kimberly_rose’s Reviews > Sibling Rivals > Status Update

An emotionally satisfying character-driven story. I'd like to read Mark's story--he had a complex personality and a shitload of issues that promised another intense, character-developing story. I'm sure there'd be plenty of ways he could fuck up further before maturing and I would like to read that!

Well, the dad really fleshed out well by the end. Like it! The mom never had much character, but then again, I think there just wasn't much there--she was so cold and closed off to living.

But scenes with her are quick and easy, so it's do-able, I haven't left my suspension of disbelief yet.

It's a bit forced--contrived?--to introduce a friend now, simply as a sounding board for Colin.

Colin seems so far ahead of these brothers with self-awareness and adult behaviour.

I am REALLY hurting for Mark. God, poor guy. "When you were little, you laughed when Mom and Dad yelled at you. I cried when they did. And later? When you turned into an asshole? I stayed up all night worrying about you. Do you know that? The night the police hauled you home I puked I was so scared for you. And it was just a big joke to you." I feelz ya, Mark. He's such a serious fellow.

My heart does bleed for Mark, though, despite his immaturity. It's true: what he struggles so desperately with just comes easy-peasy to Peter.

The father is coming more alive, ironically, with his grief at losing his wife. Also, Colin. The way the dad treats Colin after his wife dies makes me hate her hate--her poison was strong enough to stop the dad from doing what he'd choose to do. Then again, I guess he made a choice: the choice to keep his wife calm. Gawd, dynamics/relationships. See, with books you can respond fully honest to people (in the books).

I am fully behind Colin's character, and Peter and Mark are fairly bouncy in my mind, but the parents of the brothers? Well, they are not well built; rather, they are somewhat flat, holding little else for the brothers but censure and criticism. I know some parents are that "empty" to their kids, but it's doing this story a disservice because I don't really *care* that the mom is dying and I think I'm supposed to.

And I like Colin even more for saying NO to Mark, despite Colin's need for connection. Good on him. I don't feel Mark fully recognizes what he did to Colin. His apology was weak.