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The Girls

by Lori Lansens (Goodreads Author)

3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 · rating details · 9,907 ratings · 1,580 reviews

In Lori Lansens' astonishing second novel, readers come to know and love two of the most remarkable characters in Canadian fiction: Rose and Ruby, 29-year-old conjoined twins.

Hardcover, 343 pages

Published May 2nd 2006 by Little, Brown and Company (first published September 20th 2005)

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Aug 27, 2007 Tory rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“I have never looked into my sisters eyes. I have never bathed alone. I have never stood in the grass at night and raised my arms to the beguiling moon. I’ve never used an airplane bathroom. Or worn a hat. Or been kissed like that. I’ve never driven a car. Or slept through the night. Never a private talk. Or a solo walk. I’ve never climbed a tree. Or faded into a crowd. So many things I’ve never done, but oh, how I’ve been loved. And, if such things were to be, I’d live a thousand lives as me, t...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews, trt-gold-star-award-winner

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

In what has to be the best blend of heartbreaking sadness and unbelievable joy, author Lori Lansens has managed to write a novel about two girls that you will not soon forget -- if ever. After I finished THE GIRLS, I felt many emotions, but the strongest was that I had just read the story of two of my best and dearest friends. And even though I know that this story is fiction, I can't help but think that somewhere, two girls share a life that is a lot like that...more Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

In what has to be the best blend of heartbreaking sadness and unbelievable joy, author Lori Lansens has managed to write a novel about two girls that you will not soon forget -- if ever. After I finished THE GIRLS, I felt many emotions, but the strongest was that I had just read the story of two of my best and dearest friends. And even though I know that this story is fiction, I can't help but think that somewhere, two girls share a life that is a lot like that of Rose and Ruby Darlen.

Rose and Ruby are twins, yes, but they are also so much more. They are craniopagus twins, born conjoined at the right side of the head. As Rose puts it, she's never looked into her sister's eyes, she's never bathed alone, and she's never taken a solo walk. But what Rose lacks in aloneness is made up for with the closeness that she shares with Ruby, her sister, best friend, confidant, and greatest admirer.

The Darlen sisters were born in the small town of Leaford on the same day that a tornado struck the town and scooped up a young boy named Larry Merkel, who was never seen again. On the day that their mother, a young, frightened woman who called herself Elizabeth Taylor, gave birth, she was attended to by a devoted nurse known as Lovey. When the girls' mother later disappeared a week after that fateful day, much as Larry Merkel had been blown into the wind, it was Lovey Darlen who chose the girls as her own -- or, rather, they chose each other.

As Rose and Ruby struggle to learn to live together and yet retain their own individuality, it is their Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash who provide the love, comfort, and stability that the girls need. Being a conjoined twin has both its benefits and detriments, as both girls learn from an early age. But with the love of their family and the help, support, and dedication of a wonderful cast of supporting characters, the Darlen girls make a name for themselves in Leaford.

THE GIRLS is written as an autobiography, started by Rose to tell the story of her life -- and, with it, the story of Ruby's life, as well. Interspersed with chapters written by Ruby herself, the story doesn't always unfold in chronological order. The things Rose deems important, of course, don't always coincide with what Ruby believes to be necessity.

I laughed while reading this novel, and many times I cried. I went through joy and sorrow, much as the characters did. This is the first story I've read in a very long time that moved me to feel what the characters felt, to feel, in the end, as if I knew them. I applaud Ms. Lansens for her wonderful writing skills, and, although I am sad to say goodbye to Rose and Ruby Darlen, I wish them the best that life has to offer. (less)

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Aug 04, 2008 Tortla rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: people

Recommended to Tortla by: John Green via his weird obsession with conjoined-twin-books

Shelves: writing-on-writing

The cover reminded me vaguely of the cover of The God of Small Things (they're both pretty/artsy flowers-on-the-water things) but there's really very little that's similar about the two books, except that they're good. And they have twins in them.

The Girls is amazing. The edition I bought has a little reader's guide questions-section at the end, which I started to read because I kind of didn't want the book to end (seriously, it was really good) and one of the questions was something to the eff...more

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May 09, 2007 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: couldnt-put-it-down

Beautifully written story of two sisters who are conjoined. They live in a small town, where everyone knows them as "The Girls". As with any other sisters, they are very different people but unlike every other set of sisters, they are often viewed as "one".

The author has done an amazing job of creating two completely seperate voices and manages to weave a haunting story based on two characters' perspectives who are literally at the same place, at the same time--always.

Rose, Ruby and their fami...more

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Nov 15, 2010 Daisy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: canada, sisters-twins, czech-slovak

What a moving book. Completely worthwhile, with characters you really love (Uncle Stash and Aunt Lovey) and wisdom and humor. Surprising and unlike anything I've read before. (And there's even a little Eastern European section that I didn't expect--hooray.)

What is it about sadness that can be so fulfilling? (p.30)

Funny how you can measure time by pets that were not even your own. (p. 40)

It was Aunt Lovey's belief that all ordinary people led extraordinary lives, but just didn't notice. (p. 102)

I...more

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Sep 13, 2010 Elizabeth Fagin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I found this book while browsing through my public libraries download section. I was looking for a book to try out on my new Nook (LOVE my Nook). I didn't really need a book i wanted to read - it was just a learning exercise. But this one look somewhat interesting so I gave it a try. I can only say WOW! I love love love this book. I still have about 10 pages left to read - and I am taking it really slow because I do not want it to end.

All of the characters are terrifically drawn. Lansens' descr...more

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Mar 10, 2009 Elizabeth added it · review of another edition

Recommended to Elizabeth by: Mary McTernan

Shelves: chocolate-club

I read this concurrently with Jane Hamilton's A Map of the World and, although they are completely different books, found the settings so powerfully similar that I kept getting the books confused. The same kids detassling corn in the summer holidays, the same orange-red carpet in the same early 19th century decrepit farmhouse, the same neighbors with tragically dead kids--it wasn't a bad thing, it was just *weird*, as though I were reading two different news stories from the same local newspaper...more

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Dec 27, 2008 Laura rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 11, 2007 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit-women-s-lit, books-i-own, book-club-reads, fiction, historical-fiction, the-100-in-2007

Ruby and Rose are identical twin girls born conjoined at the head. Their birth mother flees from them after they are born, and they are taken in by the attending nurse, Lovey and her husband, Stash, a native Slovak. The girls grow up in a small Canadian border town, and as they learn that they are dying, they decide to write their autobiography. The story spans their growing up and their life together, as well as Lovey and Stash's lives together.

I really, really enjoyed this book, it was probab...more

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Jun 20, 2007 Punk rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fiction. The tale of two sisters, siamese twins, joined at the head. Presented as a first person narrative, Rose and Ruby Darlen take turns writing their autobiography. The book is mostly written by Rose, who fancies herself a writer and takes it all very seriously, determined to tell her life story in chronological order. Ruby, on the other hand, doesn't see the point of an autobiography at all -- because technically it isn't an autobiography if there's two of you -- but she doesn't want her op...more

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Nov 03, 2007 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book documents the life of Ruby and Rose, twins who are joined at the head and abandoned by their young Mum. A nurse from the hospital and her husband take the children in and raise them as their own.

Rose dreams of being a writer so start her autobiography, Ruby also includes chapters of her own, and from reading we learn about their life growing up. Stereotypes and assumptions are challenged throughout and you become drawn in.

The Author has obviously researched well, and it shows in the d...more

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Mar 02, 2009 S rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

wow....WOW. i picked this up thinking it might help me reflect on the relationship i have with my sister. and it does, but there is no comparison. these two sisters, ruby and rose, live a baffling, delicate existence. i had to re-read the first paragraph two times before i realized that it wasn't a joke (and that i should go on to the next paragraph). things are very emotional right now for me, and maybe i'm projecting that onto this book, but wow.

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May 16, 2007 Tanya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is an intriguing look at what life would be like for two people with distinct personalities living inseparable lives.

My favorite quote from the book is regarding Aunt Lovey. “It was Aunt Lovey’s belief that all ordinary people led extraordinary lives, but just didn’t notice.” Think of how profound that is! I think applies particularly well to the story of these girls. Although they had a very unusual medical condition (joined at the head from birth), Ruby and Rose led ordinary lives. They...more

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Jan 21, 2009 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: novel

Interesting novel about conjoined twins. Each writes a chapter revealing their very distinct personalities. Their teenage mother leaves them as soon as they are born when she sees that they are conjoined. One of the delivery nurses and her husband adopt Ruby and Rose and raise them as normal girls, expecting them to do chores, have jobs and do well in school. Since Ruby fails algebra, although Rose passes with an A, she has to attend summer school. Of course, Rose must, also, sit through summer...more

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Jul 24, 2008 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Excellent story about conjoined twins and their lives. Rather than focusing on the 'spectacle', the author does a very good job about telling their stories from the two girls' perspectives. I love the way this author writes prose. Favorite quote: Uncle Stash grinned at the black man, who he knew would understand and appreciate his humor. "You caught me. Only one girl is real. The other is bomb." The small black man did not laugh. And neither did Aunt Lovey, when we were detained and questioned f...more

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Aug 26, 2008 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Thanks to my sister Katie for suggesting this book. It was a lovely, engaging story with interesting characters and plot lines. It is told from the perspectives of conjoined twin sisters who take turns telling parts of their autobiographies. I loved the distinct voices of Rose and Ruby, and their different storytelling styles. I enjoyed getting to know the characters bit by bit as their life stories unfolded throughout the book. There were many tender moments in this book, several surprises, and...more

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Mar 18, 2009 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Jennifer by: Erica Hernandez (her review )

Shelves: my_favorites

I love when I finish a book and it stays with me for days afterward as I continue to wonder about the characters and what may still be happening even though the story in the book has ended. This is going to be one of those books. I can't think of one negative thing to say about any aspect of this book. I loved the characters, ALL of them. I loved that the author told the story as if Rose and Ruby were writing an autobiography (I had to remind myself it was fiction numerous times).Simply an amazi...more

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Dec 21, 2008 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009-abe-lincoln-nominee, realistic, adult-fiction, borrowed-from-the-library

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The girls are Rose and Ruby, conjoined twin sisters (craniopagus – joined at the head), and this is their (fictional) autobiography. Rose is really the writer, and Ruby adds a few of her own chapters here and there. Theirs is a strange existence – strange to everyone else except for them. We learn how they were born to a teenage mother, who promptly disappeared after giving birth, how they were then taken in by Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash (Lovey worked as a nurse in the hospital when they were de...more The girls are Rose and Ruby, conjoined twin sisters (craniopagus – joined at the head), and this is their (fictional) autobiography. Rose is really the writer, and Ruby adds a few of her own chapters here and there. Theirs is a strange existence – strange to everyone else except for them. We learn how they were born to a teenage mother, who promptly disappeared after giving birth, how they were then taken in by Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash (Lovey worked as a nurse in the hospital when they were delivered), how they arrived in the aftermath of a destructive tornado, which ripped people’s lives and homes apart. The girls have different interests and really are two different people, despite having to be together all the time and to rely on one another for certain things. While Ruby is beautiful, she’s short, truncated, and can’t walk. Rose has to carry her on her hip. Rose is tall, but her face is distorted and grotesque because of how Ruby’s head pulls at hers. Rose’s chapters are very lyrical, while Ruby’s are more down to earth.

You find out some shocking things have happened to the sisters, as they tell their stories – they were involved with a young man, who got Rose pregnant while he was kissing Ruby. Rose gave her child up for adoption. And Rose has an aneurysm – it’s inoperable, and when it bursts, it will kill both her and Ruby. They have only months to live and only this short time to complete this book. Their lives are both startlingly unique and completely normal. They have the same feelings, fears, hopes, dreams as other people, but are additionally challenged by their condition.

This is not a book that I would have picked out on my own (if it hadn’t been one of the Abe Lincoln selections for high school, I’d probably never have read it). The hook for teen readers will probably focus on the fact that the girls are conjoined! At the head! And hopefully they’ll be caught up enough in the story to get to the gritty shocking stuff, which will hold their attention for sure. I was caught up in the language and the story from the first page. (less)

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Apr 21, 2013 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I just have to say that I really loved this book. It's one of those books that you remember years later. I really loved the writing style. I just can't say enough about it.

The story is about Rose & Ruby Darlen, The worlds oldest craniopagus twins. A recent medical diagnosis has spurred Rose to write her autobiography, and she encourages Ruby to do the same. They talk anout their life from birth to the present day. Each sister is different than the other. Rose is kinda quieter and more melod...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Suad Shamma rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, 2011

I couldn't finish this book. And I know, I shouldn't be judging or reviewing a book that I didn't even read to the end, but I'm going to anyway, and I apologise if that bothers anyone.

This book talks about a phenomenon that is so rare, and yet so special. Conjoined twins, joined at the head, sisters who have never looked each other in the face, and who had to deal with their situation best they could in a small little town in Canada. They may be fictional characters, but we all know that this is...more I couldn't finish this book. And I know, I shouldn't be judging or reviewing a book that I didn't even read to the end, but I'm going to anyway, and I apologise if that bothers anyone.

This book talks about a phenomenon that is so rare, and yet so special. Conjoined twins, joined at the head, sisters who have never looked each other in the face, and who had to deal with their situation best they could in a small little town in Canada. They may be fictional characters, but we all know that this is a story that does in fact exist and yet no one's dared to bring it into such graphic and realistic focus before.

Maybe that is why I couldn't finish it. I found a lot of it tasteless - for lack of a better word - like the time when Frankie was making out with Ruby, yet taking Rose's virginity. It was uncomfortable to read. Uncomfortable to submerge myself into these girls lives. I wanted to feel other emotions, I wanted to feel pride, and respect, and sympathy, and any other sort of connection, but all I felt was a sense of awkwardness and discomfort. I wanted to finish the book so bad, I absolutely hate leaving a book unfinished, but after 3 weeks of reading it and not even making it to 150pages, I stopped.

It was a very slow read, and I don't want to call the life of two such special girls, who beat all odds, boring - but it was to a certain extent. When Ruby kept telling her sister "who would want to read a story about the lives of sisters in a boring little town with a library job even if they are joined at the head?" I thought at first that was a little harsh to say, as there must be more to their story than just that. But as the pages passed and nothing significant happened, I began to agree with Ruby. It really felt like simply a story of two girls who live in a boring little town with nothing of interest to portray. And a lot of the reviewers commended Lori Lansens on her ability to write about conjoined twins and yet making us feel like she was writing about two separate girls, but that, I feel, was her downfall.

I did not like Rose. I felt she was very bitter and spiteful - and yes, with her situation and life who wouldn't be? But I didn't like the way she kept portraying Ruby to us as a spoiled girl with barely any thoughts in her head. And being that Rose was the main character, that made it even more difficult for me to continue reading.

At the end, I agree with the reviewer who called the book claustrophobic, as that is a great way of putting it, and I also agree with the reviewer who said they thought they would be in tears by the end of the book but instead, all they felt was relief that they finished it.

I know I was relieved when I finally put it down. (less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Grace rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone over the age of twelve.

Recommended to Grace by: No one did. That is how I came to read it.

Shelves: the-best-books-ever

This book was simply beautiful. I picked it up by chance in the school library: I sometimes wonder who reads all these books, because there are certain ones I can't imagine anyone at school reading, including myself. So I set myself a challenge: I would go and pick a book that looked like the kind that nobody reads, and I would take it out the library and read it. This is the one I picked up, and sure enough, there were no stamped dates on the front cover.

The beginning... well, I can't explain i...more This book was simply beautiful. I picked it up by chance in the school library: I sometimes wonder who reads all these books, because there are certain ones I can't imagine anyone at school reading, including myself. So I set myself a challenge: I would go and pick a book that looked like the kind that nobody reads, and I would take it out the library and read it. This is the one I picked up, and sure enough, there were no stamped dates on the front cover.

The beginning... well, I can't explain it except to say, again, that it was beautiful. In fact, it was the most beautiful bit of the whole book, which was a little disappointing, but still, it made me keep reading. In fact, I know it off by heart.

'I have never looked into my sister's eyes. I have never bathed alone. i ahve never stood in the grass at night and raised my arms to a beguiling moon. I have never used an airplane bathroom. Or worn a hat. Or been kissed like that. I've never driven a car. Or slept through the night. Never a private talk. Or solo walk. I've never climbed a tree. Or faded into a crowd. So many things I've never done, but oh, how I've been loved. And, if such things were to be, I'd live a thousand lives as me, to be loved so exponentially.'

This may be teh most poetic passage, but the whole book is well-written throughout, although Rose, the twin who starts the book, is inevitably better than her sister Ruby. However, reading the book from two perspectives didn't bother me; it was a big thing in the book, the fact that they didn't show eachother what they had written, and this just meant that you got two perspectives on things, and it proved to really highlight their distinct personalities. I really grew to care for Ruby and Rose, and to relate to them in some ways.

You have to read it to fully appreciate the beauty of this book. The way it is told... it can't be explained. By reading it, you feel that you are being let in one a secret. You get so involved in the story, in teh twins lives', in what is happening to them that day and what has happened to them in the past. It was an amazing experience, and I am exponentially (thank you, Lori Lansens)glad that I set myself that challenge that day two years ago.

Read this book, and remember to savour every word.(less)

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Nov 03, 2012 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Gemelli siamesi= una coppia di gemelli identici che nascono uniti in una parte del corpo. Questa è la definizione scientifica.
“A volte, quando apri un uovo, trovi il tuorlo doppio, hai visto il tuorlo doppio? A volte anche le ciliegie crescono unite, non hanno due piccioli separati, e la polpa di due è fusa insieme. Così. Sono molto speciali”. Queste sono Rose e Ruby, le ragazze, due gemelle siamesi craniopaghe che vivono in Canada, che dividono un’importante vena in comune e non possono sopravv...more Gemelli siamesi= una coppia di gemelli identici che nascono uniti in una parte del corpo. Questa è la definizione scientifica.
“A volte, quando apri un uovo, trovi il tuorlo doppio, hai visto il tuorlo doppio? A volte anche le ciliegie crescono unite, non hanno due piccioli separati, e la polpa di due è fusa insieme. Così. Sono molto speciali”. Queste sono Rose e Ruby, le ragazze, due gemelle siamesi craniopaghe che vivono in Canada, che dividono un’importante vena in comune e non possono sopravvivere ad un’operazione di separazione. Due persone che vivono in simbiosi, certo fisicamente forzata, ma che è una simbiosi anche di spirito, d’animo. Sono stranote le storie dei gemelli che si leggono nel pensiero, che sentono le medesime sensazioni ed emozioni. Nel caso di queste due sorelle c’è di più: l’una sente l’altra arrossire, la “sente” perché non possono mai guardarsi in viso, essendo legate all’altezza della tempia.
Eppure, nonostante la loro indissolubile unione fisica e spirituale, le due sorelle sono indipendenti. Sono diverse nel carattere, l’una più forte e determinata, l’altra fragile e sognatrice; riescono a fare due lavori diversi, pur nella loro forzata convivenza; coltivano interessi diversi, una ama scrivere e alla soglia dei trenta anni comincia a raccontare in prima persona la loro storia, l’altra invece è interessata alla storia degli indiani e ricerca oggetti degli indiani Neutrali che vissero, centinaia di anni fa, nei luoghi dove vivono le due ragazze; le due sorelle frequentano la scuola, credono nell’amicizia, hanno dei sogni che vogliono realizzare, si innamorano, ognuna a proprio modo.
Questa loro indipendenza si realizza grazie all’amore dei genitori adottivi, zia Lovey, un’infermiera che aiutò a farle nascere e le prese con sé quando la loro madre naturale le abbandonò, e zio Stash, che hanno nei loro confronti un atteggiamento protettivo e al contempo sanno coltivare il loro spirito, favorendo l’individualità di ognuna, nel modo più semplice –vista la fisicità dell’unione che è limite invalicabile- ma più efficace.
E’ stato emozionante leggere questo libro, prendere coscienza dell’esistenza di problemi, grandi e piccoli, della vita quotidiana cui finora non si era mai dato alcun rilievo, che di solito si danno per scontati, ed è stato facile provare ammirazione per queste due creature, il cui destino è segnato dalla nascita, che sono attaccate alla vita, “aggrovigliate come un cespuglio d’erica”. (less)

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Oct 13, 2012 Timothy Springer rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are several chapters in "The Girls" that have become some of my favorite pieces of literature: the shockingly honest recount of Ruby writing about her sister wanting to give up her whole life altogether, then passing it off as a mere joke; Rose Darlen talking about who she imagined herself to be once Nick finally caved in and gave her a kiss.

This novel is not a feel-good piece but a depressing recount of two lives having lived conjoined together. We all wish we could look back on our own e...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Aunt Lovey believed people could be separated into three categories. People who love children. People who love their own children. And people who don’t even like children but have pets they call Baby.” – Ruby Darlen, 29 years old.

This past week I read “The Girls” by Lori Lansens, her second of three books. I really truly hope she keeps producing, because she amazes me. “The Girls” is about conjoined twins Rose and Ruby Darlen who are raised by Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash when their 18-year-old mo...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Erika rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book, I loved. I think an author must have some depth and insight into the human condition in order to write well about people's inner lives. This author has done it. Being a twin, I am interested in conjoined twins, and I love the fact that this author researched the psychology of conjoined twins in order to write a novel from the perspective of two twin girls/women. The book wasn't a chronology of events in their lives; it encompassed memories, like people truly remember their lives. Most...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Bonnie Brody rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I started this book with some trepidation, wondering how the author could do justice to the topic of conjoined craniopagus twins without seeming maudlin or trite. I was won over during the first chapter. This is a poignant and lovely book about Rose and Ruby, twins conjoined since birth. The chapters are written in the first person, as an autobiography, either by Rose or by Ruby. Each has a different personality which stands out in their writing and experiences.

The book begins "I have never look...more I started this book with some trepidation, wondering how the author could do justice to the topic of conjoined craniopagus twins without seeming maudlin or trite. I was won over during the first chapter. This is a poignant and lovely book about Rose and Ruby, twins conjoined since birth. The chapters are written in the first person, as an autobiography, either by Rose or by Ruby. Each has a different personality which stands out in their writing and experiences.

The book begins "I have never looked into my sister's eyes. I have never bathed alone. I have never stood in the grass at night and raised my arms to a beguiling moon. I've never used an airplane bathroom. Or worn a hat. Or been kissed like that." With sensitivity, humor, love and genuine concern, Ruby and Rose tell their life stories and the stories of those they love. Born on the day of a great tornado, to a young single mother who abandons them, the twins are adopted by Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash. They are raised on a family farm in Canada, not too far from Toronto or Detroit. They are raised in an atmosphere of great love and support by two wonderful and eccentric parents.

Rose is the writer. She is a book lover and has a personality that is both literate and rational. She has done well in school and takes learning seriously. Rose is more of a dreamer and not as much a book person. She loves archeology and has amassed a wealth of artifacts pertaining to the Neutral Indians that she has found on her family's farm. Both girls have these wonderful loving rituals that mean 'I love you' to each other. Rose rubs Ruby's ear and makes sure her clubbed feet (which get cold easily) are covered up at night by blankets. They also bicker and fight, sometimes pinching each other.

We learn about their childhoods, teenaged years and adulthood. At the time the book starts, Rose and Ruby at 29 years old, are the oldest living craniopagus twins in history. We learn about the lives of Aunt Lovey and uncle Stash. We travel with Rose and Ruby to Slovakia and to Toronto. We share their longings and histories. We are privy to their most intimate feelings and desires. We meet their friends and relatives and see them from Rose and Ruby's perspectives.

The book explores issues of individuation and autonomy for the twins, along with their shared universe. It examines what it's like to be different in a world where 'normal' prevails. With sensitivity and poignancy, we are allowed into the twins' inner worlds to see these issues from their perspectives.

The book is beautifully written with wonderful characterization. I was struck by the tone of the book which is written by Rose and Ruby without any self-pity, with a sense of acceptance and pride in who they are. Of course, they yearn to have experienced things that others take for granted and they get tired of stares and questions. However, they are 'the girls' and would not trade their lives for any others. I have ordered Lori Lansens first book and look forward to reading that novel soon.
(less)

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Oct 03, 2011 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a story about Rose and Ruby Darlen, joined at the side of their heads. I had to read this book.

Off I transported to my childhood in the 50's, when the CIRCUS came to visit our little town in the middle of the Pacific....to the tent with the soiled penants drooping in our humidity, the tattered sign "Freak Show" COME one and all to see the MONKEY LADY (microcephalic pathetic girl whose eyes met my overblown look of wonder); the SNAKE LADY (a sad face with severe plaque psoriasis); the FA...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Maria Paiz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Girls is a novel about a pair of craniopagus twins (conjoined at the head), as told by both of them in their very distinct voices. Rose and Ruby Darlen were born conjoined on the same day that a tornado hit the Canadian town of Leaford, so their whirlwind birth had twice the punch on their small community. Their birth mother disappeared from their lives and they were lovingly raised by the nurse who helped deliver them, and her husband. Due to the complex way their vascular systems were inte...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Nikole rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Right before I opened the book to begin reading, I decided to read the synopsis on the back cover to try to refresh my memory on what the book was suppose to be about. It was a very quick blurb and read quickly one would assume it was a story about the relationship between sisters. Nothing too exciting, and certainly not a story line that hasn't been done many times over. Considering how much I liked the last book I read (read: not at all), I had little hope of even finishing this book.

The disco...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Holly added it · review of another edition

What a moving story - one, essentially, not about being a pair of conjoined twins, but about the closeness of the sisters, the love that their Aunt and Uncle feel for them, their differing interests, and their pole positions in personality. In terms of writing, the girls' two different styles was refreshing. I always looked forward to Ruby's more direct commentary on the present day, and her assumptions of what Rose had written, whereas Rose's stories from the past were a great way of portraying...more

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About Lori Lansens

Lori Lansens was born and raised in Chatham, Ontario, a small Canadian town with a remarkable history and a collection of eccentric characters, which became the setting for her first two bestselling novels. Living with her family in southern California now, she could not resist the pull of her fictitious 'Baldoon County' when she set out to write The Wife's Tale. She took the journey, along with...more

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“Write,' she said, 'as if you'll never be read. That way you'll be sure to tell the truth.” — 44 people liked it

“I feel, holding books, accommodating their weight and breathing their dust, an abiding love. I trust them, in a way that I can't trust my computer, though I couldn't do without it. Books are matter. My books matter. What would I have done through these years without the library and all its lovely books?” — 24 people liked it

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