Audrey Niffenegger returns with Her Fearful Symmetry, a haunting tale about the complications of love, identity, and sibling rivalry. The novel opens with the death of Elspeth Noblin, who bequeaths her London flat and its contents to the twin daughters of her estranged twin sister back in Chicago. These 20-year-old dilettantes, Julie and Valentina, move to London, eager to try on a new experience like one of their obsessively matched outfits. Historic Highgate Cemetery, which borders Elspeth's home, serves as an inspired setting as the twins become entwined in the lives of their neighbors: Elspeth's former lover, Robert; Martin, an agoraphobic crossword-puzzle creator; and the ethereal Elspeth herself, struggling to adjust to the afterlife. Niffenegger brings these quirky, troubled characters to marvelous life, but readers may need their own supernatural suspension of disbelief as the story winds to its twisty conclusion. --Brad Thomas ParsonsI loved The Time Traveler's Wife, and was really excited to read this one. Audry Niffenegger just seems to come up with such original ideas that are so out there that you literally have to keep reading because your are dying to know what happens. That was how I read The Time Travelers Wife, and Her Fearful Symmetry was no exception.
I have to say I really liked this one as well. The story is original and different, with a slight hint of a love story, as well as unexpected supernatural elements, and deep, dark twin secrets. It kept me interested and I read it in a little over a week (a good sign for any book). I found that I had a hard time putting it down and that I was always wondering what was going to happen next.
This being said, I found the ending a bit weak. I won't give it away, but I found it very unexpected, and was left with a few questions, something I don't like when finishing a book.
In any case, I am officially announcing myself as an Audrey Niffenegger fan and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
On a different note, I have been obsessed with checking the 14 day forecast for V's wedding. As of about an hour ago, they were calling for rain from the 25th to the 30th....and the ceremony is scheduled to be outside.....I'm a little worried....
I also picked up my dress today! I will be putting it on tonight for C and my mom, so I will take pictures and update everyone then.
Hope everyone is having an excellent week!
2 comments:
You're definitely right, the ending was a bit of a cop out, but I really enjoyed the book over all. I liked it much better than Time Traveler's Wife!
I haven't read this one, but I know what you mean by weak endings. It sucks when you're reading a book and you love it, but the ending just isn't what you expect, or if things don't exactly get resolved. Very frustrating!
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