This feels like the year of the sister books! I enjoyed this multi-perspective story about three sisters who are all vastly different but have this strong instinctual bond to one another. The story talks a lot about their relationship with one another, with their mother, and with all the interesting people they invite into each other's lives. Some characters are challenging to follow but only add to the complexity of family life and sisterhood. There is a fourth narrator who isn’t a sister, but an outsider, who becomes enthralled with the sisters lives. This added perspective was a nice switch up. Overall, I was entertained and enjoyed the story, but I also feel like the book was too long. Some things could have been shortened up to make the book a bit more fast-paced.

I love books that center messy family dynamics and this book did not disappoint. We follow the Mikkola sisters over the span of three decades as the journey through life with their own families, careers, and relationships with each other. A great novel filled with beautiful prose and dynamic characters.

This novel was a very beautiful read. It’s essentially a family saga, with chapters spanning over 3 decades. You will fall in love with the sisters and their character development throughout. Highly recommend for all, but especially those with sisters themselves. I also want to mention that the cover is stunning and will look beautiful on your bookshelf!

Thank you Netgalley, and publishers- Farrar, Straus and Giroux for blessing me with this ARC of the Sisters by Jonas Hassen Khemiri. This was one of a few translated novels that I have read. I must say that I really enjoyed this novel. As one of three girls, I could relate to the complicated, difficult, and often times messy relationships that existed among the characters. The Mikkola sisters' characters and experiences were developed, and brought to life in such a way that was relatable, and vivid. This story propelled me to think about the ties that hold m sisters and I together, as we navigate our chaotic relationships. The Sisters is a must read.

The Sisters is a captivating and beautifully complex family saga that brings the Mikkola sisters to life in a way that feels both sweeping and deeply intimate. Khemiri’s writing weaves together the lives of Ina, Evelyn, and Anastasia with intricate skill, creating a portrait of sibling bonds that are as turbulent as they are tender.

The narrative structure, with its shifting timelines and perspectives, keeps the story fresh and immersive. The character of Jonas serves as an intriguing link, threading his way into the sisters’ lives and providing a grounding perspective amid their chaotic stories.

The blend of Swedish and Tunisian influences adds layers of cultural richness, which Khemiri uses to explore themes of identity, heritage, and belonging. The author handles these themes with nuance, making the characters’ journeys resonate on a personal and cultural level.

The Sisters is a must-read for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and surprising revelations. Jonas Hassen Khemiri has crafted a tale that lingers, inviting readers to reflect on the ties that bind us, the secrets we carry, and the lengths we go to in search of belonging.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy reading translated novels. This one was very similar to other sister complicated, messy relationships books that were published this year. I will say it was still its own distinctive novel. the characters were developed well, and the plot never felt too long.