The Seven Sisters

Summary

«The Seven Sisters» is the first book in Lucinda Riley's series of novels, telling the story of six adopted sisters, each taken in by the mysterious millionaire Pa Salt from different corners of the world. After his death, the sisters gather at their family home on the shores of Lake Geneva, where they discover that their father left each of them clues about their origins. The first book focuses on the eldest sister, Maia, who travels to Brazil to uncover the secrets of her past. Along the way, she learns about her biological family and finds love. The story intertwines with historical events and the culture of Rio de Janeiro, creating a rich and captivating atmosphere.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of family secrets and their impact on identity
• Search for identity and self-discovery
• Connection between past and present through family stories
• Travel and discovery of new cultures
• The strength of sisterly bonds and family support
• Love and loss as driving forces in life
• Impact of historical events on individual destinies

Historical Context and Significance

Lucinda Riley's novel «The Seven Sisters» is the first book in the eponymous series that has gained popularity among readers worldwide. This book combines elements of family saga, historical drama, and romance, making it appealing to a broad audience. Its historical significance lies in its ability to weave fictional stories with real historical events and places, such as Rio de Janeiro and Paris, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of different eras and cultures. The book's influence on culture is evident in how it has inspired many readers to explore history and genealogy, as well as to travel to the locations described in the novel. The «Seven Sisters» series has also contributed to the growing interest in the historical fiction genre and solidified Lucinda Riley's position as a popular author in this genre.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Maia D’Aplièse - the eldest sister, living in London. After the death of her adoptive father, she returns to the family home in Geneva and begins to explore her roots, leading her to Brazil. Maia faces internal conflicts and finds love, which helps her understand and accept her past.
• Ally D’Aplièse - the second sister, a professional yachtswoman. She has always been confident and independent, but after her father's death, she begins to question her life's path. Ally travels to Norway to uncover the secrets of her origins, and this journey changes her perception of herself and her family.
• Star D’Aplièse - the third sister, quiet and shy. She has always been in the shadow of her more vibrant sister, CeCe. After their father's death, Star decides to find her place in the world and travels to England, where she discovers new horizons and gains self-confidence.
• CeCe D’Aplièse - the fourth sister, an artist and adventurer. She has always been close to Star, but after their father's death, she feels the need for independence. CeCe travels to Australia to learn about her origins, and this journey helps her find her true calling and love.
• Tiggy D’Aplièse - the fifth sister, caring and spiritual. She works in a wildlife reserve in Scotland and feels a strong connection to nature. After her father's death, Tiggy travels to Spain to learn about her gypsy roots, and this discovery helps her understand her purpose.
• Electra D’Aplièse - the sixth sister, a successful model living in New York. She struggles with addictions and inner demons. After her father's death, Electra begins to search for her roots and travels to Kenya, where she finds the strength to overcome her problems and achieve inner peace.
• Merope (Pleione) - the presumed seventh sister, about whom little is known. Her search becomes an important part of the story, and each sister contributes to unraveling the mystery of her existence.

Style and Technique

Lucinda Riley's novel «The Seven Sisters» is characterized by rich and detailed storytelling, where the author skillfully weaves together past and present. Riley's style is marked by emotional depth and attention to detail, allowing readers to immerse themselves more deeply in the atmosphere of the events. The language of the book is rich with metaphors and descriptions, creating vivid images and helping readers visualize the unfolding story. Literary devices such as flashbacks and parallel narratives are used to reveal each sister's story, adding depth and complexity to the plot. The narrative structure is designed so that each chapter focuses on one of the sisters, gradually unveiling their personal stories and connections to the past. This creates intrigue and maintains the reader's interest throughout the novel.

Interesting Facts

• The book is the first in a series of seven novels, each dedicated to one of the sisters adopted by the mysterious billionaire Pa Salt.
• The plot of the book is inspired by the myth of the Pleiades, the seven sisters from Greek mythology, giving the story a mystical and mythological touch.
• The novel's action unfolds in several countries, including Switzerland, Brazil, and France, adding an international flair and allowing readers to delve into diverse cultures.
• The main character, Maia, embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of her origins, which becomes the central theme of the book.
• Each sister in the series has a unique story and character, making each book in the series standalone and interesting to read.

Book Review

Lucinda Riley's «The Seven Sisters» has received positive reviews from both critics and readers. As the first novel in the series, it immediately captures attention with its unique plot and deep emotional component. The story begins with the mysterious death of the adoptive father of six sisters, leading to the revelation of numerous secrets and mysteries. Critics praise Riley's skill in creating atmospheric descriptions and complex characters that evoke empathy and interest. It is also noted that the author successfully intertwines historical elements with fictional ones, creating a rich and layered world. Some reviewers mention the slow pace of the narrative at the beginning, but note that this is compensated by the gripping development of events and unexpected plot twists. Overall, «The Seven Sisters» is considered a successful start to the series, promising an engaging continuation.