Monday, October 5, 2009

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Julia and Valentina Noblin are twenty year-old twins living in Lake Forest, Illinois and close doesn't begin to describe the bond between the two girls. When their Aunt Elspeth passes away, the twins are left her flat in London, to occupy for at least one year before they can sell it. There are other conditions such as their Mum and Dad cannot enter the flat, which seems odd since Mum is Elspeth's twin, Edie. The flat borders Highgate Cemetery which lends itself perfectly in setting and imagery to the story. Robert lives in the flat below and works as a volunteer guide at the cemetery while writing his dissertation. He was also Elspeth's lover and has been bereft since her death. Julia and Valentina settle into their new flat and life in London with the help of their lawyer, Mr Roche. Julia is the dominant twin who usually decides what the girls will wear and do with their day which Valentina is beginning to find tiresome. But Valentina is the first to discover a presence in the flat and before long it becomes apparent that Elspeth is still in their midst. What will this mean to Robert, who has lately become attracted to Valentina? Julia is not thrilled at the idea of her twin having a relationship, or a life, that doesn't involve her and conflicts arise. Julia is also determined that Martin, who lives in the flat above, should be freed from his life with OCD. Unable to leave his surroundings for years he has put his marriage at risk. These two become a crutch for each other in their times of need. Rachel, from Book Snob wrote that I should get ready to suspend belief when starting this book. It was excellent advice. The events that unfold are written so cleverly by Niffenegger that anything becomes possible and you are left breathless, both eager and afraid of what will happen next. Her Fearful Symmetry could have been twice as long, I didn't want this story to end but the characters will be with me for some time to come. If you're interested in a book that will have you reading while at the stove or brushing your teeth, watching the clock at work so you can get back to your story, then this is for you.

11 comments:

  1. Still waiting for my copy, but I did get the newly issued Virago edition of Elizabeth Taylor's a Game of Hide and Seek.

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  2. I'm reading this right now, and enjoying it. I've had to avoid a paragraph here or there, but I like it overall. I really love Niffenegger's writing, and I'm excited I get to see her soon! Thanks for the review!

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  3. Danielle, Oh goody! That means mine will probably be in my mailbox tomorrow.

    Madeleine, I was doing some editing and couldn't believe you and Danielle had commented already! Guess this means I'm going to read Time Traveler's Wife now as I really admire her writing as well. Where are you going to be seeing her?

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  4. So glad you enjoyed it, Darlene! I'll be reading it this weekend in time to see her at The Bloomsbury Theatre next Tuesday.

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  5. Great review Darlene! Isn't it just superb? I am SO glad you loved it.

    Claire, what's this about Audrey in London next week? Are tickets still available?!

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  6. Paperback Reader, That's fantastic Claire! Let's hope she's on a tour and heads my way at some point. You're in for some interesting reading.

    Rachel, I've read some excellent books in the past few months but this one stands out. Towards the end I pictured you on the tube with this book...I'm amazed you didn't miss your stop! It was superb, thanks ever so much for the recommendation.

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  7. Sounds like I'm going to have to read this one! Have you read The Time Traveler's Wife?

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  8. I love a good mystery and this sounds mysterious. Will have to add it to my list.

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  9. JoAnn, I'm wondering if your daughters would like this book? I'm afraid to lend my copy to The Heiress while she has classes as she won't get any work done.

    Haven't read TTTW yet, but I will now!

    Book Bird Dog, You won't be sorry!

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  10. I think at least two of the girls would love this, but I won't mention it until the Christmas holiday. They are all swamped with schoolwork right now!

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  11. After reading the comment you left on one of my posts I decided that I will indeed have to read this book sooner rather than later. I hope to start it before the end of the weekend! I don't mind suspending belief while reading if the story is worthwhile, and it sounds like it is in this case. I really need an 'unputdownable' sort of book right now, too!

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