Elizabeth Joy Arnold Pieces of My Sister's Life

Pieces of My Sister's Life

Elizabeth Joy Arnold

Bantam, Aug 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 9780385340656

Growing up on Block Island, Rhode Island identical twins Kerry and Eve Barnard were best friends. They played together and shared heartbreak when their mom abandoned them when they were seven and grief when their dad drowned ten years later. They even had one other buddy, Justin that both liked as they got into their teens.

Not long after being there for each other just after their father died, the sisters drift apart. Kerry dreams of being Justin's wife while Eve pursues him too; although she has other male options unlike her reticent sibling. That summer will prove fatal to their relationship. Now thirteen years later, as she is dying from cancer, Eve seeks reconciliation with her beloved twin Kerry.

The story line contains two interesting subplots based on the relationship between the twins today and thirteen years ago and earlier. The cast is solid especially the lead siblings while the secondary characters enhance the understanding of the sisterly relationship through time. Though the present era with Eve dying turns somewhat emoted, keep those tissues handy as Elizabeth Joy Arnold provides a strong family drama whose stars know they each once shared PIECES OF MY SISTER'S LIFE and hope to do so one last time.

Harriet Klausner