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5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent novel!, Nov 29 2009
Just finished reading Sister Wife this morning. Loved it. It's easy to take a subject like this and write a sensational story with cardboard cutout characters but that's not at all what Hrdlitschka has done. She's stepped inside three different girls and let the reader experience this polygamous society from three disparate points of view. This is a compelling novel and un-put-downable, but more imporantant, it's a sensitive exploration of a highly charged topic.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Sister Wife: highly recommended..., Feb 22 2009
SISTER WIFE is a gripping tale of three young women who live in the fictional polygamous town of Unity.
This ambitious tale takes a look at the polygamous lifestyle, as viewed by three separate narrators. The viewpoint shifts, from chapter to chapter, so readers used to a more straightforward first person, singular viewpoint may find this a somewhat challenging read, but it is well worth the effort.
The author does a wonderful job of presenting this polygamous community without ever truly passing judgement. She simply shines a light on the lifestyle that these three girls are growing up and allows us to follow their journey through, around and away from the town of Unity.
I was enthralled and captivated by this novel and the truly human focus the author gives us. As I've said, this isn't just the story of a polygamous community - you could get that in a episode of W5. Rather, this leads the reader directly into the minds and hearts of three very different girls who discover just how they need to deal with their situation.
I recommend this book highly to both young and old readers alike. It is well worth chewing through.
Yours in storytelling,
Steve Vernon
Haunted Harbours: Ghost Stories from Old Nova Scotia
The Lit Report
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, Jan 13 2009
In the isolated community of Unity, Celeste and her family live simple, yet structured lives. They are members of the Movement, a religious sect created by a man called the Prophet.
In this community, polygamy is widely accepted, strict obedience is expected of all women and children, and young girls are married off to men who are much older than they are.
Celeste wishes to be pure of heart, but cannot help asking questions about the world outside of Unity. She also wonders what it would be like to marry for love instead of obligation. Celeste knows that to be a good daughter, she must welcome the Prophet's decisions with open arms, but her growing curiosity won't allow that to happen.
Celeste does not wish to bring shame upon her family, but her actions will hurt them more than she intends.
I enjoyed this novel because the subject matter is timely, almost as if it were ripped from the headlines of a national newspaper. I also felt that having three different points of view was an excellent idea. Nanette, Celeste's sister, and Taviana, a new disciple of the Movement, discuss their feelings and beliefs within the community while Celeste carries the narrative. These three women have very different experiences within Unity, and yet, they are undoubtedly connected.
SISTER WIFE is an interesting look at a polygamous community and how it affects the children within those religious sects.
Reviewed by: LadyJay
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