It's a testament to good writing when I enjoy a book despite not caring for its main characters. Identical twins Kate and Violet are an anxious stay-at-home-mom and a thoughtless free spirit, respectively. In addition to looking alike, they also share what they call "senses" or ESP. Married sister Kate has renounced hers, but Violet has gone pro with her gift and publicly predicts an earthquake will hit St. Louis (where they live).
The story is told from Kate's perspective, mostly at the time of the prediction but with flashbacks to fill in the story and ends a few years later. I like when an author doesn't leave you hanging. Sittenfeld's depiction of the twin relationship seems true from what I've observed my the identicals I know best, though my pair's worldview is a lot more similar than Kate and Violet's. My identicals are also a lot funnier. Hi Emily and Kate!
Comments
Emily (not verified)
Mon, 08/26/2013 - 4:52pm
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She got SO MUCH right about
She got SO MUCH right about the twin relationship in this book! The part where you think they are you, that their actions look to the rest of the world like yours so you worry about it all the time, it's so real and true and I don't know how she knew that when she's not a twin. I devoured that book. I think she's such a great writer. And you're right, I devoured it but wow I didn't care what happened.
jenna
Mon, 08/26/2013 - 8:20pm
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Oh, that explains why Kate is
Oh, that explains why Kate is what seems to me to be overly invested in Violet's activities and appearance.