Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

Sisterhood Everlasting

by Ann Brashares

Publication Date: 2011

Number of Pages: 349

ISBN: 9780679605096

It’s been ten years since the conclusion of young adult series, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.  The last we saw the Lena, Bridget, Carmen and Tibby, they had journeyed to Greece to find the lost pair of pants that tied them together.  The pants have been lost, and so have the close relationships that once defined their lives.  In this fifth and final installment, Tibby reaches out and plans a reunion for the quartet on the Greek isle of Santorini, and the remaining three enthusiastically make time to reconnect.  But when they arrive, tragedy strikes; Tibby has drowned, and leaves behind a series of letters for each of her friends that hint that it was planned.  Suddenly, the girls are left to deal with their grief, and must face the consequences of the choices they have made over the past ten years. 

Each of the girls embarks on a year of introspection and discovery, guided by Tibby’s letters.  As each new letter is opened, the characters discover something about themselves, taking the reader on their journey of self-discovery, and eventually, the realization that some bonds can never be broken. 

Though based on a young adult series, Brashares seamlessly transitions to adult fare.  While those who have read the earlier series will connect more fully with the characters, the novel also stands on its own as a study of the transition from childhood to adult friendship.  Each character’s story explores a theme universal to women’s lives: marriage, love, commitment, motherhood, work/life balance, death and grieving, and of course, friendship.  Brashares’ writing moves along at a steady pace, slowly revealing bits and pieces of the larger story.  Ultimately, the women find their way back together in a n ending that is both life-affirming and bittersweet. 

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If you enjoyed Sisterhood Everlasting, you might also enjoy these books:

The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart

This novel features two best friends, Cameron and Sonia.  The two have lost touch, and are forced to reconnect when Cameron fulfills of the dying request of her employer.  The story demonstrates the ways in which a childhood friendship can define a life. 

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

More humorous in tone, this novel explores the relationship between two sisters, Lottie and Fliss.  Lottie, the more whimsical of the two, decides to marry an old flame after reuniting for only a few days, and Fliss decides it is her responsibility to prevent it. 

Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson

This teen novel features much of the same themes explored in the first several books of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.  A group of three girls from diverse backgrounds bond during their summer working at a peach orchard, and begin a lasting friendship.