Oh, Sister: The powerful new novel from the author of Another Life

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These three women may all be linked through the same religious community, but soon they will discover they all share something else much more important - a sisterhood. But can that be enough to ever let them really be free? Isobel has spent her life learning to be a daughter, a wife, a mother but never learning to be herself because it didn't matter. Now without a husband, who could she possibly hope to be?

Oh, Sister: The powerful new novel from the author of A… Oh, Sister: The powerful new novel from the author of A…

Victor was the most impressive of the secondary characters. I wish he had had a greater role to play. He was one of the few sane voices in the story. I loved how all of the women had a perception of each other that we could see why was the case whilst also understanding how wrong it was. I loved the way they all had similar realisations in different ways and at different times and just the growth!! Jodie Chapman is such an exceptional writer. I loved Another Life and Oh Sister was, quite simply, just as incredible.

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This book was absolutely brilliant and I loved everything about it. I absolutely loved the three women’s story and the way that their lives were so different and path to sec discovery was so different regardless of them all started in their own place. It tells the stories of Jen, Zelda and Isobel. All three women are ruled by a stout belief in a religion where they are expected to do as they are told, and to be submissive to men. Acting outside of God’s wishes, according to the interpretation of the Bible, will not be tolerated. Each of the women face being disworshipped & ousted by their congregation, not because of the truth, but because they are not believed. Not believed by the elders who are, of course, men. Sophie Flynn is a Cotswolds based psychological thriller author and head of marketing at Jericho Writers.

Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman · OverDrive: ebooks, audiobooks Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman · OverDrive: ebooks, audiobooks

Jodie Chapman uses her own life experiences as a Jehovah's Witness in both of her books. In her debut Another Life, I found the religious aspects to overshadow the actual love story which I was more invested in. However, in Oh, Sister I didn't find it distracting at all, in fact, it was an interesting and integral part of the plot as you'll be able to gather from my review. There are three main protagonists; Jen, Isobel, and Zelda. Whilst they all have their similarities when it comes to the religion, they are all completely separate and very well developed. They’re realistic and familiar and you want to wish them all the best on their respective journeys inside and outside the religion. Yes, they are victims, but they’re not written as victims – well, not all the time anyway. They all have their own thoughts and beliefs, things that women aren’t always allowed to voice, and I found them to be three of the strongest characters I’ve read. It was an absolutely fantastic read. The hypocrisy of religion, Christianity in this case, when it comes to women had me furious with the women who accept it and the men who are more than happy to dole out "punishments".Chapman depicts a fictional cult where Christianity is at the root of the beliefs, but the followers/disciples are brainwashed into thinking that all that is preached by their ministers is the gospel truth.

Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman publishes in the UK - Madeleine Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman publishes in the UK - Madeleine

The ending was a little unfulfilling and abrupt for me but overall I found Oh Sister equal parts challenging, perceptive and uplifting. This week Natalie Chandler and I chat about traditional publishing, advice for aspiring writers, books everyone should be reading, and why we shouldn’t be scared of literary agents. This beautiful tale of love, loss and sacrifice will break your heart...With echoes of David Nicholls' One Day and Sally Rooney's novels * Daily Mail * As the pressure builds and Frankie's personal life begins to take the hit, she starts to wonder if she'll ever manage to escape the strange world of fashion unscathed. And, quite frankly, does she even want to?

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They belong to the Church. Life and death decisions are taken by others on their behalf. Who they might marry. Whether they start a family. I won’t lie, it’s a hard book to read. There are some seriously intense themes, and some emotional scenes, talk of sexual abuse, death, complicated love affairs etc. They are hard to read sometimes, but I think she’s found a nice balance. They’re there for a point, to show that this religion is not always the happy place it’s often depicted as, but they’re not just there for entertainment purposes. They really mean something to the author, the characters, and the reader. CN for this book/review: religion, miscarriage, sexual assault (including of a minor), internalised homophobia, pedophilia

Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman - Penguin Books Australia Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman - Penguin Books Australia

The characters are brought to life in a way that will leave you rooting for them. A touching tale about female friendship [and] finding strength when you need it most’– Grazia I resonated with a lot in this book, specifically the character Zelda, who I thought was the most interesting. I’m not sure if any of these women truly found the breadth of their voice, but many never do. Sometimes being brave enough to sing means not everyone will like your song, or those that you thought loved you only loved the walls you helped them decorate. This is a compelling book about finding freedom after suffering trauma, rejection and hypocrisy within organised religion. This will sadly speak into the experiences of many and Chapman's sensitive handling will I hope be a cathartic read for anyone who recognises any of the events or attitudes described. Yet, despite the serious storyline and issues explored this has rich characterisation and a compelling plot driving you all the way through this enjoyable book. I've read a number of books about religious "cults" as some call them, and so far, I've enjoyed nearly all of them. You would think they would be a bit samey, and I suppose there are similar themes, but the authors all of their own personal experience and therefore they can put part of themselves in their books, giving each one the edge. Distinct and so movingly told that as a reader you really root for them to thrive’ – Good HousekeepingOh Sister centres on three women, Zelda, Jen and Isobel, all of whom are “sisters” in a religious community (:cult) The Disciples of the Last Days, but have been disfellowed for different reasons for having gone against the rules. As with most (all?) organised religions, The Disciples require women to be devoted to God, subservient to their elders and brothers who run the cult, and do a steady trade in hypocrisy. Isobel Forge has spent a lifetime following the prescriptions set out for an ideal daughter, dutiful mother, and suitable wife to a community elder, all at the expense of getting to know her own self. When her husband leaves her, what becomes of her identity – what role can she possibly assume? But this is not a dystopia. This is not the future or the past or a fantasy. It is real and it is happening now.