Blue Sisters: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel

Three estranged siblings return to their family home in New York after their beloved sister’s death in this “deeply nuanced and compelling” (Vogue) novel, from the acclaimed author of Cleopatra and Frankenstein.

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Published Sep 3, 2024

368 pages

Average rating: 6.96

499 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Anonymous
Jun 25, 2025
10/10 stars
4.5 ⭐️

This is my first Coco Mellors book and I am hooked!! This book was beautifully written!! It is a beautiful story of sisterhood, trauma, addiction, grief, and so much more. The characters were real and beautifully flawed. And let's not forget to mention the gorgeous cover!!
This is by no means an "easy" book, it's very heavy at times, but don't let that stop you!!
Coco Mellors I am a fan now and can't wait to dive into your other books.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this beautiful story with me in exchange for my honest review.
allisonconti
Feb 05, 2025
7/10 stars
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.
Jax_
Sep 11, 2024
8/10 stars
There are many great books that aren’t about sunshine and butterflies. I can handle it. But, with nonfiction that covers the unpleasantness of life, there isn’t a screw turning to make sure we are getting the point. If the screw is in the deft hand of a magnificent fiction writer, it can gut you. To be clear, I don’t feel actually gutted here but I do feel sad about these imaginary people whose lives should be good but are so bad instead. When it comes to Lucky, I have met that girl and feel for her. Outside beauty. Inside hollow. Pouring in whatever is around to fill the space or deaden it. Bonnie is my favorite. Driven, disciplined, successful but molded too tightly in the form of a boxer that her soul doesn’t have space for nurturing. We know our shares of Bonnies as well. Nicky. To say her end was a tragedy is an understatement. Then, there is always an Avery. The one who carries burdens like an adult, doesn’t check out, but probably wishes she had a loving mommy’s shoulder to cry on. Very flawed, very real characters. Pacing is too slow at times, but this is about character building not thrilling. I think I’ll go outside now and watch the butterflies feed on the last of my zinnias. Many thanks to Random House Publishing—Ballantine and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
Teachermom
Jun 29, 2025
9/10 stars
The depth at which this book deals with generational addiction is beautiful.
juleskshi
May 22, 2025
9/10 stars
coco mellors does such a wonderful job encapsulating both the pain and beauty of grief, as well as the struggles of addiction and how that plays into family dynamics. my only complaint was that the characters could sometimes be so insufferable and abrasive that i felt myself getting quite irritated, but i think this was also crucial for the story. overall, such a lovely and emotional read.

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