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Overview
Rarely has the experience of being a sister been so poignantly and memorably captured as in Lori Lansens's triumphant novel. The Girls celebrates life's fundamental joys and trials as it presents Rose and Ruby, sisters destined to live inseparably but blessed with distinct sensibilities that enrich and complicate their shared experiences-of growing up, of finding their way in the world, of saying good-bye.Readers who encounter the girls will find it hard to resist falling under their spell.
Synopsis
Rarely has the experience of being a sister been so poignantly and memorably captured as in Lori Lansens's triumphant novel. The Girls celebrates life's fundamental joys and trials as it presents Rose and Ruby, sisters destined to live inseparably but blessed with distinct sensibilities that enrich and complicate their shared experiences-of growing up, of finding their way in the world, of saying good-bye.Readers who encounter the girls will find it hard to resist falling under their spell.
Publishers Weekly
Some books translate so smoothly to audio that they seem meant to be read aloud, and this fictional autobiography of 29-year-old conjoined twins Rose and Ruby Darlen is one such tale. Though joined at the head, "The Girls" have separate bodies and distinct personalities, which come to life through Zimbalist's and Davidovich's narration. Zimbalist takes on the husky voice of Rose, a writer who's intent on penning her life story-in other words, this audio. She has coerced Ruby, voiced to bubbly perfection by Davidovich, into contributing her own chapters, and the combination of their interwoven first-person narratives makes for an illuminating portrait of two extraordinary women, their unshakeable bond and the people who have guided them along the way. Zimbalist does a fine job voicing not only Rose but the girls' uncle Stash, with his heavy Slovakian accent, their levelheaded aunt Lovey and their crotchety Italian neighbor, among others. Further complementing the narration is occasional music, adjusted to match the mood and tempo of the story. This is a masterful production of an unusual and inspiring story. Simultaneous release with the Little, Brown hardcover (Reviews, Jan. 16). (June) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Some books translate so smoothly to audio that they seem meant to be read aloud, and this fictional autobiography of 29-year-old conjoined twins Rose and Ruby Darlen is one such tale. Though joined at the head, "The Girls" have separate bodies and distinct personalities, which come to life through Zimbalist's and Davidovich's narration. Zimbalist takes on the husky voice of Rose, a writer who's intent on penning her life story-in other words, this audio. She has coerced Ruby, voiced to bubbly perfection by Davidovich, into contributing her own chapters, and the combination of their interwoven first-person narratives makes for an illuminating portrait of two extraordinary women, their unshakeable bond and the people who have guided them along the way. Zimbalist does a fine job voicing not only Rose but the girls' uncle Stash, with his heavy Slovakian accent, their levelheaded aunt Lovey and their crotchety Italian neighbor, among others. Further complementing the narration is occasional music, adjusted to match the mood and tempo of the story. This is a masterful production of an unusual and inspiring story. Simultaneous release with the Little, Brown hardcover (Reviews, Jan. 16). (June) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.VOYA
During a tornado in tiny Leaford, Ontario, twins are born to an unwed teenage runaway. Baby girls Ruby and Rose are craniopagus conjoined twins, connected at the head. Horrified and scared, the new mother abandons the babies, leaving them to be raised by Aunt Lovey Darlen, the nurse present at the birth, and her husband, Uncle Stash. The Darlens raise the twins with love, acceptance, and fortitude. The townspeople refer to the twins as "the girls." When Rose decides to write her autobiography, Ruby reminds her that she has not lived her life alone; thus the book contains chapters written by both girls. The oldest living conjoined twins at the age of twenty-nine, Rose and Ruby, not expected to live much longer, look back on their lives with an affecting poignancy. Contemplative Rose, who considers herself a writer, creates the majority of the chapters. Ruby's succinct revelatory sections provide a candid counter viewpoint. It is interesting to discover how much the girls differ from one another. With pitch-perfect prose, Lansens delves into the minds of the twins, enabling readers to experience their responses and adaptations to the world as well as to observe the reactions of others to the girls. There are several surprises here, including death and an unplanned pregnancy. The topic of conjoined twins could be freakish or odd but not in the capable hands of this superb author. Beautifully written, enlightening and compelling, the novel will appeal to high school students who appreciate realistic fiction. VOYA CODES: 5Q 3P S A/YA (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for YoungAdults). 2006, Little Brown, 384p., Ages 15 to Adult.—Rachelle Bilz