nlevesque27's review against another edition
3.0
While this book was interesting, I think that the back of it made it sound like it was going to be something else.
Book 16/50 (2020)
Book 16/50 (2020)
nancyp's review against another edition
1.0
This book did not keep my attention. It was boring and slow. I skimmed the last 1/4 just to complete for a reading challenge.
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
4.0
In heartbreaking fashion, in 1929, sisters Etty and Dorothy were taken to Blakely Hall orphanage by their mother. Etty was only four at the time, and Dorothy was eight. As things turn out, Dorothy sort of knew what was about to happen, but little Etty had no idea. Life in the orphanage was anything but easy for the girls. The girls remained at the orphanage until 1940, but it is only going to get harder as the country is in the throes of World War II.
When the war hit their country, by now Dorothy was 19 years old and now she must face the terrible loss of her husband leaving for war. Meanwhile, as Etty grows older, she too finds love, but it just was not to be. As the years progress, the girls try and discover what happened that made their mother take them to the orphanage in the first place.
While this story broke my heart more than once, I was floored by the unbreakable bond between Etty and Dorothy. Abandonment was horrible, life in the orphanage was beyond difficult, and when you add war and heartbreak and loss the the mix, it is no wonder that they survived relatively in tact. This story by Shirley Dickson was incredibly effective and touching and, despite my tears, I am very glad to have read it.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
When the war hit their country, by now Dorothy was 19 years old and now she must face the terrible loss of her husband leaving for war. Meanwhile, as Etty grows older, she too finds love, but it just was not to be. As the years progress, the girls try and discover what happened that made their mother take them to the orphanage in the first place.
While this story broke my heart more than once, I was floored by the unbreakable bond between Etty and Dorothy. Abandonment was horrible, life in the orphanage was beyond difficult, and when you add war and heartbreak and loss the the mix, it is no wonder that they survived relatively in tact. This story by Shirley Dickson was incredibly effective and touching and, despite my tears, I am very glad to have read it.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
leona_omahony's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful story and I loved it . Set between 1929 and 1945 it’s the story of 2 sisters who at a young age are sent to live in an orphanage . We follow their lives as they grow up and all through the book we see how close s relationship the two sisters have . It’s set before and during world war 2. Hard to believe it was a debut book as it was so good . Can’t wait for next book by this author .
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
5.0
I have read some great books this year that are set in and around the world war and this is another one to add to the list.
What appeals most in this story is the relationship between Etty and Dorothy. I am sure most of us with siblings when we were younger, argued and fought like cat and dogs. Etty and Dorothy though are very close. Having been sent to an orphanage, they only have each other. The bond that grows between the two was so endearing and lovely to read.
As the girls leave the orphanage, we get to see what life was like for both of the young women, especially within the war itself. We see all the highs and lows and the turmoils that both sisters have to face. I have to say it makes for a page turner of a read as I was so engrossed in what was going on.
The Orphan Sisters is a compelling and emotional story that will tug on the readers heart strings. You really get a sense of the era that the story is set in with all the concerns and worries that the people had back then. I loved though with all that going on, the strength especially that characters like Etty have, to just keep on going and make the most of what life deals you. A superb read!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
What appeals most in this story is the relationship between Etty and Dorothy. I am sure most of us with siblings when we were younger, argued and fought like cat and dogs. Etty and Dorothy though are very close. Having been sent to an orphanage, they only have each other. The bond that grows between the two was so endearing and lovely to read.
As the girls leave the orphanage, we get to see what life was like for both of the young women, especially within the war itself. We see all the highs and lows and the turmoils that both sisters have to face. I have to say it makes for a page turner of a read as I was so engrossed in what was going on.
The Orphan Sisters is a compelling and emotional story that will tug on the readers heart strings. You really get a sense of the era that the story is set in with all the concerns and worries that the people had back then. I loved though with all that going on, the strength especially that characters like Etty have, to just keep on going and make the most of what life deals you. A superb read!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
beccaej's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
amywrites's review
3.0
This one follows Etty, who plays a roll in book two. Etty and her sister, Dorothy grew up in an orphanage. By the time they leave, the war is on. Dorothy quickly falls in love and marries a wonderful man while Etty lives a bit more freely, unused to the world outside the orphanage.
I HATED Etty in the second book when I found out what she had done. So in this book, I tried to set those feelings aside, thinking maybe she had a good reason for what she had done. But watching it all happen, I realised, no, she didn’t. I still hated her and she made it hard to want to finish reading the book. The book itself is good and I like the other characters, though. Oh, and Trevor deserves sooo much better!
I HATED Etty in the second book when I found out what she had done. So in this book, I tried to set those feelings aside, thinking maybe she had a good reason for what she had done. But watching it all happen, I realised, no, she didn’t. I still hated her and she made it hard to want to finish reading the book. The book itself is good and I like the other characters, though. Oh, and Trevor deserves sooo much better!
thebfry's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First of all - the prologue set up the story so well. You were routing for Mam to come back the whole time. You are just waiting for Etty to learn to forgive for that moment the entire book.
In general the story was slow, but the prologue kept pushing me to finish it. I never expected the last 5 chapters or so to be what they were. Pack some tissues for this read.. These sisters will take you on one emotional ride.
kimmerthebooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
A very endearing story. I have read many historical fiction novels set in the time frame of 1920’s through the 1940’s. At first, I had the feeling this was going to be repetitive of other stories. After a few chapters, the story comes alive. There were twists and turns that I never would have expected! If you want a historical fiction roller coaster, this is the book for you! Pleasantly surprised and greatly enjoyed! Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review.