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Book Jacket

The Sisters:
A Novel
by Nancy Jensen

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication date: 10/02/2012.
Novels, 336 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 22
Readers' Consensus: 4.0
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First Impressions: Page 2 of 4
Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Carm D. (Omaha, NE)

The Sisters by Nancy Jensen
This was an excellent and interesting story about how one miscommunication can affect the lives of so many generations. I found it compelling and could hardly put it down. The characters were well developed and I especially liked Alma and her courage. I recommend this highly.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Mary M. (Lexington, KY)

Touching Story
I really enjoyed this book. I waited a few days after finishing it to write this because I wanted to see if I felt the same way after some time had passed. I can say that the characters and their stories are going to stay with me for some time. It is a very well written book. I would recommend it to book clubs. There are many issues that could be discussed. It is interesting to see how the lives of the sisters and their children change over 80 years. This is a wonderful book.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Diane W. (Lake Villa, IL)

The Sisters
First books, I believe, are often an author's best as they seem to be the culmination of many years of thought, reflection, and craft. This book did not disappoint me in that opinion: complex and varied characters; sound writing of a tale of family dynamics, secrets; paths taken vs. not taken; decisions made and the consequences that follow. Would definitely be a good choice for complex discussions and strong opinions in a women's book club or group. Recommended!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Carol G. (Little Egg Harbor, NJ)

The Sisters
A very complex and moving novel that led me to reflect on my own family and my own life and how my life was shaped by those decisions. The reader is drawn into this story deeper and deeper, when nothing turns out as planned for the sisters, stemming from the first misunderstanding!

This extraordinary novel of two sisters and their families spanning over eighty years is one not to be missed and would be a wonderful discussion book for my book club.

This book will stay in your thoughts long after yo have read the last page. I look forward to reading future novels from Nancy Jensen.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Kimberly D. (Mount Airy, MD)

The Sisters
A masterfully written story that takes the reader through a series of colorful and often times painful snapshots illustrating the history of the modern woman's role in society from the 1920's to the present. At first I was struck by how different the role of yesterday's woman is compared to the apparent strength and freedom of today's. But then as I read on I realized that all of us, no matter the year of our birth, at some point share the burden of pain and the glory of transcending pain to become more of who we really are. The Sisters should be read by all women whether they are struggling to find their voice or not. I was a little frustrated that the whole story balanced on a simple miscommunication and I did not get the closure I was hoping for but the importance of the message more than makes up for this.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Betty S. (Jasper, GA)

Twentieth Century Women
This is an entertaining novel, but don't start it on a day when you're feeling down. Through four generations, the female descendants of Imogene East Fischer hardly ever catch a break when choosing a mate or raising a child. You'll ask yourself, "How can these women be so clueless?" And be glad this is not your family.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Marie C. (Wyoming, DE)

Concept vs Mechanics
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 because I felt the mechanics of the book were lacking. I found myself needing to refer to the family tree at the beginning of the book. Thank goodness it was there. The theme and concept of the book was interesting especially to women and will definitely be a top pick among women's book clubs. It will make interesting discussion about secrets, sacrifice, forgiveness, and real love. Thoughts that came to mind while reading: Sacrifice without forgiveness and no concept of what love really is. Secrets born of sacrifices made out of love that's never explicitly expressed. Interesting book.

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