The Bookish Ashley

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, two picturesque islands separated by only eleven miles, serve as the backdrop for Elin Hilderbrand’s The Identicals, a tale of estranged twin sisters, Harper and Tabitha Frost. After more than a decade of silence, the sisters swap lives and islands in an attempt to mend their fractured family. What ensues is a whirlwind of secrets, lies, and gossip that crosses the water as easily as a ferry.

Plot and Pacing

The premise of twins switching lives may evoke memories of The Parent Trap, but Hilderbrand infuses the narrative with an adult complexity. The sisters’ journey is filled with enough old resentments and new loves to keep readers turning pages late into the night. The plot is fast-paced, with twists and turns that, while sometimes predictable, are always entertaining. The switch leads to many humorous and heartfelt moments, making it a perfect summer read.

Characters

Harper and Tabitha are well-drawn, each with their distinct flaws and virtues. Harper is the laid-back, free-spirited sister, while Tabitha is more uptight and controlled. Watching them navigate each other’s worlds is both amusing and enlightening, as they discover more about themselves in the process. The supporting characters add depth to the story, particularly their complicated relationships with their mother and Tabitha’s teenage daughter, Ainsley.

Themes

The central theme of The Identicals is family and forgiveness. Hilderbrand explores how misunderstandings and long-held grudges can drive wedges between loved ones, and how empathy and communication can begin to heal those rifts. The novel also delves into themes of identity and self-discovery, as Harper and Tabitha learn more about themselves through their swapped lives.

Setting

The dual settings of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are vividly described, making the islands themselves feel like characters in the story. Hilderbrand’s love for these locales shines through in her descriptions of the beaches, shops, and summer festivities. The sense of place is strong and adds an extra layer of charm to the novel.

Writing Style

Hilderbrand’s writing is engaging and breezy, perfectly suited for a summer read. She has a knack for balancing humor and drama, and her dialogue is sharp and realistic. While the story is light-hearted, it doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper emotional issues, giving it a satisfying depth.

Conclusion

The Identicals is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of family dramas and beach novels. It’s not without its clichés, but Hilderbrand’s skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters make it easy to overlook them. The book is a reminder that it’s never too late to reconcile with family and that sometimes, stepping into someone else’s shoes can provide the perspective needed to mend broken bonds.

If you’re looking for a binge-worthy summer read that combines humor, heart, and a touch of island magic, The Identicals is a perfect choice.