I received this book for free from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver Published by Farrar Straus and Giroux (BYR) on April 28th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, YA
Source: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
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A girl takes over her twin sister's identity in this emotionally charged page-turner about the complicated bond between sisters.
Ella and Maddy Lawton are identical twins. Ella has spent her high school years living in popular Maddy's shadows, but she has never been envious of Maddy. In fact, she's chosen the quiet, safe confines of her sketchbook over the constant battle for attention that has defined Maddy's world.
When—after a heated argument—Maddy and Ella get into a tragic accident that leaves her sister dead, Ella wakes up in the hospital surrounded by loved ones who believe she is Maddy. Feeling responsible for Maddy's death and everyone's grief, Ella makes a split-second decision to pretend to be Maddy. Soon, Ella realizes that Maddy's life was full of secrets. Caught in a web of lies, Ella is faced with two options—confess her deception or live her sister's life.
I don’t know why exactly, but stories that involve twins always intrigue me. The whole growing up with a lookalike deal sounds just really cool to me. Though I imagine it has its ups and downs >.< But this is what initially caught my attention with this book. Then the whole taking-over-her-sister's-identity plot line is what sold it. It does have its flaws, but I was overall pleasantly surprised with the depth this novel reached. I also found the characterization fantastic - yes, the main character can be selfish at times with a frustrating lack of self esteem, but her character was realistic and her voice, compelling. In short, Ella and her twin sister get into an accident, her sister dies, and from the guilt of having taken her life she decides her sister is the one who is going to live. Meaning she takes over her identity. Though this was completely unintentional at first. Due to shock, confusion, and a few innocent misunderstandings, people assumed she was Maddy and she just kept up the facade. Since her and her sister were very different personality-wise, and ran is very different circles, it was kind of fascinating to see her try to be someone she was not. There are a lot more cons than there are pros, she soon realizes. And while she's living her sister's life she also learns some dark secrets and guilt she never knew her sister was haboring. It's en effortless read with tons of entertainment value. It also touches on some dark topics like death, obviously, but also guilt, self-esteem, and accepting that who you are is who you're meant to be even if it's not on the top of the mountain, you know. Still, the journey to get Ella to realize this is a hard climb. One full of frustrations and longing on our part. While you come to understand the reason why Ella thinks she needs to do this for Maddy, and in a way it's her way of dealing with the guilt and grief, she's completely blind to who she's hurting in the process. Ella was not a nobody. She had people who loved her deeply, and she grossly underestimated how much she meant to those around her. This is where her selfishness peeps out. Why would she care more about not hurting Maddy's boyfriend than her own best friend who's obviously in love with her (everyone knows it, dude!)? I didn't get why she didn't consider Josh at all. I was also irritated when we find out why her parents give her so much breathing room. It’s far from being because Maddy is their favorite and she should have known this. I mean, duh! You asked for it. Le sigh. In hindsight, these complaints did not ave that much of an effect on my enjoyment of the book. They were simply a part of her character and personality. People who have low self esteem issues really do have a warped perspective of things just like Ella did, so really this only made her more human to me. More sympathetic, even, because she was so much more than she let herself believe.
Highly character driven and rife with social and emotional undercurrents, The Secrets We Keep is both engaging and thought provoking. Its characters are flawed, a tad unlikeable, even, yet genuine, and its easy writing style keeps you glued to its pages.
4 Hot Espressos
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The cover is awesome and I too think stories with twins are very fascinating – Sounds like an interesting read from your review – Thanks!
Bieke @ Istyria book blog
Really want to read this one! 😀 Great review Giselle!
Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
I really do love the fact that this book is so character driven and yeah, twins absolutely fascinate me as well. I’m a little annoyed with Ella already though. Seems like she puts people who cared for her through hell. I still want to check this out because you loved it so much. I’ll have to have my library get a copy.
Wonderful review, Giselle!
JennRenee
This sounds very amazing. I understand the interst in twin stories. I think its something that intrigues because we so don’t get it. I love the idea behind this book and cant wait to read it. I am really glad to hear its so charcter driven, my favorite type of book.
Megan Mc Dade
This sounds really intriguing. I will definitely be checking it out 🙂
Rashika
I always wanted a twin brother… and I’d say as a kid but I still want a twin brother 😛 It would be SO MUCH FUNNNNN.
I saw this book on NG and really liked the sound of it but as someone who has a low self esteem, I feel like this would be something that would end up frustrating me and not working out as well. I mean if it’s obvious there are so many people who care about her, why cannot she open her eyes??? Although there is nothing unrealistic about the situation which just makes it sadder.
I am glad to see that this worked out for you though! I like that the author takes a realistic, if frustrating approach to the issues at hand.
Lovely review, hon <3
The Cosy Dragon
Sounds amazing! Love your review. I’ll have to get my hands on this one! 🙂
Ksenia @ Ksenia's Book Blog
Great review, Giselle! I like character driven stories, looks like an interesting read.
Kelsey
The last book I read about twins was super messed up, but this one actually sounds really good so I might give it a try at some point 🙂
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
I was always jealous of twins. I want a sibling bond like that. How horrible if one twin died. This concept does really interest me. I wonder how it ends.
Savannah
I agree. Twin stories always intrigue me as well. This sounds like a great read.
Cynthia
Awesome review! This one has been on my TBR for so long! I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. 🙂