Her Sister's Shadow

by Katharine Britton

An emotionally powerful debut about two sisters who reconnect after nearly forty years of estrangement.

Renowned painter Lilli Niles is at home in her North London flat when she receives an unexpected call from her elder sister, Bea, who's at the family home in Whitehead, Massachusetts. Bea's husband has just died, and she'd like Lilli to fly home to attend the funeral. There are reasons Lilli moved all the way to England to escape her older sister, reasons that have kept them estranged for decades. But something in Bea's voice makes Lilli think it's time to return to the stately house in New England she loved as a child, to the memory of the beloved younger sister they both lost. With Bea more fragile than Lilli remembered, maybe she can finally forgive Bea for a long-ago betrayal that has simmered between them for nearly forty years.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Novels, Romance

345 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2011

About the author

Katharine is the author of three novels: HER SISTER'S SHADOW, LITTLE ISLAND, and VANISHING TIME (2016).

She has a Master's degree in Creative Writing from Dartmouth College. Her screenplay, Goodbye Don't Mean Gone, on which VANISHING TIME was based, was a Moondance Film Festival winner and a finalist in the New England Women in Film and Television contest.

When not at her desk, Katharine can be found working with raptors at a local nature center or in her Norwich garden, waging a non-toxic war against the slugs, snails, deer, woodchucks, chipmunks, moles, voles, and beetles with whom she shares her yard. Katharine's defense consists mainly of hand wringing, after the fact.

Reviews

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cheating, because I wrote it. But I really do think it's a great read and I hope you'll give it a try.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Massachusetts, small coastal town 45 minutes south of Boston

There's more to this story than I would have guessed from the Goodreads rating of 3.46. This is not a romance nor is it 'chick lit' even though it's about the relationships among four sisters. Lilli, who flies home from London for her brother-in-law's funeral, is the central voice of the story. During the pivotal summer of 1966, she would have been 15 yo and her oldest sister, Bea, was 24. In 2009, when the story is set, the sisters range in age from 58 to 67, yet from the descriptions, they all seem at least ten years older. The chapters alternate between these two time periods.

[Molly chaucer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to find a copy of this book at a local thrift shop. I did not want to leave my reading of this book. Is there such a thing as an age appropriate book, or books for adults instead of for children? This was a nostalgic visit to the 1950's, 60's, and present. Such a beautifully woven story that flows like a placid river with no bends or tributaries.....seamless. The author describes the seaside town of Whitehead in a typical manner. Yet, it becomes more intimate as the author brings to light the emotions and memories of the two main characters Bea and Lilli. Sometimes when I read a storyline that jumps from past to present time, I become confused. Not so in this story. I wanted to read this in one sitting, but I'm a slow reader. And I'm glad I didn't rush through the book, because I wanted to take in and reflect on who the characters were and who they had become. An awesome ending that answers a lot of questions. Like I said, I didn't want to leave the characters the author had created. I want more.

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about four sisters. Lilli always has felt like she's lived in her eldest sister, Bea's, shadow. Lilli literally escapes to London to begin a new life after a few events that will change all of the sisters' lives for forever.

This book is really about the events that change our lives for forever. In many ways, Lilli can't cope with everything she witnessed and she feels like she's not getting what she wants or deserves out of any of her relationships, romantic or otherwise. She never returns home until Bea's husband,Randall, dies. Lilli isn't sure that she can face dealing with Randall's death as she had some entanglements of her own with him. In a way, Bea wants everything to go back to the way it used to be. Unfortunately things don't always work that way.

This is a story about coming to terms with the bad things that happen in your life. It's also about becoming an adult and being able to reconcile why things happened the way that they do. I think in the end, Lilli is finally able to do that a little bit but it takes her a really long time especially since when she comes home, she's at least in her 50s or 60s. It seemed strange that these things had been eating at her so long but she didn't seem to want to do anything to change them or even to really come to terms with them. I read this book really quickly as it was easy to get sucked into the stories.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Her Sister's Shadow, particularly the New England setting, and was so immersed in the lives of the sisters that the pages just flew by. At times I was annoyed with Bea and Lilli and at other times I felt so sorry for them for all the wasted years they were estranged. What I found really intriguing is how they each perceived their self imposed role in the family from childhood , how that shaped their destinies and how they felt about that role so many years later. Her Sister's Shadow resonated with me long after the last page was turned. It's hard to believe this exquisitely written story is a debut novel. I hope Katharine has many more stories to tell!

Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by Berkley.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Good Reads for the opportunity to read this lovely book as an advanced readers copy!

This story is beautifully written. Katharine Britton does a wonderful job of describing developing the complexities of the relationships as well as describing the time and place. The character development was phenominal. There are so many complexities between the relationships of those in the book showing all of the love, guilt and growth of the characters. This is one of those books that is compulsively readable - the trait of a great book.

I am looking forward to reading more of this author in the future!

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes all you want is an interesting story - believable, compelling and well written with a few surprises along the way. This book ticked all those boxes and more. Bea and Lilly are sisters with a complicated past that threatens to hinder any type of reconciliation, but as the story twists and turns all becomes possible. Good travel read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's tough to be too objective as Katharine is a good friend. Her debut novel is wonderfully written, a solid story that explores (true-to-life) family dynamics, and was very enjoyable to read. I can't wait to see what she writes next.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set on the Cape about a long time family and 4 sister's growing up. The youngest dies while the 2nd youngest has her out in a storm. The mother commits suicide. The oldest steps up to take care of the the younger sisters. The main character is conflicted about her eldest sister, yet only sees things from her side until her husband dies and they eventually come to peace.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understated. Elegant. Beautiful.
The story took some getting into, but the more you look into the past, and learn about the characters, the more invested you became in their present.
Some very poignant moments, and it leaves me with a feeling at the end that I can’t quite put my finger on. Sadness, happiness, I’m not sure, but it’s a sign of a good book when a feeling lingers after finishing.

[Jonesy952 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot as well. It was the story of a young girl who falls in love at 14 and her sister ends up marrying the boy she has the crush on. She comes back at the end of her life when her sister’s husband has died, and she finds out a whole new look on what happened back when she was a teen.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in New England, so Her Sister’s Shadow immediately pulled me in with its vivid, familiar setting. Katherine Britton captures the complicated bonds between sisters so well — the love, the resentment, the history you can’t shake. I was lucky enough to meet the author, and she’s just as thoughtful and genuine as her writing. A beautiful, heartfelt read.

[Katie Brummell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how this book ended up on my book shelf but, I'm glad it did! Her Sister's Shadow by Katharine Britton was a superb read. So rich and full of detail. I found myself getting really fired up for Lilli and devastated for her. Bea's response was so satisfying.
Now go read it! 📖📖📖📖

[Sara Herring · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[JoAnn Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Barbara Lentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilli is an artist living in London. She comes back home after 40 years after her sisters husband dies. There’s lots of secrets in the family and Lilli struggles to understand her sister.

[Dorothy Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about sisters and family. Another book I didn’t want it to finish

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads Description- An emotionally powerful debut about two sisters who reconnect after nearly forty years of estrangement.

Renowned painter Lilli Niles is at home in her North London flat when she receives an unexpected call from her elder sister, Bea, who's at the family homestead in Whitehead, Massachusetts. Bea's husband has just died, and she'd like Lilli to fly home to attend the funeral. There are reasons Lilli moved all the way to England to escape her older sister, reasons that have kept them estranged for decades. But something in Bea's voice makes Lilli think it's time to return to the stately house in New England she loved as a child, to the memory of the beloved younger sister they both lost. With Bea more fragile than Lilli remembered, maybe she can finally forgive Bea for a long-ago betrayal that has simmered between them for nearly forty years.

This is a story about four sisters. Lilli always has felt like she's lived in her eldest sister, Bea's, shadow. Lilli literally escapes to London to begin a new life after a few events that will change all of the sisters' lives for forever. The book goes back and forth, from the summer months of 2009 and the years through the 60s. The points of view are mainly from Lilli but sometimes we get other points of view added to the story. Those other points of view added just the right amount of extra detail that the reader needs to understand the events of their youth in a different context than just seeing things through Lilli's eyes.

What I struggled with while reading this story though was my connection to the older versions of Lilli and Bea. Due to the fact that the story begins after the sisters have already aged and much of their lives are beyond them I really had a difficult time getting into the book. It wasn’t until about forty pages in that I started to become really interested in the story of these sisters and the tragedy that befalls them. Thankfully as I continued I was able to connect and look forward to the continuation of the mystery surrounding their pasts.


I liked how Britton took her time revealing the "facts" of the sister's lives and she uses her words to paint such a beautiful setting on White Head but the ending was a real bummer for me. It fell really flat and I was disappointed to not know what was going to happen to the sisters in the future. I always have a hard time when a story just ends but it was especially hard with this book because I had become so invested in knowing what would happen to the characters. I had spent so much time getting into the story in the first place and then to have it just end the way it did was plain old disappointing. This doesn't seem like the kind of book that would turn into a series or even have a follow up book and I really want to know what happens to all of the sisters and where their relationships will go from the end.

All in all the writing was done well and like I said, Britton used beautiful prose to set up the backdrop of the story. I just wish she had given the reader more of an ending because I believe that the sisters deserved a more detailed explanation after all that they had been through. 3 stars.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been nearly 40 years since Lilli and Bea have been in the same room, but when the sudden death of Bea’s husband brings them together again will it be enough to help them mend the past? Both harboring memories of years gone by, but time and age changes perceptions. Bea, having remained in their childhood home has remained the fixture of their family though people and places have changed. Lilli has moved on, managing art galleries and living out and about in the world with her own version of the past. What happens when they come together could mend a thousand heartaches and could potentially alter their views forever.

For a debut novel Katharine Britton’s novel is nothing short of beautiful. Her writing is incredible if for no other reason than it’s observation of human interactions. Her Sister’s Shadow is told primarily from the viewpoint of Lilli, the younger sister in a family of four girls who struggle between a balance of dependence upon each other and the emerging independence that comes with age. As the oldest sister Bea takes charge after their father’s death and their mother’s retreat from life the girls all struggle under her heavy hand. As a person who grew up with all sisters I found the most interesting portion of the story was the part told in their youth. I thoroughly enjoyed how Britton shared the love and struggle that comes from being so similar yet so very different.

What I struggled with while reading this story though was my connection to the older versions of Lilli and Bea. Due to the fact that the story begins after the sisters have already aged and much of their lives are beyond them I really had a difficult time getting into the book. It wasn’t until about forty pages in that I started to become really interested in the story of these sisters and the tragedy that befalls them. Thankfully as I continued I was able to connect and look forward to the continuation of the mystery surrounding their pasts.

As a debut novelist, Katharine Britton obviously has a very bright writing future ahead of her. Her Sister’s Shadow is a beautifully written story that tells the dynamics that exist between sisters who all share equally strong personalities and intentions. What unfolds as you continue throughout the story is an unexpected tragedy into not only the loss of a younger sister, but the loss of relationships that could have been. Britton is a marvelous storyteller and I’m positive that I’ll be looking for future writing by her as she continues to explore the various relationships that exist in our lives.

Originally reviewed and copyrighted at Chick Lit Reviews.

[JoAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex family dynamics. Innocence. Tragedy and then tragedy again. This was a good read from beginning to end.

[Sequoia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in the Goodreads Giveaway and here's my review:


This book is about a woman named Lillianne Niles who recieves a phone call from her sister, Elizabeth "Bea", who she hasn't seen in over forty years, telling Lilli that her husband Randall has died suddenly. Leaving her London flat to go see Bea in her old childhood house in White Head, Mass. brings up unwanted memories of the past and the betreyals of people she loved most. While at White Head with Bea we read of her inner turmoil and how she constantly wishes she could just go back to London and get away from White Head and Bea.

The book goes back and forth, from the summer months of 2009 and the years through the 60s. The points of view are mainly from Lilli but sometimes we get other points of view added to the story and seeing inside their head. I sincerely liked this book.

I only have two negatives and they only consist of editing. The copy I got is a limited ARC and I love ARCs, but sometimes I don't. The reason why I love ARCs is because we're (the readers) get a chance to read the book in advanced with no proofing. That is also a negative but it's not the reason why I didn't give this book five stars.

I love the story, and, when the book is edited, the writing of the story is fantastic. By the end of the book I wondered what would happen next with the characters instead of just saying, "okay, I'm finished, what's next?" If I didn't skim through the book, sometimes I do that out of curiousity not because of boredom, the book would be a bit more shocking. I liked the twists and the unexpected moments between Bea and Lilli.

Throughout the book, I felt a great connection with Lilli because I've been through almost practically everything that she has been through when it came to Randall and the "always winning and being in the shadow" of Bea.

[MyChienneLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story of the bonds among sisters, exploring their strength as well as their fragility. We see the story through the eyes of the protagonist, Lilli, one of four sisters raised on the east coast. Due to their mother's flighty, "artistic" nature, the eldest child takes on many of the responsibilities of raising the younger girls. As tragedies befall the family, she exclusively fulfills the mother role. Conflict, manipulation and secrets both hidden and shared between this eldest sister / mother de facto and Lilli forms the main core of the novel. The author skillfully weaves together past and present to reveal how and why this relationship became so dominated by hurt and betrayal as we learn more and more of the family's heartbreaking history. Slowly, the author leads the reader to wonder if the ties among sisters are strong enough to bind them together forever or if some hurts are too deep to ever heal. (I hate to be so vague, but I don't want to ruin this novel for everyone else!)

This is a great read that pulled me in quickly and didn't let go until the end. Lilli and her eldest sister's journey struck a chord with me as I related the story to my strained relationship with my own big sister. Anyone who has had to work beyond family secrets and betryals will find this breathtaking novel a quick read, but one that will remain with you as it provokes thought and insight about your own family dynamic.

[Lyn (Readinghearts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished this aptly named debut novel by new author Katharine Britton. The main premise of the book is a story of sibling rivalry between two sisters. The younger one, Lilli, has always felt that she was living int he shadow of her eldest sister, Bea, who she viewed as perfect, a goal she herself could never attain. As in many books of this type, though, Bea is not as perfect as she seems, and she certainly doesn't see herself this way. As the story unfolds, you find a wonderful story about families and the complex relationships between sisters. What sets this story apart from the usual "sister" stories are the wonderfully complex characters that Britton brings to life and the wonderful surprises that she encompasses in her story line. From the beginning I wondered exactly what the deal was betweeen Lilli and Bea, and how the other sisters fit in. I loved the way that the author let these relationships unfold, and let you get to know the characters, from the sisters to the quirky mother, to Russell, the boy next door. From the beginning of the story I was entertained, engrossed, and in the end, surprised with the story that Britton has crafted in this book.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Sister’s Shadow by Katharine Britton is aptly titled given that Lilli Niles has always felt like she is living in the shadow of her “perfect” sister Bea. Bea takes on a guardianship role when Lilli is about 15 after their father dies and their mother loses touch with reality. Lilli resents her “perfect” sister’s hold over the family and is even more angry about how Bea lords it over her when she wins crew races and is considered perfect by her mother. Couple all of that resentment with hormones of adolescence and you can imagine the volatility.

Told in alternating chapters between the past and the present when Lilli returns to White Head, Mass., after 30 years when her sister Bea calls and needs her, Her Sister’s Shadow vividly tells a story of healing after a significant rift between sisters. Readers will feel the angst of a young Lilli who has just discovered boys and wants to grow up more quickly and the awkwardness of Lilli and Bea who attempt to reconnect after 30 years.

Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2011/10/h...

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Judy: Katharine Britton’s debut novel, will strike a familiar chord in the hearts of readers who have struggled through life hiding family secrets and nursing grudges and resentments that should have been put to rest years earlier.

Lillie Niles, third of four daughters of a widowed mother who cannot deal with the realities of her life, shakes the dust of White Harbor from her feet but not from her mind. Unable to view Bea, her oldest sister, as anything but controlling, she considers Bea’s marriage to the man she (Lillie) adores to be the final betrayal.

Guilt stemming from her own act of betrayal, as well as shattering tragedies for which she feels somehow responsible, sends Lillie spiraling upward to the pinnacle of lonely success. Forty years later, when a now-widowed Bea asks her to come home, Lillie makes a reluctant pilgrimage to a place where happy memories were too soon overshadowed by dark ones.

Ms. Britton has woven past and present into a seamless study of the human heart and its resilience in finding hope where none existed, understanding where a tangled web of lies prevailed, and strength to rebuild despite a determination not to do so.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

Her Sister's Shadow is told in alternating tenses. It is 2009 and Lilli has returned home to attend her sister's husband service. She hasn't seen her sister, Bea, in almost forty years and really doesn't want to see her because of the troubled past they have. We get a glimpse into the past, 1966 and Lilli at 15 years old. It is obvious to me that getting this look into the past will reveal events that make the 2009 make more sense. Already, I have discovered things that have surprised me, but there is still so many unanswered questions left for me. I want to know what happens next!

The first few pages were a little difficult for me to get into, but the story picks up rather quickly and once we get the first flashback, I haven't been able to put the book down (mostly!) I already like Lilli, but am frustrated with how easily she seems to anger during her young age which is reasonable because during the summer, she has grown from a child into a young woman and is confused about who she is now.

I definitely recommend Her Sister's Shadow!

[Caren ~ the misfit geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. It started a bit slow for me but soon I was pulled into the story and engrossed in the family mystery. It was obvious that there was a great deal of tension and hostility between Lilli and Bea and I was anxious to find out about the cause. The chapters go back and forth in time and the story is “revealed” masterfully. It is not fast paced but it is definitely a riveting tale. I found that not everything was as obvious as I had assumed.

The characters in the book are wonderfully complex. It is told mainly from Lilli’s point of view but the author gives us tiny glimpses of the other sisters thoughts at key points. Their relationships are realistic and just as complex as the characters themselves. Their diversity added plenty of depth to the story.

I would recommend this book highly. It is a meaningful look at family dynamics and the unique bond of sisters. The ending is surprising and satisfying. You will not be disappointed in the time invested in reading this book. Fantastic debut. I will look forward to reading more from Ms. Britton.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this story about 4 sisters and the different places our lives go based on decisions we make, whether they be good or bad. Lilli hasn't gone home since 1968 or so and now it is 2009. Her sister Bea that is 9 years older than her calls to say that her husband, Randall passed and would Lilli come home for the funeral. Lilli does, but it brings many memories back, most being terrible but not all. What it does for everyone heals hearts quite a bit in the end I think.

This book took several turns for me, and I enjoyed each one. Savored this book, it seemed to end way too quick.

For Katharine's first book, she really outdid herself. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. I love these types of stories, I couldn't wait to find out why Lilli didn't want to go home and what happened between her and Bea. Charlotte wasn't in the story much but I grew to love each one. Beautiful story is all I have to say!

[Lorian Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Sister's Shadow by Katharine Britton omg hw can i say this bout this book this book is so freaking amazin sad yes bt shockin when i read the beginnin i thought bea was the pain in the butt i alwayz thought she was tryin 2 ruin lillia's life bt i was wrong she was protecting her the whole time and reading the middle bout izzy was really puzzlin when lillia and bea describe izzy i thought hmm maybe she is lillia's daughter which i was defintly right hw hello duh it keep describing that izzy more creative in art just like lillia was cuz there is defintly no way she the daughter of charlotte becuz she cook alot and it describe izzy bout cookin just art that hw i knew it was her daughter readin at the end i thought i will read more than that like is lillia is ever goin tell izzy that she her ownn daughter or soomethin like that bt that ok becuz this book is really gud :)

[Nancy Kilgore · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you bring psychological depth into the tale of a family that never gets below the surface? Katharine Britton does it in Her Sister's Shadow with skill and integrity, weaving past and present into a web of intricate interactions, missed signals, misunderstandings and stiff upper lips. Lilli, her main character, is too well bred to show the hurt and grief, anger and heartbreak she suffers from her many losses, even to herself, until, in her sixties, she comes back to the home and family she abandoned. There she must face a sister who refuses to be squeezed into Lilli's image of her and the truth about her past and family that isn't at all what she'd thought. The depiction of ordinary American family life in the fifties is spot-on, with lovely descriptions of the sea, sailing and the yacht club life, in this engrossing story of loss and redemption.