Book Review Time!

Recently I finished Henry's Sisters by Cathy Lamb.  This novel is about a family of three sisters and one brother, Henry.  Henry is mentally disabled in some way that is not ever fully explained (although the actual diagnosis is not important to the story).  The four siblings had a very difficult childhood.  Money was scarce, security was nonexistent and parental affection was absent.  The three women grow up to live very different lives.  One is a bestselling crime novelist.  Another is a world-renowned photographer.  The third stayed in the small town of Trillium River and became a teacher.  A family situation causes the three sisters to have to come together and care for their brother and their family business, a bakery. 

Much of the story explores the relationships sisters share.  Lamb writes, "Sisters are the worst.  And they are the best.  A sister can be awful and complicated and loving and protective and petty and competitive, and when you die she is the person you want beside you holding your hand."  I found the author's take on sisterhood to be insightful.  These sisters love each other fiercely, but fight bitterly.  They pull no punches when dealing with each other, but always come to the aid of a sister in need.  The relationships are both painful and touching.

It is, however, a bit of a dark read.  If you dislike injustice or pain in books, this is not the story for you.  However, if you can hang through the darkness, it is a really good book.  I truly enjoyed it.