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The Heart Echoes
Swedish sisters Astrid, Lena, and Sandra have struggled to get along since childhood, but when Lena is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, they are each thrown into crisis together.
Astrid’s well-ordered, predictable world is shaken by the return of her ex-boyfriend Michael, an American who abandoned her—and their infant son—years earlier. While Astrid has remarried and had more children, she is suffocating under her husband’s kindness and cannot escape the pull of the past. Seeing Michael at their son’s high school graduation reawakens her grief and rage, along with more complicated and threatening emotions.
Envious of Astrid’s seemingly stable life, Sandra is married to an alcoholic and drowning in debt. She turns to Lena for help at the worst possible time. Lena, fighting to stay alive, must finally confront a devastating secret she’s kept from Astrid since the summer Michael left. As the walls they’ve built between them crumble, the three sisters must try to forgive and to rebuild their shattered bonds…while there’s still time.
Astrid’s well-ordered, predictable world is shaken by the return of her ex-boyfriend Michael, an American who abandoned her—and their infant son—years earlier. While Astrid has remarried and had more children, she is suffocating under her husband’s kindness and cannot escape the pull of the past. Seeing Michael at their son’s high school graduation reawakens her grief and rage, along with more complicated and threatening emotions.
Envious of Astrid’s seemingly stable life, Sandra is married to an alcoholic and drowning in debt. She turns to Lena for help at the worst possible time. Lena, fighting to stay alive, must finally confront a devastating secret she’s kept from Astrid since the summer Michael left. As the walls they’ve built between them crumble, the three sisters must try to forgive and to rebuild their shattered bonds…while there’s still time.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
1847 people are currently reading
1742 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
August 10, 2017
This is easily the worst book I've attempted to read in years. Maybe it's the translation, but the language is stilted and odd. I didn't like any of the main characters in the book. The plot revolves around the dysfunctional relationship between 3 sisters and their history of betrayal, lies, passive aggressive interactions, and selfishness. The lesser characters are one-dimensional. The entire book is made up of the character's thoughts, and very little else, the plot unfolds as in turn we get the perspectives of each sister on the same events. Interaction between the sisters is incomprehensible, and the 3 different perspectives of the sisters fail to make sense or clarify why everyone is so messed up. Not, not, not a good book.
October 3, 2017
Not a quick read
This was not an easy book for me to get through. I started it once but put it aside for new books that caught my fancy. Last week I decided it was time to clean up all the unread 'orphan books in my kindle and I categorized all of them as currently being read on Goodreads thinking that would shame me into finally reading them all. I am a voracious reader and thought I would have accomplished my goal in a week. This book took 5 days to complete. Sometimes I just had to put the book down because I would be so angry with how the characters were being so cruel or very whiny and sometimes just boring. But I forced myself to finish it and I can say I am glad I did not because the ending was better than the rest of the book, but because it is over. My favorite character in the book is Holger, probably the least attractive, appears in the fewest scenes but has the most empathy of everyone in the book. I highlighted quite a few passages because I did like the author's voice in places. But if this was a road trip I was on I would describe it as a freeway with a few side jaunts that make the trip less dreary.
This was not an easy book for me to get through. I started it once but put it aside for new books that caught my fancy. Last week I decided it was time to clean up all the unread 'orphan books in my kindle and I categorized all of them as currently being read on Goodreads thinking that would shame me into finally reading them all. I am a voracious reader and thought I would have accomplished my goal in a week. This book took 5 days to complete. Sometimes I just had to put the book down because I would be so angry with how the characters were being so cruel or very whiny and sometimes just boring. But I forced myself to finish it and I can say I am glad I did not because the ending was better than the rest of the book, but because it is over. My favorite character in the book is Holger, probably the least attractive, appears in the fewest scenes but has the most empathy of everyone in the book. I highlighted quite a few passages because I did like the author's voice in places. But if this was a road trip I was on I would describe it as a freeway with a few side jaunts that make the trip less dreary.
August 9, 2017
The Heart Echoes opens with Astrid, the eldest of three sisters, purchasing cheese for the family party she is hosting to celebrate Viktor's graduation from high school. She wants everything to be perfect. Unfortunately, she is far from being the perfect wife and parent she wants to be. As we meet Astrid's sisters and mother it becomes apparent that there is a strong undercurrents of tension in heir relaionships wih each other. Throw in the complication of Michael, Viktor's biological father, whom Astrid has not seen since he walked out on her and their one year old son, and and a cancer death sentence and everyone's world is thrown off kilter.
This beautifully wriiten story explores how childhood memories echo into adult lives. And how secrets, even those kept hidden for the best of reasons, taint relationships. The delicate interweaving of sibling rivalry, petty jealousies, misunderstandings, lies and expectations exposed by the women's grief is insightful and realistic. The humanity of each of the characters, their experiences and the locales are so compelling developed I felt as though I were there with the women as they struggled to make sense of what was happening.. By the satisfying conlcusion to the story I genuinely cared that everyone would be okay with the way things turned out.
I am very disappointed to discover that The Heart Echoes is the only book by Helena von Zweigbergk that has been translated into English. I want to read more from this author.
This beautifully wriiten story explores how childhood memories echo into adult lives. And how secrets, even those kept hidden for the best of reasons, taint relationships. The delicate interweaving of sibling rivalry, petty jealousies, misunderstandings, lies and expectations exposed by the women's grief is insightful and realistic. The humanity of each of the characters, their experiences and the locales are so compelling developed I felt as though I were there with the women as they struggled to make sense of what was happening.. By the satisfying conlcusion to the story I genuinely cared that everyone would be okay with the way things turned out.
I am very disappointed to discover that The Heart Echoes is the only book by Helena von Zweigbergk that has been translated into English. I want to read more from this author.
August 11, 2017
This was my Kindle First choice for August. It was a little slow and repetitive in places but I liked it and would definitely read this author again. Apparently she's written a lot but this is the first translated into English from the Swedish. The three sisters featured are all very different. I was one of three and it's a bad number, really. As two of them tended to gang up on the third, we did too. It was a different pair at different times but one was always left out of what two were maybe giggling about or kept out of what they were up to. These girls are the same, although it seems to always be the same pairing in this tale. I felt pretty sorry for Henrik most of all. He was such a good and decent guy who was taken advantage of a great deal, which was a shame.
I did find there was a surfeit of tears throughout.....everyone was snivelling at one time or other !!
There weren't too many errors throughout but the ones there were were howlers....this was written-hum3iliated-and how nobody spotted it is beyond me. Sluffed was used instead of sloughed but the worst by far was referring to Lena as Lean at one point....that was a huge old ouch and that cost it the 5* for me.
It took me days to get through but I was away while it was on my reading list so wasn't reading as often as at home. A couple of times near the end I was sobbing......but there were also some funny little lines throughout as well. I'd certainly recommend it.
I did find there was a surfeit of tears throughout.....everyone was snivelling at one time or other !!
There weren't too many errors throughout but the ones there were were howlers....this was written-hum3iliated-and how nobody spotted it is beyond me. Sluffed was used instead of sloughed but the worst by far was referring to Lena as Lean at one point....that was a huge old ouch and that cost it the 5* for me.
It took me days to get through but I was away while it was on my reading list so wasn't reading as often as at home. A couple of times near the end I was sobbing......but there were also some funny little lines throughout as well. I'd certainly recommend it.
October 17, 2017
This is a heartfelt story of three sisters and long ago buried secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, especially as it was set in Stockholm in one of my 'hometowns' and favourite cities in the world!
June 5, 2019
I despise skewering any authors's hard work. This story just wasn't for me. I don't know if it lost something in translation, but the conversations were stilted and uncomfortable to read. I struggled to find empathy for the sisters and their respective crises. Astrid and Sandra brought such extreme selfishness to the table. Even when their sister Lena was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, they could't get out of their own way to be of help and solace.
While I understand that family dynamics can be the most complex and toxic,and there is no guarantee of happy endings, I just wished for some kind of closure. It was not to be, at least for me.
While I understand that family dynamics can be the most complex and toxic,and there is no guarantee of happy endings, I just wished for some kind of closure. It was not to be, at least for me.
April 9, 2019
A story about 3 sisters and the conflicting relationships between them all, and their families. I wanted to read it to see how it turned out for them all, but there weren't many very likeable characters at all, in my opinion.
September 7, 2025
Ett välskrivet relationsdrama om tre vuxna systrar i 41-48-årsåldern. Överraskad av att den var så bra! Betyget ligger närmare 4 än 3 så får bli 4. Hade velat kunna ge 3.8. Ska kika på fler av författarens böcker!
August 6, 2017
The heart echoes
I really liked this book. The characters are relatable in their flaws and in their strengths. The book is written from each sisters point of view, which f for me, made it more interesting and allowed me to see each sisters version of life.
The ending came to soon and abruptly for my liking. That is the reason behind the 4 stars.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a complicated family whom they love regardless of their flaws.
I really liked this book. The characters are relatable in their flaws and in their strengths. The book is written from each sisters point of view, which f for me, made it more interesting and allowed me to see each sisters version of life.
The ending came to soon and abruptly for my liking. That is the reason behind the 4 stars.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a complicated family whom they love regardless of their flaws.
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April 20, 2017A lovely, sometimes heart-wrenching, story of sisters who have loved and lost, kept secrets, and found their selves along the way.
September 1, 2017
Only my inability to stop a book once I've started it could make me finish this book. The writing seemed kind of choppy until I got used to it, I'm not sure if this is because it was translated to English. The book is related separately by all three characters which makes it seem repetitive. With the exception of Henrik, Astrid's husband, who is too good for her and Lena who is dying, the characters are miserable, unlikable people with messy lives and dysfunctional relationships. There is some reconciliation at the end. Most of the book drags. The exception being Lena's part, which I thought was well written from the point of a person with a terminal illness. That earned it the second star. I got this as a Kindle First choice and am glad I didn't spend money on it.
May 13, 2020
2.5 ⭐️
July 24, 2020
Gillar sweigbergk....fenomenal på att skildra relationer!
August 7, 2017
Not good...
Unlikeable & under developed characters. There was no real plot... I chose this as my kindle first pick for August and wish I chose something else. I struggled to finish it.
Unlikeable & under developed characters. There was no real plot... I chose this as my kindle first pick for August and wish I chose something else. I struggled to finish it.
September 22, 2017
Not really my type of book but the characterizations were well done. Three sisters, all of whom have found what they thought was a great love but that they do not have at the moment. One sister is dying and they all end up looking closely at what they had and lost. I really didn't like the ending but it was what would or could have happened. Interesting in how they thought the other sisters thought about what they were--and how they really perceived each other.
November 2, 2017
This is not a book laden with beautiful moments and happy endings. Flawed characters rich with flawed choices unwind their tale in a multiple perspective narrative. It's elegant and too real, the sisters and their families unraveling in self absorbed misery.
Affection for the characters didn't draw me in, but curiosity about what would happen next. Not all of my favorite characters are good people, but they can still be captivating.
The story keeps circling back to early or lost loves, how yesterday impacts today again and again. Poetic in sadness, it mires the ladies down in memories and dulls the present; a sound moral lesson as the characters slowly unravel from their original perceived perfect lives.
The translation from Swedish is fascinating, with so many universal themes about life. Reading it as an American, it was interesting to see the differences in culture, like apartments being more the norm than houses and iPads for kids seen as a luxury, not a necessity nearly handed out in the delivery room.
Affection for the characters didn't draw me in, but curiosity about what would happen next. Not all of my favorite characters are good people, but they can still be captivating.
The story keeps circling back to early or lost loves, how yesterday impacts today again and again. Poetic in sadness, it mires the ladies down in memories and dulls the present; a sound moral lesson as the characters slowly unravel from their original perceived perfect lives.
The translation from Swedish is fascinating, with so many universal themes about life. Reading it as an American, it was interesting to see the differences in culture, like apartments being more the norm than houses and iPads for kids seen as a luxury, not a necessity nearly handed out in the delivery room.
August 5, 2019
I didn't like this book at all. To be honest, it wasn't the book I disliked, it was well written and had some noteworthy lines. It was the characters I couldn't stand. One in particular. I even gave up on the book for about a year, then came back and finished it, hoping I'd misjudged. I hadn't. I think the book should be retitled "I Want to Punch Astrid in the Face".
On second thought, after originally giving the book a rating of one star, I changed it to three, because although I didn't enjoy the book, I recognized that only a talented writer could make a reader loathe a fictional character so absolutely as to fantasize physically assaulting her!
The Heart Echoes is the story of three Swedish sisters, Astrid, Sandra, and Lena; each of whom suffers, in varying degrees, from her own particular brand of neurosis.
As a young woman, eldest sister, high maintenance, high achieving Astrid suffered a deep emotional wound. Michael, an American student studying in Sweden, The Love of Her Life and father of their infant son, Viktor, cruelly walked away from their idyllic life at her family's seaside home one summer. The same summer her father died. Michael mentioned possibly still having feelings for a girl back home and then he was gone, with no further explanation.
Years later, despite marriage to a prosperous businessman who adopted Viktor and loves him as much as he loves Astrid and their own two children, despite her own success as an architect, and their affluent lifestyle, Astrid has never forgotten her heartbreak. Especially now that Viktor is about to graduate from high school, and looks so much like Michael. These days she can barely hide her annoyance at her husband's devotion and his need to win her love.
Astrid is deeply Narcissistic. She's vastly superior to everyone. Especially her family. Yet, every word spoken to her, any gesture, each nuance is analyzed and distilled to its purest intent which is, of course, to wound Astrid. "How could they?" is the question she's constantly asking herself. Vast stores of injustice reside in her psyche. However, typical of a Narcissist, Astrid's regard for others, her own words to them, especially those she claims to love, are as comforting as being scraped with a rusty cheese-grater.
Sandra, the more passionate, earth-mother type middle sister, is classic Passive/Aggressive. She feels (rightly) that Astrid looks down on her. Sandra and her husband Per, are dancers, barely making ends meet. They own a struggling dance studio that Sandra alone runs, while Per, once a brilliant star with a famous dance company; now a bitter alcoholic, drinks to fuel his resentment for the powers that be. Fools, who aren't talented enough themselves to recognize his genius. Although he often refers to Sandra's talent as "mediocre", she never reminds him that her mediocre talent is what barely keeps them afloat. In fact, Sandra's talent is also brilliant, she shines giving dance lessons to children, teaching them the love of dance, helping grace and confidence grow. She has a true gift. She also secretly gives one of Astrid's daughters dance lessons and imparts kindly Auntie advice to both neices, knowing that Astrid would not approve, but secretly hoping she'll be impressed. Sandra keeps in her memory an array of little "secrets" to reveal when they'll have the best effect, but only because people "really should know". She's both jealous of her sisters and ashamed of her jealousy because really, she loves them.
Lena, the youngest, is the quintessential Overachiever. Beautiful, remote and quiet, seldom seen by the family these days, she's a successful fashion designer, constantly traveling between Europe and America. She keeps her personal life to herself. In fact she's been home for only the briefest of visits since that summer their father died. She's only home now to attend her nephew Viktor's high school graduation.
Now the drama begins: Michael, the long lost love and Viktor's real father (though they've had virtually no contact) has recently been transferred to Denmark, and being so close, has announced that he plans attend Viktor's graduation along with his wife and their small son.
Astrid is livid (yet secretly thrilled) Astrid's husband is uneasy but tries to comfort Astrid, though he feels threatened. Viktor is upset, because his happiness at meeting his "real" dad has upset both of his parents. Even cool, detached Lena is on edge, for reasons only she knows. Besides, she's not feeling at all well, is worried about the upcoming line of designs and doesn't need more stress.
But Sandra-only Sandra, is bursting with happiness! She's about to reveal a secret that will topple them from their pedestals....but only because it's something that really needs to be brought to light.
Meanwhile Lena has a secret that even she doesn't know about--though she soon will.
These secrets have far-reaching consequences that will ultimately change the lives of all three sisters forever.
That's the real story of this book: the secrets that they all have, including their mother, who though present throughout the book has been somewhat of a non-entity on the sidelines. Turns out even she has one or two surprising secrets.
I couldn't enjoy this book because I have no patience with people who keep things bottled up and as a result, are filled with resentment. Nor with people who are obsessed with their own "misery"
yet feel absolutely no empathy for anyone else.
But, I do applaud the author's talent for creating such authentic characters, because to the end, I still nurtured a very strong urge to just punch Astrid.
On second thought, after originally giving the book a rating of one star, I changed it to three, because although I didn't enjoy the book, I recognized that only a talented writer could make a reader loathe a fictional character so absolutely as to fantasize physically assaulting her!
The Heart Echoes is the story of three Swedish sisters, Astrid, Sandra, and Lena; each of whom suffers, in varying degrees, from her own particular brand of neurosis.
As a young woman, eldest sister, high maintenance, high achieving Astrid suffered a deep emotional wound. Michael, an American student studying in Sweden, The Love of Her Life and father of their infant son, Viktor, cruelly walked away from their idyllic life at her family's seaside home one summer. The same summer her father died. Michael mentioned possibly still having feelings for a girl back home and then he was gone, with no further explanation.
Years later, despite marriage to a prosperous businessman who adopted Viktor and loves him as much as he loves Astrid and their own two children, despite her own success as an architect, and their affluent lifestyle, Astrid has never forgotten her heartbreak. Especially now that Viktor is about to graduate from high school, and looks so much like Michael. These days she can barely hide her annoyance at her husband's devotion and his need to win her love.
Astrid is deeply Narcissistic. She's vastly superior to everyone. Especially her family. Yet, every word spoken to her, any gesture, each nuance is analyzed and distilled to its purest intent which is, of course, to wound Astrid. "How could they?" is the question she's constantly asking herself. Vast stores of injustice reside in her psyche. However, typical of a Narcissist, Astrid's regard for others, her own words to them, especially those she claims to love, are as comforting as being scraped with a rusty cheese-grater.
Sandra, the more passionate, earth-mother type middle sister, is classic Passive/Aggressive. She feels (rightly) that Astrid looks down on her. Sandra and her husband Per, are dancers, barely making ends meet. They own a struggling dance studio that Sandra alone runs, while Per, once a brilliant star with a famous dance company; now a bitter alcoholic, drinks to fuel his resentment for the powers that be. Fools, who aren't talented enough themselves to recognize his genius. Although he often refers to Sandra's talent as "mediocre", she never reminds him that her mediocre talent is what barely keeps them afloat. In fact, Sandra's talent is also brilliant, she shines giving dance lessons to children, teaching them the love of dance, helping grace and confidence grow. She has a true gift. She also secretly gives one of Astrid's daughters dance lessons and imparts kindly Auntie advice to both neices, knowing that Astrid would not approve, but secretly hoping she'll be impressed. Sandra keeps in her memory an array of little "secrets" to reveal when they'll have the best effect, but only because people "really should know". She's both jealous of her sisters and ashamed of her jealousy because really, she loves them.
Lena, the youngest, is the quintessential Overachiever. Beautiful, remote and quiet, seldom seen by the family these days, she's a successful fashion designer, constantly traveling between Europe and America. She keeps her personal life to herself. In fact she's been home for only the briefest of visits since that summer their father died. She's only home now to attend her nephew Viktor's high school graduation.
Now the drama begins: Michael, the long lost love and Viktor's real father (though they've had virtually no contact) has recently been transferred to Denmark, and being so close, has announced that he plans attend Viktor's graduation along with his wife and their small son.
Astrid is livid (yet secretly thrilled) Astrid's husband is uneasy but tries to comfort Astrid, though he feels threatened. Viktor is upset, because his happiness at meeting his "real" dad has upset both of his parents. Even cool, detached Lena is on edge, for reasons only she knows. Besides, she's not feeling at all well, is worried about the upcoming line of designs and doesn't need more stress.
But Sandra-only Sandra, is bursting with happiness! She's about to reveal a secret that will topple them from their pedestals....but only because it's something that really needs to be brought to light.
Meanwhile Lena has a secret that even she doesn't know about--though she soon will.
These secrets have far-reaching consequences that will ultimately change the lives of all three sisters forever.
That's the real story of this book: the secrets that they all have, including their mother, who though present throughout the book has been somewhat of a non-entity on the sidelines. Turns out even she has one or two surprising secrets.
I couldn't enjoy this book because I have no patience with people who keep things bottled up and as a result, are filled with resentment. Nor with people who are obsessed with their own "misery"
yet feel absolutely no empathy for anyone else.
But, I do applaud the author's talent for creating such authentic characters, because to the end, I still nurtured a very strong urge to just punch Astrid.
August 18, 2017
The story line was interesting. Three sisters who suddenly have to face the decisions they have made in the past that have taken them to the point where they are in life, while dealing with the illness of a loved one.
I was looking forward to reading the book, but I found it disappointing.
The characters of the the three sisters are well fleshed out, but there seems to be some contradiction in the way the characters act at times, which is okay, because few people are consistent in their reactions at all times in their life.
I guess the main problem that I have with this book is the excuse that two of the characters were young and immature when they made mistakes or choices. From where I am from 24-26 year old are adults and should be held responsible for their actions. Instead of taking responsibility, they give excuses and run away from the problems.
Their actions have impact on the rest of the family...which leads to my other "problem". Does it really take someone 16 or 17 years to come to terms with the past? The main character has married and started a family with her new husband. He is a loving and supportive spouse. I would think she would have found a way to move past her "past" by this time, after all she is described as an "adult", "accomplished" and successful career woman, wife and mother.
The one sister, who is supposedly controlling and jealous of the other two sisters, appears to be the only sister who is actually loving, caring and selfless in her actions.
This book is filled with grownups who are selfish, self-centered people who don't ever "talk" to each other, but instead are judgemental and more juvenile than the young teens/adults in the book. While the adults are harping at the children to stop acting so selfish, they in turn are much more selfish and self absorbed than the children, who are actually sweet and delightful characters.
By the end of the book, I was happy that the characters were not my family or friends. This may seem harsh, and I am sure many people will find the book insightful, and I agree there are some poignant moments and thoughts, however I truly hope that most people are more loving, thoughtful, forgiving and mature than these characters.
Overall, the book left me with a flat feeling. I am glad it was a free read.
I was looking forward to reading the book, but I found it disappointing.
The characters of the the three sisters are well fleshed out, but there seems to be some contradiction in the way the characters act at times, which is okay, because few people are consistent in their reactions at all times in their life.
I guess the main problem that I have with this book is the excuse that two of the characters were young and immature when they made mistakes or choices. From where I am from 24-26 year old are adults and should be held responsible for their actions. Instead of taking responsibility, they give excuses and run away from the problems.
Their actions have impact on the rest of the family...which leads to my other "problem". Does it really take someone 16 or 17 years to come to terms with the past? The main character has married and started a family with her new husband. He is a loving and supportive spouse. I would think she would have found a way to move past her "past" by this time, after all she is described as an "adult", "accomplished" and successful career woman, wife and mother.
The one sister, who is supposedly controlling and jealous of the other two sisters, appears to be the only sister who is actually loving, caring and selfless in her actions.
This book is filled with grownups who are selfish, self-centered people who don't ever "talk" to each other, but instead are judgemental and more juvenile than the young teens/adults in the book. While the adults are harping at the children to stop acting so selfish, they in turn are much more selfish and self absorbed than the children, who are actually sweet and delightful characters.
By the end of the book, I was happy that the characters were not my family or friends. This may seem harsh, and I am sure many people will find the book insightful, and I agree there are some poignant moments and thoughts, however I truly hope that most people are more loving, thoughtful, forgiving and mature than these characters.
Overall, the book left me with a flat feeling. I am glad it was a free read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2018
It's rare for me to want to stop reading a book, and I wanted to stop reading this one.
It read like someone's unhappy diary. Very heavy on descriptive thought, rather light on dialogue. There's not enough character development early on in the book to be able to buy into the choices being made by the main characters; and the development that comes later (stilted and overly typical) seems to attempt to justify the characters' moral choices. The three sisters in this book each seem rather self-absorbed; one, perhaps, has reason to be - but regardless, all three seem to simply wallow in their current state of affairs and endlessly discuss in that descriptive thought that state of affairs.
I think this book doesn't work because it wants to provoke inner reflection, but it's too heavy-handed and directionless. I don't mind a sad book; not at all. If the sadness is purposeful. This book is simply depressing. This read feels like that conversation you have over and over again with a friend who says they want to change but don't, really - they just like having the conversation about the idea of change. It's tiresome. It's difficult to commit to after some time.
Parts of the storyline itself were intriguing enough to finish the book...But I wish I could say I enjoyed it more.
It read like someone's unhappy diary. Very heavy on descriptive thought, rather light on dialogue. There's not enough character development early on in the book to be able to buy into the choices being made by the main characters; and the development that comes later (stilted and overly typical) seems to attempt to justify the characters' moral choices. The three sisters in this book each seem rather self-absorbed; one, perhaps, has reason to be - but regardless, all three seem to simply wallow in their current state of affairs and endlessly discuss in that descriptive thought that state of affairs.
I think this book doesn't work because it wants to provoke inner reflection, but it's too heavy-handed and directionless. I don't mind a sad book; not at all. If the sadness is purposeful. This book is simply depressing. This read feels like that conversation you have over and over again with a friend who says they want to change but don't, really - they just like having the conversation about the idea of change. It's tiresome. It's difficult to commit to after some time.
Parts of the storyline itself were intriguing enough to finish the book...But I wish I could say I enjoyed it more.
June 6, 2019
Overall, fairly good
This novel is truly more an examination of female dynamic than poignant or even sentimental sappy tear jerker. It follows the lives of three sisters during the course of a terminal illness and ultimate death of the youngest of the sisters. They are cruel to each other, intolerant of their individual families and spouses. They commit adultery, provoke each other, squabble, alienate their children and ultimately decide to separate themselves from their families in pursuit of their personal peace. I think any one person may identify with each of these characters at any given point. But for warning! This isn't the Hallmark channel. It's gritty and real. It's not a thriller or a romance but it's a worthy read about wrestling personal demons and making the choice to forgive and coping with change,for better or worse and accepting the gamble that most life decisions are.
This novel is truly more an examination of female dynamic than poignant or even sentimental sappy tear jerker. It follows the lives of three sisters during the course of a terminal illness and ultimate death of the youngest of the sisters. They are cruel to each other, intolerant of their individual families and spouses. They commit adultery, provoke each other, squabble, alienate their children and ultimately decide to separate themselves from their families in pursuit of their personal peace. I think any one person may identify with each of these characters at any given point. But for warning! This isn't the Hallmark channel. It's gritty and real. It's not a thriller or a romance but it's a worthy read about wrestling personal demons and making the choice to forgive and coping with change,for better or worse and accepting the gamble that most life decisions are.
July 29, 2019
I thought this was very evocative of the setting and what I know of Scandinavian way of life. I found each of the three sisters and the mother in the story frustrating at times but ultimately I enjoyed the introspective nature of the book - it is very much about their internal world battling with the external and trying to make sense of both so that they feel they have meaningful lives. It made me think about how often one’s perception of someone is very different from their own feeling about themselves or how they come across. It wasn’t an ‘easy read’ but very literary and worthwhile. Even a couple of days later I’m still wondering about the characters and how they reacted to things so I know it really got into my psyche. I think I partly enjoyed it so much because I read 90% of it on a long train journey and could really loose myself in it. It’s not a book that would be easy to enjoy in lots of short bursts. I will look out for more of this author’s work in translation.
April 13, 2018
Like a pebble being dropped onto the surface of a still pond and the ripples that then extend for a very long distance, this is the story of how one act reverberates in the heart for a very long period of time impacting all those within its circle. But which act is it that echoes: the husband's infidelity, the sister's betrayal, the wife's blindness to self and others? There are four husbands, three sisters, four wives, four mothers, four fathers, and five children whose stories are interwoven. The author does a very good job of pulling the reader into a very sad story. The reader continues turning the pages as the story unfolds hoping for the happily ever after ending, knowing that one aspect will not end so but hoping that moment will be a turning point. It is a turning point but not the happily ever after which in reality is a reflection, and echo, of life.
December 30, 2019
I really enjoyed the premise of the story, let me start by saying that first. Any story involving sisters will always catch my attention.
I felt mostly confused, annoyed and at some points angry throughout the book. Having to basically read the story three times in a row because I'm reading three different perspectives became redundant after the first 6 chapters.
I'm also wondering if part of the issue was the language barrier. Does everyone in Denmark and Sweden talk to each other with such hostile bluntness?! I was sometimes shocked at the dialogue. I didn't pick up any love at all, mostly annoyance at the other characters, especially from Astrid. Was I reading that right?
The major issue for ALL the people in the book was communication. Nobody talked to the person they should be talking to that would allow them to solve so many petty problems.
I felt mostly confused, annoyed and at some points angry throughout the book. Having to basically read the story three times in a row because I'm reading three different perspectives became redundant after the first 6 chapters.
I'm also wondering if part of the issue was the language barrier. Does everyone in Denmark and Sweden talk to each other with such hostile bluntness?! I was sometimes shocked at the dialogue. I didn't pick up any love at all, mostly annoyance at the other characters, especially from Astrid. Was I reading that right?
The major issue for ALL the people in the book was communication. Nobody talked to the person they should be talking to that would allow them to solve so many petty problems.
August 29, 2017
A Hard Book to Review
First, the pros of this book:
The story is excellent. I could easily see this made into a movie. It moved me to tears. It was a five star story.
Now, the cons:
At first, I thought it might have been the translation that was the problem. The book reads in such a stiff manner. But I think it has more to do with being written in the present tense. It's so, in your face. To make matters worse, we must continuously hear the same timeline role over and over again in each of the sisters ' voices. It is a jarring adjustment. Also, the people are not likable. Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but they are all so cold. The one exception is Henrik. This made it difficult to read.
I would not this book. It's a shame, too, because there is so much potential there.
First, the pros of this book:
The story is excellent. I could easily see this made into a movie. It moved me to tears. It was a five star story.
Now, the cons:
At first, I thought it might have been the translation that was the problem. The book reads in such a stiff manner. But I think it has more to do with being written in the present tense. It's so, in your face. To make matters worse, we must continuously hear the same timeline role over and over again in each of the sisters ' voices. It is a jarring adjustment. Also, the people are not likable. Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but they are all so cold. The one exception is Henrik. This made it difficult to read.
I would not this book. It's a shame, too, because there is so much potential there.
September 15, 2017
This was a free Kindle monthly book, and certainly not the worst I’ve read out of that series. The novel focuses on the lives of three Swedish sisters with very different lives and circumstances - from the stylish and controlled Astrid with a perfect family life, to dancer Sandra and businesswoman Lena. We learn more about each with different chapters written in different voices, as a family tragedy exposes secrets from the past. It is a well written book, with an interesting Swedish setting, and the characters are also well-fleshed out. But I can’t say that I really liked any of them, and in the end, that made the book less enjoyable.
September 18, 2017
Reflections
At first I wasn't sure about this book, this selection. As a daughter a sister and not a mother it evokes much in the way of confusion and clarity at the same time. I saw myself though each of the women's eyes even if I did not live this life.
Strength comes not from living a lie, it comes from standing in absolute truth even when it hurts. You just have to find the courage inside to find it. We as women are much stronger together if we would only look past the external things we believe are true.
This book shows true faith, strength and resilience even in the face of adversity and how being real is all we have.
At first I wasn't sure about this book, this selection. As a daughter a sister and not a mother it evokes much in the way of confusion and clarity at the same time. I saw myself though each of the women's eyes even if I did not live this life.
Strength comes not from living a lie, it comes from standing in absolute truth even when it hurts. You just have to find the courage inside to find it. We as women are much stronger together if we would only look past the external things we believe are true.
This book shows true faith, strength and resilience even in the face of adversity and how being real is all we have.
January 12, 2018
The same events are seen thru the eyes of each character. For example, each character tells their perspective of what happens at a high school graduation. This format continues thru the story. It gets a little boring. Several times I thought 'if this keeps on, I think I'll quit reading this book'. But there was a enough interest (or something) to keep reading til the end. Many of those perspectives could have been eliminated and made the story shorter and more interesting. There were times when the wrong words were used to portray the point of view. A good editor should have caught those mistakes. I would not recommend unless no other book choices were available.
September 7, 2018
This is not an easy book to read for many reasons, namely because of the reflective tone of the story. I switched to the audiobook and it was worth it.
The Heart Echoes follows the lives of three complicated, extremely human sisters. They're flawed. Their families are flawed. And even though they love each other deeply, there is a lot of barely hidden resentment. There are no happy endings, but there is a certain coming to terms that makes it worthwhile. The author has given us a beautiful, bittersweet insight into how it's okay to be okay, even after you seem to have let your loved ones down.
The Heart Echoes follows the lives of three complicated, extremely human sisters. They're flawed. Their families are flawed. And even though they love each other deeply, there is a lot of barely hidden resentment. There are no happy endings, but there is a certain coming to terms that makes it worthwhile. The author has given us a beautiful, bittersweet insight into how it's okay to be okay, even after you seem to have let your loved ones down.
August 24, 2017
Keep a hanky handy!
This is a touching, thoughtful story about three sisters who, like all siblings, have their ups and downs, their misunderstandings and their moments of clarity. Each has their own separate life, but also their communal life, with all the joys and sorrows and betrayals and forgiveness that come with being part of the family that we don't get to choose. It centers around an illness, so keep the hanky handy! Well worth the read.
This is the author's first novel to be translated into English. Hoping they'll do more.
This is a touching, thoughtful story about three sisters who, like all siblings, have their ups and downs, their misunderstandings and their moments of clarity. Each has their own separate life, but also their communal life, with all the joys and sorrows and betrayals and forgiveness that come with being part of the family that we don't get to choose. It centers around an illness, so keep the hanky handy! Well worth the read.
This is the author's first novel to be translated into English. Hoping they'll do more.
September 12, 2017
Separation and connection
At times I wanted to shout at the characters to tell them to get on with it....go ahead, all of you, devolve into your worst selves, if you must, but hurry up, finish the job! I felt that every character was so damned morose. The one spark of joy is a daughter dancing, and the adults involved merely used it as cannon fodder. I have no idea why I kept reading. And then there was a great love, so large it spanned oceans. Then the gathering of sisters, trying to move beyond their implacability. Impossible but Imperative. Reaching for connection.
At times I wanted to shout at the characters to tell them to get on with it....go ahead, all of you, devolve into your worst selves, if you must, but hurry up, finish the job! I felt that every character was so damned morose. The one spark of joy is a daughter dancing, and the adults involved merely used it as cannon fodder. I have no idea why I kept reading. And then there was a great love, so large it spanned oceans. Then the gathering of sisters, trying to move beyond their implacability. Impossible but Imperative. Reaching for connection.
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