Sister Crazy

***SPOILER ALERT***This novel is a linked collection of stories recounting the childhood of the narrator Jemima. She is the middle child of five siblings. Her oldest brother, Ben is a dark, serious, intellectual child who has read and understood complex science and philosophy books. The second child, Jude, is more carefree and fun loving. He and Jem are only 15 months apart and so grow up...more

***SPOILER ALERT***This novel is a linked collection of stories recounting the childhood of the narrator Jemima. She is the middle child of five siblings. Her oldest brother, Ben is a dark, serious, intellectual child who has read and understood complex science and philosophy books. The second child, Jude, is more carefree and fun loving. He and Jem are only 15 months apart and so grow up almost as twins. The fourth child. Hannah, is different not getting humour and not liking foods to touch on her plate. The youngest child, Gus, is quiet and is the brunt of many jokes including a game called "Come with us Gus" where his siblings toss him into a snowbank. Treatment he very much enjoys. Jem's parents are very much in love. The father is a gruff, cigar smoking sports writer. Her mother is a beautiful woman who her children think is perhaps a good witch. Much of the novel centres upon childhood memories and feelings. Jem has a very strong attachment to Jude. Later in life he becomes a war correspondent traveling to ravaged parts of the world. Jem is obviously a troubled person, there are veiled references to suicide throughout the book. While the anecdotes and observations are more than enough to make this an interesting and engrossing read.   hide