Title: The Girls
Author: Lori Lansens
First published January 1, 2005
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780316066341 (ISBN10: 0316066346)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
Introducing Rose and Ruby Darlen, the world’s most famous conjoined twins. They have grown up with a bond that is unbreakable, facing life’s challenges as one.
They share their secrets, their joys, and their dreams, making a life that is uniquely their own. As their 30th birthday approaches, Rose decides to pen their story, revealing the struggles and triumphs of their extraordinary journey.
From their first steps together to navigating their way in a world that often misunderstands them, the Darlen sisters will take you on a moving and unforgettable ride. Lori Lansens weaves a poignant tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the power of love that transcends all boundaries.
This novel is a rare gem that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
About the Author
Lori Lansens grew up in Chatham, Ontario, a quaint Canadian town with a rich history as a stop on the Underground Railroad. This location served as the backdrop for her first three best-selling novels.
However, after residing in downtown Toronto for most of her adult life, she and her family made the move to the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles in 2006. Recently, they relocated once more to Calabasas, California, where the Kardashians call home.
Lansens’ latest novel, “This Little Light,” takes place in this new setting.
Editoral Review
The Girls by Lori Lansens is a poignant and gripping novel that explores the complex relationship between two sisters, Rose and Ruby Darlen, who are joined at the head. First published on January 1, 2005, Lansens’ novel is a masterful work that combines elements of drama, coming-of-age, and adventure to create a story that is as captivating as it is heart-wrenching.
As an accomplished author, Lansens effectively employs a unique narrative structure, alternating the voices of Rose and Ruby by having each of them narrate the story in turn. This technique allows the reader to gain insights into the sisters’ different perspectives, personalities, and aspirations, making the story even more immersive and engaging.
The plot of The Girls revolves around Rose and Ruby’s journey to search for their biological mother, a quest that they embark on after discovering a letter that their adoptive parents had hidden from them. Along the way, they encounter a wide range of challenges, both physical and emotional, that test their bond and resilience.
Set against the backdrop of small-town America, Lansens’ novel is an ode to the rural life, portraying the joys and struggles of living in a close-knit community. Through Rose and Ruby’s experiences, Lansens showcases the beauty of rural life while also exposing the prejudices and limitations that come with it.
One of the strengths of The Girls is Lansens’ masterful character development. She creates fully realized, multi-dimensional characters that feel authentic and relatable.
Rose and Ruby are complex individuals with their own distinctive personalities, interests, and struggles. Lansens explores their innermost thoughts and emotions, making the reader truly empathize with their plight.
At its core, The Girls is a tale of unconditional love, resilience, and self-discovery. Lansens’ narrative is imbued with pathos and depth, and she crafts a story that is both poignant and uplifting.
However, the novel’s pacing may feel sluggish at times, especially during the middle portion when the sisters’ journey seems to lose momentum. This can be attributed to the book’s more character-driven approach, at the expense of a more action-packed plot.
Additionally, some readers may find the novel’s ending to be somewhat ambiguous. Overall, The Girls is a beautifully written novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Lansens’ storytelling is meticulous and evocative, and she draws the reader in with her stunning prose. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction and family dramas.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: The Girls is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, adventure stories, and family dramas. Lansens’ novel is a poignant and engaging exploration of love, identity, and resilience that is sure to tug at the heartstrings of readers.