For Christmas this year my in-laws gave me a book subscription to the Willoughby Book Club. It is the greatest gift ever. Every month I receive one paperback of literary fiction (subscriptions are tailored to your likes). They come beautifully wrapped and I love that it will be a surprise.
For February I received The Sea Sisters by Lucy Clarke (aka Swimming at Night in some markets). This was the right book at the right time for me. I was sick, I wanted a real book not an e-book to read and I wanted something that wasn’t too intense. The Sea Sisters fit the bill on all accounts.
Katie follows in her younger sister’s footsteps after Mia commits suicide in Bali. Using Mia’s travel journal as a guide Katie discovers more than she imagined as she travels from California, to Hawaii to Australia and Bali. Chapters alternate between Katie’s controlled experience and Mia’s carefree journey. There is love, heart break and secrets revealed.
The Sea Sisters is Clarke’s first novel, and it shows. The imagery and symbolism are a little too obvious for my liking. The elements of the story were a little too symmetrical. I guess the outcome at almost every possible turn. But in spite of that, it was a tale that kept me turning the pages. It was about travelling and self discovery and I like that in a light read.
Who would like this book? I hesitate to say this, but I think The Sea Sisters is meant for a younger crowd. The sisters are in their twenties and their experiences and thoughts reflect that. It would be perfect to read while travelling, especially as an airplane read. I can also imagine reading it while sitting on the beach.
If you have read this book and would like me to link to you review, leave a comment below.
52 books or bust 
What a great gift idea from your in-laws! I might have to look into something like that (gift or not).
Well actually, it was my idea, but they acted on it and hooray for that!
It’s a shame you didn’t enjoy the book, but what a pretty package to get…
What a cool gift idea! Sorry you didn’t enjoy the book more!
What a fabulous gift idea! Love it!!!
I’m in my late 20s and have a sister in her mid-20s, so I loved this book. I really related to it, although Kate and Mia were super exaggerations of how my sister and I are. But I think that if you have a sister and are in your 20s/early 30s you would enjoy the book. It’s not a deep thinking read, though, it’s of course very light reading.
Yeah, I can see how you would relate to the book. I must have come off rather harsh in my review b/c I did enjoy it. I just thought it was simplistic.
That book club gift is the greatest thing ever! I need to work out how to make this happen – does it ship to Canada do you happen to know?!
I have no idea if they ship to Canada or if there is anything similar in Canada. What I do know is that every month i’m waiting to see what my next book will be.
I don’t blame you. What a fun thing to arrive in the mail every month!
I have this book but haven’t read it yet, your review has made me excited to get to it. And the Willoughby Book Club sounds like such fun!
I like the idea of The Willoughby book Club what a great idea.
I love the packaging and the book cover! I might give this a try. I hope you’re feeling better now 🙂
What a crazy fantastic gift and thing to do!! LOVE IT!!
That is the best gift ever!! I’ve heard of these very personal book subscriptions and would jump on trying them if I didn’t already have way too many books I haven’t read. I’m glad you’re enjoying your gift so far!!
It is a totally great gift. Thank goodness February is a short month because i get another book next week!
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