Jacob Have I Loved

Louise and Caroline are twins, but they are nowhere near identical. In Louise's eyes, it is Caroline who is brilliantly talented and it is Caroline who is beautiful; Louise finds it is Caroline who is given special privileges and treats while Louise is given nothing. The story is told from Louise's point-of-view so it is hard to tell whether Caroline's special treatment is real or is just the way it is seen from the eyes of a jealous sister. In some ways, it is obvious that Louise is cast aside; Louise's grandmother has nothing but disdain for her. Whatever the reality of the preferential treatment, it is very real to Louise. I couldn't help feeling deep sorrow for Louise as she is continually set aside and set aside for a sister perceived as lovelier and more gifted.

I enjoyed this book but it wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be. I did like the anti-hero quality of Louise; who among us has not felt put down and overshadowed in every way by someone who seemingly has it all and cannot lose? I could feel Louise's horror and pain as her life unfolded and her needs continued to be put behind those of her star sister, Caroline.