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Book Review of The Gilly Salt Sisters

The Gilly Salt Sisters
njmom3 avatar reviewed on + 1361 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3


Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/03/gilly-salt-sisters.html

The Gilly Salt Sisters is the story of a small Cape Cod Village called Prospect and the two most influential families - the Gilly and the Turners. The two families could not be more different. The Turners are the wealthy leaders of the town, shaping and changing the town on the basis of their wealth. The Gillys are a mother and two daughters, who are poor and live on the outskirts of town, and yet their salt farm holds a mystical power over the town and its fortunes.

The story focuses primarily on Jo and Claire - the sisters. Surrounding them is a cast of interesting characters. Their mother. Whit Turner, whose friendship begins with Jo but who ends up marrying Claire. The town priest. Ethan Stone, Claire's childhood sweetheart. Whit's mother's Ida. These characters and the other townspeople bring the story to life.

The story spreads over two generations and moves seamlessly back and forth over time. The book brings out family relationships, disagreements, secrets from the past, friendships, marriages, accidents, and affairs all surrounded by a little magic and mystery. Add to this vivid descriptions of Cape Code and the isolation of the village. The book is definitely melodramatic, but in an enjoyable way. All these elements weave together to form an intriguing story that pulls you into its world.