Sister by Rosamund Lupton: Book Review

Sister is the debut novel of Rosamund Lupton. The book is written in first person. Narrated by Beatrice via a letter to Tess, which tells her of her death and lead up to the end of her pregnancy. To the birth of her child. The emotional background of both sisters weave their way around the storyline. Their relationship  with their parents is a platform of love and loss, anger and understanding.

When Beatrice suspects her sister’s death is more than suicide, it leads to a frightening discovery.  Greed has no boundaries.

Tess, the young sister is a free spirit, artistic and pregnant. Their family medical history is one of sadness and loss. Concern over the baby drives Tess into a research project by a local hospital. The success of the project becomes a source of suspicion for Beatrice. Grief driven she strives to prove there is something amiss. Science,  sexual attraction, relationship building and breakdown are something the sisters have in common. What they do not have in common are country of residence, morals, money,  relationships, friends  and jobs. Throughout the story Beatrice breaks down barriers she put up as protection in her own life. Her world gradually becomes that of her sister’s. A life she would never believe she would condone, let alone follow.

The story is emotional, clever and extremely absorbing. The author has the ability to draw the reader into chapter after chapter of credible motives and reasons. Then with skill she turns it around to add an unexpected twist at the end.