Helpful Score: 3
The Good Sister opens with Simone Durand on trial for the attempted murder of some of her children. Devastating to think anyone would want to kill their kids, but tragically, it is on the news all too often.
The story then goes back in time to showcase how Simone came to be how she is, and her connection to her sister, Roxanne. Roxanne has always been there to care for Simone, but she feels guilt when she doesn't want to care for her, she wants to have her own life. Roxanne's husband doesn't understand, and so Roxanne's marriage is rocky at best as she tries to help her sister out.
Simone married a wealthy man and his fondest desire is to have a son. Simone keeps having children and many miscarriages, and sinks into a deep depression, but instead of having her seek help, her husband wants to keep trying until they get a son.
There is not much help from Simone and Roxanne's parents. Their mother is a cold, narcissistic person and cares for nothing but herself. Simone's nine year old daughter Merell knows something is wrong with her mom, and she tries her best to help care for her younger siblings, but she's only nine and can only do so much.
The story is tragic, yet one can remain hopeful that some good will come of the situation, even as the trial is played out over the national media. Ms. Campbell has created complex and diverse characters that you will either hate or love, and perhaps relate too. Post-partum depression is a real and often overlooked, and this is a up close and personal look at what it can do to a person and those that surround them. Delightful? No. Captivating and heart-wrenching? Yes. Ms. Campbell is a very talented writer and The Good Sister will enrapt you.
The story then goes back in time to showcase how Simone came to be how she is, and her connection to her sister, Roxanne. Roxanne has always been there to care for Simone, but she feels guilt when she doesn't want to care for her, she wants to have her own life. Roxanne's husband doesn't understand, and so Roxanne's marriage is rocky at best as she tries to help her sister out.
Simone married a wealthy man and his fondest desire is to have a son. Simone keeps having children and many miscarriages, and sinks into a deep depression, but instead of having her seek help, her husband wants to keep trying until they get a son.
There is not much help from Simone and Roxanne's parents. Their mother is a cold, narcissistic person and cares for nothing but herself. Simone's nine year old daughter Merell knows something is wrong with her mom, and she tries her best to help care for her younger siblings, but she's only nine and can only do so much.
The story is tragic, yet one can remain hopeful that some good will come of the situation, even as the trial is played out over the national media. Ms. Campbell has created complex and diverse characters that you will either hate or love, and perhaps relate too. Post-partum depression is a real and often overlooked, and this is a up close and personal look at what it can do to a person and those that surround them. Delightful? No. Captivating and heart-wrenching? Yes. Ms. Campbell is a very talented writer and The Good Sister will enrapt you.
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this book although it was a tough book and dealt with tough ideas. I think it was an eye opener and made me more understanding to the fact that motherhood isn't easy for everyone and for some it is almost impossible.
Helpful Score: 1
I had a real good time reading The Good Sister. That's not to say it's a "feel good" book, it isn't, but I thoroughly enjoyed Campbell's writing like I knew I would. Drusilla Campbell is one of the very few authors I'll by a new book by without question or nervousness. I fell in love with Campbell after finding Blood Orange at my local Wal-Mart and loving it.
I think it's safe to say that Campbell's writing is along the lines of Jodi Picoult (I'm a diehard fan!). If you love Picoult you're almost definitely like Campbell. (And vice versa!)
I love the subjects involved here, the relationship between siblings isn't one I've seen touched, at least not like this, in many books and as an added bonus the reader gets other familial relationships and so much more.
There are a few parts where I felt the story slightly lost it's realistic feeling but this was quickly grabbed back much to my happiness.
I found the very beginning, the first few chapters, a bit confusing. There aren't too many characters I don't think so I'm not sure if my mind was just occupied more than usual or if it was the names and I failed to grasp those like I should have. I found myself having to flip to the back to figure out which one Simone was, who Ellen was, but I think there's about a 95% chance of this being my fault and not Campbell's.
I most definitely recommend and I also would tell anyone who gravitates toward this sort of story to pick up Blood Orange asap. I have others by Campbell that I need to get to very, very soon.
I think it's safe to say that Campbell's writing is along the lines of Jodi Picoult (I'm a diehard fan!). If you love Picoult you're almost definitely like Campbell. (And vice versa!)
I love the subjects involved here, the relationship between siblings isn't one I've seen touched, at least not like this, in many books and as an added bonus the reader gets other familial relationships and so much more.
There are a few parts where I felt the story slightly lost it's realistic feeling but this was quickly grabbed back much to my happiness.
I found the very beginning, the first few chapters, a bit confusing. There aren't too many characters I don't think so I'm not sure if my mind was just occupied more than usual or if it was the names and I failed to grasp those like I should have. I found myself having to flip to the back to figure out which one Simone was, who Ellen was, but I think there's about a 95% chance of this being my fault and not Campbell's.
I most definitely recommend and I also would tell anyone who gravitates toward this sort of story to pick up Blood Orange asap. I have others by Campbell that I need to get to very, very soon.
