Reviews

Little Sister by Barbara Gowdy

graciesmom's review against another edition

3.0

Little Sister by Barbara Gowdy

Whenever a thunderstorm goes by, Rose finds herself inside another woman, Harriet. Rose loses consciousness and is able to see, hear and experience everything Harriet is experiencing. She finds that the “Harriet” state is so delicious, she cannot wait for the next thunderstorm to go by, even if it means driving towards one. She tells no one about the “Harriet” states and soon finds that she is no longer as interested in her own life, and her own boyfriend.

If that were not enough, Rose’s mother has dementia. What is Fiona going to do or say next?

Additionally, there’s that new employee, Lloyd, the ex-con. Is he stealing from them?

I found this book to be an interesting read, but felt it lacked something. More about Rose’s little sister, perhaps?

3 stars out of 5

Publication Date: 23 May 2017

Thanks to Tin House Books and Netgalley for this Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

balletbookworm's review against another edition

3.0

Little Sister is one of those books that has such a good premise and idea behind the characters but then gets really underserved by the construction. It takes so long to get to WHY Rose becomes so obsessed with Harriet and how the two of them might be connected (or not) that I was having trouble staying with the story. It should not have taken me this long to read. Fiona was a great character.

(Thanks to Tin House Galley Club for the ARC)

poutineriot's review against another edition

1.0

Wildly bland, in the way that only pot boiler mysteries, romances, and supernatural thrillers can be. I didn't care about any of the characters, and the plot line was far too convoluted and ridiculous to carry the simple themes of loss and connection the author slipped in. So, if you're into that sort of thing, have at it, but I wouldn't recommend it. I'm not quite sure why I walked out of the bookstore with this the other day, honestly.

Does that sound bitchy? Yeah... I guess. Sorry.

bunnieslikediamonds's review against another edition

5.0

What a gem of a book. I'd never read anything by Barbara Gowdy before, and had no idea what to expect. This was completely intriguing and I want more.

moogen's review against another edition

2.0

I came across this novel via the New York Times Book Review so I was expecting more than a beach read. Once I revised my expectations, I still found this book underwhelming with uninspiring characters and an ending that was rushed and unsatisfying.

oliviagundler's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

2.25

brogan7's review against another edition

I'm reading too many things.  Will try it again

bellwetherdays's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

rose421's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

ljjohnson8's review against another edition

2.0

I very much enjoyed another Gowdy (Helpless - 5 stars) so I was excited by the prospect of her latest. But I was disappointed by this slow-moving but well-written novel, that had too many go-nowhere features (Marsh) and an oddly cold and bland feel to it. I feel like I understood Gowdy's themes and points, but I guess she just didn't make me care. However, she has a lot of other titles; I loved Helpless; and even this novel was written with distinctive care and style, so I will try another.