When you pick up a novel about conjoined twins, you might expect a curiosity, a glimpse of a life unlike any you can imagine. Lori Lansens' novel The Girls, about 29-year-old Rose and Ruby Darlen, who are joined at the head, is instead an affecting portrait of the importance of connections, and the distance that exists within even the closest of bonds. The Girls is a masterful tale and reading it will definitely make you a bigger person. This novel fantasizes about what it would be like to truly, deeply and physically know another person to such an extent that it is impossible to live otherwise. Through hardships and highlighting moments of their lives, like the fact they were born in the middle of a ferocious tornado, these twin girls have been always there for each other. Ruby, the exciting twin, writes the occasional chapter at Rose's urging, since she feels her life story could never be complete without the voice of the sister who has been along for every breath of it. Lansen creates completely distinct voices for each woman, and occasionally uses the format to revisit moments from each perspective. The title, itself portrays the strong connection between these two amazing strong women. They find ways to cope with the exclusion they endure from society, struggling relationships and ultimately realize that they are each other’s best companion. At last it comes down to the point where they must decide, who out of the two will live, and that is the hardest decision the twins could possibly face. This novel will take you through a twisting journey of these two conjoined, extraordinary characters.

I loved this book!! A story of two girls trying to live an ordinary, everyday life with the love of their adoptive parents. Lesson to us all is that no matter who, no matter where, we all have the same need and desire to be loved for who we are. Memorable!

I just couldn't get into this book at all. Shame because I normally love her books.

I read The Girls by Lori Lansens a couple of months ago but, now that I can comment on it, I feel compelled to contribute to its publicity! The book presents the fictional autobiography of the world’s “oldest surviving craniopagus twins.” Rose and Ruby Darlen, born in the blacked-out aftermath of a tornado, are joined at the head; they share a common blood supply and can never be separated. Abandoned by their birth mother, they get adopted by a delighted nurse, Lovey Darlen and her husband Stash. As the twins' thirtieth birthday approaches, the bookish Rose decides to fulfill a fifteen-year-old promise and write her life story. She invites her “somewhat lazy” sister Ruby to write a few chapters as well, though they agree not to read each others’ work. The result is a captivating, tender story of identity, attachment, and love....plus, it comes from Canada!

This is one of those books I cannot say enough about. Refreshingly different and honest and true feeling. What would life be like as one of the girls? This book is full of the different kinds of love in the world, and they all ring true. I ordered Lori Lansens other two books one chapter in. Read it, read it!

One of the most outstanding books I've read. Memorable is not a strong enough word.

At the halfway point in the book, I thought the story premise was interesting, the structure and contrast were good, and the writing was competent ... but something I couldn't put my finger on was not drawing me in to the characters. After I finished it, I could say the story drew me in a bit more towards the end, and although the ending itself was a bit overstated, it was still very touching, too.

I have recommended this book to so many people! A wonderful, different read that takes you by surprise and touches your heart. If you like this book, try Rush Home Road.

This is quite possibly the best book I have ever read. From the first page I was hooked and became utterly and completely devoted to the characters and their story. A definite must read.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I also love that it took place in Ontario.