“Without Tess”, written by Marcella Pixley, is one of the best YA novels I have read in a while. I rarely give books five stars when rating them, but this one I did. The story revolves around the main character (Lizzie), and her dead sister (Tess). Lizzie is the younger sister by a couple years and was only 10 when her older sister tragically passed away.
The real star of the novel is Tess. As you read through the book and relive vibrant memories Lizzie shared with Tess, you come to both love and sometimes dislike Tess. Tess was a true believer in magic. She was creative and passionate. She was both loving and loyal, but at times cruel and violent. She was mentally ill, and at times downright psychotic. This novel is a lifelike retelling of what it is like to grow up with an extremely mentally ill sibling. It addresses the love, the hate, the sadness, the pain, the rage, the guilt, and all the other emotions that come along with such a disturbing family dynamic.
I had a deeply personal connection with this book, both as someone who grew up with a mentally ill sibling, and someone who eventually lost that sibling, mostly due to that mental illness. At one point the book even made me tear up, which is extremely rare for any book to do. Definitely recommended!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. even if a loss is not recent, it is never forgotten; it is always in our skin, heart, and soul. Sending hugs your way.
I added this wonderful book to my list.
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Thank you!
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Oh I am so sorry to hear of your loss .. my goes out to you . Hugs! I have a mentally ill younger brother and we do not associate with one another …his choice , so yes not easy . I am putting this on my reading list.
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Thank you for the kind words. It was a heavy and hard loss to deal with.
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You are such a strong person ❤️
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Aw, that is really sweet of you to say 🙂
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Sounds like a great read! MIght have to get it. Xo
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It was, definitely worth checking out.
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