Book Summary and Reviews of The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Reader Reviews

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Barbara B. (Holbrook, NY)

The Two Family House by Lynda Cohen Longman
This was an excellent read concerning 2 sisters related by marriage who shared a secret and thus created a tight bond. I thought I knew the secret from the beginning but this took nothing away from continuing on. I love reading novels from earlier times, and this was the same years as a Tree Grows In Brooklyn, which was a favorite of mine. The language of the book flows so well and it just grabs you and makes the reader want to keep on reading and reading. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Thanks once again for the advance copy. It is always a joy to find out you received a book to read and review.

Marcia C. (Jeffersonville, PA)

The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Longman
This is the story of Helen and Rose and their husbands Abe and Mort and their families. From the day that Helen and Rose became sisters-in-law they were extremely close, totally supportive of each other. Then one snowy night the two women made a crucial decision that would reverberate throughout the rest of their lives and those of their families.

After reading the first few pages I was pretty sure I knew what had happened between the two women. But, knowing that didn't take anything away from the power of the book. What I found intriguing was the way in which the author chose to let the decision play out in the lives of Helen and Rose and the two families, almost to the point of destroying them. I was so taken with the book that I found myself reading until 3 o'clock in the morning! A thought provoking book. I'm suggesting it to my book group.

Barbara G. (Acworth, GA)

Decisions
One caution before you read this selection; make sure you have plenty of time because it is a page turner. The author is truly skilled at developing the characters and the interaction between them.
This story that begins with a strong love between two sisters-in-law that eventually turns to resentment and animosity. Emotional decisions made with compassion soon turn out to be regrettable.
Two brothers begin their young lives sharing a two story house with their new wives and growing families and business. Abe and Mort have quite different personalities. Abe took care of sales and the guys in the warehouse. Mort felt that the only thing that really mattered was the numbers and strove for consistency in his life. These traits, of course, carry over into the relationships with the wives and families. It is interesting to see the children's character develop as a result of how different the fathers were and the situations/obstacles they lived with.
Early on you discover what happened and how quickly it happens. From this point the reader just needs to sit back and enjoy the very well crafted story.

Molly K. (San Jose, CA)

Upstairs Downstairs
I loved this book. No, it's not the next great American novel. But, it spoke to me in ways I could never imagine.

One of four daughters to parents in postwar America, I always knew that my father's biggest regret in life was not having a son.

Loigman's character are well defined and interesting throughout--in their worst as well as their best moments. The chapters are short and each is told from the perspective of one character, though not in first person.

The story is a quick read and moves along to a satisfying climax. Even though the defining moment is obvious to the reader from the beginning, it in no way interfered with my enjoyment in reading and my anticipation of the ending.

Perhaps a bit schmaltzy in places, with characters sometimes too stereotypical, I will recommend this book to others and will look forward to the author's next adventure.

Candace F. (Lincoln, NE)

The Two-Family House
I finished "The Two Family-House" last night. If Loigman had other books I would be on my way to the book store now to purchase more. Loigman paints her characters like a masterpiece starting with a sketch of the character and adding layer upon layer of human emotions. The relationships between the two families was so real with all the human emotions one encounters as we journey through life.The book left me feeling like I could sit down with any one of the characters and have a great conversation as with an old friend. The end left me crying tears of joy and sadness. A beautiful story so craftily woven as with the threads of a piece of beloved fabric.This is a book to add to my list of favorites of all times. I will be recommending this book to all my friends and family.

Lillian T. (Orlando, FL)

Good Family Saga
I did enjoy the book and I considered it a good one. It really grabs your attention from the beginning being that the plot and story was good. But I have to say, I don't like books where I can decipher the secret from the beginning and this was the case. I like books with twists and turns, and unexpected elements to develop throughout the book although one tragedy did strike me as a surprise.

Also, I found the author wrapping up the ending in a not so neatly way. I find that some characters for example Judith didn't have a last say. Also, in my opinion, Johnny was a character that needed more development in the novel as he was an important part of the ending of the novel.

But overall, it is a good selection for Book Clubs being that there are many themes to be discussed. Readers who like authors like Jodi Picoult, Lisa Scottoline, Lisa Genova and Liane Moriarty will find this an awesome read.

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