You know that feeling when you finish a book and can’t stop thinking about it? That’s exactly what happened to me after reading Betsy Lerner’s debut novel, “Shred Sisters.” I found myself mulling over the characters, replaying scenes in my head, and pondering the complexities of sisterhood long after I turned the final page. This book got under my skin in the best possible way.
A Tale of Two Sisters
At its core, “Shred Sisters” is the story of Amy and Olivia Shred, two sisters navigating the turbulent waters of family, mental illness, and self-discovery. Lerner, known for her non-fiction works like “The Forest for the Trees” and “The Bridge Ladies,” proves herself a masterful storyteller in her first foray into fiction.
The novel spans several decades, following the Shred sisters from childhood through adulthood. Amy, our narrator, is the quintessential good girl—studious, cautious, and desperately seeking approval. Olivia, on the other hand, is a force of nature—beautiful, charismatic, and utterly unpredictable. As Amy puts it, Olivia has “no brakes.”
Mental Illness: The Elephant in the Room
Lerner doesn’t shy away from tackling the thorny issue of mental illness head-on. Olivia’s eventual diagnosis of bipolar disorder serves as both a revelation and a complication for the Shred family. The author’s portrayal of Olivia’s manic episodes and crushing depressions feels painfully authentic, likely drawing from her own experiences in the mental health field.
What struck me most was how Lerner captures the ripple effect of mental illness on an entire family. Amy’s life is constantly upended by Olivia’s unpredictable behavior, while their parents struggle to maintain some semblance of normalcy. It’s a stark reminder that mental illness doesn’t just affect the individual—it touches everyone in their orbit.
Sibling Rivalry Taken to the Extreme
Let’s talk about that sisterly bond for a minute. Whew. As an only child, I found myself simultaneously fascinated and horrified by Amy and Olivia’s relationship. Lerner perfectly captures the love-hate dynamic that so often exists between sisters:
- The fierce competition
- The unspoken loyalty
- The ability to wound each other in ways no one else can
There’s a line in the book that really stuck with me: “No one will love you more or hurt you more than a sister.” Ain’t that the truth? (At least, that’s what my friends with sisters tell me!)
Coming of Age in the Big Apple
One of my favorite aspects of “Shred Sisters” was its vivid portrayal of New York City in the 1980s and 90s. As Amy navigates her way through college, grad school, and the cutthroat world of publishing, we get a front-row seat to the gritty glamour of the Big Apple.
Lerner’s own background in publishing shines through in these sections. The office politics, the struggle to be taken seriously as a young woman in a male-dominated industry—it all feels incredibly authentic. I found myself rooting for Amy as she climbed the ladder, even as I cringed at some of her missteps along the way.
Love, Loss, and Everything in Between
Of course, no coming-of-age story would be complete without a few romantic entanglements. Amy’s relationships—from her ill-fated marriage to her affair with a married author—are by turns heartbreaking and cringe-worthy. But isn’t that just like real life?
What I appreciated most was how Lerner uses these relationships to explore Amy’s own issues with self-worth and identity. It’s clear that growing up in Olivia’s shadow has left its mark, and watching Amy slowly come into her own is one of the novel’s greatest pleasures.
A Master Class in Voice
Can we talk about Lerner’s writing for a second? Because, wow. Her prose is razor-sharp, alternating between biting wit and gut-punching emotion. Amy’s voice feels so incredibly real—I often forgot I was reading fiction and felt like I was listening to a friend recount her life story over coffee.
Here’s a little taste of Lerner’s style:
“Olivia was that girl. First in, last out. What no one yet understood was that Ollie had no brakes.”
It’s simple, yet so evocative. In just a few words, we get a perfect snapshot of Olivia’s personality and the trouble that lies ahead.
The Verdict: To Read or Not to Read?
Look, I’m not going to lie—”Shred Sisters” isn’t always an easy read. It deals with some heavy themes, and there were moments when I wanted to reach through the pages and shake some sense into these characters. But isn’t that the mark of a truly great novel? One that makes you feel so deeply, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Here’s my take:
Read This Book If:
- You have a complicated relationship with your sibling(s)
- You’re interested in nuanced portrayals of mental illness
- You love coming-of-age stories set against the backdrop of New York City
- You appreciate sharp, witty writing with an emotional punch
Maybe Skip It If:
- You’re looking for a light, fluffy read
- Descriptions of mental health struggles are triggering for you
- You prefer plot-driven novels over character studies
How It Stacks Up
While “Shred Sisters” is Lerner’s first novel, it certainly doesn’t read like a debut. Her years of experience in the publishing industry and her previous non-fiction works have clearly honed her storytelling skills.
If you enjoyed “Shred Sisters,” you might also like:
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett (another exploration of sisterhood and identity)
- “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath (for its unflinching look at mental illness)
- “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Ottessa Moshfegh (for its biting humor and complex female protagonist)
Final Thoughts
“Shred Sisters” is the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve finished reading. It’s a raw, honest look at family dynamics, mental illness, and the struggle to find oneself amidst chaos. Betsy Lerner has crafted a debut novel that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Is it perfect? No. There were moments when I wished for a bit more plot to balance out the character development. And some readers might find Amy’s constant self-doubt frustrating at times.
But here’s the thing – life isn’t perfect, and neither are the best stories about it. “Shred Sisters” is messy, complicated, and utterly human. And in my book, that makes it pretty damn near perfect.
(Because let’s face it, this book will shred your heart—in the best possible way.)
So, what do you think? Are you ready to dive into the world of the Shred sisters? Trust me, it’s a ride you won’t forget anytime soon. Just maybe keep some tissues handy. And possibly a stiff drink. You know, for emotional support.
