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The Alphabet Sisters
As girls growing up in Clare Valley, Australia, Anna, Bett, and Carrie Quinlan were childhood singing stars known as The Alphabet Sisters. The unbridled enthusiasm of their flamboyant grandmother Lola was the glue that held them together. As adults, though, the women haven't spoken in years - ever since Bett's fiance deserted her to marry the younger Carrie. Now Lola is turning eighty and she is determined to reunite the girls for a blowout bash. And no one ever says no to Lola.
Bett, who fled to London after the scandal of losing her fiance, is hesitant to face her sisters and her hometown - especially since she has yet to find another man. Sophisticated Anna, the eldest sister, isn't too keen on the prospect either, though she's secretly grateful for any excuse to leave her crumbling marriage behind in Sydney. And Carrie, who remained in Clare Valley, is perhaps the most apprehensive. Her marriage - the nominal cause of the sisters' estrangement - is also on the rocks. Was she wrong to have followed her heart and run off with Bett's fiance?
When Lola shares her special request, that the girls stage a musical she has written, their short visit becomes a much longer commitment. As they are forced to spend more time together, the sisters must confront the pain that lingers between them. Preconceptions and misunderstandings are slowly put aside and the three find themselves gradually, irresistibly enveloping one another once again - until an unexpected turn of events changes everything in ways none of them could have ever imagined. . . .
Layering the lighthearted antics of small-town life with a heartbreaking story of loyalty lost and found, The Alphabet Sisters is an unforgettable story of two generations of women who learn that being true to themselves means being true to one another.
Bett, who fled to London after the scandal of losing her fiance, is hesitant to face her sisters and her hometown - especially since she has yet to find another man. Sophisticated Anna, the eldest sister, isn't too keen on the prospect either, though she's secretly grateful for any excuse to leave her crumbling marriage behind in Sydney. And Carrie, who remained in Clare Valley, is perhaps the most apprehensive. Her marriage - the nominal cause of the sisters' estrangement - is also on the rocks. Was she wrong to have followed her heart and run off with Bett's fiance?
When Lola shares her special request, that the girls stage a musical she has written, their short visit becomes a much longer commitment. As they are forced to spend more time together, the sisters must confront the pain that lingers between them. Preconceptions and misunderstandings are slowly put aside and the three find themselves gradually, irresistibly enveloping one another once again - until an unexpected turn of events changes everything in ways none of them could have ever imagined. . . .
Layering the lighthearted antics of small-town life with a heartbreaking story of loyalty lost and found, The Alphabet Sisters is an unforgettable story of two generations of women who learn that being true to themselves means being true to one another.
437 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2004
122 people are currently reading
2274 people want to read
About the author
Monica McInerney
46 books1,128 followerswww.monicamcinerney.com
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Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
facebook.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
instagram.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 484 reviews
September 24, 2017
A gentle, warm, often funny Australian family saga playing out in the Clare Valley, with an Irish connection by means of Lola, the grandmother's backstory. Sisters Anna, Bett and Carrie Quinlan, The Alphabet Sisters, (inspired by the American singing group the Andrew Sisters.)
A feel-good read. Somewhere between Liane Moriarity(Australian), and Maeve Binchy, Kate Morton, and Ann O'Loughlin(Irish authors), with a much much much much lighter ambiance. Australian chick-lit, with romps in the hay guaranteed. A 'happy tragedy', as the author Rabih Alameddine regards contemporary fiction of this kind. Programmatic and predictable.
It was okay - two stars. And relaxing - four stars. Too light-weight for me. Three stars is fine for now. It despairingly shrieks for a different audience.
A feel-good read. Somewhere between Liane Moriarity(Australian), and Maeve Binchy, Kate Morton, and Ann O'Loughlin(Irish authors), with a much much much much lighter ambiance. Australian chick-lit, with romps in the hay guaranteed. A 'happy tragedy', as the author Rabih Alameddine regards contemporary fiction of this kind. Programmatic and predictable.
It was okay - two stars. And relaxing - four stars. Too light-weight for me. Three stars is fine for now. It despairingly shrieks for a different audience.
July 4, 2017
"What was the joke she'd overheard two schoolboys tell last week? 'Why do girls wear make up and perfume?' 'Because they're ugly and they stink.'"
What a lovely book to pick up off the shelf at my holiday house. How disappointing for me that I discovered Monica McInerney only now!
Anna, Bett and Carrie are three very different and lively sisters with a vast history of love and a past that has torn them apart. Bett, the middle sister has always struggled with feeling the least beautiful, things never fell into place quite as easily as her sisters. This does not help at all when Carrie, the youngest, marries the man Bett was engaged to..
This story just flows so easily and dreamily, I wanted to turn every page without a break, lucky this was semi possible given summer holidays and no real life to contend with! The family run a hotel in the beautiful country side of Clare Valley, South Australia, which is always a nice change from Sydney or Melbourne settings. Here we meet the very special matriarch of this most unique and lovable family, Lola, or 'Really Great Gran' where she weaves a wonderful and heart warming story that entwines love, betrayal, importance of family and ultimately, forgiveness.
Lola is a lovable larrikin and always seems to be able to weave her magic to make great things happen. She holds the drawstrings that keep this family together, whether they like it or not. I loved a couple of pages where Lola is talking to her great granddaughter, young Ellie. She is struggling with facial scars both inside and out after being torn apart by a dog a few years prior. Lola speaks of resilience to a 7 year old in such a real way. I found myself chatting about this portion of the book to my 13 year old daughter, and want her to read these few pages. She spoke so eloquently that in essence we are all frightened by things that are different to the way we are. "A scar is a sign that you've survived something, Ellie. That something happened to you but your body was so strong and clever it joined itself up again." She then devised a simple way of telling the school kids who were teasing her at school what happened, which created peace for Ellie. I loved this.
This book bought me joy, sadness and tears. It made me want to go and live with this special family and experience their life with them in their quaint and simple hotel. It's so good!!
What a lovely book to pick up off the shelf at my holiday house. How disappointing for me that I discovered Monica McInerney only now!
Anna, Bett and Carrie are three very different and lively sisters with a vast history of love and a past that has torn them apart. Bett, the middle sister has always struggled with feeling the least beautiful, things never fell into place quite as easily as her sisters. This does not help at all when Carrie, the youngest, marries the man Bett was engaged to..
This story just flows so easily and dreamily, I wanted to turn every page without a break, lucky this was semi possible given summer holidays and no real life to contend with! The family run a hotel in the beautiful country side of Clare Valley, South Australia, which is always a nice change from Sydney or Melbourne settings. Here we meet the very special matriarch of this most unique and lovable family, Lola, or 'Really Great Gran' where she weaves a wonderful and heart warming story that entwines love, betrayal, importance of family and ultimately, forgiveness.
Lola is a lovable larrikin and always seems to be able to weave her magic to make great things happen. She holds the drawstrings that keep this family together, whether they like it or not. I loved a couple of pages where Lola is talking to her great granddaughter, young Ellie. She is struggling with facial scars both inside and out after being torn apart by a dog a few years prior. Lola speaks of resilience to a 7 year old in such a real way. I found myself chatting about this portion of the book to my 13 year old daughter, and want her to read these few pages. She spoke so eloquently that in essence we are all frightened by things that are different to the way we are. "A scar is a sign that you've survived something, Ellie. That something happened to you but your body was so strong and clever it joined itself up again." She then devised a simple way of telling the school kids who were teasing her at school what happened, which created peace for Ellie. I loved this.
This book bought me joy, sadness and tears. It made me want to go and live with this special family and experience their life with them in their quaint and simple hotel. It's so good!!
September 8, 2014
Sisters Anna, Bett and Carrie haven't seen or spoken to one another for the past three years after having a falling out. Their grandmother, Lola is turning eighty and is having a party and has requested that all three granddaughter's attend the party. Although Anna, Bett and Carrie all dearly love their grandmother none of them are looking forward to be reunited with one another.
From the tension between her granddaughter's, Lola soon realises that her plans of trying to get them to sort their issues out might be more difficult than she first thought. Lola also has something that she wants the girls to do in the hope of that they will all stay longer and mend the rift between them. But could dragging up the past make things worse between the sister's or will they finally be able to bury the past and start over?
An enjoyable and light read that had me turning the pages quite quickly and before I knew it I was on the last page. Monica McInerney is one of my favorite authors and I find her books are always entertaining and a pleasure to read. Recommended
From the tension between her granddaughter's, Lola soon realises that her plans of trying to get them to sort their issues out might be more difficult than she first thought. Lola also has something that she wants the girls to do in the hope of that they will all stay longer and mend the rift between them. But could dragging up the past make things worse between the sister's or will they finally be able to bury the past and start over?
An enjoyable and light read that had me turning the pages quite quickly and before I knew it I was on the last page. Monica McInerney is one of my favorite authors and I find her books are always entertaining and a pleasure to read. Recommended
July 26, 2013
‘The Alphabet Sisters’ is the 2005 fiction novel by Australian author, Monica McInerney.
It was the opening line that hooked me enough to purchase this ebook and give it a go;
‘Your sister is married to your ex-fiancé?’
Yep. I had to know more.
Sadly, the explosive premise promised in the opening chapter is never really delivered.
The book is told from various perspectives, but mainly that of Bett; the somewhat tubby middle child, who grew up watching boys fall for her sisters and felt the last straw was her beautiful blonde little sister stealing her fiancé. Bett has spent the past two years in a London dream-job-gone-bust, and is called home upon threat of ex-communication by her grandma Lola. Carrie is that beautiful blonde little sister who fell in mad love with Bett’s then fiancé, now Carrie’s husband, Matthew. Carrie has remained in their home town to help run the family motel, but her marriage (the one she fought so hard for, and resulted in radio-silence from her sisters for years) is on the rocks ever since grandma Lola announced Bett was coming home. Anna is the elegant and poised eldest sister, who dreamed of becoming an actress and is now a voice-over specialist. She lives in a loveless marriage with her adulterous husband, and is still reeling from her daughter’s dog-attack which left her scarred and bullied at school.
All three sisters are being called home to Clare Valley for their beloved grandma’s birthday. But the three of them haven’t spoken to one another in years – ever since the night Carrie and Matthew sat Bett down and revealed their love for one another. Bett flung words at both Carrie and Anna, and then fled in the middle of the night, and has not returned home since. Anna told her little sister exactly what she thought of her latest cruelty in stealing Bett’s beloved, and Carrie likewise threw back hard truths about Anna’s obviously crumbling marriage. The sisters have been at a silent impasse ever since. And it’s a shame, because in their youth they were inseparable – they even toured the country as young singing group ‘The Alphabet Sisters’ managed by Lola.
The premise of McInerney’s book is clearly inspired somewhat by the infamous Andrews Sisters; an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The Andrews Sisters were huge during WWII, but they had a rather infamous falling-out midway through their careers. Patty Andrews once told Merv Griffin, “The Andrews Sisters only had one big fight. Really. It started in 1937 and it’s still going!” While ‘The Alphabet Sisters’ is set in modern times, the singing group and sister rift is clearly inspired by the real-life Andrews sisters.
It was the sister’s rift (and the reason behind it!) that really intrigued me with this book. But when the sisters all return home for Lola’s birthday there are no explosions for a long time – they’re all walking on eggshells around one another. And when we get each sister’s perspective, McInerney allows the sisters to tease out the feud and the parts they played in it internally – so readers are made privy to the fact that Carrie is haunted by her betrayal of Bett, and thinks maybe her and Matthew’s relationship was doomed from the start because of it. Anna admits the depth of her hurt over her husband’s ongoing affair with a woman and his recent moving out of home. And Bett is able to reason with the fact that she’s always hated playing second-fiddle to both her beautiful sisters, and even if she knew Matthew wasn’t ‘The One’ when he proposed to her, his betrayal with Carrie still stung. All these revelations aren’t uncovered through explosive fights and physical confrontations between the sisters – most of these revelations come in the most hum-drum of internal monologue ways. Yawn.
I actually think the multiple-narratives from each sister is the real detriment to this book, especially since I only liked Bett. She’s the underdog; the bookish, mousy one who never felt adoration from a man, and when she finally did he was snatched away by her blonde little sister. How can you not root for an underdog like that? Even more so when Bett thinks back to her childhood and teenage years, and pinpoints the moment she really started to drift away from her sisters;
It had been the start of a horrible period of her life. From that moment on it seemed as though Anna and Carrie had been set adrift from her, into a world of romance, dates, boys and confidence. Bett had felt like Cinderella and Bessie Bunter rolled into one – overweight, unhappy, finding pleasure only in food and books and her piano.
By comparison, Anna and Carrie were cold and uncaring characters. I couldn’t even rouse a whole lot of sympathy for Anna with her cheating husband and scarred daughter because she was just so cold, and it frustrated me that in flashbacks it’s revealed that she didn’t really side with Bett enough when Carrie revealed her affair.
And, on the topic of Carrie, I hated her. McInerney certainly set her up with the longest distance to fall and be redeemed, but she didn’t even come close to being tolerable. It didn’t help that in flashbacks to her budding love affair with Matthew, Bett hardly figured into Carrie’s wayward heart. And even in present day she apologizes for hurting Bett, but not the affair. I’m sorry; but you steal your sister’s fiancé (regardless of the fact that Bett and Matthew were a poor match) and you’d better have some redemption up your sleeve. Sadly, no. McInerney has kept Carrie as a selfish little brat who hates that everyone blames her for the sister’s feud and silence, but seems reluctant to take that blame on board in any meaningful way. All her scenes just made my skin crawl;
‘Are you still sleeping with her?’
Matthew looked uncomfortable. ‘I can’t. I want it to be you. It wouldn’t be fair.’
It made her feel better, for herself, even while she felt sorry for Bett. But it just seemed out of her control, out of their control, as though it was fated, and destined and all the magical things.
For me, Bett should have been the one-and-only narrative star of this book. She was all I cared about, and I'd have loved if this was about her coming home to confront her sister, her ex-fiancé (now brother-in-law!) and move on to her own happiness. As it is, McInerney gives so much page-time to all the sisters that even when Bett is given a romance it’s rushed and reliant on what happened with a young man some years ago. Especially underwhelming when Bett is the underdog all readers will be rooting for, and her happily-ever-after is underplayed and under-developed.
The plot of the book goes into wacky-wonky territory when Grandma Lola tries to play peace-keeper and bring the sisters back together by way of a town play she insists they put on for her. And, yes, it’s as crazy and contrived as it sounds.
But in the last 50 or so pages McInerney must have sensed that the weighty plot points promised in the first chapter hadn’t really been delivered (especially after they were so easily resolved) so she throws out a curveball climax in the last few chapters that is such a blatant plea to pull on reader’s heartstrings that it’s embarrassing. Even more so when it comes too little too late and probably would have worked better as the premise or not at all.
Any rating I give this book is for Bett – who I did like throughout and wish I'd been able to spend more (/all) time with. Otherwise, this was a book with big emotional promises that should have been a family saga/drama but quickly devolved into internal-monologue hell, wacky town melodrama and a ridiculous last-minute climax. Yikes.
It was the opening line that hooked me enough to purchase this ebook and give it a go;
‘Your sister is married to your ex-fiancé?’
Yep. I had to know more.
Sadly, the explosive premise promised in the opening chapter is never really delivered.
The book is told from various perspectives, but mainly that of Bett; the somewhat tubby middle child, who grew up watching boys fall for her sisters and felt the last straw was her beautiful blonde little sister stealing her fiancé. Bett has spent the past two years in a London dream-job-gone-bust, and is called home upon threat of ex-communication by her grandma Lola. Carrie is that beautiful blonde little sister who fell in mad love with Bett’s then fiancé, now Carrie’s husband, Matthew. Carrie has remained in their home town to help run the family motel, but her marriage (the one she fought so hard for, and resulted in radio-silence from her sisters for years) is on the rocks ever since grandma Lola announced Bett was coming home. Anna is the elegant and poised eldest sister, who dreamed of becoming an actress and is now a voice-over specialist. She lives in a loveless marriage with her adulterous husband, and is still reeling from her daughter’s dog-attack which left her scarred and bullied at school.
All three sisters are being called home to Clare Valley for their beloved grandma’s birthday. But the three of them haven’t spoken to one another in years – ever since the night Carrie and Matthew sat Bett down and revealed their love for one another. Bett flung words at both Carrie and Anna, and then fled in the middle of the night, and has not returned home since. Anna told her little sister exactly what she thought of her latest cruelty in stealing Bett’s beloved, and Carrie likewise threw back hard truths about Anna’s obviously crumbling marriage. The sisters have been at a silent impasse ever since. And it’s a shame, because in their youth they were inseparable – they even toured the country as young singing group ‘The Alphabet Sisters’ managed by Lola.
The premise of McInerney’s book is clearly inspired somewhat by the infamous Andrews Sisters; an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The Andrews Sisters were huge during WWII, but they had a rather infamous falling-out midway through their careers. Patty Andrews once told Merv Griffin, “The Andrews Sisters only had one big fight. Really. It started in 1937 and it’s still going!” While ‘The Alphabet Sisters’ is set in modern times, the singing group and sister rift is clearly inspired by the real-life Andrews sisters.
It was the sister’s rift (and the reason behind it!) that really intrigued me with this book. But when the sisters all return home for Lola’s birthday there are no explosions for a long time – they’re all walking on eggshells around one another. And when we get each sister’s perspective, McInerney allows the sisters to tease out the feud and the parts they played in it internally – so readers are made privy to the fact that Carrie is haunted by her betrayal of Bett, and thinks maybe her and Matthew’s relationship was doomed from the start because of it. Anna admits the depth of her hurt over her husband’s ongoing affair with a woman and his recent moving out of home. And Bett is able to reason with the fact that she’s always hated playing second-fiddle to both her beautiful sisters, and even if she knew Matthew wasn’t ‘The One’ when he proposed to her, his betrayal with Carrie still stung. All these revelations aren’t uncovered through explosive fights and physical confrontations between the sisters – most of these revelations come in the most hum-drum of internal monologue ways. Yawn.
I actually think the multiple-narratives from each sister is the real detriment to this book, especially since I only liked Bett. She’s the underdog; the bookish, mousy one who never felt adoration from a man, and when she finally did he was snatched away by her blonde little sister. How can you not root for an underdog like that? Even more so when Bett thinks back to her childhood and teenage years, and pinpoints the moment she really started to drift away from her sisters;
It had been the start of a horrible period of her life. From that moment on it seemed as though Anna and Carrie had been set adrift from her, into a world of romance, dates, boys and confidence. Bett had felt like Cinderella and Bessie Bunter rolled into one – overweight, unhappy, finding pleasure only in food and books and her piano.
By comparison, Anna and Carrie were cold and uncaring characters. I couldn’t even rouse a whole lot of sympathy for Anna with her cheating husband and scarred daughter because she was just so cold, and it frustrated me that in flashbacks it’s revealed that she didn’t really side with Bett enough when Carrie revealed her affair.
And, on the topic of Carrie, I hated her. McInerney certainly set her up with the longest distance to fall and be redeemed, but she didn’t even come close to being tolerable. It didn’t help that in flashbacks to her budding love affair with Matthew, Bett hardly figured into Carrie’s wayward heart. And even in present day she apologizes for hurting Bett, but not the affair. I’m sorry; but you steal your sister’s fiancé (regardless of the fact that Bett and Matthew were a poor match) and you’d better have some redemption up your sleeve. Sadly, no. McInerney has kept Carrie as a selfish little brat who hates that everyone blames her for the sister’s feud and silence, but seems reluctant to take that blame on board in any meaningful way. All her scenes just made my skin crawl;
‘Are you still sleeping with her?’
Matthew looked uncomfortable. ‘I can’t. I want it to be you. It wouldn’t be fair.’
It made her feel better, for herself, even while she felt sorry for Bett. But it just seemed out of her control, out of their control, as though it was fated, and destined and all the magical things.
For me, Bett should have been the one-and-only narrative star of this book. She was all I cared about, and I'd have loved if this was about her coming home to confront her sister, her ex-fiancé (now brother-in-law!) and move on to her own happiness. As it is, McInerney gives so much page-time to all the sisters that even when Bett is given a romance it’s rushed and reliant on what happened with a young man some years ago. Especially underwhelming when Bett is the underdog all readers will be rooting for, and her happily-ever-after is underplayed and under-developed.
The plot of the book goes into wacky-wonky territory when Grandma Lola tries to play peace-keeper and bring the sisters back together by way of a town play she insists they put on for her. And, yes, it’s as crazy and contrived as it sounds.
But in the last 50 or so pages McInerney must have sensed that the weighty plot points promised in the first chapter hadn’t really been delivered (especially after they were so easily resolved) so she throws out a curveball climax in the last few chapters that is such a blatant plea to pull on reader’s heartstrings that it’s embarrassing. Even more so when it comes too little too late and probably would have worked better as the premise or not at all.
Any rating I give this book is for Bett – who I did like throughout and wish I'd been able to spend more (/all) time with. Otherwise, this was a book with big emotional promises that should have been a family saga/drama but quickly devolved into internal-monologue hell, wacky town melodrama and a ridiculous last-minute climax. Yikes.
June 16, 2010
I was looking for a quick, fun summer read when I picked up this book. Overall it was a fun, light read but I had a hard time getting into it. The story is about three sisters from Australia who have had a falling out. One of the sisters ends up marrying the other sister’s fiancé. Their grandmother brings them together for her 80th birthday in hopes to bring them back together. The story is pretty slow to begin and then tries to add too much in the last one hundred pages. It was a very simple read and the writing was not super impressive. I might suggest it to someone who is looking for a pool side or beach read but I think there would be something a bit more engaging out there. Nothing valuable for school in this book.
March 31, 2024
4.5 stars
An appealing story about family relationships, redemption, secrets and Lola - who makes you smile and giggle throughout the book.
The last 40 pages were blurry due to my tears.
Despite the last plot twist it was a captivating and heartwarming story.
An appealing story about family relationships, redemption, secrets and Lola - who makes you smile and giggle throughout the book.
The last 40 pages were blurry due to my tears.
Despite the last plot twist it was a captivating and heartwarming story.
August 4, 2014
Well, I loved "Those Faraday Girls", with the teenage pregnancy, the quirky cast of sisters, the runaway neglected sister, adorable daughter in the next generation with her own problems and mad hatter father. It was a big chick-lit sandwich of awesome that I revisit regularly. So naturally, I added "The Alphabet Sisters" to my to-read list and hoped that I rewarded for my trouble.
I eagerly opened the first page and as I read it appeared I would be pleased. Quirky Cast of Sister (check), runaway neglected sister (check), adorable daughter in the next generation with her own problems (check), mad hatter elderly relative (check). Throw in one sister running off and marrying the other's fiance`and some superficial blackmail from the previously mentioned mad-hatter relative that would never work in real life that leads all the sisters all living under the same roof again and we were off to a rip roaring chick lit fest of a good time. And if McIerney had let the original plotline play out, we would have continued to have a good time. But no... 80 pages before the end of the novel (and this is a novel that you could defend yourself with if ever attacked by two armed men) she decided to NOT ONLY
I eagerly opened the first page and as I read it appeared I would be pleased. Quirky Cast of Sister (check), runaway neglected sister (check), adorable daughter in the next generation with her own problems (check), mad hatter elderly relative (check). Throw in one sister running off and marrying the other's fiance`and some superficial blackmail from the previously mentioned mad-hatter relative that would never work in real life that leads all the sisters all living under the same roof again and we were off to a rip roaring chick lit fest of a good time. And if McIerney had let the original plotline play out, we would have continued to have a good time. But no... 80 pages before the end of the novel (and this is a novel that you could defend yourself with if ever attacked by two armed men) she decided to NOT ONLY
May 26, 2009
Monica McInerney's The Alphabet Sisters caught my attention immediately in the book store, promising to be a touching tale of sisterhood and the bonds they share. Being a sap for any books about sisters, I swiped it off the shelf and made it my "vacation" reading.
The story begins with the three sisters, who have not spoken for three years united for a party for their beloved grandmother. None of the girls are interested in reconciling, after a rather scandalous event rocked their friendship to the very core. Through events and family obligations, the girls are invited to stay longer than the original party, where they are left to deal with the situation that parted them in the first place. Just as things seem to be falling into place for the girls, they are forced, again, to come together and overcome their differences.
I'll be honest, this book began slowly and hardly was able to hold my attention, but, as the story builds you become invested in the character's lives and you suddenly find yourself having a hard time putting the book down. The book also pleasantly surprised me in NOT being predictable. (I hate it when I know exactly what's going to happen without having to read ahead.) There are a few little twists and turns that made me say to myself, "huh, didn't see that coming"- which I appreciated. The book also made me appreciate my own relationship with my sister even more. I just finished spending a great week with my sister, and while it was hard to say good bye... we both knew we had too. I finished reading this book last night and immediately wanted to call my sister and tell her I loved her. (Crystal, if you're reading this... I LOVE YOU.) This book was a little sappy, but it was what I was in the mood for, so I'm giving it a solid 7 out of 10!
The story begins with the three sisters, who have not spoken for three years united for a party for their beloved grandmother. None of the girls are interested in reconciling, after a rather scandalous event rocked their friendship to the very core. Through events and family obligations, the girls are invited to stay longer than the original party, where they are left to deal with the situation that parted them in the first place. Just as things seem to be falling into place for the girls, they are forced, again, to come together and overcome their differences.
I'll be honest, this book began slowly and hardly was able to hold my attention, but, as the story builds you become invested in the character's lives and you suddenly find yourself having a hard time putting the book down. The book also pleasantly surprised me in NOT being predictable. (I hate it when I know exactly what's going to happen without having to read ahead.) There are a few little twists and turns that made me say to myself, "huh, didn't see that coming"- which I appreciated. The book also made me appreciate my own relationship with my sister even more. I just finished spending a great week with my sister, and while it was hard to say good bye... we both knew we had too. I finished reading this book last night and immediately wanted to call my sister and tell her I loved her. (Crystal, if you're reading this... I LOVE YOU.) This book was a little sappy, but it was what I was in the mood for, so I'm giving it a solid 7 out of 10!
August 17, 2016
This isn't my favourite Monica McInerney title. That one is Hello from the Gillespies, which was the first one I read and loved. I think because I really liked the characters. The problem I had with The Alphabet Sisters is that I wanted to shake those three girls quite a few times and tell them to stop being so stupid. Thank goodness they had grandmother Lola to do that.
The other reason was that while the author made it clear what had happened to cause the rift between the girls, she then saw fit, further on in the book, to have the girls tell someone in detail of what was said by whom and how, etc. I'm afraid I skipped some of that. It didn't add anything to the story.
This is certainly an emotional journey, just the same. Sadness and happiness in equal measure, like life as Lola would say.
The other reason was that while the author made it clear what had happened to cause the rift between the girls, she then saw fit, further on in the book, to have the girls tell someone in detail of what was said by whom and how, etc. I'm afraid I skipped some of that. It didn't add anything to the story.
This is certainly an emotional journey, just the same. Sadness and happiness in equal measure, like life as Lola would say.
February 4, 2009
I loved most of this book, but she had to add too much sex. Not that I don't like sex, but I prefer that with my husband. I wanted to just enjoy and laugh and cry with this book and I kept having to skip pages to finish the story.
July 26, 2012
I almost cried when I read the book. It was funny, warm n touchy at the last part. Lola was ma best character. Funny old lady. Of all the sisters, i got a connection wit Bet. Easy goin...n i was hurt by Anne's death oh what a great book it is :-)
July 26, 2019
I read this book on the beach several years ago and cries right there on the sand, hiding behind my sunglasses. I recommended it to someone recently and thought I'd come give it a review. The story follows three sisters trying to peice their lives together. They are each so different and I find myself cheering for all of them for different reasons. The book is funny, sad, and very enjoyable for a easy beach read. It's funny how much o connect to this book, maybe because I also have 3 sisters and we live such different lives.
February 8, 2010
This book is the kind of story that will have your emotions going on a rollercoaster. The Alphabet Sisters is one of the best realistic fiction books I have ever read. Anna, Bett, and Carrie are sisters but they are also best friends. When they were younger they used to sing together and be called the Alphabet Sisters. As anyone would guess they got older though, and soon the Alphabet Sisters started to disappear. Even though this happened, the Alphabet Sisters still stayed close. That is, until something happened.
Bett was going to get married, but her fiancé' left her for her sister Carrie. So, instead of Bett getting married to the man she loved, Carrie did. The man Bett always wanted, and thought she had finally gotten, was taken from right under her and brought into the grasp of her sister.
Ever since this event has happened the sisters have been drawn apart and haven’t said a word to each other in years. This is, until Lola, their demanding grandmother has her huge birthday party and told her granddaughters to come, and if Lola wants something, it always turns out her way no matter what.
Slowly but surely, Anna, Bett, and Carrie soon become loving sisters and best friends again. Next thing you know, something major happens to one of them, that will change all their lives forever.
This book was amazing and I loved it so much! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes love stories, but mainly a story about a strong and loving family. When you read this book I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Bett was going to get married, but her fiancé' left her for her sister Carrie. So, instead of Bett getting married to the man she loved, Carrie did. The man Bett always wanted, and thought she had finally gotten, was taken from right under her and brought into the grasp of her sister.
Ever since this event has happened the sisters have been drawn apart and haven’t said a word to each other in years. This is, until Lola, their demanding grandmother has her huge birthday party and told her granddaughters to come, and if Lola wants something, it always turns out her way no matter what.
Slowly but surely, Anna, Bett, and Carrie soon become loving sisters and best friends again. Next thing you know, something major happens to one of them, that will change all their lives forever.
This book was amazing and I loved it so much! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes love stories, but mainly a story about a strong and loving family. When you read this book I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
December 12, 2010
This book spoke to me directly, if ever books had words to say. Monica’s creations are tangible; you can almost reach out and touch her characters through the pages, share their various emotions and feel the insecurities that burden them.
Bett is chubby yet lovable, and she’s never been as comfortable in her own skin as her sisters are. The centre of her sisters’ puns about weight, Bett grew up feeling like a failure in terms of her looks. Carrie, blonde and pretty, stole Bett’s fiancé, which didn’t help Bett’s self esteem a bit. This is the main reason the sisters split up in the first place. Anna is beautiful and glamorous, a mother and the sensible sister among the three.
I think for me, the character that stood out the most is Lola, their hysterical grandmother. The ending stood out for me! One of the most satisfying yet heart wrenching endings I’d ever read!
Bett is chubby yet lovable, and she’s never been as comfortable in her own skin as her sisters are. The centre of her sisters’ puns about weight, Bett grew up feeling like a failure in terms of her looks. Carrie, blonde and pretty, stole Bett’s fiancé, which didn’t help Bett’s self esteem a bit. This is the main reason the sisters split up in the first place. Anna is beautiful and glamorous, a mother and the sensible sister among the three.
I think for me, the character that stood out the most is Lola, their hysterical grandmother. The ending stood out for me! One of the most satisfying yet heart wrenching endings I’d ever read!
October 3, 2023
I have read a few other books by Monica McInerney and enjoyed them, but not this one, maybe because it was one of her earlier novels. I found it uninteresting and hard to get into. I didn't take to any of the characters and the tragedy that befell one of them at the end of the book seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't seem to fit in with the story. I think there could have been more drama between the three sisters to make it more realistic, and I could have done without the musical show being put on by the sisters for their grandmother, which was boring and tiresome and felt like it took up most of the story.
August 10, 2008
Alphabet Sisters was what I consider to be a "nice" read. The characters were fun (for the most part). I really liked Lola's spunk; I hope I am a little like her when I am in my eighties! I found Bett's insecurity to be a tad bit annoying, however. The book's conclusion was not to my liking. (I hate spoilers so I will write no more on that subject.) I also found it hard to believe that these otherwise intelligent and empathetic sisters were so obtuse about each other's adolescent struggles.
January 9, 2009
I thought this book was just ok. Its an interesting story about 3 sisters in Australia, but I was hoping there'd be more to it being set in Australia and there just wasn't.
Also, the turn it took towards the end was unnecessary I thought, considering the first 250 pages or so were light-hearted for the most part.
I wouldn't recommend it, but it did keep me interested and could be a good 'vacation book'
Also, the turn it took towards the end was unnecessary I thought, considering the first 250 pages or so were light-hearted for the most part.
I wouldn't recommend it, but it did keep me interested and could be a good 'vacation book'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2015
I tossed up between 3 and 4 stars with this book. It is a lovely story, although there are a few mundane parts. I ended up loving all of the characters, except the parents of the girls - they were a bit unlovable! But in the last 100 pages or so there was a twist I wasn't expecting and whilst I ended the book in tears, those last pages cemented in my mind it was a 4. Thanks to a wonderful friend who gifted me this book :)
February 25, 2019
This book I kept picking up and putting down. On holidays in New Zealand I read this book. The pace was slow at the beginning however once I got into the second half it was great. I could not stop crying for the last couple of chapters, unfortunately I was with Anne, Rod and David so they saw the tears on more than one occasion. It was great story about forgivenesses should not be delayed and how petit but sad the wrong words can cause grief.
June 11, 2009
This was chick lit-predictable and fluffy, but I enjoyed it for what it was. It is the story of three sisters who were no longer speaking after a big blowout over various things . They are brought back together by a series by their grandmother and find ways to reconnect. The plot and the characters are believable, but it didn't require a huge brain commitment to read.
February 16, 2014
A hilarious and heart breaking book all at the same time. Reminded me just how beautiful the Clare Valley is. Can't wait to go back again :) Monica is a great story teller.
August 5, 2017
This is an adorable story that reveals the sweet, annoying and baffling relationship among sisters. A light sweet story about relationships, grudges and forgiveness.
September 21, 2017
Great book! Happiness, sadness and laughter in all pages.
January 21, 2019
Lovely story of an Australian family and what makes them strong and what comes between.
November 19, 2017
A warm and pleasant read exploring the complicated relationships between three sisters.
When their eccentric grandmother Lola demands that Bett, Anna and Carrie attend her 80th birthday party, each has their misgivings. The sisters haven't spoken to each other for three years following a large family row and are worried how they will cope upon seeing each other again. With Lola's help however, they start to work through their issues in a bid to become friends again.
There is a bit of everything in this story, good characters, family drama, humour and romance. It was easy to read and I would have given another rating star were it not for the rather bleak ending that just didn't relate to the lightheartedness of the rest of the story.
When their eccentric grandmother Lola demands that Bett, Anna and Carrie attend her 80th birthday party, each has their misgivings. The sisters haven't spoken to each other for three years following a large family row and are worried how they will cope upon seeing each other again. With Lola's help however, they start to work through their issues in a bid to become friends again.
There is a bit of everything in this story, good characters, family drama, humour and romance. It was easy to read and I would have given another rating star were it not for the rather bleak ending that just didn't relate to the lightheartedness of the rest of the story.
July 31, 2017
Having never before examined a Monica McInerney novel thought would give one a go. On the grounds she's an Aussie and that the proposed consumption as an audiobook would:
- enable multi tasking of the unpaid employment that sadly precludes an ability to sit about reading a physical book all day; and
- seem like less of an overinvestment if I didn't like it.
Happily the second was not the case. A not totally predictable plot was enhanced by the expression of the narrator who managed to pop in realistic and believable voices and accents for each of the characters.
End result - future unpaid employment possibly be accompanied by a second MI novel.
- enable multi tasking of the unpaid employment that sadly precludes an ability to sit about reading a physical book all day; and
- seem like less of an overinvestment if I didn't like it.
Happily the second was not the case. A not totally predictable plot was enhanced by the expression of the narrator who managed to pop in realistic and believable voices and accents for each of the characters.
End result - future unpaid employment possibly be accompanied by a second MI novel.
September 1, 2019
Monica McInerney is a good storyteller. Her characters are lifelike. Parts of this story were moving.
June 18, 2013
Monica McInerney was recommended to me as an author by my sister. I immediately purchased ‘A Taste for It’ and ‘The Alphabet Sisters’ for my Kindle. After reading ‘A Taste for It’ I admit to being underwhelmed by the writing style and predictable storyline therefore ‘The Alphabet Sisters’ has been left unread for over a year, gathering electronic dust in a corner of my Kindle. Until now.
Blessed with a sunny winter’s day I picked up my Kindle and sat on a bench seat in my garden to get acquainted with the Quinlan sisters. Three sisters forced to reunite at their flamboyant grandmother’s 80th Birthday party after a three year feud. Three very different sisters.
I immediately fell into their tales as we got to know the individual sisters and caught a glimpse of their lives during the three years they had been apart. I found the female characters quite likeable as individuals but their best personality traits highlighted the worst in their sisters. The author certainly presented a feeling of awkwardness as the sisters each came face to face after such a long time. The reason for their falling out is known from the beginning of the book but the actual details don’t emerge until much later. My favourite character was Lola. Having grown up myself without grandparents I was drawn to this larger than life character with her outlandish style and obvious love for the sisters. In fact I enjoyed her story so much that ‘Lola’s Secret’ is now on my ‘To Read’ list.
Whilst I enjoyed spending time with the female characters I felt the male characters were all a little two dimensional. I didn’t feel an affinity towards any of them or their respective relationships with the sisters.
I loved the setting and felt that Ms McInerney did a wonderful job of highlighting the contrasts between London, Sydney and Clare in South Australia. The motel came to life in my mind as I took part in the character’s journey.
It was a nice, easy read about the bond and struggle of sisterhood and ultimate family forgiveness. There was a fair amount of predictability to this book but also chapters that had me reaching for the tissues. The perfect book for a quiet afternoon reading under the winter sun.
Blessed with a sunny winter’s day I picked up my Kindle and sat on a bench seat in my garden to get acquainted with the Quinlan sisters. Three sisters forced to reunite at their flamboyant grandmother’s 80th Birthday party after a three year feud. Three very different sisters.
I immediately fell into their tales as we got to know the individual sisters and caught a glimpse of their lives during the three years they had been apart. I found the female characters quite likeable as individuals but their best personality traits highlighted the worst in their sisters. The author certainly presented a feeling of awkwardness as the sisters each came face to face after such a long time. The reason for their falling out is known from the beginning of the book but the actual details don’t emerge until much later. My favourite character was Lola. Having grown up myself without grandparents I was drawn to this larger than life character with her outlandish style and obvious love for the sisters. In fact I enjoyed her story so much that ‘Lola’s Secret’ is now on my ‘To Read’ list.
Whilst I enjoyed spending time with the female characters I felt the male characters were all a little two dimensional. I didn’t feel an affinity towards any of them or their respective relationships with the sisters.
I loved the setting and felt that Ms McInerney did a wonderful job of highlighting the contrasts between London, Sydney and Clare in South Australia. The motel came to life in my mind as I took part in the character’s journey.
It was a nice, easy read about the bond and struggle of sisterhood and ultimate family forgiveness. There was a fair amount of predictability to this book but also chapters that had me reaching for the tissues. The perfect book for a quiet afternoon reading under the winter sun.
January 8, 2010
I enjoyed this book and thought the author did a great job weaving the tale of three sisters who haven't spoken in three years, after one of them married another one's fiance. Now called back home by their grandma to help celebrate her 80th birthday, they're forced to interact with each other and begin to work through their issues together.
The sisters were all likable, although I definitely had a preference of which ones I liked best and least, and the grandmother was great. The author didn't give everything away all at once, instead dangling hints in front of the reader of what was yet to be revealed, and throughout it all, memories and flashbacks demonstrated how the sisters went from being so close to so distant, each with their own insecurities. I liked the issues that each was dealing with and how their personalities were shaped by their experiences. A very nice sister and family-oriented story.
For all the things I liked about this book (and there were a LOT), I also have to complain that the end took a sappy turn. Perhaps realistic but still sappy; I felt as if I were reading a completely different book that just happened to feature the same characters. It was kind of disorienting and turned what was a sweet and endearing story about sisters and their families into a melodramatic one. However, I did like the book a lot overall, it's just not one of my favorites. Great characters, beautiful scenery, memorable scenes, but a less than stellar ending.
The sisters were all likable, although I definitely had a preference of which ones I liked best and least, and the grandmother was great. The author didn't give everything away all at once, instead dangling hints in front of the reader of what was yet to be revealed, and throughout it all, memories and flashbacks demonstrated how the sisters went from being so close to so distant, each with their own insecurities. I liked the issues that each was dealing with and how their personalities were shaped by their experiences. A very nice sister and family-oriented story.
For all the things I liked about this book (and there were a LOT), I also have to complain that the end took a sappy turn. Perhaps realistic but still sappy; I felt as if I were reading a completely different book that just happened to feature the same characters. It was kind of disorienting and turned what was a sweet and endearing story about sisters and their families into a melodramatic one. However, I did like the book a lot overall, it's just not one of my favorites. Great characters, beautiful scenery, memorable scenes, but a less than stellar ending.
July 28, 2014
Another McInerney story about sisters, family dynamics, secrets and an eccentric matriarch set amidst the Clare Valley in South Australia.
I like McInerney stories - at least, I know what I'm getting. They don't completely and utterly rock my world, however I usually read them at times when I need something snuggly and easy. And being a South Australian local with ties to the Irish community myself, recognising places and supporting a local author is a nice feeling.
So if there is one word that sums up both the story and my reading experience of it, that word would be "convenience."
I read this because I'd been clearing out my "Not Got Round To Reading And Might Not" piles and I was in the need for something cosy and undemanding, that I could put down for big pauses and not lose track of the plot and characters. (And as a bookseller I like to read things like this so I can recommend them - or at least chat about them - with customers.)
But also much of the plot itself is very convenient - everything works itself out (despite some tragedy towards the end), young eligible gentlemen come into the picture at the right time and everything gets resolved with a few heartfelt conversations and exposition at the end.
I've already started on "Lola's Secret" - the follow up - which might turn into a bit of a McInerney-fest, which should be a lot of fun.
I like McInerney stories - at least, I know what I'm getting. They don't completely and utterly rock my world, however I usually read them at times when I need something snuggly and easy. And being a South Australian local with ties to the Irish community myself, recognising places and supporting a local author is a nice feeling.
So if there is one word that sums up both the story and my reading experience of it, that word would be "convenience."
I read this because I'd been clearing out my "Not Got Round To Reading And Might Not" piles and I was in the need for something cosy and undemanding, that I could put down for big pauses and not lose track of the plot and characters. (And as a bookseller I like to read things like this so I can recommend them - or at least chat about them - with customers.)
But also much of the plot itself is very convenient - everything works itself out (despite some tragedy towards the end), young eligible gentlemen come into the picture at the right time and everything gets resolved with a few heartfelt conversations and exposition at the end.
I've already started on "Lola's Secret" - the follow up - which might turn into a bit of a McInerney-fest, which should be a lot of fun.
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