Dual Citizens - Alix Ohlin
Dual Citizens (2019) by Alix Ohlin is the story of Lark Brossard, reflecting on her childhood growing up with her wild, talented pianist-sister, Robin, both of whom are reluctantly “raised” by their mother, Marianne. This is a beautifully-written contemplation of sisterhood, artistic ambition, identity, and duality. I love the symbolic, poetic imagery and settings (Montreal, New York, rural Pennsylvania, and Brooklyn), as well as the intense relationships and passions of the characters that populate this novel. Shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, it’s a hauntingly beautiful narrative with a story that slowly and steadily takes hold of the reader, prompting us to look inward and consider ourselves on every level.