Why read The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters?

Book cover of The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters

Book description

It is the age of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, when Europe burns with a passion for long-flowing locks. And when seven sisters, born into fatherless poverty in Ireland, grow up with hair cascading down their backs, to their ankles, and beyond, men are not slow to recognise their potential.

It…

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Literary fiction

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Why read it?

1 author picked The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Kathleen Ann Gonzalez

Author

Like many of Lovric’s novels, Venice features prominently in this book, too, when the seven Harristown sisters, known as the Swiney Godivas, travel there to present their peculiar stage show showcasing their extraordinarily long hair.

Their story originates in Ireland and brings them to London as they scramble their way out of poverty and try to find love. Lovric’s stories always include some gothic, some grotesque, and some pure and enlivening love.

I was drawn into the narrator Manticory’s hopes for a better future while also, at times, feeling squeamish about the more unsavory lengths her sisters go to to…

From Kathleen's 3 favorite reads in 2023.