Books Like...

Phantom Limb by Lucinda Berry is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the world of the human mind and how it copes with traumatic events from childhood. The story follows identical twins, Elizabeth and Emily, as they navigate through the aftermath of abuse, mental health issues, and the struggles of adulthood. The narrative seamlessly switches between past and present, keeping the reader hooked with its raw and emotive tale that explores themes of self-harm, childhood abuse, and mental health.

Elizabeth, the protagonist, finds herself on a psychiatric ward after the death of her twin sister, Emily. As she grapples with the loss and tries to uncover her lost memories, the story unfolds with tension and mystery. Lucinda Berry's writing style expertly portrays the impact of childhood trauma on mental health, offering an authentic insight into the complexities of psychological struggles and the journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Identical by Ellen Hopkins is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of identical twins, Kaeleigh and Raeanne. The story unfolds to reveal the stark differences between the sisters, with one facing sexual abuse by their father while the other copes with neglect and seeks solace in drugs and risky behavior. Through Hopkins' masterful writing in verse, readers are drawn into a roller coaster of emotions as they witness the self-destruction and secrets plaguing the twins' lives. The book is praised for its shocking twists, raw portrayal of difficult topics like sexual abuse and addiction, and the haunting narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

"Stranger with My Face" by Lois Duncan is a supernatural mystery that follows the story of Laurie, a teenage girl who starts to suspect something is amiss when her friends and family claim to have seen her in places she has never been. As Laurie delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers the existence of her twin sister Lia, who uses astral projection to take over Laurie's life. The plot unfolds with suspense, twists, and turns, keeping the reader on edge as Laurie uncovers the truth about her past and the eerie events surrounding her.

Lois Duncan's writing style in "Stranger with My Face" is described as captivating, suspenseful, and engaging. seamlessly weaves elements of supernatural abilities, mystery, and family secrets, creating a storyline that intrigues readers and keeps them hooked until the very end. The characters are relatable, the plot is filled with unexpected surprises, and the overall tone of the book is a blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional connections that draw the reader into Laurie's world.

After Elspeth's death from leukemia, her twin nieces, Julia and Valentina, move into her flat in London where Elspeth herself is trapped as a ghost. They take up with the other residents including Elsepth's boyfriend, Robert, downstairs, and Martin, gripped by OCD upstairs. Everyone begins to come undone. The characters are completely engaging but what kept me reading was the deft handling of the plot twists and turns and the teases the author hands out that hint at Elspeth's secret, the reason she's estranged from her identical twin sister for more than 20 years. The story immerses the reader into the lives of a family and their friends that include two sets of identical twins. Most of the action takes place in London near Highgate Cemetery where we meet very English characters who are juxtaposed with the American twins who have been brought up in the United States.

"On the Savage Side" by Tiffany McDaniel is a raw and haunting narrative that delves into the lives of twin sisters, Arcade and Daffodil, growing up in poverty and addiction. The story portrays the emotional, physical, and mental abuse they endure, seeking love and security in a world plagued by neglect and violence. The book weaves a tale of desperation, destruction, and the harsh realities faced by the characters as they navigate through a brutal and unforgiving environment.

The writing style in "On the Savage Side" is described as stunning, eerie, and poetic, capturing the essence of the characters' struggles with addiction, trauma, and societal neglect. The narrative alternates between past and present, portraying a vivid and shocking portrait of generational trauma, violence against women, and the devastating impacts of addiction on individuals and communities.

The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences growing up as a Chinese American female. Through a mix of autobiography and Chinese folklore, Kingston explores themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the struggles of navigating between two different worlds. The book is described as a powerful collection of non-fiction pieces that shed light on the challenges faced by immigrant families, particularly in maintaining traditions while adapting to a new culture.

'Down Among the Sticks and Bones' by Seanan McGuire is the second book in the Wayward Children series, focusing on the backstory of Jack and Jill. The novella explores the dark and brutal upbringing of the twins, delving into their journey through a portal to a fairy tale world called the Moors. The writing style is described as spare yet emotive, capturing the ethereal essence of the story while evoking empathy for the protagonists. The book weaves a tale of self-discovery, transformation, and the contrast between the magical realm and the mundane reality.

'Jacob Have I Loved' by Katherine Paterson is a story revolving around twin sisters, Sara Louise and Caroline, growing up on a Chesapeake Bay island in the 1940s. Sara Louise feels overshadowed by her beautiful and talented sister, Caroline, leading to feelings of jealousy and resentment. The book delves into themes of sibling rivalry, self-discovery, and finding one's place in the world, all narrated from Sara Louise's perspective. The plot explores the challenges Sara Louise faces in defining her identity separate from her sister's shadow, with vivid descriptions of island life and the emotional turmoil she experiences.

The writing style in 'Jacob Have I Loved' is praised for its detailed world-building, compelling storytelling, and relatable portrayal of complex family dynamics. The book captures the emotional journey of Sara Louise as she navigates through feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and eventually, self-acceptance. Through Sara Louise's narrative, readers witness her growth, struggles, and ultimate realization of her worth, making it a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a unique island community.

'Hello Beautiful' by Ann Napolitano is a poignant and emotionally complex family drama that delves into the relationships between four sisters, Julia, Sylvie, Cecelia, and Emeline, and the ripple effects of trauma across generations. Set between the 1960s and the early 2000s, the novel follows the Padavano sisters as they navigate love, loss, motherhood, and their own identities and desires amidst pivotal historical moments. The core relationships that structure the narrative are between the sisters themselves, with their mother Rose, and with the men that enter their lives, disrupting and reshaping the sisterly unit in different ways.

The novel alternates between the perspectives of Julia and Sylvie, exposing both women's hopes, flaws, and deepest wounds. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, individual identity, forgiveness, and the complexities of sisterhood, all set against the backdrop of a 1970s suburban Chicago setting that immerses readers into the interior lives of its characters and the intergenerational traumas that shape their identities.

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese is an enthralling and epic story that follows the lives of Marion and Shiva Stone, conjoined twins born in Ethiopia. The narrative explores their tumultuous journey from birth, their upbringing in a mission hospital, their separation, and their individual paths towards becoming accomplished doctors. The book delves into themes of family, betrayal, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of Ethiopia, New York, and the world of medicine. Verghese's writing style is described as beautifully crafted, meticulously detailed, and enriched by his medical knowledge, which enhances the authenticity of the hospital scenes portrayed in the novel.