The Good Sister

Compelling Family Drama. This one was pretty wild. On the one hand, you've got one twin sister who seems to be Autistic, though that word is never once used. Instead, Hepworth simply claims various “sensory processing disorders” (many of them very similar to this Autistic's own, fwiw) and shows this twin taking things very literally, not reading people very well, etc. IOW, classic signs of Autism - but again, that word is never once used in the text. Which is both cool and irritating. The other twin is a diabetic that feels she must always protect her Autistic sister. Except... let's just say the twins don't always remember the same events the same way. ;) Deeper into the book, a much larger conspiracy develops that really turns the back half of the book to near breakneck speeds. And then those last words... Truly excellent book, even without the use of the one word, and very much recommended.

Different and Interesting

This is my second book by Sally Hepworth I loved the mother in law and when I saw this on NetGalley I was thrilled. This is a really good read. Thank you, NetGalley, and all parties involved for my arc, and my sincerest apology for my delay.
This new book is the story of twin sisters who grow up in less than ideal circumstances. Fern is now a librarian and is sensitive to too many stimuli. Rose, an interior designer for businesses, has always acted as Fern's protector. Sadly, Rose discovers that she is unable to have a baby so Fern decides to get pregnant and give the baby to Rose since she has been her lifelong champion and beloved sister. Now as I was turning pages the author tossed me hints that something between these two sisters is not what we think it is. I loved that aspect of the story it added more curiosity to the story that I didn't think I needed.
I will say that I found myself feeling bad for Fern and all his social anxieties and I loved how she tried to make the best of things. What is hard is the flashes of the past that you as the reader don't know if it is real or not. I loved how everything was not what it seems and that everything seemed to be going as Rose wanted because she was the good sister or so we are meant to believe. In the end, everything I thought would happen was done in reverse. Thank you again for this arc I can not wait to see what comes next from this author.

If you would like to buy a copy of The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth, please click the link below.

My rating: 4 stars

This story is told from the alternating perspectives of fraternal twins Rose and Fern. From the outside it appears as if beautiful, petite Rose has the perfect life: married to her kind and handsome husband, Owen; thriving in her career, and trying to start a family. Meanwhile, Fern - who is on the autism spectrum and has sensory processing disorder - lives a very different life. She works as a librarian and lives a very orderly life with a strict routine and little disruption. Having had a difficult life, growing up in foster care following their mother's overdose when they were 12, the sisters have always been extraordinarily close, with Rose acting as Fern's surrogate mom. When Fern meets Rocco Ryan, a tech millionaire who shares some of her autistic traits, it disrupts her perfectly structured routine and her relationship with her sister, revealing the truth behind some long-held secrets between the girls.

That is the basic plot intro for this novel and all I can say without giving anything away. While this is classified as a domestic thriller, I don't think that genre is quite accurate. I would classify this as high family drama. There are certainly some “mysterious” events, and thrillery bits and pieces, but it is all quite predictable. It was fairly easy to see where the story was going to go pretty early on. What keeps the story interesting is how events affect the sisters' relationship and exactly what extent Rose will go to to keep Fern beholden to her.

I really enjoyed this book. While it was very easy to figure out exactly what would happen long before anything was revealed, the writing was engaging and the plot was fast-paced. The way the relationship between Fern and Rocco played out was quite enjoyable to read about and I found myself rooting for them. Overall this was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, interesting story with some drama but nothing too over-the-top.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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“I imagine, being twins, the bond is even more unique. If you get along, that is.” She laughs.

Beverly doesn't seem to be expecting an answer, and I am glad. If she had, I might have told her the truth. That people without sisters think it's all sunshine and lollipops or all blood and guts. But actually it's always both. Sunshine and guts. Lollipops and blood. Good and bad. The bad is as essential to the relationship as the good.

Maybe the bad is even more important, because that's what ties you together.

THE GOOD SISTER

I think I'm too anxious for this brand of mystery novels. I can't handle second hand embarrassment or trauma, especially when it comes to weight. It makes me pause too often when trying to read. I have to calm down between chapters. The first half of this book was an unenjoyable read. The second half picked up and while the twist was obvious from very early on, I liked that at least their mom wasn't horrible...I wish I could ask Fern for some book recommendations.

Fans of Liane Moriarty and The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion will really enjoy this book. It's funny, it's poignant, features well-developed characters, is well written, and it's also a really good mystery. The audiobook is very well narrated too! I particularly enjoyed the deal points of view at slowly developed each character and played with the idea of an unreliable narrator. It really sucked me in, and for the first half of the book I was convinced I understood both characters, only to realize that I did not. The themes of dysfunctional family and neuro diversity were developed with humor, insight, and suspense. I will definitely be reading more books by this author!