(80) Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Friday, October 2, 2009


This was probably my most anticipated book of the year. When we find an author that touches our hearts, we long for something else to read that evokes those same emotions. The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my all time favorite books. I still well up when I think of Henry & Claire. To get my hands on an early copy of Her Fearful Symmetry was like getting my Christmas gifts months early.

Ms. Niffenegger did not disappoint. Her new novel is a dark, gothic, ghost story. One could even say it is a dark, gothic, love story. The story features two different generation of twins. Elspeth & Edie. And Valentina & Julia. Valentina & Julia are living in America with their parents Edie & Jack when they receive word that Elspeth has passed away. The girls were left everything, on the condition that they move to London and live in Eslpeth's flat for one year.

The girls, kind of floundering after high school, decide to go. They discover that not only is England another country, it is a whole other world. They meet the family that Elspeth created for herself. The tenants of her building. Including her grieving lover, Robert. And the agoraphobic, Martin. Then the twins discover that they are not alone. That Elspeth is still very much present in their flat. Soon they are communicating with her on a regular basis. Elspeth's haunting soon takes on a more sinister meaning. Will the twins figure it out before permanent damage is done? Or will the ghost of Elspeth ruin their lives in ways that once was thought to be fictional?

Audrey Niffenegger has written a chilling ghost story. I am not a twin, I do not know what it is like struggle with the identity crisis that faces twins at some point in their lives. The Noblin twins make it seem that being a twin is almost destructive. . Her Fearful Symmetry is an engrossing love story that will chill you to the bone, and keep your imagination working overtime. It is well written and incredibly engrossing. Be prepared to pick your jaw up when you get to the last couple of chapters, the conclusion of this story will shock you. Her Fearful Symmetry is the perfect read for this ghoulish season. Be prepared to keep the lights on and the desk drawers unlocked....
Anonymous said...

I love gothic books. I can't wait, now!

Brandie said...

Okay...I was gonna wait until it was my turn at the library...but your review just made me want to run out and buy this one!! It sounds awesome...and the perfect October read!!

Wingnut said...

I just finished this and it was *amazing*. I was completely hooked from the start. And I loved that I did not see the twists this story took as it moved along. I have an awful habit of "seeing" what's coming and that's not a lot of fun! I will be recommending this one too!

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