Review of Phantom Siblings

[Rayah Raouf]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Phantom Siblings" by Carolyn Taylor-Watts.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Phantom Siblings is a book written by Carolyn Taylor-Watts. It is an interesting fictional book with a bit of mystery. As the book is told in the first person, the focus is on one character.

The book is about Julian Whitely and his life. It starts with Julian and his wife on their thirtieth wedding anniversary. Pictures of their lives are on display, and he sees a picture of a girl he once knew. He loses himself for a moment which causes him to go down memory lane.

He thinks back to the time when he was in school. That is where he first saw and heard Lousie, the girl from the picture. He also remembers his mom and her obsession with her dead babies. Everywhere he goes, the memory of them is around. It seems that he is competing with them for his mom's love and attention. The real question is, will he get his moms attention? What will happen once he reminisces his time with Lousie? Is he going to regret the decisions he made in his life?

I liked it when the main character said he could see sounds. He could see Lousie's laugh, and he could see music when he pressed the piano keys. I thought that was beautiful. It adds to the point where the character has a musical gift. I also liked how the authors ended the book. I was not expecting anything drastic; however, I was left shocked but happy.

Unfortunately, the portrayal of teenage love took me off guard. I found it slightly odd at first, but I wish it was explained more in-depth. There were a few occasions I would have liked more description. I understand that the book is told from Julian's point of view. Therefore, this limits the information told to the reader.

Even though it was an enjoyable and short read, this took me a while to get through. Fortunately, the negative points are not drastic enough to give the book a low rating. Therefore, I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. This book is professionally edited, as I hardly noticed any errors.

I would recommend Phantom Siblings to people who enjoy books that focus on family. This book would be suitable for younger readers. However, they should be mature enough to know the topic of dead siblings is mentioned. It might be emotional for readers who have lost a sibling. Also, there isn't anything explicit in terms of content or even language

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Phantom Siblings
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[Astral Magi]

I an not sure this book is for me. I don't like the sound of a mother clinging to dead babies. Thanks for a lovely review.

[Miller56]

Thanks for the review. This book sounds like it has an interesting twist from Julian's life. I know parents often struggle with the death of their children and withhold a part of themselves. It is interesting that Julian feels he is competing with dead babies. I am sure he is trying to break into an area of his mother' heart that she holds tightly to keep from getting more hurt. Although the book sounds interesting, I am not sure it is for me.

[NancyDrew12]

Wow! This novel sounds very interesting. Julian's mom seems like she might actually need some therapy. Amazing review!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

Seeing sounds seems very interesting. It reminds me of "The Glass Bead Game" by Hermann Hesse . I loved reading your intriguing review!

[Prisallen]

You have me curious about what happened with Louise. Thanks for your wonderful review!

[marta baglioni]

The plot might not be incredibly original, but I can see the execution was pretty good. You got me curious about the synaesthesia part! Thank you for the great review

[Rayah Raouf]

I an not sure this book is for me. I don't like the sound of a mother clinging to dead babies. Thanks for a lovely review.

Not to worry! Thank you for dropping by!

Thanks for the review. This book sounds like it has an interesting twist from Julian's life. I know parents often struggle with the death of their children and withhold a part of themselves. It is interesting that Julian feels he is competing with dead babies. I am sure he is trying to break into an area of his mother' heart that she holds tightly to keep from getting more hurt. Although the book sounds interesting, I am not sure it is for me.

Absolutely! That is exactly what drew me in. I am sure this happens in real life with real families. I was curious how Julian was going to deal with it.

Wow! This novel sounds very interesting. Julian's mom seems like she might actually need some therapy. Amazing review!

Hahaha! Thats a given. I think a lot of characters from books need therapy. Thank you for dropping by!

Seeing sounds seems very interesting. It reminds me of "The Glass Bead Game" by Hermann Hesse . I loved reading your intriguing review!

Oh, I will check that out. Thank you

You have me curious about what happened with Louise. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Thank you for the comment

The plot might not be incredibly original, but I can see the execution was pretty good. You got me curious about the synaesthesia part! Thank you for the great review

I actually haven't read any books like this before, so I am curious about other authors take on this. Thank you!

[Chigo Nwagboso]

Your writing tone depicts that you enjoyed every aspect of this book and that's nice. I'd also love to read this interesting title. Thanks for an insightful review.

[Saint Bruno]

Wait! You mean he could see sounds? Isn't that interesting? This tale sounds intriguing. Thanks for the detailed review and recommendation.

[Hyacinth Bella]

I don't think I would be reading this since the mom triggers me and would make me uncomfortable, I mean, an obsession on dead babies? Whaaaat??? This seems such an interesting story, but really not for me. Thank you for the detailed review.

[Rayah Raouf]

Your writing tone depicts that you enjoyed every aspect of this book and that's nice. I'd also love to read this interesting title. Thanks for an insightful review.

Thank you for the lovely comment. It is an interesting book indeed.

Wait! You mean he could see sounds? Isn't that interesting? This tale sounds intriguing. Thanks for the detailed review and recommendation.

I know right? I liked that part and wish there was more to it. Thank you.

I don't think I would be reading this since the mom triggers me and would make me uncomfortable, I mean, an obsession on dead babies? Whaaaat??? This seems such an interesting story, but really not for me. Thank you for the detailed review.

Not to worry! It is interesting but I can understand why it would turn people away. Thank you for the lovely comment.

[Ellylion]

The title is very intriguing! Also, I liked what you wrote about the ending Would love to check this book out! Thank you very much for this amazing review

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

Of course a mother who lost her babies will always think about them and grief might be part of her life. But surely a mother must not deprive the living kids of love, care, and attention. Thanks for the review!

[MsH2k]

This sounds like a unique story, almost like one you might find on The Twilight Zone.
Thank you for your take on this read!