A Journey of Sisters: A Review of The Frederick Sisters Are Living the Dream by Jeannie Zusy
From the moment I stumbled across the whimsical cover of The Frederick Sisters Are Living the Dream, I was intrigued. The promise of humor mixed with deep family dynamics beckoned me, reminding me of my own intricate familial ties. Jeannie Zusy’s novel dives headfirst into the beautifully chaotic world of sisterhood, exploring what happens when responsibility clashes with love and everything in between.
At the heart of this story lies Maggie Frederick, the youngest sister, who finds her carefully curated life turned upside down when her older sister Ginny, who has intellectual disabilities and is a diabetic with a penchant for indulgence, comes to live with her. The opening scene in the ER sets the stage for a roller coaster of emotions. Maggie’s struggle to manage her separated life, her two sons, and now Ginny—a stubborn but lovable character—forms the crux of the narrative. I found myself chuckling at Ginny’s antics, from her explosive love for strawberry Jell-O to her unapologetic refusal to cooperate. It was a poignant reminder of the unpredictable essence of family life.
One theme that struck me deeply is the concept of caregiving. Zusy navigates this delicate subject with an authenticity that felt personal. Through Maggie’s eyes, we see the frustrations and joys of being the primary caretaker—the way love can feel like both a blessing and a heavy burden. The character of Betsy, the estranged and seemingly aloof surfer sister, adds an interesting dynamic. Her absence symbolizes the complexities of family relationships and the different paths we take.
Zusy’s writing style is candid and reflective, often allowing readers a glimpse into Maggie’s chaotic thoughts. The stream-of-consciousness narrative made me feel intimately connected with Maggie’s inner turmoil. Lines like “Sometimes love feels like paddling against a tidal wave of responsibility” resonated with my own experiences. The balance of humor and heartache is masterfully done, making the novel an emotional yet uplifting read.
While I relished the authentic portrayals of sisterly bonds and familial duties, some sections dragged slightly, yet the underlying message of embracing imperfections kept me engaged. Readers have lauded the book for its relatability, with one claiming it’s a “rollercoaster ride” that leaves you laughing and crying simultaneously. This perfectly encapsulated my experience; I found myself chuckling through tears more than once.
If you enjoy stories rich in character development and complex familial relationships, The Frederick Sisters Are Living the Dream is a must-read. It’s a heartwarming tale about navigating life’s chaos, showing us that in the end, we are all wonderfully flawed—living the dream, one strawberry Jell-O mishap at a time.
In conclusion, Zusy’s novel isn’t just about caregiving or the intricacies of sisterhood; it’s about finding the humor in tough times and learning to live with love amidst the madness. I closed the book with a sense of reflection, pondering my relationships and the beauty that lies within the chaos. Whether you have siblings or not, there’s a little something in this book for everyone—a delightful exploration of what it really means to be family.
You can find The Frederick Sisters Are Living the Dream: A Novel here >>