An intriguing page-turner by Alice Hoffman
By: Abigail Dawn

Released on November 1, 2022, Alice Hoffman’s “The Bookstore Sisters” is a short story that readers won’t be able to put down. Published by Amazon Publishing, this short story proves to be too short, and readers will be aching to read more.

Book Summary

The story starts with Isabel Gibson, a woman in her thirties, post-divorce, living in New York, with a straining relationship with her sister, Sophie, who lives in Maine and runs the family bookstore.

Isabel is surviving her day-to-day when she receives a mysterious letter in the mail telling her to get to Maine as soon as possible. Feeling the pull of the past, Isabel jumps on the next ferry, knowing this trip will alter her life path.

Book Review

Although Hoffman’s plot is interesting, it’s the realism in the characters that carry the story. The sisters, Isabel and Sophie, carried out two lives, and their differences will draw readers in, finding themselves in one or both characters. Specifically, the characters appeal to younger millennials, who now understand as they approach or are well into their thirties, life isn’t what it seems. The characters in this story demonstrate that, making it relatable.

Throughout the short story Hoffman added quotes, references, and tidbits of research that amplified the plot. Unfortunately, although a wonderful short story, it could be developed into a novel. Readers might feel rushed because the story is so short, they don’t have time to sit with the information, learn more about the characters, dive into their past. The sister’s relationship was portrayed in a very black and white manner, and those with siblings know that is rarely the case. Turning this short story into a novel, or even a novella, could have made the plot that much richer. Due to this, the reader might feel unsatisfied at the end of the story.

Overall Recommendation

I recommend this story to a reader looking for a short read to up their spirits. Although not long enough, the story can still bring light to those in need of it.

8.5/10