Two Sisters

 Two Sisters: A Novel_Amazon
Author: Mary Hogan
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: sister, family
ISBN-13: 978-0062279934
Synopsis: One family, two sisters, a lifetime of secrets . . . The third child in a family that wanted only two, Muriel Sullivant has always been an outsider. Short, dark-haired and round, she worships her beautiful blonde sister, Pia, and envies the close bond she shares with their mother, Lidia. Growing up in their shadow, Muriel believes that if she keeps all their secrets—and she knows plenty, outsiders always do—they will love her, too. But that was a long time ago. Now an adult, Muriel has accepted the disappointments in her life. With her fourth-floor walk-up apartment and entry-level New York City job, she never will measure up to Pia and her wealthy husband, their daughter, and their suburban Connecticut dream home. Muriel would like nothing better than to avoid her judgmental family altogether. One thing she does quite well. Until the day Pia shows up to visit and share devastating news that Muriel knows she cannot tell—a secret that will force her to come to terms with the past and help her see her life and her family in unexpected new ways.

Borrowed from the library on a whim, I saw the cover and read the synopsis. It was a split second decision before I threw it in my borrow pile. The story focus on Muriel's point of view, but shifts sometimes to Pia and to their parents, Lidia and Owen.

There is something disturbing about the story that kept me going, you know that feel you get when something is not right. The same with the family, where Muriel works hard to be part of a family where the mom, Lidia has the first born Pia; dad Owen has his son, Logan. It is clear that Muriel is more an outsider than a member of the Sullivants.

The story starts with Muriel grown up and working as a casting assistant in New York. She is happiest when she does not have to deal with her family. Who wouldn't when you were ousted and bullied when you are child? Your heart will really go out to the poor girl, who wanted nothing but love and attention that she rightfully deserved.

Enters Pia, her eldest sister by 8 years. The selfish one threw down a bombshell, and Muriel's life begins to unravel. We watch her struggle with her emotions and her family, and wonder if we are like that with family. If you are not reaching for the tissue by now, the ending would definitely pull your heartstrings.

While parts of the book might be heavy with descriptions and weighed the story down, nevertheless it is a light read. I managed to finish it in one day, a few sittings, but in one day. The whole story, from start to end, was engaging to me.

I would recommend it, if you are one that likes broken families.