While Bonnie had the least dramatic story, hers was still my favorite. Overall though, I thought this book captured the dynamic of sisters so well because there really is nothing like it.

I loved Cleopatra and Frankenstein so I requested this one the minute I could. I love the complex and real characters that Coco Mellors creates. This novel explores the lives of three sisters after the unexpected death of their fourth sister but the novel starts at the one-year mark since her death. As someone who loves any exploration of grief, I thought it was really interesting to start at this point because not only does grief hit eveyone differently, as we see demonstrated between the three sisters, but it also compounds and changes over time, never going away. Mellors captures this eloquently. Not to mention including the exploration of the sister dynamic, which is always so fascinating to me. I couldn't put this down. I cried, it was funny at times, and just felt so real and true to how humans deal–or don't deal with–grief. Even if you weren't a fan of Cleopatra & Frankenstein, as I know some found it controversial, I would highly recommend diving into this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved Blue Sisters! The story pulled me in right away, and I couldn’t put it down. The characters felt so real, and the way everything unfolded kept me hooked until the very end. It’s emotional, beautifully written, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a book that’ll stay with you long after you finish, this is the one. Highly recommend!

In “Blue Sisters: A Read with Jenna Pick,” Coco Mellors introduces readers to a compelling narrative centered around the lives of the three Blue sisters: Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky. Each sister embodies a distinct personality, shaped by their individual struggles and experiences, while their shared history and the shadow of a fourth sister, Nicky, loom large over their lives. The story explores profound themes of grief, addiction, ambition, and the intricate dynamics of sisterhood, offering readers a rich tapestry woven with humor and heart. At the forefront is Avery, the eldest sister whose journey from a heroin addict to a strait-laced lawyer in London exemplifies resilience and transformation. Her character serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles many face in their quest for redemption, especially when tethered to the painful memories of addiction. Living with her wife, Avery navigates the complexities of her new life while grappling with the ghosts of her past. Her story highlights the importance of support systems, personal growth, and the internal battles individuals face when trying to reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction. Bonnie, the former boxer turned bouncer in Los Angeles, represents the physical and emotional battles fought within the ring of life. Her devastating defeat serves as a pivotal moment that shapes her identity and steers her toward a new path. As a bouncer, Bonnie’s life is a continuous struggle against external forces and personal demons alike. Through her character, Mellors captures the essence of resilience and the often-unseen struggles of those who fight their battles in the shadows. Bonnie’s journey underscores the idea that one’s worth is not solely defined by victories but also by the strength it takes to rise after defeat. Lucky, the youngest sister who models in Paris, embodies the allure and chaos of a hard-partying lifestyle. Her attempts to outrun her past reflect the universal desire for escapism, yet her character also serves as a poignant reminder of the emptiness that can accompany superficial pursuits. As Lucky navigates the highs and lows of her glamorous yet precarious life, readers witness her struggle to find meaning and connection. Her character arc challenges the notion that success and external validation can fill the void left by loss and familial disconnection. The unexpected death of Nicky, the sisters’ fourth sibling, serves as a catalyst for the narrative, propelling the sisters back to their roots in New York. This return home is fraught with emotional turmoil as they confront not only their shared grief but also the disappointments of their childhood. Mellors masterfully portrays the complexities of family dynamics, illustrating how the absence of a loved one can unravel the very fabric that holds a family together. As the sisters grapple with their individual and collective grief, they come to realize that the greatest secrets they’ve been keeping may not be from one another, but rather from themselves. This revelation deepens the exploration of identity and self-acceptance, prompting readers to reflect on their own hidden truths. Ultimately, “Blue Sisters” is more than a story about loss; it is a narrative of resilience and the indomitable strength of sisterhood. Mellors infuses the story with her signature blend of humor and heart, capturing the essence of life’s struggles while reminding readers of the beauty that can emerge from the ashes of grief. As the sisters navigate their journey of healing and self-discovery, they learn that falling in love with life again is not only possible but essential. Through their shared experiences, readers are invited to reflect on their own relationships and the enduring bonds that tie us together, even in the face of adversity. In conclusion, “Blue Sisters” is a compelling exploration of the complexities of sisterhood, grief, and the human spirit. Coco Mellors crafts a narrative that resonates deeply, offering readers a poignant reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for redemption, understanding, and love. As the Blue sisters embark on their journey of reconciliation and self-discovery, they ultimately teach us that embracing our truths and reconnecting with our roots can lead to a more profound appreciation for life and the relationships that shape us.

I loved the writing! Mellors has a way of crafting such real, nuanced characters that I feel like I really get to know on a deeper level. I definitely want to go back and read her previous book now. It was a very raw, emotional story. What was lacking for me that keeps it from being a five star experience was a deeper personal connection. That has nothing to do with the book and is more a me thing. I don't have siblings and I didn't particularly relate with the major themes of addiction. But I did enjoy my time in this story and I absolutely see why this author is so popular!

BLUE SISTERS is a beautiful story of sisterhood, grief, and growing up. I really connected to the alternating POVs and appreciated how deeply you got to know each sister. It felt familiar. Blue Sisters is definitely character driven and I would recommend it to Sally Rooney fans and those who gravitate towards heavier, complicated, literary fiction.

I needed some distance from this novel before writing my review. Its representation of sister relationships was so intense and raw and realistic, especially as they grieved the loss of one of them. Reading about them making poor choices made me criticize them in my head while simultaneously remaining sympathetic to all that they were going through.

The writing is excellent, unwrapping a difficult story arc that focuses on various forms of addiction. I was fully invested in these women and continue thinking about them 2 weeks after reading about them.

This is one of the highlights of my 2024 reading. And I am eager to read Mellor's debut novel Cleopatra and Frankenstein.

A tale of love after loss in the form of a sisterly bond that is truly unbreakable, even from the grave. The trials and tribulations these sisters have faced are what kept me so intrigued throughout the story.

Even though I do not have my own sisters, I do enjoy reading about the family dynamics of sisters. The writing was very enjoyable and each character had their own issues but I just did not connect to any of the characters. It was just and okay story. Thank you Coco Mellors, NetGalley, and Ballantine Books for the ARC of this novel.

Blue Sisters is beautifully written with each living sister having very distinct voices and personalities. I enjoyed how stressful the reading experience became as the book went on and the women’s’ lives began to unravel.

I enjoyed this overall, but I didn’t feel a strong connection with any of the characters.

*cries* Coco Mellors' writing just gets better and better. Highly recommend this book for people who have siblings.

Despite not having any sisters of my own, I am always drawn to stories featuring sisters. I typically align with Read with Jenna selections so I was eager to pick up this story. While I found the story deeply sad, it was also very layered and thought-provoking. I appreciated that heavy topics were handled with care and sensitivity. I enjoyed Coco Mellors' writing style and I look forward to picking up her debut.

I’m so emotional over finishing this. This story and these characters will stay with me for a long, long time.
 
Three sisters navigate their individual lives as grief overtakes them, trying to figure out who they are now that they have lost the glue holding them all together. Through trial and error, these sisters come together and have the most beautiful HEA.
 
Each character had their own issues and imperfections that made me fall more in love with every turned page.
 
A story that perfectly depicts the love and unbreakable bond between sisters. It’s raw, it’s emotional, it’s poetic, it’s wholesome... It did not disappoint!

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮!

4.7 ★

Ahhh this is absolutely one of my favorite books of the year!! I can’t wait to read this authors debut

i really enjoyed frank and cleo by this author so i was excited for this one! thank you netgalley and the pub company for this arc! i really enjoyed this one as well but it did feel slow at times. i also have been in a slump and this didn’t necessarily get me out of it fully

Such a good and heartbreaking story. As someone with four sisters, I related a lot to the family and sibling dynamics. Makes me grateful for my family and feel for others.

Wow 5 ⭐️ Coco has done it again! Beautiful writing with such realistic relatable characters. As the eldest sister this hit me in the heart so good.

4.5! Wow. This story is going to stick with me for a long time. Absolutely stunning writing and impactful characterization. I was so intrigued by each of the sisters and felt so connected to all 4 of them for different reasons. As the eldest sibling of four, Avery’s role in the family really resonated with me by having to fill the role of mother sometimes. The subject matter is heavy at times but I loved watching their relationships with each other get stronger as the story progressed. Absolutely recommend.

The prologue of this was amazing and then after that it went a bit downhill. I thought this would be heartbreaking and a story about grief and while it was, there was a lot of sex and drugs that I didn’t think added to the stories. I still liked it but expected a lot more.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book!

"Blue Sisters" by Coco Mellors is a poignant and complex exploration of family, sisterhood, addiction, grief, and resilience. The novel follows the lives of the Blue sisters—Avery, Bonnie, Lucky, and Nicky—who grew up in a tumultuous household with an abusive father and a distant mother. As adults, their lives diverge: Avery becomes a successful lawyer, Bonnie a female boxer turned bouncer, Lucky a model, and Nicky a teacher. Yet, they remain bound by shared trauma and inherited struggles, including addiction.

Told from the perspectives of the three surviving sisters after the death of the fourth, the story delves deeply into their grief, relationships, and personal battles. Mellors crafts flawed, often unlikable characters who feel deeply real, making readers root for them despite their questionable decisions. Themes of love, loss, and the messy bonds of family run throughout, creating an emotionally charged and thought-provoking narrative.

While the book tackles heavy topics and isn't a lighthearted read, moments of insight and connection provide balance. Some readers found it slow at points or struggled with the boxing-related content, but the nuanced portrayal of addiction, dysfunction, and healing struck a chord with others. Fans of literary fiction and character-driven stories will likely find this a compelling read, even if it isn't always easy to love. "Blue Sisters" is a raw, bittersweet novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page.