The Girls
A Novel
by Lori Lansens
The Girls is a story about Rose and Ruby Darlen. They are craniopagus twin sisters joined at the head. It
is an intimate story about their life and daily living routines told primarily from Rose’s point of view. Although
they are conjoined, they are unable to see each other face to face, and they have little in common. They were
adopted by Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash. Rose retells her life from the beginning, both from her own memories and what
she has been told. Ruby occasionally joins in with her own thoughts.
A surgical separation was impossible due to the fact that Rose and Ruby share an essential vein. The story details
the various accommodations the girls must make throughout the course of the day and their life: sleeping arrangements,
bathroom arrangements, medical obstacles, working arrangements, school accommodations, lots and lots of compromises,
and even pregnancy.
After all of this, though, their lives are most affected by another inoperable medical condition. An aneurysm
that grows in Rose’s head causes severe headaches (that they joke are passed back and forth between the two),
hallucinations, and the deterioration of their health.
Lori Lansens is an incredible author able to bring an intriguing story to life. The Girls will make you
feel laughter, heartache, love, anger, gratitude, and gratefulness. The story is not only about two sisters who
share a unique bond that very few people will ever know, but it is also a wonderful story about friendship and
family. |
The Book |
Little, Brown and Company |
May 2, 2006 |
Hardcover |
0-316-06903-5 |
Young Adult - Fiction |
More
at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Sarah Richard |
Reviewed 2006 |
NOTE: Reviewer Sarah
Richard is the author of several children's stories, including the latest release
Snowman Shapes. She has published several stories, essays, articles, and activities
for various print and on-line magazines. |
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