We are all completely beside ourselves – Karen Joy Fowler

I must admit I’ve been sitting with this book for a while. The reason being I’m reading two books simultaneously, which isn’t always a good idea!

I chose this book as it’s one of those “must reads” and since I tend to get serious fomo when there’s hype swirling around, had to read it! The cover is eye-catching, canary yellow letting off a warm and welcoming feel, matched with black, bold and daring. I couldn’t escape the glowing reviews on the inside of the book, compelling me to cure my curiosity.

I don’t want to delve too much in summarising the story as I don’t want to give the game away. It has an abundance of twists and turns with a surprise element I didn’t see coming. It’s at this point when you’re completely intrigued or could toss the book aside. I persevered and wasn’t disappointed in the least. What I can reveal is the story weaves around family dynamics, complexities of sibling rivalry and the unconditional love stemming from an unbreakable bond.

Karen Joy Fowler’s writing is fascinating. She has the uncanny ability of dropping the reader in the middle of the story and pulling you in different directions. This didn’t bother me in the least as I eagerly followed her lead. Even though the subject matter is quite serious, dark and despairing at times, she manages to pepper it with dry humour, taking the edge off her creation. No wonder it was short-listed for the Man Booker Prize in 2014.

I highly recommend this book to all avid readers. It will keep you spell-bound, rob you of sleep, toy with your emotions and keep you riveted to the very end. Trust me on this!