Blue Sisters

4.25 ⭐️ (Rounded Down)

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors has been described as a modern-day Little Women—if the March sisters were grappling with unresolved trauma and in desperate need of therapy (ideally not one they go on to date or marry). Honestly? That comparison feels spot on.

The novel follows three sisters—Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky—navigating life in the aftermath of their fourth sister Nicky’s sudden death. A year after the tragedy, they are scattered across the globe: Avery is a lawyer in London, Bonnie a boxer-turned-bouncer in Los Angeles, and Lucky a model in Paris. Their paths eventually converge back home in New York City, where they sort through Nicky’s belongings. (Spoiler: my favorite parts of the book happen when all three sisters are together.)

I’m conflicted about rating this one. On one hand, Mellors’ writing is stunning. Her vivid, immersive descriptions make you feel as though you can smell the NYC subway, the sweat-soaked air of a boxing gym, and the simmering coq au vin in Chiti and Avery’s kitchen—all while the sisters’ grief presses heavily against your chest. It’s the kind of prose that demands you pause and reread to fully absorb it.

Each sister has her own POV chapters, and while they are richly developed characters, it took time for me to connect with them fully. By the novel’s end, however, I was deeply invested in their individual journeys.

But I did find myself longing for more flashbacks and memories with Nicky. These moments were among my favorites, adding emotional weight and helping illuminate the profound loss at the heart of the story. I only wish there had been more of her presence throughout.

At its core, this novel explores grief, addiction, and the complexities of family dynamics. Even when I couldn’t completely relate to the sisters, I rooted for them, ached with them, and admired the fierce bond they share.

Blue Sisters is a beautifully raw, unforgettable story that lingers long after the final page.

Three sisters are reunited one year after their fourth sister's tragic and unexpected death. Deep grief separated the remaining sisters for over a year until they are drawn back to their childhood home and face this grief and each other. All the Blue sisters are about as different as four people can be. Each with their own stories and complex personalities. The writers character development with each sister is so well done and each of the sister have chapters dedicated to their points of view and unique stories and experiences. Even though the sisters are very different, they also all have a certain understanding of each other because some of what each sister struggles with stems from past trauma caused by family addiction, and struggles with confidence and discovering their true selves. I find that some of the best novels I have read are ones that make the reader uncomfortable and are not terribly enjoyable to read at times.@cocomellors is an author that makes me feel this way. This is the second book I have read of hers. First being, "Cleopatra and Frankenstein". Both books were similar in this way. Her writing really makes you empathize with the characters and their stories and both deal with tough subjects. There are times I cry, laugh, and cringe when reading these two books. I have found though, that ultimately these are the books that I think about for a long time and tend to love. Blue Sisters speaks to grief, forgiveness and what addiction does generationally to families. I heard the author talk about her own past addiction struggles and I feel like the way she has written this topic is done in a way that only someone with experience around this could do. The story ultimately ends in a hopeful way with each sister discovering parts of themselves and making each ask what they want out of this life. Beautifully written.

very beautiful. some ethically questionable relationships lol. some of my favorite quotes:

“As long as you are alive, it is never too late to be found”

“‘Two therapists walk into a bar’ she said. ‘You’re good, says the first therapist. How am I?’”

“thousands of other girls, lifted together on a tide of riotous, unapologetic joy, the feeling that to be a girl with other girls was not some weakness, as they had been told, but a power, the best and luckiest power on earth”