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philippakmoore's review
5.0
I love Dorothy Whipple. She is one of the most underrated writers of the twentieth century in my opinion. This novel, published in 1943 but set in the thirties before the terror and trauma of war punctured people’s daily lives, is probably her darkest (of those I’ve read so far). With the horror of domestic violence at its core, it is an unsettling read but still compellingly written with superb characterisation and a satisfying conclusion.
krobart's review
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/10/15/day-1273-the-1944-club-they-were-sisters/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/10/15/day-1273-the-1944-club-they-were-sisters/
cpruskee's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
quietturbulence's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I adore Dorothy Whipple and this novel is just another sweeping masterpiece.
sloatsj's review
4.0
Surprise, it's a story of three sisters: Lucy, Charlotte and Vera. They all marry, and the latter two become failures at motherhood, whereas Lucy remains childless. Guess who picks up the slack?
I ordered this because Persephone books published the wonderful Elizabeth Jenkins' book I read, [b:Harriet|13607031|Harriet|Elizabeth Jenkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1335011679l/13607031._SX50_.jpg|1664925], and I also loved Jenkins' other novel, [b:The Tortoise and the Hare|497423|The Tortoise and the Hare|Elizabeth Jenkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1478573288l/497423._SY75_.jpg|1987279]. The press focuses on 'neglected' women authors of the 20th century, and I'm all for that.
In any case, I enjoyed "They Were Sisters." It had interesting, sympathetic characters, a heroine, a villain. There weren't big surprises and given the personalities, things turned out as one would expect. One slightly jarring thing was the entrance of God near the end. Suddenly Lucy gets a bit preachy and yet the book until then had zero to do with religion. That was awkward and unnecessary in an already long book.
Although Persephone says it publishes neglected authors, Dorothy Whipple seems to have been very popular in her day. This book, for example, was made into a film with James Mason. In any case, I like the general vibe, and when I ordered this I also ordered another Whipple book, that I will now start. Kind of sorry about that -- wish I'd ordered another author to try, but I don't think it's the end of my relationship with Persephone, which makes beautiful editions.
I ordered this because Persephone books published the wonderful Elizabeth Jenkins' book I read, [b:Harriet|13607031|Harriet|Elizabeth Jenkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1335011679l/13607031._SX50_.jpg|1664925], and I also loved Jenkins' other novel, [b:The Tortoise and the Hare|497423|The Tortoise and the Hare|Elizabeth Jenkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1478573288l/497423._SY75_.jpg|1987279]. The press focuses on 'neglected' women authors of the 20th century, and I'm all for that.
In any case, I enjoyed "They Were Sisters." It had interesting, sympathetic characters, a heroine, a villain. There weren't big surprises and given the personalities, things turned out as one would expect. One slightly jarring thing was the entrance of God near the end. Suddenly Lucy gets a bit preachy and yet the book until then had zero to do with religion. That was awkward and unnecessary in an already long book.
Although Persephone says it publishes neglected authors, Dorothy Whipple seems to have been very popular in her day. This book, for example, was made into a film with James Mason. In any case, I like the general vibe, and when I ordered this I also ordered another Whipple book, that I will now start. Kind of sorry about that -- wish I'd ordered another author to try, but I don't think it's the end of my relationship with Persephone, which makes beautiful editions.
ellenplum's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
suehepworth's review
5.0
Set in 1930s. story of three sisters and their marriages and how their choice of partner affects their lives. E.g one is perfect but no children, 1 marries a horror, one is a horror a marrie good man. Very very good
patti66's review
4.0
This is my first novel by this author. I plan to read her other books. There is something about her writing style that draws you in. Many unlikable characters in this but I wanted to keep reading despite it.
itsonlymaisha's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
elizabethod's review
emotional
funny
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0