Reviews

The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown

jess_mango's review against another edition

5.0

Jane and Isabel Peabody are conjoined twins who are sold by their parents to a carnival sideshow. Isabel is the more dominant of the twins and convinces Jane that they should be medically separated. But, Isabel dies during surgery. Jane is left with one arm and one leg since the other ones were shared with her sister. Now Jane has to make her own way in the world since she no longer has the sideshow appeal of being a conjoined twin. Jane is also left with a phantom twin...the spirit of Isabel remains attached to her. This was both charming and creepy (as all sideshow stories tend to be). It was a great little read that I was able to tackle in under an hour. If you are looking for a graphic novel to read during this spooky fall season, this one just might be perfect for you.

What to listen to while reading...
Siamese Twins by The Cure
The Carnival by Amanda Jenssen
A Cautionary Song by The Decemberists
Never Tear Us Apart by The National
Can't Take you With Me by Bahamas
How to Fight Loneliness by Wilco

trevoryan's review against another edition

4.0

I read graphic novels for the art as much as the story. And this art is gorgeous. I love Lisa Brown's illustrator's styles - the bold lines and colors. And what a fascinating idea for a story!

pich's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kelleycailin's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

carkam17's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

everyday_dewey's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

raesock's review against another edition

4.0

I was getting Instagram ads for this constantly so I finally gave in. And it proves that instagram really knows me. Right up my alley

breakfastgrey's review against another edition

4.0

The reviews for this one are interesting to read. This book doesn't want you to feel comfortable. I believe the phrase the author uses is "sad and queasy." It doesn't sugarcoat its setting. This isn't The Greatest Showman. It dives full into the ableism, sexism, racism of the time and setting. These characters are obviously being exploited. But it's also the only chance at community, at family. The story itself kind of loses steam when it turns to a cliched romance halfway through, but the setting really carries the day. An interesting read, just not a comfortable one. Prepare to ask questions that won't get answered.

goodsewp's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jkw7072's review against another edition

dark emotional tense fast-paced

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

2.0

It was not the vibe and the art just really wasn’t my style at all