I was initially sceptical - based on the cover. To me it looked a bit heavy literary and not commercial, however was very wrong. And thanks to the people that really recommended this to me - as I don't think I would have picked up otherwise.
Avery - a lawyer, Bonnie - a world class boxer, Nicky - a teacher and Lucky - a successful model - are the Blue sisters. Close in age, and also to each other. They grew up in New York in a small apartment with an alcholic and unpredictable father and a mother who didn't really seem to want to be a mother. But they had each other - and loved each other deeply, despite them all living in a tense environment which had impacted all of their lives. But then Nicky died...... And all 3 sisters, by this time living in different places, all struggle to cope and their lives all start to spiral out of control. But the power of sibling love might be enough to save them.
A testament to the power of sibling love. Told in alternating chapters between the siblings - each chapter I read I loved that sister more, until the next one. They all have such a power on you. A great read.

My absolute favourite thing about Mellors writing is the way she writes characters- they feel so complexly layered both in their strengths and flaws. It was what made Cleo and Frank so memorable and I went into this one with such high expectations down to this and it absolutely did not disappoint.

I loved the dynamic that she was able to capture between the sisters but also the journey of growing up as siblings. It’s such a weird journey growing up as siblings where your life that was once so together veers off into its own individual pathways whilst still retaining an element of togetherness. I found it completely relatable and the grief was well captured too.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It felt so full and complex whilst being easy and engaging to read. I felt connected to each sister but also to them as a sister unit.

This touching narrative delves deep into the bond of sisters, showcasing both their bickering and unwavering support for each other.

From the very first sentence of the prologue, I was captivated by the relatable portrayal of the sisterly bond, prompting me to immediately send the lines to my own sister. It perfectly encapsulates the unbreakable connection between sisters, as both the biggest supporters and harshest critics.

The Blue sisters are grappling with the loss of Nicky, their third sister. Each one feels adrift and lost in their grief. However, circumstances bring them back together to their childhood apartment after the one-year anniversary of Nicky's passing. As they navigate their individual struggles with addiction and recovery, they find solace and strength in each other's company.

Narrated from the perspectives of all three sisters, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in each sister's journey. Despite the ugly fights and hurtful words exchanged between them, the bond of sisterhood prevails, reminding us that sisters will always find their way back to each other.

I kept feeling emotional when they were reminiscing the good memories and trying to keep her memory alive. But this wasn't just about their bonds with her, it was also about their bonds with each other. Avery, the oldest, is naturally the nurturer, solving every crisis, the mother of the group. Then Bonnie, the middle child, often the calm tempered, the mediator between Avery and Lucky, the youngest, the baby of the group. However, these roles aren't water tight. Each sister adopts whatever role is necessary at the time to help out the other. Even in criticism, there is an underlying intention of wanting the best for the other and opting the 'tough love' move. The ending and the author's note describing her reason for that ending was quite pleasing.

Overall, a very true representation of sisters. The good, the ugly, the laughters, the sorrows, it all made me feel very connected to the story and the characters.

4 stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Coco Mellors and 4th Estate for the DRC of this book. Much appreciated!

P.S. Coco Mellors is brilliant at making us feel the feels. I loved both her debut novel and this one with the same ferocity.

This book has one of the most hooking openings of anything I’ve read recently. Mellor has a real skill for creating real, deep, flawed characters that you feel like you know- I love that her writing is very character driven and the Blue sisters will stay with me for a long time.

I found some of the plot difficult to believe (Nicky’s use of fentanyl because of the pain of endometriosis- maybe this is my own ignorance, but I haven’t heard of anything this extreme in reality). Is did feel like the endometriosis was more of a political statement about the (poor) state of women’s healthcare. I also felt like it could have been shorter in parts. I enjoyed particularly the scene with Avery and her Mother and the ending which will stay with ms.

A throughly enjoyable book and I think it’ll be as popular (if not more) as Cleopatra and Frankenstein.

Having not read, and having heard mixed things about Mellors’ first novel ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one but I had a great time with this novel!

‘Blue Sisters’ follows three sisters - Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky - a year after the death of their fourth sister, Nicky. We’re introduced to the sisters, their backstories and personal histories, through a quite clunky prologue/info dump, which had me slightly worried about what I was in for. I didn’t think this section worked very well at all, and it felt like a lot of telling the reader things without giving them much reason to care.

Getting in to the main chunk of the novel, I was quickly won over. Mellors writes in a very engaging, readable prose that makes a quite lengthy book fly by. Her characters are flawed - mostly VERY flawed - but also distinct, well-rounded, relatable and likeable. The novel depicts their grief in a vivid and realistic way, as they make increasingly poor decisions, antagonise each other and fall deeper and deeper into their various addictions - drugs, alcohol, and pain. As we learn more about the sisters there are plot revelations that I really didn’t see coming, and I enjoyed the time I spent in their company. While I didn’t ultimately find the novel as emotionally impactful as I expected to, I think it’s a well-written and enjoyable read. This is already destined to be the one of bookstagram’s biggest releases of the year, and I’m looking forward to seeing more reactions to it as I am sure that it’s going to deliver on a lot of readers’ incredibly high expectations.

I know a lot of people will need no encouragement to read this one, but for those on the fence I do think it’s worth the time invested - would recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and 4th Estate for the e-ARC!

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this E-Arc.

4 stars - I adore Coco Mellors's melodic prose and the raw, unfiltered way she depicts the complexities of human relationship and emotion. Her characters always feel complex, real, frustrating, loveable and inherently flawed, and I adored her debut for the way she moved between perspective and explored dynamics and emotion through the lenses of different characters so dexterously. She has applied the same skill to look at the complexities of sisterhood, namely the primal belonging and eternal resentment of being a sister, of having a sister.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that Mellors is actually exploring the broader topic of family, of what links us together, of inherited traits (both positive and devastating) through the lens of sisterhood. Often, the sisters draw their connections tighter by pointing out similarities to one another, both physical and in their personalities, almost weaponising their shared biology as a tool to both keep each other close and, at times, resent one another. Indeed, the loss of Nicky, who seemed to have shared many traits with each of the other sisters, goes beyond the loss of a person as if the women have almost lost parts of themselves. A sisterhood so strong that, without it, parts of ourselves can unspool.

The theme of addiction weaves itself through all four sisters' lives, and both ties them together and forces them apart. Mellors explores the different facets of addiction skillfully, riffing off where she started with C & P, and each sister's experiences are both similar and remarkably disparate from one another. Depicting addiction as lifelong, as claiming some lives, as not claiming others, as recurring for some, as recurring in different, surprising ways for others, shows how carefully and powerfully she has considered the complexities of the topic.

Each sister has such a strong voice that, while they echo their sisters at times, it is clear who they are, what their role is in the family, and how they perceive their shared past, their current lives and their futures. I also found it amusing that, as an older sister myself, I immediately sided with Avery and, as a middle child, related to Bonnie while my younger sister found Lucky's perspective the most sympathetic. Mellors has truly understood how our position within a family shapes us and how sisters adopt different roles simply based on their order of birth.

I love how Nicky haunts the narrative both in leaving the sisters adrift, scattered across the globe and seemingly without a sense of home, but in how Mellors never allows us insight into her perspective or her feelings on various key past events. Instead, we can piece together a picture of the character from the other sisters' perspectives but these do not always align and are often limited by their own thoughts, their own concerns in the moment, once again demonstrating how pivotal sisters are in our lives and yet how consuming sisterhood can be. Nicky is remembered as a sister by her sisters, not as a distinct human, and yet she is so, so loved and so the reader cannot help but love her.

With aspects of a fairy tale in the opening prologue, which serves as an introduction to each character from an unbiased narrator, Mellors is unafraid to present messy characters making mistakes and exploring a world post-loss, while slowly accepting their worlds can never be the same. At times, some plot developments can feel a tad contrived (e.g. the climactic scenes between Chiti and Avery or Lucky's music career) and, while the happy ever after does fit the fairy tale theme, I far preferred the darker, more complex and difficult parts of the closing chapters, e.g. Avery's conversation with their mother, and Lucky's ongoing addiction issues years later. Although it portrayed sisterly love beautifully, the closing chapter lacked the punch of this otherwise raw, complex narrative and I would have liked to see a few of the strings tied together less perfectly.

Overall, this is a brilliant book filled with incisive character portraits and a precise examination of the complexities of sisterhood in all its unfailing, unconditional love and endless, bitter frustrations. I simply cannot wait to see what Mellors writes next.

The hardest reviews to write, I find, are not for the books that you don't like but the ones you absolutely love. Therefore, I apologise in advance for this review.
After loving Cleopatra and Frankenstein, I was utterly thrilled to be able to read the next book by Coco Mellors before it was released and weeks before my pre-ordered hardback copies will arrive. I absolutely adored it.
It is a year since the four Blue Sisters became three, and the book follows the three different characters with chapters alternating between them. I can't remember the last time I read a book where the characters (Avery - eldest and lawyer, boxer Bonnie, and Lucky the model), their lives and the worlds they inhabited felt so incredibly real. I felt much more invested in Bonnie's story than I was expecting to be but it was Lucky who completely captivated and broke me the most.
This book deals with the aftermath of a death in such a real, raw way. It does the same with complicated upbringings and family relationships. I just loved this book so much.
Thank you so much NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me an early read. I have already pre-ordered two copies and will no doubt buy more as gifs for friends.

After losing their sister Nicky, Avery, Bonnie and Lucky’s lives changed forever. Instead of becoming closer, they drifted apart and began to self destruct.

They needed to find their way back to eachother but how?

I really enjoyed this book. There are some very moving parts throughout. It makes you realise that you should appreciate your relationships with loved ones whilst you have them because all to easily, you could lose someone you love dearly and you will never get a chance to say sorry or rectify your relationship.

Wow blue sisters was anything but just blue! Bonnie, Avery and Lucky were all at very different stages of their life’s. However the grief for their sister was something that they all had in Common. The sister dynamic was very interesting as they all felt pressure to be perceived as the ‘ strong one ‘. I really enjoy character driven plots so this was an easy read for me. Each sister’s story felt personal to them and a strong sense of empathy can be felt throughout the book. It was refreshing to read about a sister dynamic that wasn’t perfect. The writing was real, gritty and raw!!

Having heard so much buzz around Coco Mellors' last book (Cleopatra & Frankenstein) I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of her latest one (thank you to 4th Estate & NetGalley!). Having finished it, however, I can't say I will be giving her work another go after this - sadly, for various reasons Blue Sisters wasn't for me. While I appreciated the concept (I love any kind of family saga, particularly a sister-centric one), and although I still really like the cover, I found Mellors' style of prose, dialogue and characterisation to be both cringey and clunky: every aspect of her plot and its protagonists rang hollow, and I felt as if I simultaneously knew too much and nothing at all about the motivations and individual personalities of the sisters. The structure of the novel had clearly been considered and planned out, but in its execution the whole narrative appeared almost rushed, or at least poorly edited.

Sad to have not enjoyed this more, but thank you again to 4th Estate for this e-ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and 4th Estate for allowing me to read an ARC of Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors.

Blue Sisters follows three sisters in the aftermath of the death of their sister, Nicky. This story discusses addiction, grief, loneliness, betrayal, love, and so many more human emotions.

As ever, Mellors' prose is beautifully chilling, and the story progresses without fault or flaw.

Mellors is an expert in crafting graphic, sharp, acerbic characters, whose layers peel away to reveal a sensitivity, and a sadness, innately related to by readers.

Blue Sisters is a triumph.

This captivating tale introduces us to Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky. A trio of sisters grappling with the aftermath of losing a vital piece of their family puzzle - Nicky, one of the Blue sisters. Mellors, skilfully delves into themes of love, loss, grief, family strife, and addiction. Painting a vivid picture of their world and their struggles through the lens of each sister's perspective.

What truly resonated with me in this narrative was the poignant journey of the sisters as they navigate their newfound reality with grace - both towards each other and themselves. Mellors' prose is not only captivating but also remarkably authentic, drawing readers into the complexities of the human experience. These elements seamlessly merge to deliver a deeply cathartic read, giving you feelings that lingers long after you put the book down.

5⭑!!!

Blue Sisters is the first novel I’ve read by Coco Mellors and wow, it did not disappoint. I knew this would be a five star read from the first paragraph alone! How Coco managed to capture the true essence of being sisters in one paragraph was fantastic.

I love reading books about sisterhood and everything that comes with that - so I knew I would enjoy this book but I honestly did not expect to love it as much as I did.

I loved reading in each of the sister’s POVs. They’re all equally complex, messy and very real. Having an insight into all of their minds when they were constantly falling out with each other was fascinating. Being able to see how one sister would interpret something compared to another sister interpreting it into something completely different.

I loved reading about their up and down relationships with each other and as much as they would fight, you could really tell that they still cared for each other deeply and would try and put their sister’s happiness over their own.

I have a sister (a twin - which is a whole other type of sisterhood!) and I could see us both in this novel. It was so painfully realistic and I wish I could read it for the first time again.

Thank you NetGally & the publisher for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

With the success and adoration of Cleopatra and Frankenstein, readers will be stunned when they get their hands on the utterly devastating Blue Sisters.

Mellors has overdelivered on all expectations with her latest offering—full of the complex nature of sisterhood whilst navigating the death of their sister.

At its core, and as its title suggests, Blue Sisters is a tale of the relationship between 3 sisters, and despite hardship, they come out the other end closer. A must read emotional novel, leaving you heartfelt and appreciative of those around you

Blue Sisters is one of those rare books that stays with you long after the last page. Not only tackling grief but also taking a deep dive into the complexities of family dynamics. I found the writing unflinchingly real and absorbing and prompted me to think about my own family relationships and behavioural traits. The sisters were each so different, but I could resonate with each of them in different ways. If you’re looking for a deep, thought-provoking story full of rich prose this is the title for you.

Just when you think Coco Mellors can’t get any better, BAM. Here comes Blue Sisters. A gorgeous, intimate, captivating exploration of three sisters as they come to terms with the sudden death of their sibling. Spanning continents and key milestones, each sister is masterfully brought to life, and I enjoyed spending time with each of them. I adore how Mellors brings London and New York to life, her attention to detail makes you feel at home in these cities. This is the kind of book that will keep you up late reading and wishing for more after you turn the final page. Utterly brilliant.

A heartachingly raw read about the complexity of families, navigating life and building an identity. Sisterhood is at the forefront of this book but it’s so so much more, themes of emotional abuse, grief and recovery are skilfully illustrated. The use of multiple point of views allows the reader to see each sister and these characters are well fleshed out.
If you like literary fiction this needs to be added to your TBR.
Captivating and utterly human. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

With the success and adoration of Cleopatra and Frankenstein, readers will be stunned when they get their hands on the utterly devastating Blue Sisters.

Mellors has overdelivered on all expectations with her latest offering—full of the complex nature of sisterhood whilst navigating the death of their sister.

At its core, and as its title suggests, Blue Sisters is a tale of the relationship between 3 sisters, and despite hardship, they come out the other end closer. A must read emotional novel, leaving you heartfelt and appreciative of those around you.

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors* is the sophomore novel from the author of the much-loved (admittedly, though, not by me) Cleopatra & Frankenstein. This book tells the story of three sisters, each very different, trying to learn to navigate life in the wake of their sister Nicky’s sudden death. And, unlike Mellors’ debut novel, I am pleased to report that I loved this one!

The four Blue sisters grew up in a Manhattan family that, from the outside, looked far more together than it was. Money was tight, addiction was rife and the burden of responsibility fell on eldest sister Avery to raise and take care of her three younger siblings.

As teens and young adults, the sisters scatter and forge their own paths, keen to get as far away from their upbringing as possible. Avery becomes a high flying lawyer in London, Bonnie commits herself to the strict life of a world champion boxer and Lucky is known the world over as a high fashion model. But, behind all of their successes, there is unacknowledged trauma and pain that defines and, ultimately, destroys them when they miss the signs that their beloved Nicky - the kind one, the teacher, the good one - is in the throes of addiction until it is too late to save her.

The way that incredibly tough subjects like addiction, emotional abuse and parentification are tackled with such tenderness, respect and awareness made me feel that Mellors may have first hand experience of many of these. In hindsight, much of this was also present in Cleo & Frank but, I felt, much more clunkily explored. Blue Sisters feels more mature, more self-assured, less performative.

It’s clear that Mellors understands the unique bond that sisters share - the book is dedicated to her own - and, despite the (thankfully) very different life my two sisters and I have, I could see so much of our relationship with each other reflected in the telling of Avery, Bonnie and Lucky’s stories. I don’t think it’s possible to be an eldest daughter without being parentified to some extent and I felt so much kinship with Avery and the lasting impact of the pseudo mother role she felt society at large expected her to step into. I feel this book will please many but none more so than the eldest daughters among us.

"A sister is not a friend. ... True sisterhood, the kind where you grew fingernails in the same womb, were pushed screaming through identical birth canals, is not the same as friendship. You don't choose each other, and there's no furtive period of getting to know the other. You are part of each other right from the start. Look at the umbilical cord - tough, sinuous, unlovely, yet essential, and compare it to a friendship bracelet of brightly woven thread. That is the difference between a sister and friend."

Blue Sisters is a family novel about 4 sisters, their complicated relationships, addictions, loss and grieve. It is a heartfelt ode to sisterhood realistically depicting the good, bad, but also "the ugly" of having a sister. I believe this book will resonate strongly with those with a sister or two. I highly recommend this book.

Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Posted on Goodreads on 26.4.2024]