Light Sister, Dark Sister

by Lee Walmsley

Two sisters--the favored star, Bobbie, and the shadow, Gray--bonded by family. When Bobbie is diagnosed schizophrenic and Gray tries to build a separate life, she is held back by menacing questions--about sexuality, Bobbie, her father, herself. A stunning novel of insight and truth, triumph and pain.

293 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 1994

Reviews

[Mr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent novel about a family marred by illness asks the question, at what cost do we live our lives? Are we each haunted by the parallel story of another? One sister's lightness is another's darkness. Well written, excellent first novel misread as being simply about "disfunction." Clearly, this novel is much more complex, and lovely, than an Oprah episode. Highly recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often, I'll randomly pull a book from the library shelf. And every so often, I'll find a hidden gem.

This book was lovely, true, and perfectly balanced in overall structure. It's hard to believe this is Walmsley's first novel.

[Julieschreiner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was good but this book is about as depressing as it gets and completely repetitive in the story line. Non-climactic and I could not attach myself to any of the characters.

[Lolly K Dandeneau · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to follow soon

[Marjorie Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up late last night reading Light Sister, Dark Sister, by Lee Walmsley. Could not put it down. A mesmerizing story of sisterhood fractured by schizophrenia, in the swirling millieu of New Orleans. Lee's subtle, gorgeous prose takes you from impressionistic toddler moments to young adult struggling to understand, to, finally, some kind of peace. A hopeful book that does not shy away from the ugliness of sibling rivalry, devastation, and wrenching confusion when mental illness yanks a family into wretchedness. The New Orleans places and people, especially Hannah, the cook, are a sweet bonus.

[Lois Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Walmsley is a good writer. But this depressing read about a disfunctional family never really went anywhere.