kcnoun's review against another edition
5.0
finally, dead ringers for girls; i wish that i could write something like this that’s this so raw and funny and tender, that doesn’t let its characters off the hook for the way they behave but seeks to understand them and love them anyway. honesty a little too real for me!!!
taliakdean's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
wendoxford's review
3.0
Another novel I ate at speed and which kept making me changing my opinions. Written in 1962 it is almost a dark yet neurotic comedy about marriage. We see layers of propriety and impropriety mixed the snarkiness of wealth. On these points the novel seems as relevant today as when it was first published. Compelling yet intensely frustrating.
I loved the first person intensity of writing, alternating between the twins. Cassandra unwillingly returning home for her twin, Judith's wedding grabbing the limelight from her with her toxic despair and self-absorption. Judith however remains a more nebulous character, and, it seemed to me, marrying to defy her sister's narcissism in the only way possible, by making herself "whole" by marriage rather than being twinned.
Throws up many issues surrounding family dynamics via manipulation and turning blind eyes, which is obviously hard wired into them with the ghost of the twins' dead mother hovering all around.
I loved the first person intensity of writing, alternating between the twins. Cassandra unwillingly returning home for her twin, Judith's wedding grabbing the limelight from her with her toxic despair and self-absorption. Judith however remains a more nebulous character, and, it seemed to me, marrying to defy her sister's narcissism in the only way possible, by making herself "whole" by marriage rather than being twinned.
Throws up many issues surrounding family dynamics via manipulation and turning blind eyes, which is obviously hard wired into them with the ghost of the twins' dead mother hovering all around.
catnip919's review
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An interesting short read about twins Judith and Cassandra and how their relationship changes with the specter of Judith’s upcoming wedding. I generally like books with unlikeable female characters but I found Cassandra hard to sympathize with and just too melodramatic. I think the complexities of being a twin while trying to find your independence were captured well. The narrative voices of Judith and Cassandra were very distinct and I’m glad we got to hear both sides.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
fantine's review against another edition
5.0
tbh twins have always frightened me a little but these ones just made me melancholy...
A literary gem that should be a classic.
Published in the 1960’s this novel chronicles a chain of events spurred on by brilliant, gay, mentally unstable masters student Cassandra’s decision to attend her recently estranged twin sisters wedding. After crashing her convertible near their family's ranch, fuelled by pills and booze, she comes to the conclusion that her very obviously smitten sister must be saved from the worst fate imaginable—domestic bliss. A darkly comedic and bitingly intelligent look at the crushing weight of convention, at once heart-breaking and healing.
Full review rtc cos i loved this :’--)
A literary gem that should be a classic.
Published in the 1960’s this novel chronicles a chain of events spurred on by brilliant, gay, mentally unstable masters student Cassandra’s decision to attend her recently estranged twin sisters wedding. After crashing her convertible near their family's ranch, fuelled by pills and booze, she comes to the conclusion that her very obviously smitten sister must be saved from the worst fate imaginable—domestic bliss. A darkly comedic and bitingly intelligent look at the crushing weight of convention, at once heart-breaking and healing.
Full review rtc cos i loved this :’--)
bellhawk's review against another edition
4.0
Expected something light and easy to get through. An interesting story that definitely proves the theory that characters don't have to be likeable to be readable and engaging.
ladybugluvr's review
4.0
This book was written so well. I had such a fun time reading it and it was a great way to start if the year. I loved the relationship between the sisters because it reminded me a lot of my own relationship with my sister. As I am just about to transfer to uni and my sister is getting married this upcoming year. Cassandra made me laugh most of the book even during the scary and depressing parts. I would definitely recommend if you like non eventful mostly vibe books or books about California in the 70s.
mcw1024's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5