Book Synopsis:
ONE LIFE. LIVED TWICE.
Louis and Louise are the same person born in two different lives. They are separated only by the sex announced by the doctor and a final ‘e’.
They have the same best friends, the same red hair, the same dream of being a writer, the same excellent whistle. They both suffer one catastrophic night, with life-changing consequences.
Thirteen years later, they are both coming home.
Louis and Louise is available in all formats now. You can purchase your copy using the link below.
My Review:
Louis and Louise is an original and thought provoking read that explores the subject of gender. The author does this skillfully through the lives of her two main characters who live the same life apart from one difference – their gender. Without ever pushing the reader towards one particular point of view, the author explores the different attitudes and opportunities given to the characters depending on their gender. I’d love to think that in this day and age things like this don’t happen but unfortunately you do still read about cases. It was very interesting to explore all the different attitudes people have and how they can affect the decisions people make.
The story is told from both Louis and Louise’s point of view with clear headings at the start of each chapter to show whose story we are following. Some chapters are simply headed ‘Lou’ and this shows that the same events have happened to both of the characters. This sounds confusing but it’s isn’t and helps provide a really fascinating read. Both characters are very well drawn and I found myself feeling sympathy with both of them.
The story really takes off when a traumatic event happens to both characters but the outcome or consequences of it are different depending on their gender. This made for very emotional and compelling reading as the reader discovers how big an impact this will have on the characters lives.
Overall I found this a compelling, easy read that manages to handle some serious subjects in a sensitive manner. It has definitely had an impact on my attitudes and has made me wonder if I treat my daughter differently to my son’s, something that I will work on in the future.
I’ve read quite a few of this author’s books and she always manages to write compelling, emotional reads. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orion for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Julie Cohen grew up in the western mountains of Maine. Her house was just up the hill from the library and she spent many hours walking back and forth, her nose in a book. She studied English Literature at Brown University and Cambridge University and is a popular speaker and teacher of creative writing, including classes for The Guardian and Literature Wales. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages and have sold nearly a million copies; DEAR THING was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Julie lives in Berkshire with her husband, son and a terrier of dubious origin.
You can find Julie on Twitter: @julie_cohen or you can visit her website: http://www.julie-cohen.com.
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