A Sister’s Shame
This was a strange book, as despite the themes and the cover, which appealed to me, I just couldn’t get into it. I read fifty or so pages but found myself dreading the time when I had to pick up the book again. It wasn’t so much the story, but I really disliked the almost childlike style in which it was written; everything was explained in detail, and not in a good way. The author would introduce people and explain a bit of their background but then lose the thread of the plot. The premise is a good one; Marie and Vesta, 18-year-old twins in London’s East End in 1934, refuse to give up their dreams of performing on stage. When a new club opens in the area, they audition and get the job of dancing two nights a week. They then discover a more sinister side to the business through the Scoresby brothers. Marie wants to leave, but Vesta is determined to make it as a star and gets involved with one of the brothers. Unfortunately, I wasn’t compelled by the story, as the weak writing left me bored. I am sure fans of Carol Rivers will love this, and if you are used to her style, then all well and good; the idea is great, but it just wasn’t for me.
