Reviews

The Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West

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lminique's review

4.0

I didn't know that there was a previous book to Sara's story. I would recommend reading that one first, although you do get a glimpse of what causes Sara to harden her heart to a lot of things. This book is about perseverance, hope and the struggles with family and friendships. It will make you laugh, cry, and want to eat good down-home cooking. I look forward to reading more from this author.

thepagelady's review

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5.0

Great characters, beautiful writing and interesting story! I thought this was a great book! The ending definitely came too soon!

speaktospeakthrough's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

cmrink's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

londadbk's review

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reflective sad fast-paced

2.5

This book is a disappointment because I know it could have been so much more. The main character, Sara is compelling in a way not a lot of characters are. However, I just couldn’t get into the book. I found myself counting the pages until I was done and this was sa short book… I think the main issue with it is the pacing. The book would have been much more interesting if we didn’t skip an entire year and if the main events were condensed into a few months. Sometimes it felt like things were happening because they just had to happened. Jonas has to die so Sara can go back to Chicago and Cora can have a child. Diane had to die to give the villain a sympathy card annd so on… And the references to the 60s felt forever and took me out of the story more than anything. And Sara, as much as I liked the character felt like someone from the future who had been dropped into this historical setting. She didn’t feel of the time. Another victim of great idea, choppy execution…

njreadsandwrites's review

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5.0

Chile, Sara reminded me too much of myself. It was creepy, off-putting, and very angering. But I loved her because I understood her. I knew she needed it. She needed Grace, and it was hard for her to accept it from the characters in the book. Her story was tragic, and traumatizing, yet so beautiful, powerful, and a true masterpiece. Catherine did all she could with this plot without it being too much. She used her characters to showcase the plot and the backstory. Her writing was prolific, and lyrical at times, but easy to read and understand. I cried, laughed, smiled, screamed, and felt every emotion possible, I'm also mad it took me so long to get to this novel, but it was more than worth the wait.

I loved every character, except Sara's father, the "man of God," I loved that Catherine didn't spend too much time on him. Highlighted church issues without making the whole book about them. LI was the sweetest man. I'm pissed at Catherine for what she did to him. The borders, all the borders, warmed my heart. I loved them just as much as the main characters. They were all great people, and found family is one of my favorite tropes in a book. They really loved Sara, and I wanted her to find true happiness so bad.

This is definitely a favorite of all time. It reminded me a lot of how I feel when I read a Toni Morrison book. I will be looking forward to reading anything she puts out.