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The Last Will of Moira Leahy
"An original, intriguing tale about the ways that love can break us or bind us."
–Therese Fowler, author of Souvenir and Reunion
This haunting debut novel explores the intense bond of sisterhood as a grieving twin searches for her own identity in the ruins of her sister's past.
A LOST SHADOW
Moira Leahy struggled growing up in her prodigious twin's shadow; Maeve was always more talented, more daring, more fun. In the autumn of the girls' sixteenth year, a secret love tempted Moira, allowing her to have her own taste of adventure, but it also damaged the intimate, intuitive relationship she'd always shared with her sister. Though Moira's adolescent struggles came to a tragic end nearly a decade ago, her brief flirtation with independence will haunt her sister for years to come.
A LONE WOMAN
When Maeve Leahy lost her twin, she left home and buried her fun-loving spirit to become a workaholic professor of languages at a small college in upstate New York. She lives a solitary life now, controlling what she can and ignoring the rest–the recurring nightmares, hallucinations about a child with red hair, the unquiet sounds in her mind, her reflection in the mirror. It doesn't help that her mother avoids her, her best friend questions her sanity, and her not-quite boyfriend has left the country. But at least her life is ordered. Exactly how she wants it.
A SHARED PAST
Until one night at an auction when Maeve wins a keris,a Javanese dagger that reminds her of her lost youth and happier days playing pirates with Moira in their father's boat. Days later, a book on weaponry is nailed to her office door, followed by the arrival of anonymous notes, including one that invites her to Rome to learn more about the blade and its legendary properties. Opening her heart and mind to possibility, Maeve accepts the invitation and, with it, also opens a window into her past.
Ultimately, she will revisit the tragic November night that shaped her and Moira's destinies–and learn that nothing can be taken at face value–as one sister emerges whole and the other's score is finally settled.
The Last Will of Moira Leahyis a mesmerizing and romantic consideration of the bonds of family, the impossibility of forgetting, and the value of forgiveness.
From the Hardcover edition.
–Therese Fowler, author of Souvenir and Reunion
This haunting debut novel explores the intense bond of sisterhood as a grieving twin searches for her own identity in the ruins of her sister's past.
A LOST SHADOW
Moira Leahy struggled growing up in her prodigious twin's shadow; Maeve was always more talented, more daring, more fun. In the autumn of the girls' sixteenth year, a secret love tempted Moira, allowing her to have her own taste of adventure, but it also damaged the intimate, intuitive relationship she'd always shared with her sister. Though Moira's adolescent struggles came to a tragic end nearly a decade ago, her brief flirtation with independence will haunt her sister for years to come.
A LONE WOMAN
When Maeve Leahy lost her twin, she left home and buried her fun-loving spirit to become a workaholic professor of languages at a small college in upstate New York. She lives a solitary life now, controlling what she can and ignoring the rest–the recurring nightmares, hallucinations about a child with red hair, the unquiet sounds in her mind, her reflection in the mirror. It doesn't help that her mother avoids her, her best friend questions her sanity, and her not-quite boyfriend has left the country. But at least her life is ordered. Exactly how she wants it.
A SHARED PAST
Until one night at an auction when Maeve wins a keris,a Javanese dagger that reminds her of her lost youth and happier days playing pirates with Moira in their father's boat. Days later, a book on weaponry is nailed to her office door, followed by the arrival of anonymous notes, including one that invites her to Rome to learn more about the blade and its legendary properties. Opening her heart and mind to possibility, Maeve accepts the invitation and, with it, also opens a window into her past.
Ultimately, she will revisit the tragic November night that shaped her and Moira's destinies–and learn that nothing can be taken at face value–as one sister emerges whole and the other's score is finally settled.
The Last Will of Moira Leahyis a mesmerizing and romantic consideration of the bonds of family, the impossibility of forgetting, and the value of forgiveness.
From the Hardcover edition.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2007
125 people are currently reading
3067 people want to read
About the author
Therese Walsh
9 books506 followersTherese's second novel, The Moon Sisters, was published by Crown (Penguin Random House) in March 2014, received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal, and was named one of the Best Books of 2014 by Library Journal.
Her debut novel, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, was published in 2009 by Shaye Areheart books (Random House), and became a Target Breakout Book.
Therese is the co-founder of Writer Unboxed, a blog for writers about the craft and business of fiction.
She is also the 'architectural' editor of Author in Progress, the first Writer Unboxed book, published by Writer's Digest in 2016.
Before turning to novels, Therese was a researcher and writer for Prevention magazine, and then a freelance writer. She’s had hundreds of articles on nutrition and fitness published in consumer magazines and online.
She has a master's degree in psychology.
Aside from writing, Therese’s favorite things include music, art, crab legs, Whose Line is it Anyway?, dark chocolate, photography, unique movies and novels, people watching, strong Irish tea, and spending time with her husband, two kids and their bouncy Jack Russell.
Her debut novel, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, was published in 2009 by Shaye Areheart books (Random House), and became a Target Breakout Book.
Therese is the co-founder of Writer Unboxed, a blog for writers about the craft and business of fiction.
She is also the 'architectural' editor of Author in Progress, the first Writer Unboxed book, published by Writer's Digest in 2016.
Before turning to novels, Therese was a researcher and writer for Prevention magazine, and then a freelance writer. She’s had hundreds of articles on nutrition and fitness published in consumer magazines and online.
She has a master's degree in psychology.
Aside from writing, Therese’s favorite things include music, art, crab legs, Whose Line is it Anyway?, dark chocolate, photography, unique movies and novels, people watching, strong Irish tea, and spending time with her husband, two kids and their bouncy Jack Russell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
May 16, 2015
I loved writing this book, and I hope that you love reading it.
February 8, 2011
This story opens with a bang, when Maeve Leahy feels strangely compelled to attend an auction, and then to bid on and purchase a Javanese blade called a keris. I was immediately hooked, drawn into Maeve’s suddenly turbulent world.
We quickly glean that something tragic has happened with Maeve’s twin, Moira, and that the keris Maeve has purchased seems—at least to her—to possess a mystical power. The blade and the special bond the twins share both become apt metaphors over the course of the tale, relatable and adaptable. Walsh deftly entwines so many literary devices and techniques, I wondered briefly just what genre I had wandered into: mystery, paranormal, spiritual, romance—what was it? I quickly surmised it didn’t matter, and surrendered to be carried along on her lovely prose.
Indeed, very early on, I fell in love with reading this book. By that I mean I loved the actual process of reading it—not something that always happens for me, even with some books I end up liking. The primary, present-day storyline is carried by a sharp, first-person narrative from the point-of-view of Maeve herself. But this is pleasingly interspersed with a progressive back-story told, with a perfectly distanced third-person point-of-view, by her twin Moira. The style has a comforting cadence, but also builds an increasingly urgent tension.
This book has it all: a mysterious talisman with a dangerous side, a journey (actually a fine travelogue for Rome), a romance, a dark past, and spiritual revelation, all carefully woven into a satisfying story and an emotional journey for the reader. I found myself wondering if Walsh was actually a: twin, Javanese weapons expert, sailing aficionado, musician, travel agent, linguist, or all of the above. Most importantly, whether she is any or all of those, she is an exceptional and polished writer. Most would be shocked after reading it to learn Last Will is Walsh’s debut novel.
So do yourself a favor and buy this beautifully written, artfully woven, and emotionally powerful book.
We quickly glean that something tragic has happened with Maeve’s twin, Moira, and that the keris Maeve has purchased seems—at least to her—to possess a mystical power. The blade and the special bond the twins share both become apt metaphors over the course of the tale, relatable and adaptable. Walsh deftly entwines so many literary devices and techniques, I wondered briefly just what genre I had wandered into: mystery, paranormal, spiritual, romance—what was it? I quickly surmised it didn’t matter, and surrendered to be carried along on her lovely prose.
Indeed, very early on, I fell in love with reading this book. By that I mean I loved the actual process of reading it—not something that always happens for me, even with some books I end up liking. The primary, present-day storyline is carried by a sharp, first-person narrative from the point-of-view of Maeve herself. But this is pleasingly interspersed with a progressive back-story told, with a perfectly distanced third-person point-of-view, by her twin Moira. The style has a comforting cadence, but also builds an increasingly urgent tension.
This book has it all: a mysterious talisman with a dangerous side, a journey (actually a fine travelogue for Rome), a romance, a dark past, and spiritual revelation, all carefully woven into a satisfying story and an emotional journey for the reader. I found myself wondering if Walsh was actually a: twin, Javanese weapons expert, sailing aficionado, musician, travel agent, linguist, or all of the above. Most importantly, whether she is any or all of those, she is an exceptional and polished writer. Most would be shocked after reading it to learn Last Will is Walsh’s debut novel.
So do yourself a favor and buy this beautifully written, artfully woven, and emotionally powerful book.
August 8, 2010
Last week, I bought The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh. I’ve followed Therese’s blog, Writer Unboxed, for awhile, and I love supporting debut authors. There’s also been a buzz in the Tweetosphere about this book, so I couldn’t wait for Santa.
The Last Will is the story of twins, tragically separated by anger and jealousy, whose reunion is tied to a Javanese dagger, called a keris. The story moves between the present day–where the surviving twin, Maeve, struggles to find peace in her life–and the past, before the terrible night that forever altered their lives. The book is part mystery, part romance, and part ghost story.
I loved The Last Will, and finished it in a matter days. The pace was fast, but the story was richly layered. I enjoyed learning about the keris with Maeve Leahy, and watching her grow and change. I enjoyed the insight Walsh provided into the connection between twins. The supernatural elements of the book were handled well, and the end of the book came as a surprise, and was very satisfying.
I’m always interested in the connection of the arts and their influence on each other, so I was delighted to see Walsh’s references to music and literature in the book. I went searching online to hear some of the songs she mentioned (i. e. “Harlem Nocturn”, Mozart’s “Piano Concerto #20″…), and enjoyed the references to Jane Eyre .
I was most moved throughout the book by the refrain of the word “eling”– or “remember.” It reminded the reader over and over the importance of remembrance of the past, and ultimately, the state of Purgatory where one remains until forgiveness is achieved. It was a beautiful theme in the book, and will stick with me like the ring of a note from Moira’s piano.
Therese Walsh set the bar high for herself with her debut novel. I look forward to her next book.
The Last Will is the story of twins, tragically separated by anger and jealousy, whose reunion is tied to a Javanese dagger, called a keris. The story moves between the present day–where the surviving twin, Maeve, struggles to find peace in her life–and the past, before the terrible night that forever altered their lives. The book is part mystery, part romance, and part ghost story.
I loved The Last Will, and finished it in a matter days. The pace was fast, but the story was richly layered. I enjoyed learning about the keris with Maeve Leahy, and watching her grow and change. I enjoyed the insight Walsh provided into the connection between twins. The supernatural elements of the book were handled well, and the end of the book came as a surprise, and was very satisfying.
I’m always interested in the connection of the arts and their influence on each other, so I was delighted to see Walsh’s references to music and literature in the book. I went searching online to hear some of the songs she mentioned (i. e. “Harlem Nocturn”, Mozart’s “Piano Concerto #20″…), and enjoyed the references to Jane Eyre .
I was most moved throughout the book by the refrain of the word “eling”– or “remember.” It reminded the reader over and over the importance of remembrance of the past, and ultimately, the state of Purgatory where one remains until forgiveness is achieved. It was a beautiful theme in the book, and will stick with me like the ring of a note from Moira’s piano.
Therese Walsh set the bar high for herself with her debut novel. I look forward to her next book.
October 26, 2009
Moira and Maeve are twin sisters. Moira's life is taken in a tragic accident and it seems that a piece of Maeve has died with her. Maeve purchases a dagger that reminds her of the time she spent playing with her beloved sister. Maeve decides that it's time to start anew and moves into a new apartment. The dagger holds more power than Maeve could have ever imagined. She soon learns that there are secrets revolving around her sisters death and it's up to her to find the truth.
This is an emotional account of the love between sisters. Magically written and beautifully told, this is a timeless story that captivates you, mind, body and soul.
This is an emotional account of the love between sisters. Magically written and beautifully told, this is a timeless story that captivates you, mind, body and soul.
January 24, 2012
The Last Will of Moira Leahy is a captivating, haunting debut novel by Therese Walsh. This is a heart wrenching, soul searching story of grief and loss, as the surviving sister, Maeve, tries to reconcile herself to a life without her identical twin, Moira. Normally at this point I would say what genre this novel would fit into, however; The Last Will of Moira Leahy does not fit into any one specific category. Walsh wrote this novel much like knitting a multi-coloured sweater. It is not blue nor red nor purple but a pleasing blend of suspense, woman’s fiction, mysticism, coming-of-age story, romance, a journey and a sprinkling of the paranormal, while exploring the family dynamics of grief, as well as, the actions and reactions of those left behind. Beautifully written, The Last Will of Moira Leahy will reach in and squeeze your heart.
What makes a novel exceptional is not necessarily the story itself, but the manner and method used to construct the story. The Last Will of Moira Leahy is written in alternating first person current time and third person back story from 1995 to 2000; two separate story lines that build on each other in momentum and suspense. The pace of the story adds greatly to the suspense as all the right notes are pitch perfect. Walsh manages with both her lovely writing style and the manner in which she has constructed her novel, to demonstrate how family dynamics both pulls and pushes its members closer and further apart much like magnets as they can simultaneously attract and repulse.
Maeve’s story is from the first person view point in current time and is gripping in its description of isolation and loneliness, emphasizing oneness and being alone. The reader is confronted with a pervading sadness as we meet this character who is not only separated from her friends and family, but, from her true self as well. The Maeve we meet in the beginning of the novel does not stray from routine and has virtually erased herself to the point that she has bleached her once dramatic red hair. Once a musical protégée, Maeve has suppressed this talent and has been living an isolated life in academia as a professor of languages. She is haunted by sounds of piano music and dreams of little girls with red hair; Maeve fears for her own sanity. She quietly keeps these fears to herself. Maeve attends an auction to distract herself from her tragic memories of November and becomes obsessed with purchasing a Javanese dagger, keris. The keris is very similar to a knife that belonged to her grandfather lost years ago by herself and Moira playing pirate out in the bay in Castine, Maine. Reminded of happier times with Moira, Maeve forcefully bids and successfully purchases the keris. A note from the previous owner is later found with an invitation to Rome with the incentive to find out more about the meaning behind this specially carved blade. Completely out of character, Maeve embarks on a on a journey to Rome in search of the origins of the keris, only to be led on a journey of self discovery and healing.
The back story of Maeve and Moira’s childhood is told from Moira’s point of view, third person set at a distance, emphasizing the distance in time and place. As children Maeve and Moira are extremely close to the point that they feel each others emotions and pains, and even have their own language. Their mother wants the girls to have separate identities and emphasizes the difference between the girls. Adding stress to family life, the girl’s mother takes on the care of their grandfather after he suffers a stroke. Maeve becomes the talented fun loving twin and Moira the dependable home body, her mother’s good girl. As the girls enter adolescence, Moira, living in her sister’s shadow, begins to pull away from Maeve in a desperate search for a separate identity and self worth. Moira’s need to define herself and exert her own will in opposition to the expectations of both her mother and sister comes to a head when both girls become attracted to the same boy. Moira craves adventure, and, willfully, embarks on a secret romance. In doing so she must sever her most intimate relationship with her sister, Maeve.
The threads of the story weave together as Maeve, now in Rome, learns of the magical properties of the keris that mysteriously links to the past she has tried to forget. Notes are nailed to Maeve’s door with only the Javanese word eling, meaning remember. Maeve is joined by Noel, a long time friend and not quite yet a boyfriend. Afraid of becoming too close again to another, Maeve must confront her fears of intimacy as Maeve and Noel together search Rome for the previous, and now, elusive owner of the keris. More mysterious notes direct Maeve to different locations within the city where she finds painful memories of her tragic past along with the beautiful sites of Rome. The keris exerting its own will, leads Maeve back to remember and confront her past. Only in her memories of her sister, Moira, can Maeve find the forgiveness she needs to allow herself to let go of this past, and, the will to really live her life.
Even though the reader is well aware that Maeve lost her twin tragically at 16 from the very first page of the story, this is a novel of exquisite suspense as Walsh delivers a well paced story leading the reader irresistibly to the surprising conclusion. The book was impossible to put down. Walsh has written a wonderful story of grief and forgiveness, remembering and letting go. We would all be so lucky to have a magic knife or keris fly into our lives to cut through the illusions and delusions in which we surround ourselves, and help us clearly see our selves and those people who are most important to us, and; in doing so, help us find our own truth. Therese Walsh you are very talented and must write more books.
Highly Recommend.
What makes a novel exceptional is not necessarily the story itself, but the manner and method used to construct the story. The Last Will of Moira Leahy is written in alternating first person current time and third person back story from 1995 to 2000; two separate story lines that build on each other in momentum and suspense. The pace of the story adds greatly to the suspense as all the right notes are pitch perfect. Walsh manages with both her lovely writing style and the manner in which she has constructed her novel, to demonstrate how family dynamics both pulls and pushes its members closer and further apart much like magnets as they can simultaneously attract and repulse.
Maeve’s story is from the first person view point in current time and is gripping in its description of isolation and loneliness, emphasizing oneness and being alone. The reader is confronted with a pervading sadness as we meet this character who is not only separated from her friends and family, but, from her true self as well. The Maeve we meet in the beginning of the novel does not stray from routine and has virtually erased herself to the point that she has bleached her once dramatic red hair. Once a musical protégée, Maeve has suppressed this talent and has been living an isolated life in academia as a professor of languages. She is haunted by sounds of piano music and dreams of little girls with red hair; Maeve fears for her own sanity. She quietly keeps these fears to herself. Maeve attends an auction to distract herself from her tragic memories of November and becomes obsessed with purchasing a Javanese dagger, keris. The keris is very similar to a knife that belonged to her grandfather lost years ago by herself and Moira playing pirate out in the bay in Castine, Maine. Reminded of happier times with Moira, Maeve forcefully bids and successfully purchases the keris. A note from the previous owner is later found with an invitation to Rome with the incentive to find out more about the meaning behind this specially carved blade. Completely out of character, Maeve embarks on a on a journey to Rome in search of the origins of the keris, only to be led on a journey of self discovery and healing.
The back story of Maeve and Moira’s childhood is told from Moira’s point of view, third person set at a distance, emphasizing the distance in time and place. As children Maeve and Moira are extremely close to the point that they feel each others emotions and pains, and even have their own language. Their mother wants the girls to have separate identities and emphasizes the difference between the girls. Adding stress to family life, the girl’s mother takes on the care of their grandfather after he suffers a stroke. Maeve becomes the talented fun loving twin and Moira the dependable home body, her mother’s good girl. As the girls enter adolescence, Moira, living in her sister’s shadow, begins to pull away from Maeve in a desperate search for a separate identity and self worth. Moira’s need to define herself and exert her own will in opposition to the expectations of both her mother and sister comes to a head when both girls become attracted to the same boy. Moira craves adventure, and, willfully, embarks on a secret romance. In doing so she must sever her most intimate relationship with her sister, Maeve.
The threads of the story weave together as Maeve, now in Rome, learns of the magical properties of the keris that mysteriously links to the past she has tried to forget. Notes are nailed to Maeve’s door with only the Javanese word eling, meaning remember. Maeve is joined by Noel, a long time friend and not quite yet a boyfriend. Afraid of becoming too close again to another, Maeve must confront her fears of intimacy as Maeve and Noel together search Rome for the previous, and now, elusive owner of the keris. More mysterious notes direct Maeve to different locations within the city where she finds painful memories of her tragic past along with the beautiful sites of Rome. The keris exerting its own will, leads Maeve back to remember and confront her past. Only in her memories of her sister, Moira, can Maeve find the forgiveness she needs to allow herself to let go of this past, and, the will to really live her life.
Even though the reader is well aware that Maeve lost her twin tragically at 16 from the very first page of the story, this is a novel of exquisite suspense as Walsh delivers a well paced story leading the reader irresistibly to the surprising conclusion. The book was impossible to put down. Walsh has written a wonderful story of grief and forgiveness, remembering and letting go. We would all be so lucky to have a magic knife or keris fly into our lives to cut through the illusions and delusions in which we surround ourselves, and help us clearly see our selves and those people who are most important to us, and; in doing so, help us find our own truth. Therese Walsh you are very talented and must write more books.
Highly Recommend.
October 19, 2009
Twin sisters, Moira and Maeve were inseparable. They shared a bond that only twins could share. Though Maeve has the ability to sense when bad things were going to happen to the people she loved. It was almost like she was cursed. I mean...would you want the ability to know that something was going to happen and you may not be able to prevent it.
As Moira and Maeve grew up; Maeve became the popular one that everyone wanted to hang out with. Moira was known as the boring one. Moira developed a crush on a boy. Unfortunately, he wanted Maeve.
A terrible accident happened to Moira. That was nine years ago. Since than Maeve has not been back home. One day while at an auction. Maeve feels drawn to a dagger. She buys it. Instantly she experiences a connection to it. It is like it is talking to her. Whatever is happening to Maeve is causing her to re-live her past and that fateful day.
The Last Will of Moira Leahy is author, Theresa Walsh's debut novel. I have to say that after reading this book, I would never have known it was her first. It reads like it is Mrs. Walsh's sixth novel. I was spellbound and amazed in a good way. From other books that I have read, when one sister becomes jealous of another one, it is because the other one is very self-absorbed and steals the spotlight. This in my opinion was not the case between Maeve and her twin sister, Moira. I loved both Moira and Maeve. At first I thought Maeve was the stronger of the two sisters but after reading this book, I realized that Moira was braver. I liked that this story was both modern mixed with a little bit of paranormal elements. Just like the cover, this book made me think of a beautiful water orchestra. The Last Will of Moira Leahy is one of the best books I have read for 2009. Theresa Walsh is going on my must read authors list.
As Moira and Maeve grew up; Maeve became the popular one that everyone wanted to hang out with. Moira was known as the boring one. Moira developed a crush on a boy. Unfortunately, he wanted Maeve.
A terrible accident happened to Moira. That was nine years ago. Since than Maeve has not been back home. One day while at an auction. Maeve feels drawn to a dagger. She buys it. Instantly she experiences a connection to it. It is like it is talking to her. Whatever is happening to Maeve is causing her to re-live her past and that fateful day.
The Last Will of Moira Leahy is author, Theresa Walsh's debut novel. I have to say that after reading this book, I would never have known it was her first. It reads like it is Mrs. Walsh's sixth novel. I was spellbound and amazed in a good way. From other books that I have read, when one sister becomes jealous of another one, it is because the other one is very self-absorbed and steals the spotlight. This in my opinion was not the case between Maeve and her twin sister, Moira. I loved both Moira and Maeve. At first I thought Maeve was the stronger of the two sisters but after reading this book, I realized that Moira was braver. I liked that this story was both modern mixed with a little bit of paranormal elements. Just like the cover, this book made me think of a beautiful water orchestra. The Last Will of Moira Leahy is one of the best books I have read for 2009. Theresa Walsh is going on my must read authors list.
August 30, 2010
Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down! I can’t remember the last time I left out an audible gasp when reading … but toward the end of this fast-rolling story, it happened multiple times. How? Walsh unveiled details at just the right times throughout the novel, willing me to turn the page until I knew more.
I was drawn in to the “mystery” surrounding two twins, their bond, their loss, and the allure of an item purchased at an auction house. This story plumbs the depths of family love and psychological trauma while exploring the importance of “living in the moment.” Beautifully written, excellent symbolism and imagery, artful thematic presentation. The concurrent double storylines from past and present are expertly orchestrated (no small feat, I would imagine!) Great debut novel; it conveys the craft of a seasoned novelist.
I was drawn in to the “mystery” surrounding two twins, their bond, their loss, and the allure of an item purchased at an auction house. This story plumbs the depths of family love and psychological trauma while exploring the importance of “living in the moment.” Beautifully written, excellent symbolism and imagery, artful thematic presentation. The concurrent double storylines from past and present are expertly orchestrated (no small feat, I would imagine!) Great debut novel; it conveys the craft of a seasoned novelist.
May 16, 2015
Newly rereleased in ebook format. Love this book and check out the fantastic cover!
September 26, 2012
This riveting novel of self realization and forgiveness was definitely worth reading. Although the beginning was confusing and slightly difficult to follow, as soon as I reached the second chapter I was hooked. I especially enjoyed reading the anecdotes that Ms. Walsh inserted at the end of every chapter that linked back to the twins’ past. It was like reading a mystery where I had to keep flipping the pages to find out what happens next, or why Maeve acts a certain way. Thinking back now, I suppose it was like starting at two different ends of a rope and slowly unraveling each end until I reach the reconciliation in the middle and reveal the whole story. In the beginning of the novel, Maeve seems like an introverted character. Little of her is known at the start, except that she finds fascination in a certain keris at an auction, and that she has bleached her hair until it reached an almost-white color. At the end of the novel, Maeve is slowly turning back into the person she used to be, before Moira’s accident. The central conflict in this book is Maeve’s struggle to move on from her sister’s accident. In addition, she fights to suppress anything within her that links to her past, such as the musical notes she hears, or the urge to create music again. The theme of this novel is that sibling bonds are stronger than anything else, and that forgiving someone’s mistakes allows one to move on. In this novel, the theme is shown in the scene when Maeve communicates with Moira’s spirit through the keris. Moira urges Maeve to move on with her life and to forgive her for her mistakes. Some symbols and motifs present in this novel are music and the keris. The music symbolizes Maeve’s inability to accept her sister’s death and the connection between Maeve and Moira. The keris, too, represents the sisters’ bond. Ms. Walsh has a very eloquent and descriptive writing style that ultimately compels readers to experience the emotions of both the sisters in riveting ways. “…I’ve felt the span of that month like no other, as if each of the calendar’s thirty perfect little squares split in two on the page…November always lingered, though, crackling under the foot of my memory like dead leaves” (Walsh 3). This particular passage, the opening of the novel, creates a sense of despair and longing that allows readers to experience the emotions of Maeve. Another quote, “The puppets that had charmed me weeks ago now dangled by their necks, their legs ripped off, cut off, burned, their brass tubes bent” (Walsh 247), utilizes profound imagery that allows readers to visualize exactly what things look like. Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel to other people, because this novel was not only written eloquently, but it also allowed me to feel a range of emotions that I used to reflect on my own personal life.
September 8, 2010
This is a book that was hard to classify. I don't often give a book 5 stars, and I usually base my rating on how I feel when I finish the book, and then a few days later. I still feel the same about this one.
When I first saw this book, I assumed the "Last Will.." to be "the last will and testament...", but as you read you discover that it is not a document. It didn't 'catch' me right off, it took a couple of chapters for me to figure our who everyone was and get settled in but I am glad that I kept reading.
What I liked:
1. The chapters trade between 'present' day, and Maeve & Moira ages 10-16. The chapters of their youth always begin with the month(s) it covers and the age they are at the time.
2. Maeve & Moira are identical twins, but their mother wants them to grow as individuals. In some ways that works, but in others it backfires. At one time they had their own language, as they grew they could read each others thoughts and feelings. Through the chapters of their youth, we watch the gradual change in their close relationship.
3. The author keeps the pace of the story continually moving, yet not so fast as to feel rushed. We slowly learn about the past as Maeve slowly learns to move ahead and come to terms with it. We don't even find out what happened to Moira until 200+ pages into the story.
4. Scenes that could have been graphic were well written as to give enough information, but not make me say, "Why did she have to put that in here!?!" Thank you Ms. Walsh.
5. Maeve's grief is portrayed through her person. She was a feisty, vivacious red-head. Now she bleaches all color from her shortened hair, spurns any attention from men, refuses to return home, and spends her time between her apartment and her small office - as a university professor of languages.
6. I REALLY appreciated how the author incorporated the foreign languages. I hate when foreign phrases are used, and I never know what is being said! In this novel the English translation follows the phrase, and is woven in so seemlessly that it never feels awkward.
7. The energy driving the story continues through the end. Some books I've read lately seem to come to an end before the words run out. That, or, the final chapters are superfluous or anti-climactic. This one had me going until the very last.
Things I didn't like:
1. The character of Ermanno was creepy. His actions do play an important part in Maeve's self-discovery, but he was just a bit too much for me.
2. There was one scene, near the end, that was very 'mystical' and in some ways put me off, but not enough for me to dislike the overall story.
When I first saw this book, I assumed the "Last Will.." to be "the last will and testament...", but as you read you discover that it is not a document. It didn't 'catch' me right off, it took a couple of chapters for me to figure our who everyone was and get settled in but I am glad that I kept reading.
What I liked:
1. The chapters trade between 'present' day, and Maeve & Moira ages 10-16. The chapters of their youth always begin with the month(s) it covers and the age they are at the time.
2. Maeve & Moira are identical twins, but their mother wants them to grow as individuals. In some ways that works, but in others it backfires. At one time they had their own language, as they grew they could read each others thoughts and feelings. Through the chapters of their youth, we watch the gradual change in their close relationship.
3. The author keeps the pace of the story continually moving, yet not so fast as to feel rushed. We slowly learn about the past as Maeve slowly learns to move ahead and come to terms with it. We don't even find out what happened to Moira until 200+ pages into the story.
4. Scenes that could have been graphic were well written as to give enough information, but not make me say, "Why did she have to put that in here!?!" Thank you Ms. Walsh.
5. Maeve's grief is portrayed through her person. She was a feisty, vivacious red-head. Now she bleaches all color from her shortened hair, spurns any attention from men, refuses to return home, and spends her time between her apartment and her small office - as a university professor of languages.
6. I REALLY appreciated how the author incorporated the foreign languages. I hate when foreign phrases are used, and I never know what is being said! In this novel the English translation follows the phrase, and is woven in so seemlessly that it never feels awkward.
7. The energy driving the story continues through the end. Some books I've read lately seem to come to an end before the words run out. That, or, the final chapters are superfluous or anti-climactic. This one had me going until the very last.
Things I didn't like:
1. The character of Ermanno was creepy. His actions do play an important part in Maeve's self-discovery, but he was just a bit too much for me.
2. There was one scene, near the end, that was very 'mystical' and in some ways put me off, but not enough for me to dislike the overall story.
February 24, 2010
This book has all the elements I like -- mystery, suspense, family drama, mysticism, and a little romance. It's a real page-turner with lovely writing, a welcome combination. I didn't give it five stars because of a few minor annoyances. I found the main character Maeve's voice to be overly frenetic and disjointed at times. I know this was undoubtedly intentional to convey her psychological distress, but I thought she was a bit overwrought and the narration jumpy. I would have liked more interaction with the Javanese empu, a type of shaman, for he was one of the most interesting, but neglected, characters. It seemed odd that the villain would be related to him, and the whole Italian/Javanese connection seemed forced. Did the author just pick Rome for an exotic locale where Maeve, on unfamiliar and dangerous territory, could exhibit her language skills? The setting in Castine, Maine, on the other hand, was a wonderful choice. Having spent time there myself, I know that this tiny coastal town offers exceptional beauty, a long history, and friendly people, and I could easily imagine Maeve and her twin sister Moira growing up there. The parts of the book set here (told in third person rather than first like the majority of the book) seemed the most real. In general, it was a good story how a young woman, who suppressed her passion (music), her true self, and her ability to connect to others because of a family tragedy, finds redemption.
May 9, 2013
Maeve and Moira--which is which? Twins and for at least a quarter of the book I had to keep going back to figure out which one was doing what. Once I got the rhythm of what was going on in their rivalries, jealousies, secrets, relationships etc I really liked the book very much. Wasn't terribly surprised by one revelation, which I'LL keep a secret so as not to spoil it for any other reader. The imagery is beautiful, the story of a keris is interesting, the emotions of the characters are realistic and the reader can feel and understand them. If the reader has a sibling, even if not a twin, many of the events of growing up together and moving into adulthood apart and together are ones with which he or she can relate.
October 13, 2016
I feel very fortunate that the last 3 books I've read have far exceeded my expectations. The writing in them is fantastic. The Last Will of Moria Leahy is in good company.
This is a love story of twin sisters and the eternal bond they share. The story is thoughtful and well executed, and full of surprises. Maeve is a compelling protagonist who plays the sax and speaks many languages. Another surprise is the liberal dose of mysticism. Many a strange happenings occur—Maeve encounters an Italian man, Ermanno who's behavior was particularly unnerving, and she dreams constantly, not only when she sleeps, but when she's awake also. And, all her dreams are heavily steeped in symbolism.
I look forward to reading more of Therese Walsh's writing.
This is a love story of twin sisters and the eternal bond they share. The story is thoughtful and well executed, and full of surprises. Maeve is a compelling protagonist who plays the sax and speaks many languages. Another surprise is the liberal dose of mysticism. Many a strange happenings occur—Maeve encounters an Italian man, Ermanno who's behavior was particularly unnerving, and she dreams constantly, not only when she sleeps, but when she's awake also. And, all her dreams are heavily steeped in symbolism.
I look forward to reading more of Therese Walsh's writing.
May 21, 2011
I went to a book group and met this author. I loved discussing the book with her. This is a great story, had a few twists, and was a good, quick read. It was touching without making me cry--my favorite combination.
December 11, 2018
The relationship between identical twin sisters and the tragedy that splits them apart is at the heart of Therese Walsh's debut novel. Read more about this book in my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2016/09/1...
January 6, 2021
4.5 stars. Loved this book and it was a great one to start the new year. Quick and enjoyable page turner with good writing and dialogue between the characters. Had a little bit of everything for a relatively short book but it was done well – coming of age, love, loss, grief, regret, family dysfunction, mystery and even a little supernatural mixed in. Interesting story about the bond of twin sisters and I loved the mysticism of the Javanese keris dagger and all the historical elements related to it. I actually purchased a mini dagger after I read the book with the hope that maybe it will bring me some positive vibes and powers to start the new year and help to (paraphrasing a little here) “chop away at the bonds of my soul to let me live how I should” like it helped Maeve to do.
I also enjoyed the Rome setting in the present day part of the story and the references to certain pieces of art and traditions. Loved learning about the older tradition in Italy of literally “throwing out the old” on New Year’s Eve at midnight when people would (and maybe still do) throw old things out their windows – like pots, pans, furniture, appliances, etc. Love that idea. Also enjoyed the musical and literary (specifically Jane Eyre) references. I listened to Franz Liszt’s Liebestraume, notturno No. 3 a bunch of times – “a piece about love, holding onto it for as long as you’re able – for lost love is wretched.”
A few lines I noted:
He didn’t like anything that verified he lived in the twenty-first century.
Stars are up there. Can’t see them all the time, but they’re there, day and night, fair weather or gale.
She hated her jealousy, the way it heaved on her like a sickness, but she couldn’t seem to stop it.
Never ignore the leaks, Moira.
I also enjoyed the Rome setting in the present day part of the story and the references to certain pieces of art and traditions. Loved learning about the older tradition in Italy of literally “throwing out the old” on New Year’s Eve at midnight when people would (and maybe still do) throw old things out their windows – like pots, pans, furniture, appliances, etc. Love that idea. Also enjoyed the musical and literary (specifically Jane Eyre) references. I listened to Franz Liszt’s Liebestraume, notturno No. 3 a bunch of times – “a piece about love, holding onto it for as long as you’re able – for lost love is wretched.”
A few lines I noted:
He didn’t like anything that verified he lived in the twenty-first century.
Stars are up there. Can’t see them all the time, but they’re there, day and night, fair weather or gale.
She hated her jealousy, the way it heaved on her like a sickness, but she couldn’t seem to stop it.
Never ignore the leaks, Moira.
December 21, 2010
Oh Moira, oh Maeve! So much love, so much hate, such a deep connection...
This review will be a bit off of my normal way, I'm sorry, but I really loved this book. And not just "wha an amazing book" but a strong feeling of caring and loving the characters and what they've achieved, how much they advanced, grown and changed.
I can't think of negative parts or possible issues, so forgive me! Forgive me if you read the book and find the issues that I, so in love, ignored, but my eys didn'r see them, the ugly is beautiful on the eyes of those in love with it.
“The Last Will of Moira Leahy” is the first novel by Therese Walsh, american and a sweetheart.
I met Therese on a Facebook giveaway, named "let's make these books bestsellers" along with 50 oher writers, each donated 2 copies of their books and I ended up winning two copies of another author's book (Receive me Falling, read the review here), but I kept in touch with Therese, who ended up sending me two copies of her book.
I was a bit nervous before starting to read it, since drama isn't REALLY my favorite gender. Historical romances, Sci fi, fantasy, so much that I love, but drama... But Last Will really caught me (wow really? Could barely notice it). The book tells the story of Moira and Maeve Leahy, redheaded twins, so alike and so different, in two moments, one through their childhood and early teen years and anoher following Maeve, after she lost Moira.
After a while, actually, way after half of the book, we find out what happened to Moira, although from the first page the impact it has on Maeve is obvious, she dyes her hair and does't look in the mirror, so she doesn't see Moira, she does't play the sax anymore (and she used to play it very well, and was recording a demo tape to send to recording companis) and doesn't listen to music, so she doesn't have to remember Moira (or at last that's the clearest explanation, but there are others).
When they were young, Moira was more shy and Maeve was more daring, more sensitive (could feel when bad things were going to happen), while the "After Maeve" as she categorizes herself, has no friends, is retracted, only works and works, having some sort of relationship only to Noel, who is the grandson of the owner of an antiques shop, but is "only a buddy" according to her, despite being clear that she does have feelings for him.
The story begins with Maeve finding, in an auction, a dagger, a Keris, that is just like the one she lost when she was a child, playing pirate, and she buys it, almost hipnotized. Noel is in Europe, looking for his mother and she can't ask him for advice, but strange things start to happen, like notes and books that show up nailed to her office door and she starting to dream and remember things she doesn't want to remmber. And then she goes to Rome. I won't tell how or why, I think that's part of the fun, or what happens there, as it would be major spoiling.
Do I have to repeat that I loved the story? Moira and Maeve have such a beautiful relationship and so different from After Maeve that you wonder what happened and under which circunstances she lost Moira or why her mom acts very irrationally and never goes to isit her, for example.
When we meet Noel and see his interaction wth Maeve, we pity them both, because they are both so troubled only because they can't let go, they can't move on... For wanting so bad but being afraid of wanting, because wanting hurts...
Well, don't want to talk about the plot anymore, I don't want to spoil it, but I can tell you rthat it managed to suprise me, I imagined something and something else happened, which doesn't happen often, can usually, at least, have an idea of what's happening....
But I really wanted you to feel this emotion, the characters are so real, so plausible, you can touch them, feel them, imagine them daily, you can see characteristics of people around you in them, or even parts of your own personality.
Each moment, each discovery of each of he sisters is lived closely, as ifyou were feeling the same thing. And here, think I must say, that the part where they are young is narrated by Moira and the "After Maeve" is narrated by herself or by an external narrator, some parts are not very clear, meaning you have everyone's point of view.
I'll stop here, because this review is huge, but I'll leave the invitation, as Therese has left before.... Let's make this book a bestseller! Because it deserves it.
This review will be a bit off of my normal way, I'm sorry, but I really loved this book. And not just "wha an amazing book" but a strong feeling of caring and loving the characters and what they've achieved, how much they advanced, grown and changed.
I can't think of negative parts or possible issues, so forgive me! Forgive me if you read the book and find the issues that I, so in love, ignored, but my eys didn'r see them, the ugly is beautiful on the eyes of those in love with it.
“The Last Will of Moira Leahy” is the first novel by Therese Walsh, american and a sweetheart.
I met Therese on a Facebook giveaway, named "let's make these books bestsellers" along with 50 oher writers, each donated 2 copies of their books and I ended up winning two copies of another author's book (Receive me Falling, read the review here), but I kept in touch with Therese, who ended up sending me two copies of her book.
I was a bit nervous before starting to read it, since drama isn't REALLY my favorite gender. Historical romances, Sci fi, fantasy, so much that I love, but drama... But Last Will really caught me (wow really? Could barely notice it). The book tells the story of Moira and Maeve Leahy, redheaded twins, so alike and so different, in two moments, one through their childhood and early teen years and anoher following Maeve, after she lost Moira.
After a while, actually, way after half of the book, we find out what happened to Moira, although from the first page the impact it has on Maeve is obvious, she dyes her hair and does't look in the mirror, so she doesn't see Moira, she does't play the sax anymore (and she used to play it very well, and was recording a demo tape to send to recording companis) and doesn't listen to music, so she doesn't have to remember Moira (or at last that's the clearest explanation, but there are others).
When they were young, Moira was more shy and Maeve was more daring, more sensitive (could feel when bad things were going to happen), while the "After Maeve" as she categorizes herself, has no friends, is retracted, only works and works, having some sort of relationship only to Noel, who is the grandson of the owner of an antiques shop, but is "only a buddy" according to her, despite being clear that she does have feelings for him.
The story begins with Maeve finding, in an auction, a dagger, a Keris, that is just like the one she lost when she was a child, playing pirate, and she buys it, almost hipnotized. Noel is in Europe, looking for his mother and she can't ask him for advice, but strange things start to happen, like notes and books that show up nailed to her office door and she starting to dream and remember things she doesn't want to remmber. And then she goes to Rome. I won't tell how or why, I think that's part of the fun, or what happens there, as it would be major spoiling.
Do I have to repeat that I loved the story? Moira and Maeve have such a beautiful relationship and so different from After Maeve that you wonder what happened and under which circunstances she lost Moira or why her mom acts very irrationally and never goes to isit her, for example.
When we meet Noel and see his interaction wth Maeve, we pity them both, because they are both so troubled only because they can't let go, they can't move on... For wanting so bad but being afraid of wanting, because wanting hurts...
Well, don't want to talk about the plot anymore, I don't want to spoil it, but I can tell you rthat it managed to suprise me, I imagined something and something else happened, which doesn't happen often, can usually, at least, have an idea of what's happening....
But I really wanted you to feel this emotion, the characters are so real, so plausible, you can touch them, feel them, imagine them daily, you can see characteristics of people around you in them, or even parts of your own personality.
Each moment, each discovery of each of he sisters is lived closely, as ifyou were feeling the same thing. And here, think I must say, that the part where they are young is narrated by Moira and the "After Maeve" is narrated by herself or by an external narrator, some parts are not very clear, meaning you have everyone's point of view.
I'll stop here, because this review is huge, but I'll leave the invitation, as Therese has left before.... Let's make this book a bestseller! Because it deserves it.
March 26, 2011
The Last Will of Moira Leahy for me is quite a difficult read, in a good way. I was easily immersed in the story, intrigued and the whole summary really got me intrigued. It started quite slow though, with Maeve keep herself so tight and avoiding to tell us what's going on with her. She's mysterious, which made me don't understand her but it kind of weird when I think she's so connected with me as the story goes on. Walsh deserves credit for writing a character whose personality leaps off the page. There were so many times in this novel that I thought I knew exactly what action Maeve was going to make, and eventually twisting the book's journey. I got surprised a lot by Maeve, which always turned me down when I was wrong.
So when she got the keris, everything went back to her and she wants to discover the truth behind it. I don't think I ever read something like this before; a mix of mystical and mysteries in a contemporary fiction. I was fascinated by the keris itself, because I myself has Javanese blood (even my fiancee is Javanese). Keris for real has mystical power which holds thousands mysteries to the owner of one. As that being said, I kind of truly understand the connection of the keris and Maeve's past. If you don't know this, when you read the book, there will be the part where you will learn the truth of the keris function in the story. You maybe think it's nothing but I got the chill on my spine. So this book got me an impact.
There's some flash backs of Moira and Maeve that told us how close they were and how they became apart. It tells a lot even though it's less than two pages each time. The bond of twins fascinated me, which I truly adored their relationship, mostly when they can read or block their mind on each other. However, because of some tragedy, Maeve became the Maeve we know right now in the book; well-kept, mysterious, hurt, and pessimistic. I wish she could enjoy her life because she really deserves it. Not to waste it for nearly a decade after her sister's death.
And I love Noel! (thank God there's some romance in it!). I thought the book would be a heavy and depressing read after all. Noel is tender, gentle and a great guy. He waited for Maeve for as long as he knows her. And funny too. In this, I was glad for Maeve, Noel is someone who will complete her. Teenage Moira was the best. I don't know why, but I think I love her wittiness and how she wants to do what she wants despite of being so different from Maeve like their mother wants. I dislike her mother for separating their likeness into something so-called identities just because she can't tell which is which between the twin.
That being said, I like the book so much. Walsh really did an excellent job bringing the mysteries of keris and a woman's past that we keep pondering until Walsh ties the two threads together beautifully at the end of the book. There's a bit of suspense elements, but it kind of worked okay to me. But I cried when I learned the truth and how she and Moira let go the worst past in their life and forgave the person who come between them. This book was ultimately about healing from grief, siblings relationships, and about remembering past and yet letting it go forever. Highly recommended.
So when she got the keris, everything went back to her and she wants to discover the truth behind it. I don't think I ever read something like this before; a mix of mystical and mysteries in a contemporary fiction. I was fascinated by the keris itself, because I myself has Javanese blood (even my fiancee is Javanese). Keris for real has mystical power which holds thousands mysteries to the owner of one. As that being said, I kind of truly understand the connection of the keris and Maeve's past. If you don't know this, when you read the book, there will be the part where you will learn the truth of the keris function in the story. You maybe think it's nothing but I got the chill on my spine. So this book got me an impact.
There's some flash backs of Moira and Maeve that told us how close they were and how they became apart. It tells a lot even though it's less than two pages each time. The bond of twins fascinated me, which I truly adored their relationship, mostly when they can read or block their mind on each other. However, because of some tragedy, Maeve became the Maeve we know right now in the book; well-kept, mysterious, hurt, and pessimistic. I wish she could enjoy her life because she really deserves it. Not to waste it for nearly a decade after her sister's death.
And I love Noel! (thank God there's some romance in it!). I thought the book would be a heavy and depressing read after all. Noel is tender, gentle and a great guy. He waited for Maeve for as long as he knows her. And funny too. In this, I was glad for Maeve, Noel is someone who will complete her. Teenage Moira was the best. I don't know why, but I think I love her wittiness and how she wants to do what she wants despite of being so different from Maeve like their mother wants. I dislike her mother for separating their likeness into something so-called identities just because she can't tell which is which between the twin.
That being said, I like the book so much. Walsh really did an excellent job bringing the mysteries of keris and a woman's past that we keep pondering until Walsh ties the two threads together beautifully at the end of the book. There's a bit of suspense elements, but it kind of worked okay to me. But I cried when I learned the truth and how she and Moira let go the worst past in their life and forgave the person who come between them. This book was ultimately about healing from grief, siblings relationships, and about remembering past and yet letting it go forever. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2012
Therese Walsh’s The Last Will of Moira Leahy is a compelling account of one girl’s struggle to overcome the grief of losing her twin sister. Overall, I personally found the book very intriguing to read and certainly very interesting. Walsh’s use of flashbacks and out-of-time sequences makes the reader crave to hear more of Maeve and Moira’s story, while the mystery and intrigue of Maeve’s journey to Rome with the keris sparks a different kind of interest. I found the highlight of the novel to be when Moira’s full story is revealed; the twists and turns continue on from there and build up to a profound and memorable ending. Maeve and Moira’s story and their development as characters played out wonderfully as the reader is exposed more and more to Maeve’s reasons for the grief and pain that has dominated her for so long. Throughout the novel it often seems as if the central conflict is within Maeve, she is fighting against herself and her struggle to let go of her past dominates her present. However, Walsh also includes the conflict between Maeve and Ian, Maeve and her mother, and Maeve and Moira. This adds to the dynamic between characters and allows for more contribution of these characters to the overall storyline. Another important aspect of this novel was its theme, which explored the grief of losing a loved one. Walsh achieved this by building a strong connection between Maeve and Moira in the beginning of the novel and focusing on the incredible amount of pain that comes with the severing of that bond and the pain of living on without it. I believe that the development of the theme displays Walsh’s ability to write thoughtfully and intricately. She displays a unique style throughout the novel. For example, “What would it be like to be in a coma? What would it be like to die and still breathe and breathe and breathe? My vision flashed white, to an image or me or Moira – one of us – seconds away from stabbing her shadow, and I knew even as my throat coated with acid. Like purgatory”. Her poetic and thought-provoking writing style is full of dense meaning that never allows for a dull moment. Yet another example of this can be seen when Walsh delves deep into the thoughts of Moira in relation to her actions, “Moira despised herself, too – for the choices she’d made and the damage she’d done, the damage her lies would still do. Maybe hating herself had made it easier, somehow, to do it all in the first place – actions that required no pride or sense of self-worth”. All in all, I would certainly recommend this book for others to read.
May 14, 2010
Moira Leahy always struggled growing up in the shadows of her wildly talented and fun-loving twin sister, Maeve. In the fall of their sixteenth year, Moira falls in love with a boy named Ian. What she quickly realizes though is that Ian’s love is meant for Maeve,and once again Moira feels as though she is in Maeve's shadow. Thanks to being identical, she can easily pass herself off as Maeve to receive Ian’s affection. They meet secretly at night and Ian falls deeper and deeper in love with Maeve…never knowing that he is actually meeting Moira.
Secrets are hard to keep from a twin sister, and Moira has to make a conscious effort to block Maeve from reading her thoughts and discovering her secret. When the lies become too much, a fateful
accident occurs that changes Moira and Mave’s lives forever.
Now grown, Maeve has become a workaholic and professor of languages at a small college in upstate New York. She dreams often of her twin and is haunted by what happened that fateful night. She is detached from everyone in her life, but one night an auction changes her life.
At the auction a keris (a Javenese dagger) is put up for auction and it reminds Maeve of the long lost days of playing pirates with her sister. An uncontrollable urge to win it, whatever the cost, allows her to be the proud owner of the keris.
This dagger takes her on a wild adventure to Rome, to discover its origin and ultimately, to find a love that she thought she lost. Her adventure is full of magic, mystery, love lost, and love found. It is a story of self-discovery through an unlikely antique that will take the reader on a lovely little ride.
The beginning was a slow build for me, the middle was fast-paced and exciting, the ending a little long, but full of great twists that surpr ised me. It was a fantastically solid read from a brand new author,whom I discovered through GoodReads by author Allison Winn Scotch (a personal favorite of mine).
What I love even more though was that Therese is also a tweeter and I received several sweet tweets from her when she saw that I was reading her book. There is something special about an author that engages like that and I am excited to not only get the opportunity to share about her book, but also engage with her personally.
A fantastic debut and I look forward to reading more from Therese Walsh.
Secrets are hard to keep from a twin sister, and Moira has to make a conscious effort to block Maeve from reading her thoughts and discovering her secret. When the lies become too much, a fateful
accident occurs that changes Moira and Mave’s lives forever.
Now grown, Maeve has become a workaholic and professor of languages at a small college in upstate New York. She dreams often of her twin and is haunted by what happened that fateful night. She is detached from everyone in her life, but one night an auction changes her life.
At the auction a keris (a Javenese dagger) is put up for auction and it reminds Maeve of the long lost days of playing pirates with her sister. An uncontrollable urge to win it, whatever the cost, allows her to be the proud owner of the keris.
This dagger takes her on a wild adventure to Rome, to discover its origin and ultimately, to find a love that she thought she lost. Her adventure is full of magic, mystery, love lost, and love found. It is a story of self-discovery through an unlikely antique that will take the reader on a lovely little ride.
The beginning was a slow build for me, the middle was fast-paced and exciting, the ending a little long, but full of great twists that surpr ised me. It was a fantastically solid read from a brand new author,whom I discovered through GoodReads by author Allison Winn Scotch (a personal favorite of mine).
What I love even more though was that Therese is also a tweeter and I received several sweet tweets from her when she saw that I was reading her book. There is something special about an author that engages like that and I am excited to not only get the opportunity to share about her book, but also engage with her personally.
A fantastic debut and I look forward to reading more from Therese Walsh.
March 29, 2010
When we meet Maeve Leahy in the opening chapters of the book, it is clear that she is only half-living her life. She bleaches all color out of her hair, denying her natural vibrant red, and the case to her beloved saxophone resides under her bed, out of sight. She has almost no social life and spurns the advances of men. And she is tormented by the music of a piano playing in her mind, along with a scratchy sound that resembles radio static. Her roommate Kit urges her to see a neurologist, but Maeve knows that these haunting sounds are “remnants of a previous life.”
Interspersed with the narrative of the grown-up Maeve Leahy are glimpses of her life growing up in Maine with her twin sister Moira. Reading these interludes, readers understand just how much Maeve has changed – and lost. Young Maeve is a firebrand, a lively and outgoing child full of life, a musical prodigy. It is her twin sister Moira, with whom she shares a psychic bond, who is the shy, tentative, reflective one.
When the adult Maeve buys a keris, an Indonesian dagger often thought to have spiritual awareness, at an auction house, she inadvertently launches herself on a journey into her own past. The keris reminds her of a blade she lost as a child, and when a book on Javanese weaponry is nailed to her door, she realizes that someone has been following her ever since she acquired the blade. Maeve’s search for meaning in the blade will lead her to Rome – and possibly into the arms of the man she has loved for years. Meanwhile, the interspersed chapters from her past slowly reveal to the reader how shy Moira’s attempts to break out of her timid character ultimately led her to disaster.
Therese Walsh has written a beautiful debut novel, full of vibrant characters who will haunt you. Maeve’s past – her relationship with her sister, her mother, the boy-next-door -- is heart-rending, but so is her present, in which she denies part of her own soul as some sort of penance for past mistakes. We root for Maeve to come to terms with her loss, to open herself to the man she so obviously loves, and meanwhile we read on hungrily, waiting to discover exactly what happened to Moira and what she has “willed” to her beloved sister.
Interspersed with the narrative of the grown-up Maeve Leahy are glimpses of her life growing up in Maine with her twin sister Moira. Reading these interludes, readers understand just how much Maeve has changed – and lost. Young Maeve is a firebrand, a lively and outgoing child full of life, a musical prodigy. It is her twin sister Moira, with whom she shares a psychic bond, who is the shy, tentative, reflective one.
When the adult Maeve buys a keris, an Indonesian dagger often thought to have spiritual awareness, at an auction house, she inadvertently launches herself on a journey into her own past. The keris reminds her of a blade she lost as a child, and when a book on Javanese weaponry is nailed to her door, she realizes that someone has been following her ever since she acquired the blade. Maeve’s search for meaning in the blade will lead her to Rome – and possibly into the arms of the man she has loved for years. Meanwhile, the interspersed chapters from her past slowly reveal to the reader how shy Moira’s attempts to break out of her timid character ultimately led her to disaster.
Therese Walsh has written a beautiful debut novel, full of vibrant characters who will haunt you. Maeve’s past – her relationship with her sister, her mother, the boy-next-door -- is heart-rending, but so is her present, in which she denies part of her own soul as some sort of penance for past mistakes. We root for Maeve to come to terms with her loss, to open herself to the man she so obviously loves, and meanwhile we read on hungrily, waiting to discover exactly what happened to Moira and what she has “willed” to her beloved sister.
March 27, 2012
Identical twins share a special bond. Therese Walsh’s stirring debut novel, “The Last Will of Moira Leahy,” explores the bonds that hold twins together and the painful consequences that occur when those ties are broken.
The story begins when Maeve, a language professor in her mid-20’s, impulsively bids on a keris, a Javanese dagger, at an auction house. She wins the keris and weird things begin to happen, which unlock memories of the loss of her twin sister, Moira, nine years earlier.
Walsh alternates between Maeve’s first-person point-of view in the present and scenes from the past, told from Moira’s third-person viewpoint. Growing up in the coastal Maine community of Castine, Moira is overshadowed by her twin sister, Maeve, a child prodigy and a gifted saxophone player. Their bond is shattered when they both become interested in the same boy, their neighbor Ian. Moira’s quest ends tragically, and Maeve, torn apart by grief, abandons her promising musical career and retreats to a safer harbor.
The search for the meaning behind the keris leads Maeve to Rome, where she connects with Noel, her close friend who is trying to unravel mysteries of his own family. The intrigue deepens when Maeve attempts to contact the man in Rome who can unlock the mysteries behind the keris, only to be thwarted by his sinister half-brother.
Meanwhile, Walsh skillfully weaves in the tragic story of the loss of Maeve’s twin through the chapters entitled, Out of Time. As both narratives build to a climax, Maeve’s inner turmoil and search for resolution with her twin sister come together in a scene that packs tremendous emotional power.
This book is difficult to pigeonhole into a specific genre and that’s part of its appeal. Walsh draws on elements of mystery, romance, historical fiction and the paranormal and beautifully blends these into a suspenseful and poignant story of love, loss, and redemption. It takes a gifted writer to make these diverse elements work, while building the suspense in a way that is authentic. Walsh is such a writer and I can’t wait to read more from her.
The story begins when Maeve, a language professor in her mid-20’s, impulsively bids on a keris, a Javanese dagger, at an auction house. She wins the keris and weird things begin to happen, which unlock memories of the loss of her twin sister, Moira, nine years earlier.
Walsh alternates between Maeve’s first-person point-of view in the present and scenes from the past, told from Moira’s third-person viewpoint. Growing up in the coastal Maine community of Castine, Moira is overshadowed by her twin sister, Maeve, a child prodigy and a gifted saxophone player. Their bond is shattered when they both become interested in the same boy, their neighbor Ian. Moira’s quest ends tragically, and Maeve, torn apart by grief, abandons her promising musical career and retreats to a safer harbor.
The search for the meaning behind the keris leads Maeve to Rome, where she connects with Noel, her close friend who is trying to unravel mysteries of his own family. The intrigue deepens when Maeve attempts to contact the man in Rome who can unlock the mysteries behind the keris, only to be thwarted by his sinister half-brother.
Meanwhile, Walsh skillfully weaves in the tragic story of the loss of Maeve’s twin through the chapters entitled, Out of Time. As both narratives build to a climax, Maeve’s inner turmoil and search for resolution with her twin sister come together in a scene that packs tremendous emotional power.
This book is difficult to pigeonhole into a specific genre and that’s part of its appeal. Walsh draws on elements of mystery, romance, historical fiction and the paranormal and beautifully blends these into a suspenseful and poignant story of love, loss, and redemption. It takes a gifted writer to make these diverse elements work, while building the suspense in a way that is authentic. Walsh is such a writer and I can’t wait to read more from her.
June 6, 2013
The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Theresa Walsh is a very intriguing and engaging read. Maeve and Moira Leahy were identical twins who were incredibly close. They grew up in Maine. Maeve is a saxophone prodigy, and as a child, was fearless, free thinking, and uninhibited. Moira felt like she stood in her sister's shadow. She loved Maeve, but where Maeve was outspoken Moira was quieter. Where Maeve loved adventures, Moira enjoyed reading Jane Eyre. Maeve was an acknowledged saxophone player, Moira was a good, but not great, piano player. Maeve longed to leave her hometown. Moira was content to stay.
When the story opens, the reader knows that Maeve lost her sister 9 years ago and she has drastically changed her physical appearance so that she no longer resembles her sister. She has given up her music, and is psychologically fragile. Maeve has insulated herself, always playing things safe. She is estranged from her mother. She has found success as a professor of languages at Betheny University, but she is a workaholic, staying as busy as possible so that she does not need to think about her sister or the circumstances that led to her loss. With the exception of a childhood friend and her roommate, Kit, she distances herself from any personal relationships. Upon winning an auction-house bid on a Keris, a Javanese dagger, that reminds Maeve of her carefree childhood with her sister, Maeve's life begins to change.
I read a tremendous amount, and I am always looking for a story that is different or takes a new approach. In this regard, the book was excellent. It almost has a psychological thriller feel to it. Never would I have thought any story about a Keris would interest me, but it did. It captured my attention and I kept reading to find out more. Admittedly, there were parts about the Keris and a journey to find out more about it that lingered a little too long for me, but not enough to spoil the read. I would have loved to have learned more about some of the amazing secondary characters as well. That being said, if I could have, I would have rated this book with 4 1/2 stars.
When the story opens, the reader knows that Maeve lost her sister 9 years ago and she has drastically changed her physical appearance so that she no longer resembles her sister. She has given up her music, and is psychologically fragile. Maeve has insulated herself, always playing things safe. She is estranged from her mother. She has found success as a professor of languages at Betheny University, but she is a workaholic, staying as busy as possible so that she does not need to think about her sister or the circumstances that led to her loss. With the exception of a childhood friend and her roommate, Kit, she distances herself from any personal relationships. Upon winning an auction-house bid on a Keris, a Javanese dagger, that reminds Maeve of her carefree childhood with her sister, Maeve's life begins to change.
I read a tremendous amount, and I am always looking for a story that is different or takes a new approach. In this regard, the book was excellent. It almost has a psychological thriller feel to it. Never would I have thought any story about a Keris would interest me, but it did. It captured my attention and I kept reading to find out more. Admittedly, there were parts about the Keris and a journey to find out more about it that lingered a little too long for me, but not enough to spoil the read. I would have loved to have learned more about some of the amazing secondary characters as well. That being said, if I could have, I would have rated this book with 4 1/2 stars.
November 3, 2011
What a lovely mix of magic, mysticism, paranormal activity, romance, mystery...There's a ton of "categories" this wonderful story could fall into and yet any description that chooses just one or even two of them would be incomplete. What makes this story work is that the magic/mysticism/paranormal is handed so lightly and elegantly.
Maeve loses her twin, Moira, at age sixteen. Afterwards, she changes - she restrains her love of music, keeps her passionate nature hidden. She becomes similar to Moira, who she once told was afraid of everything. But when she buys a mysterious relic, a keris with mystic powers, she is forced to take an "aventurra", one that insists she comes to terms with the loss of her sister and that she find herself again.
Therese Walsh has a lovely, simple, unpretentious writing style. What I was particularly impressed with was her ability to describe without going overboard. I also enjoyed the structure of the story. Mostly told in Maeve's point of view, there are "Out of Time" chapters, essentially flashbacks from Moira's point of view. Unlike with traditional flashbacks, though, I didn't feel jarred away from the story. It felt as if Moira's story happened as Maeve's story happened, which was extremely interesting. Because Moira's story is about her separating from Maeve - becoming more of who Maeve was, and Maeve's story is about separating from Moira, becoming more of who she (Maeve) used to be.
There are so many breathtaking aspects of the story, especially the romance that has been waiting for Maeve all along. The characters, important and minor,are well developed and three dimensional. While I sometimes found Maeve exasperating, that only made me love her more. Because that's true to life. The locations (Betheny, NY, Castine, NY and Rome) are all utilized so very well, particularly Rome.
There is a twist at the very end of the story that made me gasp because of its perfection, and sealed the beauty of this story. This is not one I'll soon forget, and I hope to read more from Therese Walsh soon.
Maeve loses her twin, Moira, at age sixteen. Afterwards, she changes - she restrains her love of music, keeps her passionate nature hidden. She becomes similar to Moira, who she once told was afraid of everything. But when she buys a mysterious relic, a keris with mystic powers, she is forced to take an "aventurra", one that insists she comes to terms with the loss of her sister and that she find herself again.
Therese Walsh has a lovely, simple, unpretentious writing style. What I was particularly impressed with was her ability to describe without going overboard. I also enjoyed the structure of the story. Mostly told in Maeve's point of view, there are "Out of Time" chapters, essentially flashbacks from Moira's point of view. Unlike with traditional flashbacks, though, I didn't feel jarred away from the story. It felt as if Moira's story happened as Maeve's story happened, which was extremely interesting. Because Moira's story is about her separating from Maeve - becoming more of who Maeve was, and Maeve's story is about separating from Moira, becoming more of who she (Maeve) used to be.
There are so many breathtaking aspects of the story, especially the romance that has been waiting for Maeve all along. The characters, important and minor,are well developed and three dimensional. While I sometimes found Maeve exasperating, that only made me love her more. Because that's true to life. The locations (Betheny, NY, Castine, NY and Rome) are all utilized so very well, particularly Rome.
There is a twist at the very end of the story that made me gasp because of its perfection, and sealed the beauty of this story. This is not one I'll soon forget, and I hope to read more from Therese Walsh soon.
January 8, 2011
Why am I so attracted to books about twins? I feel like I read a lot of books about twins and maybe there's just a lot of literature out there with twins because they are fascinating to those of us who don't have a twin.
But why are the novels with twins at the center of the story so tragic? There's always a mystery, confusion, heartbreak, loss entwined with these twins. Heck, even in books where twins aren't the main focus, one twin seems destined to die (Yes, *spoiler alert*... I mean you Harry Potter). Can't everyone be happy and live for crying out loud? Okay, maybe the exception is The Sweet Valley High series, but even though Jessica or Elizabeth haven't tragically died or been killed yet doesn't mean it can't happen, right? Okay, okay, tangent I know, I'll get talking about this actual novel now.
This book had me entranced from the beginning. It's got all of the previously mentioned mystery, confusion, heartbreak, and yes, loss. And it's also beautifully written, haunting, touching, and (thankfully) redemptive.
It's the story of twins Maeve and Moira and one autumn that changed both their lives. We learn their story through Maeve who has tried for years to work hard and block out her past, but that all changes one day when she finds something that is the catalyst for remembering and healing. I thought the characters were well developed and Maeve's journey, while a bit far-fetched, made sense to me somehow.
I laughed, I cried and I was even surprised after I thought I had it all figured out. I think I'll continue my mild obsession with books about twins.
But why are the novels with twins at the center of the story so tragic? There's always a mystery, confusion, heartbreak, loss entwined with these twins. Heck, even in books where twins aren't the main focus, one twin seems destined to die (Yes, *spoiler alert*... I mean you Harry Potter). Can't everyone be happy and live for crying out loud? Okay, maybe the exception is The Sweet Valley High series, but even though Jessica or Elizabeth haven't tragically died or been killed yet doesn't mean it can't happen, right? Okay, okay, tangent I know, I'll get talking about this actual novel now.
This book had me entranced from the beginning. It's got all of the previously mentioned mystery, confusion, heartbreak, and yes, loss. And it's also beautifully written, haunting, touching, and (thankfully) redemptive.
It's the story of twins Maeve and Moira and one autumn that changed both their lives. We learn their story through Maeve who has tried for years to work hard and block out her past, but that all changes one day when she finds something that is the catalyst for remembering and healing. I thought the characters were well developed and Maeve's journey, while a bit far-fetched, made sense to me somehow.
I laughed, I cried and I was even surprised after I thought I had it all figured out. I think I'll continue my mild obsession with books about twins.
August 24, 2010
Moira Leahy lived in the shadow of her musically talented and outgoing twin sister, Maeve.
When the older brother of a friend mistakes Moira for Maeve one day, Moira begins a series of deceptions that isolate her from her close bond with Maeve.
Years later, Maeve buys a Javanese knife in an auction on impulse, and digs up memories of her sister, and the tragedy that took her life.
Traveling to Rome to find out the mystery of the knife, Maeve ends up finding out about herself, and the bond with her twin sister that still haunts her.
The disparate parts of this book were very interesting for me, the world of antiques and auctions, the Javanese mythology surrounding the knife, Maeve's isolation and her growing ability to break out of it, as well as Moira's teenaged voice in the past.
However, for some reason, the interweaving of all these parts did not satisfy. I sometimes felt annoyed by the timing of the Moira flashbacks, as well as not quite drawn back into the present of Maeve's inability to connect to people.
As a mystery, and an emotional journey to healing, the book is fine. For the romantic and mythological parts, the ones I'm most interested in as a reader, things didn't quite hang together enough for me.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Chicken black bean chili because the ingredients are fine, but it just doesn't hit the sweet spots as much as a normal chili does.
When the older brother of a friend mistakes Moira for Maeve one day, Moira begins a series of deceptions that isolate her from her close bond with Maeve.
Years later, Maeve buys a Javanese knife in an auction on impulse, and digs up memories of her sister, and the tragedy that took her life.
Traveling to Rome to find out the mystery of the knife, Maeve ends up finding out about herself, and the bond with her twin sister that still haunts her.
The disparate parts of this book were very interesting for me, the world of antiques and auctions, the Javanese mythology surrounding the knife, Maeve's isolation and her growing ability to break out of it, as well as Moira's teenaged voice in the past.
However, for some reason, the interweaving of all these parts did not satisfy. I sometimes felt annoyed by the timing of the Moira flashbacks, as well as not quite drawn back into the present of Maeve's inability to connect to people.
As a mystery, and an emotional journey to healing, the book is fine. For the romantic and mythological parts, the ones I'm most interested in as a reader, things didn't quite hang together enough for me.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: Chicken black bean chili because the ingredients are fine, but it just doesn't hit the sweet spots as much as a normal chili does.
August 29, 2010
This is another instance I wish we could do half stars...this book was really more a 3.5 read than a 3. If you liked The Lace Reader or you'll like this book.
Maeve Leahy goes into a decade long deep-freeze at the loss of her identical twin sister, Moira. These two sisters had that mystical bond that is peculiar to twins, at least until their 16th year when everything goes horribly wrong.
For the past 10 years Maeve has buried berself in her academic and professional life. She keeps everyone at arms length except her chidhood friend Kit, and Noel, a handsome Brit she has convinced herself is no more than a dear companion. She has cut off her wild flaming hair and dyed it a non-color platinum and is bitterly estranged from her mother.
Her life changes, though, at an auction house where she comes across a keris, an Indonesian dagger, that she must have (first thing you need to do is wiki or google "keris"--this is no run of the mill knife). The keris leads her to Rome to find "avventura", danger, and ultimately, herself. The only thing that didn't feel right was Noel's secondary story line in the search of his mother who left him when he was a small boy. Noel is important to the plot, but not his mother.
All said, this was a very good read which I did enjoy, and I've already requested copies into the bookstore which I will staff rec.
Maeve Leahy goes into a decade long deep-freeze at the loss of her identical twin sister, Moira. These two sisters had that mystical bond that is peculiar to twins, at least until their 16th year when everything goes horribly wrong.
For the past 10 years Maeve has buried berself in her academic and professional life. She keeps everyone at arms length except her chidhood friend Kit, and Noel, a handsome Brit she has convinced herself is no more than a dear companion. She has cut off her wild flaming hair and dyed it a non-color platinum and is bitterly estranged from her mother.
Her life changes, though, at an auction house where she comes across a keris, an Indonesian dagger, that she must have (first thing you need to do is wiki or google "keris"--this is no run of the mill knife). The keris leads her to Rome to find "avventura", danger, and ultimately, herself. The only thing that didn't feel right was Noel's secondary story line in the search of his mother who left him when he was a small boy. Noel is important to the plot, but not his mother.
All said, this was a very good read which I did enjoy, and I've already requested copies into the bookstore which I will staff rec.
January 11, 2010
First impressions are great with a cover as beautiful as this. The image is pulled straight from the pages of the book, a very memorable scene that the entire book builds up to.
I started reading The Last Will of Moira Leahy without knowing much about it. I was very quickly swept into the story and found it to be quite engaging.
The story centers around Maeve Leahy who lost her identical twin sister Moira one unfortunate November in their teens. The book splits time equally between the story leading up to Moira's demise and the story of Maeve's life a decade after she lost her twin.
This book will keep the reader guessing until the very end. The story is intricately woven, and details reveal themselves at an ideal pace, keeping the reader engaged and interested. There is a slight supernatural element that adds an exciting bit of mystery to the story that plays out very well.
By the end of the book I was very emotionally invested in the characters. The climax of the story had me shedding a few tears. It was an emotionally charged scene that will not soon be forgotten.
A powerful story that is beautifully written, The Last Will of Moira Leahy will have you turning pages at record speed. Not to be missed, add this book to your to be read list, you will not be disappointed.
I started reading The Last Will of Moira Leahy without knowing much about it. I was very quickly swept into the story and found it to be quite engaging.
The story centers around Maeve Leahy who lost her identical twin sister Moira one unfortunate November in their teens. The book splits time equally between the story leading up to Moira's demise and the story of Maeve's life a decade after she lost her twin.
This book will keep the reader guessing until the very end. The story is intricately woven, and details reveal themselves at an ideal pace, keeping the reader engaged and interested. There is a slight supernatural element that adds an exciting bit of mystery to the story that plays out very well.
By the end of the book I was very emotionally invested in the characters. The climax of the story had me shedding a few tears. It was an emotionally charged scene that will not soon be forgotten.
A powerful story that is beautifully written, The Last Will of Moira Leahy will have you turning pages at record speed. Not to be missed, add this book to your to be read list, you will not be disappointed.
February 16, 2011
I truly enjoyed this story … one of the bond of sisterhood, of twins, the mystic contained within this bond that last … “Even if I die, I’ll be with you for always” … through their efforts to block one another. But the power of the bond is too strong, and can’t keep them from feeling each other's pain. Moira and Maeve, although identical, were different in many ways. Therese Walsh does a terrific job of distinguishing these differences so that we readers can fully feel the emotion within their unique connection, which leads to the amazement of the climatic turn toward the end.
Upon the first sentence … “I lost my twin to a harsh November nine years ago.” …we know that the heroine is suffering … and the story takes us to the place where the suffering begins and treads for years … through the music (I could hear the music as I read), through fears and circumstances … through the realization of hope … through it all to, at last, freedom.
I have been to Castine, Maine, thus it was a familiar setting and I had no trouble envisioning the time there, when Maeve and Moira were younger. I loved being taken there again through the words (eyes) of this writer. And although I have never been to Rome (but long to go), I was effortlessly transported there in mind.
I highly recommend this book. It is a tale that will stay with me for a long long time.
Upon the first sentence … “I lost my twin to a harsh November nine years ago.” …we know that the heroine is suffering … and the story takes us to the place where the suffering begins and treads for years … through the music (I could hear the music as I read), through fears and circumstances … through the realization of hope … through it all to, at last, freedom.
I have been to Castine, Maine, thus it was a familiar setting and I had no trouble envisioning the time there, when Maeve and Moira were younger. I loved being taken there again through the words (eyes) of this writer. And although I have never been to Rome (but long to go), I was effortlessly transported there in mind.
I highly recommend this book. It is a tale that will stay with me for a long long time.
November 17, 2009
I had hoped to give this book five stars and thought it might be worthy, but after 150 pages decided there was little too much paranormal and mysticism involved, which I really don't care for anymore. However, I kept reading for the secrets that were slowly revealed during the story.
Maeve and Moira are twins and the story alternates between their childhood and contemporary times when Maeve, a university professor of languages, appears to be the only twin around. At the start of the book she purchases a keris (Javanese dagger) at an auction and feels an immediate connection. From here this extremely neurotic and socially inept woman struggles to understand the keris, which takes her to Italy where she meets up with the man she was attracted to before he went to Europe to find his mother. During her visit she suffers various mishaps while trying to find out why the dagger has such power over her.
I found Maeve so neurotic that I had a hard time identifying with her problems and the novel at times wandered into the “had-I-but-known” school of plot devices, but the story of what happened to the twins in the past kept me engrossed and I was happy with the resolution.
Maeve and Moira are twins and the story alternates between their childhood and contemporary times when Maeve, a university professor of languages, appears to be the only twin around. At the start of the book she purchases a keris (Javanese dagger) at an auction and feels an immediate connection. From here this extremely neurotic and socially inept woman struggles to understand the keris, which takes her to Italy where she meets up with the man she was attracted to before he went to Europe to find his mother. During her visit she suffers various mishaps while trying to find out why the dagger has such power over her.
I found Maeve so neurotic that I had a hard time identifying with her problems and the novel at times wandered into the “had-I-but-known” school of plot devices, but the story of what happened to the twins in the past kept me engrossed and I was happy with the resolution.
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