ISBN: 9781250076922
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Publication Date: 3/8/2016
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 4 Stars
Brooklyn, 1947: in the midst of a blizzard, in a two-family brownstone, two babies are born minutes apart to two women. They are sisters by marriage with an impenetrable bond forged before and during that dramatic night; but as the years progress, small cracks start to appear and their once deep friendship begins to unravel. No one knows why, and no one can stop it. One misguided choice; one moment of tragedy. Heartbreak wars with happiness and almost but not quite wins.
From debut novelist Lynda Cohen Loigman comes The Two-Family House, a moving family saga filled with heart, emotion, longing, love, and mystery
My Review
Lynda Cohen Loigman delivers an impressive debut THE TWO-FAMILY HOUSE, a multi-generational exploration of two complex Brooklyn families, in a lovely Brownstone--rich in history, character, and love. Two brothers, Mort and Abe buy a quaint Brooklyn brownstone. Abe and his family are upstairs and Mort’s downstairs. Busy running their father’s company, their lives are intertwined in many ways. Rose and Mort have three daughters; however, he desires a son. Helen and Abe have four sons. She longs for a daughter. The two wives bond, getting pregnant around the same time, and on one winter stormy night, the two go into labor. This night will change the course of their lives. Choices, family secrets, mystery, intrigue, and strong emotions. From 1947 to 1970, we hear from different perspectives of individual family members, giving readers an inside view to the character's thoughts and actions. From tragedy and heartbreak to love and forgiveness. The author takes you on a journey. It is not so much the destination, but the memorable journey, captured in this character-driven debut, brilliantly crafted. I enjoyed the author’s note, the setting, and the inspiration behind the book. A tragedy resulting from a single misguided choice. Have pre-ordered the audio, narrated by Barrie Kreinik--should be fun! Fans of Lisa Jewell, will enjoy the complex family and domestic suspense. Looking forward to more from this talented new author --a winner out of the gate.
A special thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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About the Author
Lynda Cohen Loigman grew up in Longmeadow, MA. She received a B.A. in English and American Literature from Harvard College and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. She is now a student of the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, and lives with her husband and two children in Chappaqua, New York. Read More
