The Middle Sister
 First edition cover art | |
| Author | Lois Duncan |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | |
| Published | July 18, 1960 |
| Publisher | Dodd, Mead and Company[1] |
| ISBN | 978-1-939-60140-7 |
The Middle Sister is a 1960 novel by Lois Duncan.[2][3][4]
Plot
[edit]The Middle Sister follows the life of Darla, the middle sibling in a family of three daughters. The story begins with Darla feeling overshadowed by her older sister, Jennifer, a successful and assertive figure, and her younger sister, Megan, who is charming and carefree. Throughout the narrative, Darla struggles with her self-esteem and often feels neglected in her family dynamics.
As the plot unfolds, Darla faces various challenges, including conflicts with her sisters and a complicated romantic relationship. When family tensions rise, especially around significant events like weddings and milestones, Darla's feelings of inadequacy come to the forefront.
In a turning point, Darla embarks on a journey of self-discovery, taking a step back from her family obligations to figure out what she truly wants from life. This includes pursuing her passion for art and exploring her identity beyond the roles imposed on her by her sisters and parents.
The climax of the story occurs during a family reunion, where past grievances resurface, leading to an emotional confrontation among the sisters. Ultimately, through heartfelt discussions and revelations, the sisters begin to understand each other's perspectives, paving the way for reconciliation and growth.
By the end of the novel, Darla finds her voice and learns to assert her individuality, strengthening her relationships with her sisters. The story concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and the journey toward self-acceptance.
Critical reception
[edit]Kirkus Reviews published a review of the novel, calling it "Well handled, this story of the ugly duckling should have a direct appeal to teen-age girls who will easily identify with the plight of struggling Ruth."[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "The Middle Sister by Lois Duncan". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
- ^ Writers Directory. Springer. 1983. p. 340. ISBN 978-1-349-03650-9.
- ^ "Lois Duncan". The Alliance for the Study and Teaching of Adolescent Literature at Rhode Island College (ric.edu). February 9, 2006. Retrieved May 8, 2007.
- ^ Drew, Bernard Alger (1997). The 100 Most Popular Young Adult Authors: Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies. Libraries Unlimited. p. 113. ISBN 978-1-563-08615-1.
External links
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