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SISTERS OF MISERY
Megan Kelley Hall
Kensington Fiction
ISBN: 0-7582-2679-2
August 2008
Young Adult
Megan Kelley Hall takes readers on a
frightening journey into a secret society in SISTERS OF
MISERY. Maddie Crane is just like all of her friends;
she wears the right clothing, she hangs out at all the
right places, and defers to Kate Endicott, leader of the
Sisters of Misery. Despite the unexpected power the
clique wields, Maddie is uncomfortable in her own skin
and is mildly afraid of her friends. When Maddie's Aunt
Rebecca and cousin Cordelia move in with Maddie's small
family, Maddie finds herself drawn to Cordelia's free
spirit. Maddie's friendship with Cordelia forces her to
re-examine her relationship with the Sisters of Misery,
especially when Kate takes an active dislike of Cordelia.
Torn between the friends she fears and the unique
friendship she shares with Cordelia, Maddie is put into
a terrible position. When Cordelia disappears, Maddie
decides to discover the truth behind her disappearance,
no matter what.
SISTERS OF MISERY may be labeled young adult literature,
but it is a novel that is clearly intended for any
mature reader, and the novel is clearly written for a
mature audience. The actions of the clique are dangerous
and frightening, and the novel involves adult themes,
including sexuality, adultery, and abortion. Elements of
magic and mysticism pervade the novel, giving SISTERS OF
MISERY a gothic tone that is very satisfying. Readers
will identify with Maddie, and they will feel great
sympathy for the struggles she faces, especially when
she discovers her own involvement in making Cordelia's
life more difficult. Unique in the young adult genre,
SISTERS OF MISERY is the beginning of a series that is
sure to be a success.
Reviewed by Angela Etheridge
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