The Girls

A Novel

By: Lori Lansens

Narrated by: Lolita Davidovich, Stephanie Zimbalist

Meet Rose and Ruby: sisters, best friends, confidantes, and conjoined twins. Since their birth, Rose and Ruby Darlen have been known simply as "the girls." They make friends, fall in love, have jobs, love their parents, and follow their dreams. But the Darlens are special. Now nearing their 30th birthday, they are history's oldest craniopagus twins, joined at the head by as pot the size of a bread plate.

When Rose, the bookish sister, sets out to write her autobiography, it inevitably becomes the story of her short but extraordinary life with Ruby, the beautiful one. From their awkward first steps -- Ruby's arm curled around Rose's neck, her foreshortened legs wrapped around Rose's hips -- to the friendships they gradually build for themselves in the small town of Leaford, this is the profoundly affecting chronicle of an incomparable life journey.

As Rose and Ruby's story builds to an unforgettable conclusion, Lansens aims at the heart of human experience -- the hardship of loss and struggles for independence, and the fundamental joy of simply living a life. This is a breathtaking novel, one that no reader will soon forget, a heartrending story of love between sisters.

Loved this book!

I didn't know what to expect when I bought this book. But it sounded interesting. It did not disappoint. The story was interesting, sweet, and loving.

I don't really want to say too much, other than, listen to it, or read it, it's worth the time.

Highly imaginative and lyrical "memoir"

"The Girls" by Lori Lansens is a highly imaginative and lyrical "memoir" about two women who are sisters, friends and twins. Rose and Ruby are companions for life, joined at the head. Get beyond the creep factor and allow the girls to share their tale as the narration alternates between them. Written in two distinct voices, this work of fiction is most captivating when we see the twins interacting with others in their small Canadian town. Rose and Ruby pepper their journey with drama and comedy while disclosing some surprises along the way.

Beautiful story

This book was amazing! It was wonderfully enhanced by the two excellent narrators. I discovered, towards the end of my listen, that it was the abridged version and I feel cheated because that means I did not get all the details from this beautiful story. I'm going back for more. The audio version is beautifully narrated and worth a listen even though I have never before recommended or knowingly purchased an abridged book. My fault for missing the abridged label, but a happy mistake because otherwise I would have passed on this wonderful audio.

Fictional

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down… I read straight through from start to finish
I had no idea, all throughout the book, that Ruby and Rose were fictional characters. The author brought them to life so poignantly!
What a beautiful read indeed!

Engaging story

Well-written and entertaining. It kind of reminded me of Middlesex, combining cultural issues, non-traditional body issues, and quirky individuals in the story. The reading was very well done; I was not really a fan of the musical
transitions, but they weren't a big problem. The story left me wanting more, in a good way.