Reading this book was a challenging experience for me, but in a good way. The writing style creates an "onion" effect, layering the narrative and adding complexity to the reading process. The book delves into decades of life, focusing on the intricate dynamics between sisters and exploring themes of family, personal identity, and the relationships we hold dear. The unique way in which the story is told requires you to fully engage with it. However, once you do immerse yourself, it's hard to put the book down; you find yourself compelled to read on. I never read anything of the author before or translated from this language but was a pleasant surprise how much I liked it

The Sisters is a beautifully written family saga that unfolds over three decades, capturing the passage of time in a way that feels both sweeping and intimate. The novel moves between years, days, and even minutes, creating a dizzying rhythm that mirrors how life accelerates with time.

Jonas Hassen Khemiri’s writing is playful and alive. He bends language, breaks patterns, and reshapes the narrative, yet it never feels forced. The novel embraces a mix of history, obsession, and nostalgia, weaving them into a compelling portrait of its era.

The three sisters at the heart of the story may feel exaggerated or symbolic rather than deeply nuanced, but that seems intentional, as it seems to reflect different parts of Jonas himself. The book’s metafictional elements adds another layer to the story, making it as much about storytelling as it is about the sisters’ lives.

With its unconventional structure and dynamic prose, The Sisters is a novel that challenges expectations while delivering an immersive and thought-provoking read.

The Sisters is a complex and deep story about family dynamics and sister rivalry. At its core, there are also topics of belonging and identity. How much do we identify ourselves through our origin? The book follows Mikkola sisters through three decades and simultaneously, the narrators life, which is intertwined with them. Life is the main keyword for this book, it is filled with regular people with regular lives and problems, which makes the book really enjoyable and relatable - Mikkola sisters could be our neighbours or friends.

At first, it is a bit challenging to read sentences and paragraphs that are over a page long, creating a bit of a rant-like tone. However there is something catchy in it, so once you get "in to it", it is hard to put the book down. That said, I do feel that the book could have been a bit shorter. Some sidestories were confusing and felt as they did not contribute to the overall plot. The narrators relationship to the sisters is revealed towards the end, so before that it sometimes seems as an obsessive interest. But, it makes sense in the end.

To conclude, The Sisters is a deep, multi-layered novel that I recommend to read.

I liked and disliked this book at the same time. The writing was very good. I thought the issues raised were valid.

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.