Blue Sisters is a journey about grief and how a pair of sisters deal with it. Grief does in fact relate to people in different ways and it is a telling story about the differences in siblings. Mellors once again captivates the audience with real-life experiences within a fictional world that is seemingly recognizable, yet tells one how human and related we all are.

What a heart-wrenching book! Although I am in a family with no sisters this book still felt relatable and easy to connect to in regard to the complexities of relationships and family.

★★

It’s true: all the beautiful writing in the world could not save a subpar story.

Which is a bummer because I was super excited about this one.

This book follows Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky Blue as they navigate grief, addiction, and sisterhood in the year following their sister Nicky’s death. What I expected was a vivid story with moving character development. What I got was scattered storylines with no real substance. No character felt real to me, despite seeing their deepest struggles and being a fly on the wall during their most pivotal moments. A lot of plot development came out of the blue (ha), or at least it appeared that way because these characters and their motivations remained murky throughout the novel. Two of the characters would up romantically involved with/intrigued by partners with whom they were originally in strictly professional relationships with, which just felt wrong to me. The dialogue often used words that one doesn’t often hear in every day speech (“alacrity” comes to mind—I have never heard anyone use that word in conversation before) which reminded me that I really was just reading a work of fiction.

Because the biggest failure of this book was the flat characters, I’m almost tempted to believe that they were intentionally dull to make the point that we can never know what anyone is truly experiencing based on their surface-level appearance. But if that were the case, why would Mellors have given us readers access to the characters’ deepest struggles and inner dialogues?

Mellors also struggled to give these three sisters equal weight in the storytelling. It seemed more of an Avery/Lucky narrative while Bonnie was just there. Perhaps this is to emphasize their personalities (Avery and Lucky are the loud and proud oldest/youngest children; Bonnie is a quiet, peaceful middle child)? But then, what would have been the point of including Bonnie’s perspective at all? It didn’t add anything that we weren’t already seeing from Avery and Lucky aside from Bonnie’s training and love life, which really weren’t all that important to the overall story.

Also—not to be nitpicky because I did receive an e-ARC (but also, to be nitpicky because this was such a prevalent issue like I had never seen in ARCs before)—the spelling and grammatical errors were rampant in this. I can only hope those were fixed in final revisions.

Despite my dissatisfaction, I did, however, find some things to appreciate: the gorgeous writing (until it grated on me), the little character quirks (one character so obsessed with coffee she always asked at which elevation the beans were grown), and the few moments that made me misty-eyed (Avery finding Lucky on her doorstep, Pavel and Bonnie’s conversation after her last fight).

I’ll just leave you with the most scathing criticism I care to give this book, which comes from the note I kept as I read: This book tries to be deep using big words and poetic feelings. However, it only succeeds in making it feel like a John Green novel.

If you want to read this, read it. I however will not be touching this or Mellors’ works again. Simply not for me.


Thank you NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the arc!

Blue Sisters is such a beautiful, real, intimate story of sisterhood, addiction, and grief. No one does it the way Coco Mellors does it. This novel creates such a deep connection between family and paints an emotional picture of loss and understanding. I just absolutely adored this book and I felt so captivated by the lives of this family.

Wow does my heart break for the Blue sisters. This book was full of heart and complexity. I loved the POVs for each sister and how we really got to know them so well. This is my first coco Mellors book but wow does she have a way of telling a beautiful and engrossing story! I deeply related to this as my sister has chronic illness and wish so badly to take her pain.

A wealthy family drama? Yeah, sign me up. With strong themes of grief and addiction in its many forms I was hooked by Blue Sisters from the jump. As an only child, it's not that I struggle with stories of sibling-hood, but it is naturally harder for me to relate to them sometimes just based on my lived experience, however I am always fascinated by the dynamic. Mellors writing did a good job of keeping me engaged in the characters and their special bond really forces them to endure their complex relationships. With multiple POVs, Mellors does a great job of writing in the lens of these different characters. For fans of books like Hello Beautiful and Worry or shows like Succession and Euphoria.

Five stars as it is that good. Such sadness but joy that the sisters share. Ending was tied up well.

Blue Sisters is a beautiful and moving story about three sisters navigating the loss of their fourth sister, and family dynamics made even more complicated by her absence. I loved this book and these sisters from start to finish.

Thank you Coco Mellors, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors examines the intricacies of identity, sisterhood, self-discovery, and emotional development. This story delved deeply into the interwoven lives of its protagonists with its rich, multi-layered characters and plot, which spans personal and familial difficulties. Three estranged siblings return to their family home in New York after their beloved sister's death, and we are taken on a journey of self-discovery for each of these women. An entirely character-driven story.
I found this story entirely about addiction. All the people in this family, including the sisters, have an addiction in one way or another. The Author examines the different sides of addiction in one family because, she says, it’s something that doesn’t feel like “a choice” to write about. “I really want to expose something in addiction, and it’s just something I know. I have from birth: I was raised around addiction. I’m an addict myself, an alcoholic, so I feel it is important to write about that.”
Mellors has written of struggling with imposter syndrome in her 20s and drinking to feel like a “somebody”. “I drank to escape that feeling and, once drunk, behaved in ways that reinforced this view of myself: gossiping about my talented classmates because I was insecure; sleeping with strangers because I was lonely; starting fights with friends because I didn’t know how to communicate my needs. And I was hungover so frequently and so wretchedly that it was impossible to do the one thing that did make me feel like I had something to offer: write,” she explained in a recent essay in a British Vogue magazine.
I was in the mood to read this story and, therefore, enjoyed it, but it is sad, depressing, and hopeful at the same time. I would check your trigger warning if this topic is sensitive to you. I would recommend this if the topic is of interest to you. I gave it 3.5 stars.

This was so beautiful. I loved the writing and the characters... I loved following the sisters and their relationships. I loved watching the family all deal with their grief differently, and all unravel in their own ways. It was a beautiful and heartbreaking slice of life. Already have bought the other title from this author to be able to experience more of her words. I also purchased a physical copy of this book to annotate as well as an audiobook copy. I can't get enough!

Thank you so much for letting me have an ARC. I couldn't get into this at the time when I received my ARC (i'm a huge mood reader) and am going to save it for next year when the timing is right. I started it a bit and loved it though. Can not wait to read more soon.

This novel is unfortunately just not for me. I was looking forward to reading it, but the writing quickly became a huge obstacle. I found it saccharine and contrived, jolting me out of the novel's moments because it just felt so heavyhanded. I think a novel is only as good as its writing, and sadly the writing here absolutely missed the mark for me.

What a strong story about sisterhood. As someone who has a sister themself, I could relate to so many aspects of this story. Sadly, that includes the addict part as well. I loved this dysfunctional family and spending some time with them.

This sister saga started slow, but paced its way into my heart. Beautifully written, the author takes us through deep pain, fueled by familial angst, addiction, and grief. While each surviving sister has a tale, the common threads throughout weave together their bond. Not an uplifting read, but heartbreakingly satisfying. 👀

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC! This was amazing and made me cry multiple times. The sister relationships in this were so special and each of the characters were so complicated and real. 10/10 recommend!!

This highly anticipated new novel from Coco Mellors did not disappoint and had me teary quite a few times. As an only child, the sibling dynamics always intrigue me.

While Bonnie had the least dramatic story, hers was still my favorite. Overall though, I thought this book captured the dynamic of sisters so well because there really is nothing like it.

I loved Cleopatra and Frankenstein so I requested this one the minute I could. I love the complex and real characters that Coco Mellors creates. This novel explores the lives of three sisters after the unexpected death of their fourth sister but the novel starts at the one-year mark since her death. As someone who loves any exploration of grief, I thought it was really interesting to start at this point because not only does grief hit eveyone differently, as we see demonstrated between the three sisters, but it also compounds and changes over time, never going away. Mellors captures this eloquently. Not to mention including the exploration of the sister dynamic, which is always so fascinating to me. I couldn't put this down. I cried, it was funny at times, and just felt so real and true to how humans deal–or don't deal with–grief. Even if you weren't a fan of Cleopatra & Frankenstein, as I know some found it controversial, I would highly recommend diving into this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved Blue Sisters! The story pulled me in right away, and I couldn’t put it down. The characters felt so real, and the way everything unfolded kept me hooked until the very end. It’s emotional, beautifully written, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a book that’ll stay with you long after you finish, this is the one. Highly recommend!

In “Blue Sisters: A Read with Jenna Pick,” Coco Mellors introduces readers to a compelling narrative centered around the lives of the three Blue sisters: Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky. Each sister embodies a distinct personality, shaped by their individual struggles and experiences, while their shared history and the shadow of a fourth sister, Nicky, loom large over their lives. The story explores profound themes of grief, addiction, ambition, and the intricate dynamics of sisterhood, offering readers a rich tapestry woven with humor and heart. At the forefront is Avery, the eldest sister whose journey from a heroin addict to a strait-laced lawyer in London exemplifies resilience and transformation. Her character serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles many face in their quest for redemption, especially when tethered to the painful memories of addiction. Living with her wife, Avery navigates the complexities of her new life while grappling with the ghosts of her past. Her story highlights the importance of support systems, personal growth, and the internal battles individuals face when trying to reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction. Bonnie, the former boxer turned bouncer in Los Angeles, represents the physical and emotional battles fought within the ring of life. Her devastating defeat serves as a pivotal moment that shapes her identity and steers her toward a new path. As a bouncer, Bonnie’s life is a continuous struggle against external forces and personal demons alike. Through her character, Mellors captures the essence of resilience and the often-unseen struggles of those who fight their battles in the shadows. Bonnie’s journey underscores the idea that one’s worth is not solely defined by victories but also by the strength it takes to rise after defeat. Lucky, the youngest sister who models in Paris, embodies the allure and chaos of a hard-partying lifestyle. Her attempts to outrun her past reflect the universal desire for escapism, yet her character also serves as a poignant reminder of the emptiness that can accompany superficial pursuits. As Lucky navigates the highs and lows of her glamorous yet precarious life, readers witness her struggle to find meaning and connection. Her character arc challenges the notion that success and external validation can fill the void left by loss and familial disconnection. The unexpected death of Nicky, the sisters’ fourth sibling, serves as a catalyst for the narrative, propelling the sisters back to their roots in New York. This return home is fraught with emotional turmoil as they confront not only their shared grief but also the disappointments of their childhood. Mellors masterfully portrays the complexities of family dynamics, illustrating how the absence of a loved one can unravel the very fabric that holds a family together. As the sisters grapple with their individual and collective grief, they come to realize that the greatest secrets they’ve been keeping may not be from one another, but rather from themselves. This revelation deepens the exploration of identity and self-acceptance, prompting readers to reflect on their own hidden truths. Ultimately, “Blue Sisters” is more than a story about loss; it is a narrative of resilience and the indomitable strength of sisterhood. Mellors infuses the story with her signature blend of humor and heart, capturing the essence of life’s struggles while reminding readers of the beauty that can emerge from the ashes of grief. As the sisters navigate their journey of healing and self-discovery, they learn that falling in love with life again is not only possible but essential. Through their shared experiences, readers are invited to reflect on their own relationships and the enduring bonds that tie us together, even in the face of adversity. In conclusion, “Blue Sisters” is a compelling exploration of the complexities of sisterhood, grief, and the human spirit. Coco Mellors crafts a narrative that resonates deeply, offering readers a poignant reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for redemption, understanding, and love. As the Blue sisters embark on their journey of reconciliation and self-discovery, they ultimately teach us that embracing our truths and reconnecting with our roots can lead to a more profound appreciation for life and the relationships that shape us.