Today I am reviewing The Moon Sisters by Therese Walsh for TLC Book Reviews. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): After their mother’s probable suicide, sisters Olivia and Jazz take steps to move on with their lives. Jazz, logical and forward-thinking, decides to get a new job, but spirited, strong-willed Olivia – who can see sounds, taste words, and smell sights – is determined to travel to the remote setting of their mother’s unfinished novel to lay her spirit properly to rest.
Already resentful of Olivia’s foolish quest and her family’s insistence upon her involvement, Jazz is further aggravated when they run into trouble along the way and Olivia latches onto a worldly train-hopper who warns he shouldn’t be trusted. As they near their destination, the tension builds between the two sisters, each hiding something from the other, until they are finally forced to face everything between them and decide what is really important.
My review: One of the things I love about reviewing books is the opportunity to discover books that I might not be drawn to otherwise. Since I tend to gravitate toward mysteries and thrillers, this book might have slipped past my own personal reading radar. I’m so glad it didn’t. It is simply lovely; a lush, emotionally complex, full bodied story of love and grief and longing and hope.
Walsh is a wonderful writer. She creates a world on the page that comes alive, that is so layered and evocative that I felt I was there. I could see everything, the trains, the bogs, the small town in West Virginia where the sisters live. When writing about Olivia, who has synesthesia, a neurological condition where the stimulation of one sense produces experiences in a different sense, Walsh beautifully illustrates for us the way in which Olivia sees and experiences the world. (Side note: I wonder if I have a touch of synesthesia. I have always seen voices in shapes and textures. This book got me wondering about that.)
The sisters, Olivia and Jazz, couldn’t be more different in the way they see the world and in the way they grieve for their mother, taken from them much too young. The story is told from both points of view, interspersed with letters their mother wrote and never sent to the father who disowned her. As they take this journey, their world expands and they are forced to face assumptions and beliefs about their mother and each other. Everything is not as it seems. Nor are people necessarily what they seem to be on the surface.
With a strong element of magical realism, this story is compelling and beautiful. Walsh has a gift for writing complex characters and for creating an atmosphere that is worldly and other-worldly at the same time. I finished the novel last night and I still can’t stop thinking about it.
Isn’t that wonderful?
About the author: Therese Walsh is the author of The Last Will of Moira Leahy and the cofounder of Writer Unboxed. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and children.
One of you will be the lucky winner of a copy of The Moon Sisters! Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winning name on Thursday evening. (United States residents only.)
Happy Monday.
Claudia,
I would love to read this book. It has a hold list at my library, so no telling when I would be the next to read it. Her other book was in at my library and I will be reading it this week. I am starting to read books to review on my blog. I have been under the weather and have let reading go. Just can’t concentrate with a sinus infection. I, too, get very stuck in what I read, which is mainly thriller and cozy mystery. I am trying to branch out more. I hope all is well with you and Don. Are you going to see him in his play? I also want you to know that I think about your mom all the time. I took care of my father when he was sick, COPD, and I know how it changes your life. I wish peace for you and Meredith.
Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Deb Price
P.S. Give Dame Scout a hug and a pet from me!
I am glad you wrote a review about this book. I never would have bought a copy. It is nice to learn about new authors.
I would love to read this book.
Thank you,
Linda
Sounds like a good read!
The Moon Sisters sounds like my kind of book!
Hi Claudia, thanks for the heads up on an author I have not heard of previously…the book sounds interesting. Thanks for the opportunity.
This sounds like a wonderful read. I enjoy observing sister relationships since I have three of my own. Thanks!
I would love to read and own this book. Thanks
Claudia, I too love to find new authors and through your reviews I have found several. I would love a copy of this book. Fingers crossed.
hugs,
Linda
I’m adding this one to my “to read” list. I see numbers and letters as colors and thought this was normal for everyone until a couple of years ago when I heard about synesthesia.
This sounds like a wonderful story that I could sink my teeth into
Yes…I’m one of those who are also “stuck”… I read only thrillers and mysteries. Sounds like a great read. As always…thanks for the chance! ;)
The very best book is one you ponder for days afterwards!! Sounds like a great read!!
This books sounds lovely and interesting. I have never heard of synesthesia before but now I can see it will take a good chunk of my “thinking” day! I love stories of sisters because I have three (who are the most wonderful women in the world).
Tana
I love to read books that you have reviewed. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you for taking time to review books for us. And can I say I love your blog. Your honesty is refreshing and inspiring. Have a great day.
I love to read the books you review. Have found many new authors this way.
Sally
It sounds wonderful! I love your reviews. I am anxious to read. Thank you!
Sounds like a very interesting book. I am anxious to read it. Thanks!!
I would love to read this book too! I am heading on vacation soon and it would be great to take.
I would love to read this one Claudia..I only recently learned about synesthesia and I find it quite a fascinating condition..I can’t remember if I told you.. I did receive my copy of Backlash..Thanks again..
Hi Claudia, As an avid reader, I really look forward to your book reviews. Thanks for sharing this book with us. Cheryl
This sounds interesting to me….even if I don’t win I’m putting it on my to read list.
Claudia, I am like you. I tend to read mysteries and thrillers mostly. I belong to a forum that has asked us to challenge ourselves to go outside our norm. Reading, tv, music, etc. So far I have not tried to meet the challenge. This book might be what I have been waiting for. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. If I am not the lucky winner, then I see a trip to the library in my future. pam
Thanks for reviewing this book. I would love to win a copy. BTW, a past post of yours is featured on Bonnie Hunters Quiltville Facebook page today. I enjoyed reading it again.
Dear sweet Claudia,
Please include my name in the drawing. The book is on my wish list! Sending sunshine from middle TN today. (Tonight freezing in the teens and possible snow or flurries.)
Always interested the books you review. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I had read about this book and thought it sounded good. Enjoyed your review.
I would love to win q copy.
Stacy
This sounds like an interesting story…would love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win it.
I too love mysteries and so enjoyed the Gamache series recommended by you that I would happily read this because of your endorsement. Thanks for the chance.
You always get such wonderful books to review Claudia – I want them all! I also want an extra few hours in each day to have more time to turn the pages and be transported by these usual stories and their characters! Thanks for bringing special books to our attention – I have a feeling I would really enjoy this one.
Hugs – Mary
The title grabbed my attention, I’d love to read this. I enjoy your book reviews, you have a lovely writing voice. Hedy
Claudia
no wonder you get these books to read.. you are such a lovely soul and your descriptions of the books tell the story in
such a great way.. and makes us out here want to read further and know the end of the stories.. I would love to read this book
and i am a fan of books that involve family and their struggles… (coming from a family of 7 children)
thank you as always for the chance to receive a book.
big ladybug hugs
lynn
Would love to win this book….. it sounds intriguing. Thanks for the chance!
That sounds like a book I would enjoy reading.
I added this to my “to read” list. It sounds very interesting. Thank you for recommending it. I would love to win this book.
Thank you for taking the time to read and review The Moon Sisters, Claudia, and for being a part of the TLC Book Tour. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book, and I think this review is pretty wonderful, too. Thank you again.
This book has been on my amazon wish list. It sounds wonderful. Would be thrilled to read a copy.
I’m pleased to see how much you enjoyed this one! Thanks for being on the tour. I’m featuring your review on TLC’s Facebook page today.