Novels Now

Her Fearful Symmetry
By Audrey Niffenegger
Completed October 22, 2009

It’s very hard to write a review of Her Fearful Symmetry - the latest book by Audrey Niffenegger – without giving away spoilers. I usually summarize a book before I offer my opinions, but with this book, I will remain vague about its plot. I don’t want to spoil it for future readers!

In a nutshell, Her Fearful Symmetry was the story of twins, Julia and Valentina, who were bequeathed a London flat by their estranged aunt, Elspeth. The estate came with some strings attached: the girls must live there for one year before selling it, and their parents could not step foot into it. The twins were at a crossroads in their early lives and decided to accept these terms. They moved to London, soon realizing that they have a ghostly roommate – the spirit of their Aunt Elspeth.

The plot moved around from there, and I will leave my summary intentionally open-ended. I can tell you this: the book has many twists and turns (some more believable than others); it’s a fascinating account of the historical Highgate Cemetery in London; and the characterization was outstanding. While Julia and Valentina did not move me, the other characters did. The ghost of Elspeth left me hanging on to every page, curious of her next moves. Her former lover, the tortured Robert, played the perfect lost soul (I really did feel sorry for him). And most fascinating character was Martin – the twins’ OCD neighbor whose battle against his condition offered humor and empathy.

The plot has flaws – one must remember this is a ghost story – but the characters made this book move. I am one of the few readers who disliked The Time Traveler’s Wife, but I am glad it did not taint me from books by Niffenegger. Her Fearful Symmetry offered enough creepiness, family drama, and history to satisfy this reader. If you like these types of stories, then this is the book for you. ( )