling coming of age tale.

Overall, "The Crooked Little Pieces" is a well-written historical fiction that immerses readers in the lives of the characters. Lambton's storytelling keeps you engaged and invested in the twins journeys, making it a must-read for fans of drama and historical fiction.

5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Bookonarooftop · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting one, and I'm eager to follow the journey of the sisters.

When I first started reading, a few chapters were quite slow, but as the story unfolded, I kept reading chapter after chapter. I am a huge fan of coming-of-age stories, and this one is so complex. The family saga that unfolds in this one, with the nuances of the period it's set in, brings out quite an interesting plot.

I love historical fiction, and I always applaud when authors try to include the nuances of the period as closely to reality as possible.

I have high hopes for the next volumes and cannot wait to dive in.

I am curious to see how the lives of these twins turn out, and what the cruel world has prepared for them.

[shri_aesthetics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never a boring moment with the Twins! Loved watching them grow, looking forward to reading the rest of the volumes of the series. ❤️

[˖ ࣪ ‹ seri ; ⁺ ⸝⸝ · Rating 5 out of 5]

review soon!

[robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

following the lives of twin sisters, the ‘crooked little pieces’ series explores the lifestyles and growth of women in the 1920s onwards. the first book introduces the twins as young girls, and follows them through their adolescence and then adulthood. i noted both the immediate introduction of two different characteristics of the twins, alongside an evident domestic enmeshment that almost joins the sisters together. throughout the series i regarded an apt inclusion of character studies, however there was not a particular plot that took precedence, until the third book which had multiple narratives coinciding, however overall i unfortunately did not find any of the plots within the third book immensely engaging. despite potentially viewing the narrative as lacklustre, the poetic style was intriguing; i was interested in the authors inclusion of both romantic and domestic relationships, as well as pursuing an exploration of domestic violence. however although these themes add an extra layer to the narrative, i also found that some intense scenes could be slightly difficult to understand due to the poetic narrative style.

[Words & Nocturnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

We start off slow, being introduced to these two sisters in the present before jumping back to the past, where we get to see where it all began. A few things are immediately apparent. This book has a slow start and our protagonists are not likeable.

In the beginning, we are piled with introductions. Introductions to the sisters, their parents, acquaintances, and surroundings are described in full detail. While I can understand that this would not be favourable with some readers, all these introductions are not in vain. Throughout the beginning, there was always this lingering sense that something was going to happen, that all of this was a buildup to something explosive. This meant that I started reading with the expectation that things would pick up after a few chapters, but soon discovered I was wrong. The book itself indeed has a slow pace, but while I was admittedly disappointed at first, I had to acknowledge that this pace was suitable for a book like this, which covered hefty subject material.

It has been a long while since I’ve read anything that features such unlikable characters, so The Crooked Little Pieces was a rough jolt back to reality as I was reminded that this type of protagonist does indeed exist. It may not sound encouraging to have unlikable protagonists in a book, but as it has been mentioned by readers far more knowledgeable than I, this is not a signifier of a bad story (which is rather obvious when you think about it). It could even possibly make a story more interesting, which was true for this case. Although I wasn’t fond of both sisters with their overly formal speech, blunt and stubborn behaviour, I grew increasingly interested in their antics and the events that transpired around them over the course of the book. Even if you aren’t fond of the characters, I believe it is a good sign when you are able to enjoy the book anyway, which was the case for me.

Moving on to the writing. The writing is not that easy to get into at first. The use of more stately or grandiose words can be off putting, but personally I felt as if it did suit the time period and the tone of the book, so it wasn’t an issue to me. The author managed to invoke a clear sense of time and place while maintaining a sense I would describe as “just slightly blurry around the edges”. What this means is that although most details provided through the writing allowed me to envision a fairly clear idea of the settings and situations, there was just the right amount of uncertainty or lack of detail that allowed me to imagine and wonder.

This book contains some content that could possibly be triggering, including violence and bodily harm. Once again it aligned with the serious tone of the book, but it is something worth keeping in mind, especially for those who are uncomfortable with these depictions.

Overall, I enjoyed the read. It reminded me of the likes of Affinity Konar’s Mischling and a little of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. It offers a glimpse of history while bringing us along the sisters’ harrowing exploits, its strength lying in building both sisters’ characters, which in turn influences the plot. As it has been mentioned, it truly stays true to its claim of “It is television drama. Novelised.”

Received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sophia Lambton and The Crepuscular Press for the chance to read and review this book!

From Words & Nocturnes

[Motherbooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a twin, I'm always fascinated by stories about twins. It's interesting to see how writers portray life as a twin. So, I jumped at the chance to read the first volume of The Crooked Little Pieces series. Not only do I get to read a story about twin girls but it takes place during the period before the Second World War. We are introduced to Anneliese and Isabel, half-Dutch and half-German twin sisters. The pair move to London in 1926 after their father gets a job in a women's college. The pair are very different and often have a difficult relationship. When tragedy strikes, the two girls start to drift even further apart.

First off, there is a lot to enjoy about this book. The two girls are both well-written and have plenty of depth. I know the whole "opposite twin siblings" is a bit of cliché these days but it works really well here. Anneliese is the scientist who dreams of being a psychiatrist and Isabel is the musical one. Both are brilliant in their own ways but also fairly naïve. They're not always the easiest characters to love but they are human. I liked getting to know them and their relationship. It feels realistic.

I also think there is a lot of great detail here. With her background, Sophia Lambton obviously has musical knowledge and the way she describes music and the sensations Isabel feels when playing are incredible. There is also plenty of medical knowledge and historical context on show here. I especially enjoyed the scenes towards the end of the book that were set during the Blitz. It's a very sensual and engaging book.

However, I have to admit that this wasn't the book for me. It is selling itself as a television series in book form, which I kind of see. It's an epic that is set to span decades. A family drama that takes us into the heart of this sisterly relationship. It's meaty and dense, which will work for so many readers. Unfortunately, not for me. It was just a bit too slow to get going and it ended up treading very familiar ground. Then, when something interesting did happen, it was sidelined for something else. If this book was a TV show, it would be one of those mega 1.5-hour episodes when I'd have preferred something nearer 45 minutes.

The writing is lovely and I think Sophia Lambton did a great job but I just didn't fully engage with all aspects of the book. It ended up feeling more of a slog than I'd expected. Of course, I'm just the wrong reader for this book. It will definitely suit someone who enjoys those huge classics. If you enjoy lengthy Russian literature, for example, then this could be your jam. If you really want to get to know a group of people over an extended period, then give this a go.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a set of twins,Isabel and Anneleise, who were born six days apart. Six DAYS! When I first read that, I was horrified that their mother spent that long in what had to be active labor after giving birth to the first baby. Considering the story is set in the late 1920s and early 30s, Mom probably had to nurse the first baby while still trying to give birth to the second. Poor woman.

Anyway, these girls are as different as night and day and to be honest, I didn’t like either one of them. Isabel is some sort of musical savant, is totally self-centered, jealous of her sister’s relationship with their father, and belligerent. As she grew older, she became flirtatious and even more temperamental. Everything had to be her way and on her terms.

Anneleise was an introvert, academic in that she was reading medical books and dictionaries not of her native language, etc. How she understood what she was reading, especially at six-years-old when she started this was beyond me. She was obviously a genius and her father, who was a university professor, encouraged and guided her. As she grew older, she warded off all males, concentrated on her studies, which included the work of her psychiatrist, which she stole. She wasn’t nefarious in that she was doing it for personal gain. She just wanted to know the secrets her doctor was keeping. My question is why did it matter?

I was put off by their treatment of their mother. She really had no part in the story. She lives in the same house, but who is taking care of her? I am under the impression that she has some sort of mental issues, but that isn’t addressed and these girls are raised by their father, not that it’s a bad thing. I just wonder why she was in the story at all.

This book is long and sometimes arduous with uncommon vocabulary, musical terms, and scientific elements. However, the writing was quite good and it did keep my interest.

One thing I should probably mention is the prologue really doesn’t make sense until after the book is finished. Read it, read the book, then go back and read it again. Then it makes sense.

[helenskaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
First of all, a big thank you to the author for sending me this book!

The Crooked Little Pieces - for fans of The Book Thief (subject-wise) and A Discovery of Witches (structurally)

This book is something you need to sit with and really think about. On one hand, it's because of the author's flowery yet poignant writing style - carefully chosen words and carefully crafted sentences. This really makes you think about the smallest actions and how very different the twin sisters Isabel and Anneliese are.

As for the characters, I had much difficulty empathising and connecting with the two main characters. (Not that one has to in order to enjoy a book.) Nevertheless, following the paths they have chosen was quite interesting. One character that did catch my interest a lot is Susanna, so I'm excited about what her future will be.

My rating came to be through the book's interesting subject and my overall enjoyment. I do, however, think that if one creates such a carefully crafted book, there should be some sort of comfort or easiness to keep on following the main plot points, usually found in the characters. As I mentioned, I had some difficulty finding this comfort and easiness in Isabel and Anneliese.

Referring to my lead-in, if you enjoyed The Book Thief, you'll definitely find a liking within this series. You'll like this series if you like the factual and scientific aspects of A Discovery of Witches, such as naming and explaining some scientific, literary, and musical deeds embedded in the plot.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this ebook from BookSprouts in exchange for an honest review.

My rating for this book is 2.5 stars

I was interested when I read the prolouge, but I really didn't understand the conversation they were having. I was hoping some of my questions about this conversation would be answered, but they really weren't.
The author did a really good job of developing the twins, Anneliese and Isabel, in the story. They were opposites in almost every way, but still loved each other. This story started with them in their 40s, and then followed their lives from 6 yrs old to their early 20s. We learned about their individual interests/talents, their father, their mother, and various other characters along the way. The story was interesting, but very confusing. What happened with Sarah and her daughter, what happened to the kitten, what happened to Steve, is Annelise in love with Susanna? I had to go back and re read the prolouge, but it still doesn't make sense. It was an interesting story, but I don't have a clear understanding of it. Maybe someone can explain it to me some day...
I feel like I am still confused by so much that happened and so many unanswered questions.