This is the first book I have read by Annabel Lyon and I was not disappointed. Consent was longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize this year so I was very happy to receive a
free digital ARC from NetGalley and Random House Canada for an honest review.
This is the story of two sets of sisters. Their lives become interconnected in surprising ways, -- a few times, in fact.
Jenny & Saskia are identical twins. Jenny likes the glamour, fashion and beauty of life and Saskia is all about her academics. After a horrible car accident, Jenny is in a coma and Saskia comes home to support her sister and parents.
Sara and Mattie's relationship is complicated. Sara, the older sister leaves home and pursues a career and a life of finer things. She likes beautiful clothing and fine wines. Mattie is loveable and curious and has a mental disability. When Sara and Mattie's mother dies, Sara finds out that Mattie has married the handyman, Robert. Sara cannot fathom her sister being married and takes it upon herself to care for her Mattie.
More tragedy takes place and both Saskia and Sara find themselves trying to cope and come to terms with how their lives are impacted because of their sisters. This story is about family relationships, sibling relationships, coping with grief, guilt and revenge.
I was not expecting the story to take the turn that it did which caused me to see the book in a different light. This would be a great book club read. There is a lot to discuss about the themes - family relationships, siblings, responsibilities, care giving, sacrifices; the characters, the story and the title. I look forward to reading more of Annabel Lyon's backlist.
Bookworm Rating: 🐛🐛🐛🐛
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