A lyrical saga of grief, companionship, and the complexities of navigating adulthood…
A woman struggles to come to terms with the sudden death of her sister in Buhr’s poignant tale. Ever since her sister’s untimely death, Christine has learned to bury her pain and focus on her job at a Seattle-based social services nonprofit. But when a grad student named Keji contacts her with unsettling news about their former therapist, Walter, Christine’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. As they dig deeper, they uncover a disturbing connection that may explain the tragedies both of them have endured. Could there be a hidden reason behind Walter’s actions, drawing them together in this dark and twisted web?
The conflicts in the novel stem from unresolved issues, miscommunications, and emotional barriers that hinder the characters from fully understanding themselves and each other. Christine grapples with the loss of her sister, navigating grief, guilt, and self-discovery while revisiting their fraught relationship. Rachel’s presence looms large despite her absence. Keji stands as a pillar of support, while Walter adds layers of mistrust to Christine’s journey for answers. Buhr deftly blends introspective passages with external events, allowing readers to delve deep into the characters’ psyche while also advancing the plot. Christine’s first-person perspective lends a sense of vulnerability and rawness to the narrative. The novel’s pace is deliberate and contemplative, mirroring Christine’s inner turmoil and the gradual unraveling of her memories and feelings. A stirring and poignant exploration of the complexities of grief, the enduring nature of familial bonds, and the transformative power of confronting one’s past to find healing and acceptance.
A Sister Ago
Caitlin Buhr
Atmosphere Press
Pub date May 14, 2024
ISBN 979-8891322325
Price $15.99 (USD) Paperback, $6.99 Kindle edition
