26a by Diana Evans
This was one of those spur-of-the-moment purchases, made while I was waiting for a train to go to Bristol, but I’m very glad I picked it up. I’d never heard of the book (despite it being an Orange Prize winner), nor the author, but it’s a wonderfully rewarding read. The story centres around identical twin girls, Georgia and Bessi, who live in Neasden with their Yorkshire father, Nigerian mother and two other sisters.
I’m not a twin (nor even a fraternal twin), so I don’t know what that’s like, but this gave a very convincing account of the bond that identical twins feel, and also the contrary need to make a separate life—-to have twoness in oneness. The novel follows Georgia and Bessi as they grow up, live for three years in Nigeria (which assuages their mother’s homesickness a little), and then return to the tumult and confusion of puberty and beyond.
It’s very funny in places, with touches of magical realism which sat very comfortably in the story. I’ve often found other magical realist books somewhat irritating or jarring, but here it seemed to fit perfectly with the rather otherworldly feeling that twins have about them. They create their own internal Universe to some extent, from which others are excluded. It’s also harrowingly moving. I don’t want to give away any of the plot, but if you read this in a public place as I did (particularly towards the end), be prepared to have a strategy for covering up your tears. It’s one of those books that will stick with me for a long time.
1
Sounds interesting, I'll try and get hold of a copy -- not least because I was born and raised in Neasden.
by David @ 16/05/2006 2:05 am • Permalink •
2
Yes, it's a good read, and I imagine that it would be even better if you know the area well.
by bsag @ 17/05/2006 3:06 pm • Permalink •
3
I've read this book and get it purely accidantly too. Worth reading.
by Ann from Dubai @ 23/05/2006 11:05 am • Permalink •
4
I'm translating the book into Italian, and find it really beautiful. I agree that, contrary to many other examples of "magical realism", there are some touches which perfectly fit in the story. I do hope the book will be read also in Italy, since it really deserves it. I wonder whether Diana Evans will be able to keep same level in her future works.
by laura from Italy @ 16/06/2006 7:06 am • Permalink •
5
This book is absolutely fabulous! It will leave you crying and it is a story that will stay with you forever. Diana Evans is destined for great things I believe.
by Elizabeth Skipper @ 18/06/2006 5:07 pm • Permalink •
6
This book is amazing.... captivating. Words fail.
by Stacey Jackson @ 03/09/2006 3:10 am • Permalink •
7
This book is absolutely AWFUL!!! I was forced to read it, but could hardly pay attention. Diana Evans- dont quit your day job!
by dude @ 07/10/2006 1:10 pm • Permalink •
8
help us! we've to write a presentation about raciscme and integration in this book. please we really need help!! write as soon as possible!! we're looking forward to your answer:) greetings
by two desperate students @ 01/12/2006 1:45 pm • Permalink •
9
I loved this book, it was unbelievably amazing.
I was wondering if anyone knew the name of Diana Evans' twin, and if they did if they knew how old she was when she commited suicide. I can't seem to find that information anywhere.
Thanks very much, Clara
by Clara @ 08/01/2007 10:17 pm • Permalink •
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