[.ca] Jacob Have I Loved (ISBN 0064470598)

disturbing, haunting, flawlessly structured:
This is a novel for young adults I keep returning to, because it is one of those books that has something new to say to me every time I read it. Although I personally think "The Great Gilly Hopkins" is Katherine Paterson's masterpiece (it was a Newbery Honor book) Louise's story tugs at the heart of the reader. Not only are family relationships explored delicately, but the use of religion to manipulate people is explored with sensitivity and depth. It is important to note that Paterson never suggests that religion in itself is the problem; it is what people do to religion that causes trouble. Overall, a young adult novel to provoke some interesting thought and discussion, well written and developed.

Redemption:
The book covers probably about a decade of time and is from the POV of an older twin sister. The thick teenage angst of this book detracts from the more interesting stories of Captain Hiram, Auntie Braxton, the dementia of the protagonist's grandmother, Call and Caroline. Until I read the last two chapters, I was going to rate this book lower but these chapters, the last one especially, give the protagonist a chance to mature and redeem herself.

Disappointing and Depressing:
I read this book and was greatly disappointed throughout. It was depressing and extremely annoying. This book is inappropriate for young teenagers, especially when the main character, Sara Louise, lusts for a 70 year old man. Disgusting. The ending did not make up for the long, long, drawn-out torture of enduring the main character's pain and hatred. The supposed happy ending made no sense considering what a messed-up teenager she was. The last 2 chapters tried to tie things up nicely to make the reader feel relieved that the main character grew up and made a good life for herself. However, those chapters have little relationship to the rest of the book. How did she magically get over her hatred of her sister and herself? Just by yelling at her mother, she is suddenly cured? I do not recommend this book. I'm still wondering why it received a Newbery Medal.

A Lovely Novel:
Louise has never known a time when she didn't feel like the detested elder twin. Everyone has always adored her beautiful and selfish younger sister, Caroline. Everything has always been about Caroline and for once, Louise wants that to change. So, Louise sets out on a mission to find herself and to discover how to make a new life for herself. This novel, though heart-breaking at parts, is very good and worth reading. Though normally I don't like books that are sad, this one I couldn't put down. It is well written and I highly recommend this book

A Beautiful Novel:
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson is a novel of greatness. I have read many books, but this one stands out. Something about it just draws you in. I found this book in my school library last year. I checked it out, but did not read it. A year later, I bought the book. I am glad I did. Mrs. Paterson writes so eloquently a novel of a story older than the hills; the biblical struggle of twin brothers Jacob and Esau. Esau was the elder one, like Louise. Caroline is exactly like Jacob, stealing poor Lousie's glory. The novel is set in the isolated Rass Island. I tried to look it up on a map of Maryland, but I couldn't find it at all. That solitary setting really keeps the plot together. After all, it wouldn't be as good if it was in a huge city. All throughout the novel is the cornering of Louise's problems. Caroline is smarter than her, Caroline is prettier than her, Caroline is more talented than Louise would ever be. Hearing all of this makes Louise not only jealous, but a bit separated and annoyed. Louise must find a way to break free. All in all, I find this a very enjoyable novel. I hope others will read this as well.