Blood Sisters (Langani Trilogy)

This book follows the life of three girls and their familes from the age of 13 to 21 during the 1960s, and that in itself is intriguing. The twist is that it is set mainly in Kenya - after the Mao-mao, and just as Kenya gained its independence, which takes it from intriguing to fascinating! The descriptions of Kenya, the wildlife and the countryside are amazing. It focusses mainly on the developing characters of the three girls, showing their joys and miseries. It highlights the differences and similarities in their characters - and at various times you find yourself empathising with each one of them. Although it ends incredibly sadly, you are partially prepared for that in the prologue - which helps to numb the blow a little - but it is dealt with extrememly well. Historically, it is fascinating; setting the scene fully and showing just what life might have been like. It's set around about the time when I was born. Although I have already read something about the era and about what went on, I still learnt from this book - and enjoyed nearly every minute of it. However, it is not essential to know anything about the History in advance, as everything is pretty well explained. The characters are fully developed; and the story line is intriguing. Although you may find your self disliking a certain character for a while - you later find out what made them behave in that way, and your opinions change to a certain extent. The authors work together incredibly well. At no time are you aware that one sister wrote one bit and the other wrote the rest - that various parts run together without any sudden jumps or changes in style. Mum and I both read this book over the Christmas holidays, and we both loved it. I have already bought the sequel (A Durable Fire) and am halfway through 'To My Daughter In France', another book by the same pair of sisters which is our book club book for the next month. I will be looking out for any other books that they produce, and will be keen to buy them!

What a fantastic story based in Kenya, I was mesmerized from the beginning! The relationship between the three girls and the background hardship that are going on and their individual ways of getting through everything and yet sticking together were highly commendable. I could not put the book down and was very upset when I completed it; I wanted to read on! Luckily, the story is continued and all the ends tied up in their following book "Durable Fire" another epic read. Please hurry up and write another one soon!! Highly recommend their first book "To my Daughter in France" too. Fantastic writers!!

Well written a bit old fashioned in the writing but a good honest read

I have just finished reading these three books, written by the Keating sisters and was unable to put them down. The story of the three friends and their lives completely absorbed me. There was no cooking or cleaning done in my house until the books were finished. I found them to be loving and yet so very tragic and made me feel as though I was actually with them. Also, the descriptions of Kenya and its people were remarkable. Having lived there, I was constantly reminded of places I knew and loved, especially my old school and family holidays in Mombassa. Africa has a way of stealing your heart and you never forget its beauty and the gentle people who live there. Congratulations to the Keating sisters, they took me back in time, with their wonderful story telling.

Having grown up in Kenya, this took me back to my child hood. A really beautifully written book, which sets a brilliant scene. At times, I did find it a little repetitive but a very good story line. I read "To my Daughter in France" first by the same authors and thought that was brilliant and was not disappointed with reading a second novel my the same author. A good read. Only one problem, the small type face, which I don't like especially because I read mainly at night. Author's need to print their books in bigger type face because it is a real turn off for me if it is too small. Worth the read.

Phenomenal story. Book was in good condition and arrived promptly

Looked OK when shut but spine of book broken - book fell open because of weakness & some leaves very loose. Description said Very good - more like Acceptable. Returned book.

Interesting story about life in Africa, and the trials and tribulations of life out there in the sixties. Worth reading.

although most of my interests are of memoirs, this story was well researched with historical events in Africa that I almost found myself diving in head-first imagining it was reality. But, that is a sign of a well written book, captivating and moving. Found myself haunted by some of the events. So glad this extended on to trilogy as I enjoyed each one at the same level. Thank you for three great reads!

I used to live in Kenya and this trilogy has brought back many happy memories. All three books are,in my opinion, extremely interesting. Wish there was a fourth book to follow the trilogy.

Looking forward to the next book in the series. Quite an insight into the settler life in Kenya, the 'other side' of the story, being a native Kenyan myself.

Truly wonderful story full of appealing human individuals written by a masterful writer. I look forward to reading books two and three of this absorbing and deeply engaging trilogy.

This is a page turner, the kind that not only entertains, but revives a history I knew but had forgotten, about Africa in the l960's, Kenya in particular. Beautifully, engagingly written. One of the best books I have ever read!