I just returned from vacation and read the most lovely book while languishing on the beach. (Yes, I had to throw that in to make you insanely jealous!) Her Sister’s Shadow by Katharine Britton is a fabulous debut novel. Based on this book, I look forward to many more novels from Ms. Britton.
This is the story of sisters. One sister, Lilli, moved to England to escape her past, a betrayal and her overbearing sister, Bea. Forty years later, Lilli receiveds a call from Bea , asking her to come home for Bea’s husbands’ funeral. Lilli can’t think of a gracious way to say no so she heads to the coast of Massachusetts, their childhood home.
After reading this book, the title is true on so many levels. Lilli left to escape Bea’s shadow. Bea felt like she lived in Lilli’s shadow. Bea has the beginning of dementia and is a shadow of her former self. Britton is a very clever writer because this story is so much deeper than it first appears.
Lilli is forced to stay and try to help Bea and her niece. I don’t want to spoil the story but there is a big twist that I didn’t see coming. This is a wonderful summer read from a wonderful new author!.
The Berkley Publishing Group provided a review copy of this book for this post. All opinions are my own.
What are you reading and where are you going?