08 October 2007

Woman to Woman Book Review

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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

The Girls by Lori Lansens is a real page turner. Written so realistically that you forget that it is fiction, conjoined twins Rose and Ruby take turns sharing the intricacies of their life together as the oldest living craniopagus twins, striving to reach their 30th birthday.

Rose carries the main voice. She begins the "autobiography" almost exclusively, sharing the detailed story of their birth and their childhood with the generous Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash. As her writings unfold, she invites Ruby to share her thoughts and feelings. Neither of them know what the other has written, although they do share certain instincts. But their differing perspectives provide interesting insight into the challenges they face together.

The girls are very different from one another. Rose is extremely intelligent. Her interests include reading, writing, and all things intellectual. Her sister Ruby is kind of a carefree sprit - likes to sing, and quite frankly is much more interested in celebrity gossip than the news. But they own themselves with a confidence that is inspiring.

Rose walks for the two of them. Because of Ruby's deformities and the fact that she is much smaller, Rose has to support her on her hip. Rose is very conscious of the fact that while she may have the working body, she is not as pleasant to look at as Ruby, known as the "pretty" one.

It is amazing to me how matter of fact the girls are about their lives. There is so much give and take between the two of them and it is not always fairly balanced. And although they work together like a well oiled machine, they are two very distinct women. This is obvious in their interpretation of certain events in their life. But the two viewpoints are necessary in capturing the whole picture of their experience, since one sees things plainly while the other is analytical.

Every turn of this story invokes a different emotion. It satisfies curiosity, it is humorous and it is heartfelt. There is mystery, there is love and there is tragedy. You've got to read it!


Visit more Woman to Woman participants who have linked up over at Morning Glory's blog!

15 comments:

Jennifer @ Fruit of My Hands said...

Wow, great recommendation for a book, I'll have to check it out.

Anonymous said...

This book sounds very intriguing. Thanks for hosting...

BAK said...

This book sounds really good. I love books that tell the story from multiple viewpoints; it allows you to see the characters in many lights. I'll have to put that one on my list.

Thanks for hosting!

Dawn said...

Sounds really good - I haven't heard of it. I'll put it on my list!

Zoe said...

I have never heard of this book. It does sound really interesting. What a unique topic for a book . . . what led you to it?!

Gran said...

Your review sounds very intriguing.I haven't heard of it but, will add this one to my reading list!
Thanks for sharing and hosting woman to woman.

Have a wonderful day filled with love and laughter!

Angela

Tigersue said...

Thanks for such an interesting review. I hope I can find it to read it.

Dawn said...

Thanks for stopping by and for the compliment on my blog look. I can take no credit for it, but my daughter, Kristen (Mama's So-Called Life, is the brilliance behind it. She keeps me looking good!

Montserrat said...

Interesting premise for a story. Can't wait to read all the other book recommendations from others too. I need more books to read!

utmommy said...

Sounds like one I would love. I'll have to add it to my list.

Michelle said...

This sounds very interesting. I think I might just have to get a copy. Thanks for the review!

Linda said...

Sounds very good. I'll have to look for it at my library.

Anonymous said...

I totally would join in but I am either reading the Book of Mormon or photogrpahy/photoshop books lately. I should read this one and do better!! You are so great!

Gabriela said...

Sounds like a good book. I have to get it. Thanks!

Code Yellow Mom said...

I have been enthralled by the girls on TLC who share a body - they are now teenagers and have just made a new addition to their original documentary (done when they were ten or eleven)...It sure makes you think a lot about cooperation and identity and hopes and dreams. This looks like a fascinating read...