Oh, Sister: The powerful new novel from the author of Another Life

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The story appeared quite literary in style at the start, but soon it revealed itself to be a typical general fiction work, trying to cover as many themes as possible. I might have respected the story far more had a romantic relationship not have been made so important a part of one of the women’s new life.

Oh, Sister - Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency Oh, Sister - Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency

Religion is often seen as something positive that brings people together and provides a sense of community and belonging; as we know from history, it can also lead people to start wars, torture and kill people, all in the name of God.

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Zelda is a rebel who seeks to live life on her own terms, but she’s not entirely successful in leaving her past behind.

Oh, Sister By Jodie Chapman | Used | 9780241456958 - Wob Oh, Sister By Jodie Chapman | Used | 9780241456958 - Wob

I have a love/hate relationship with so-called "books of the year". But this one, right here? Yeah, that's a pretty little slice of perfection. It is absolutely sublime, I read it in one sitting whilst in hospital, and no-one could grab my attention for an entire afternoon. It just grabbed me and hooked me in and wouldn't let me leave until I'd finished it. This is the only Jodie Chapman book I've read but I will definitely be looking out for others as this was just spellbinding. Chapman depicts a fictional cult where Christianity is at the root of the beliefs, but the followers/disciples are brainwashed into thinking that all that is preached by their ministers is the gospel truth. Content & Trigger Warnings: Miscarriage, Abortion, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting.All in all, I appreciate the novel’s attempts to highlight how much brainwashing occurs in cultish groups and how such religious leaders enforce misogynist practices and discrimination in the name of God. I wish the writing had been more streamlined so as to enhance the impact of the story. Nevertheless, it offers a hard-hitting look at a topic not commonly covered in general fiction.

Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman | Waterstones

One woman is punished for being the one who suffers SA, yet, because she cannot provide two witnesses to the accusation, she is the one not believed. Distinct and so movingly told that as a reader you really root for them to thrive' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING These three women may all be linked through the same religious community, but soon they will discover they all share something else much more important - a sisterhood. But can that be enough to ever let them really be free? Jen almost died. And now the community that should be comforting her is condemning her for surviving, for trying to claim her body as her own.I tore through this book reading it over the course of a weekend. I felt so much grief for the women and in awe of their strength and sacrifice. If you are in anyway sceptical of male dominated religion then it’s a given that you will get angry, especially when you’re aware that the work is informed by the authors (recent) experience. But there are also beautiful love stories woven through this and I found myself rooting for certain partnerships. Minor complaint: Where is the story set? There is only mention of the religious places such as ’Worship Hall’ or the places of work or residence such as dentist’s office or apartment. But which town/city/country? This might not be a relevant point to many readers, but I like knowing the location to understand the story and characters better. Of course, skipping this info might have been a deliberate choice so as to make the plot feel universally relevant. But it became confusing for me as I know both Jehovah’s Witnesses and LDS churches originated in the USA. So I assumed the book was set there, until one character mentioned midway the book that they dreamt of going to the USA, which caught me off guard. My thanks to Penguin Random House, Michael Joseph, and NetGalley for the DRC of “Oh, Sister”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Oh, Sister: The powerful new novel from the author of A… Oh, Sister: The powerful new novel from the author of A…

Zelda has never done what's expected of her. Living on the outskirts of the community that she, Jen and Isobel were raised in, she's trying to find herself outside of the confines of the world she left behind. You can tell Jodie has lived this. You can see her heart and soul and passion that comes through with every single word. I often found myself reading it through tears, for the happiness as well as the sadness and anger. It’s about finding yourself, finding faith in yourself, finding your own happiness, your own love, your own family, and your own future. This beautiful tale of love, loss and sacrifice will break your heart...With echoes of David Nicholls' One Day and Sally Rooney's novels, it perfectly captures the agony of falling in love and the razor-sharp reality of pain and loss' DAILY MAIL The characters are brought to life in a way that will leave you rooting for them. A touching tale about female friendship [and] finding strength when you need it most’– GraziaZelda, Isobel and Jen all had such unique stories - their voices were clear and distinct even down to their visual style. They all had very different lives, wanted different things, were indoctrinated to different extremes - but as the stories wove together you knew they were all part of something bigger just waiting to take shape. Despite the demands made of them, they are not flawless, soft, compliant women - they can be abrasive, sharp, strong - angry at a world that clearly isn't made for them and desperate for a way to survive. Victor was the most impressive of the secondary characters. I wish he had had a greater role to play. He was one of the few sane voices in the story. Zelda, Jen and Isobel are all betrayed by the Disciples of the Last Days and begin to question the only world they have ever known. They suffer trauma, grief and rage and come to realise the hypocrisy of their religion. It becomes a story of courage and finding your own voice. To be yourself and not be defined by an archaic text. Women need to stand up and speak out. The truth should not be covered up by coercive control and manipulation. Isobel and Jen have spent their entire lives following the rules - of their marriages, and their religion.