Identical twins, Harper and Tabitha Frost, have been estranged for fourteen years, each living on different islands - Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. When a family crisis occurs, the twins switch lives, leading to a summer filled with old resentments, new loves, and mistaken identities. The story delves into the complexities of family relationships, sibling rivalry, and the journey towards forgiveness, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The plot unfolds with layers of secrets, sadness, and self-discovery, making it a compelling and engaging read for those seeking an escapist beach novel.

Characters:

The characters are complex and well-developed, portraying a range of flaws and emotional struggles that resonate with readers. The dynamic between sisters and their daughter adds depth to the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and light, capturing the emotional nuances of the characters while vividly detailing the beautiful setting of the islands. Hilderbrand effectively balances drama and humor throughout the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around identical twins who have been estranged for 14 years due to family dysfunction. A crisis forces them to confront their past and the emotional burdens they carry, ultimately leading to personal growth and reconciliation.

Setting:

Set against the beautiful backdrops of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, the setting is integral to the story, enhancing the narrative with vivid descriptions and contrasting lifestyles.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow as it establishes character backstories, but it gains momentum as the story unfolds, keeping readers engaged.

Like thousands of other erudite, discerning people, you’ve decided to spend your summer vacation on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. You want postcard beaches. You want to swim, sail, and sur...

Notes:

The story revolves around identical twins Tabitha and Harper, who have been estranged for 14 years after their parents' divorce.

Tabitha runs a high-end dress boutique on Nantucket while Harper lives on Martha's Vineyard and takes care of their dying father.

The sisters were separated as teenagers after a game of rock-paper-scissors decided which one would live with their mother or father.

The book explores themes of sibling rivalry, family dysfunction, and ultimately reconciliation.

Elin Hilderbrand is known for her vivid descriptions of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, making them central characters in her novels.

The story includes a cast of colorful characters, adding depth and interest to the twins' journey.

Despite being identical, the twins have very different personalities; Tabitha is uptight while Harper is more carefree.

The book touches on contemporary issues such as dealing with a rebellious teenager and complicated romantic relationships.

The narrative structure alternates between the perspectives of the twin sisters and their daughter, Ainsley.

The epilogue, narrated by a character named Fish, offers a unique conclusion to the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes around family dysfunction, infidelity, loss of a child, and unhealthy relationships.

Has Romance?

There are multiple romantic elements present in the story, particularly as the characters navigate their personal relationships.

From The Publisher:

The instant New York Times bestseller is "a fun, delightful, un-putdownable novel" about two identical twin sisters who couldn't look more alike . . . or live more differently (PopSugar).

Nantucket is only eleven miles away from Martha's Vineyard. But they may as well be worlds apart for estranged twin sisters Harper and Tabitha Frost.

After not speaking for more than a decade, Harper and Tabitha switch islands-and lives-to save what's left of their splintered family. But the twins quickly discover that the secrets, lies, and gossip they thought they'd outrun can travel between islands just as easily as they can. Will Harper and Tabitha be able to bury the hatchet and end their sibling rivalry once and for all?

Before the last beach picnic of the season, there will be enough old resentments, new loves, and cases of mistaken identity to make this the most talked-about summer that Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket have experienced in ages.

"Parent Trap vibes with an adult twist…One of Hilderbrand's most binge-worthy confections." -Elisabeth Egan, New York Times

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The Identicals

Elin Hilderbrand