Apologia

“The Girls” written by Lori Lansens is an exciting Canadian novel that more Canadians should be experiencing. These two girls may be a lot like sisters you know. they squabble over unnecessary things, but still always there for each other. What is different about these sisters is that these girls will always be there for each other, but maybe not by choice. Rose and Ruby are the oldest craniopagus twins. They were born into the world by a teenage mother who abandoned them at birth, and then taken into the loving arms of Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash. While they have separate brains, separate thoughts, separate personalities, “Rose and Ruby could never be separated because they share a vital vein” (Kristine) that is located between their heads. Ruby has a decided that their lives need to be recorded in an autobiography that is written by the girls themselves.

Lori Lansens new voice is a fantastic asset to the collection of Canadian novels. This is Lansens second novel she has written. The novel is set in south western Ontario because, Lansens herself “was born and raised in Canada – so the geography and character of the country are on [her] spiritual hard drive and thus filtered through [her] work” (Tancock). Having the girls live in the country was a very effective setting because if they lived in a big city the story would deal with the astonishment of their appearance and Lansens would not be able to dig deeper into their lives in the country the town folk have grown accustom to their looks.

At times this story is very humorous, but also very moving. Lansens does an extraordinary job of illustrating the lives of the girls and all the difficulties they face but still keeping that unique bond that these sisters share between each other. I feel that this is one of the reasons why it should be a popularly read Canadian novel. For those of us who have sisters,we know how difficult at times it is to co-operate with a sister of any age. However, to be attached to that sister at the head is unimaginable. Sisters should read this story and learn to admire the way that Rose and Ruby are so different but are able to overcome their differences and work as one. These girls have never looked into each others eyes except for in a mirror, but still their intimacy is complete. The author Lansens demonstrates beautifully how two girls that look so different from everyone else are still accepted and capable of so much the same as everyone else. Rose and Ruby are proud of who they are and they “would not live a thousand lives but a million to infinity, to live the life [they have lived as themselves]… how lucky they have been to be “The Girls”” (Lansens 457).

During the story there are dull and repetitive moments. How much can possibly be written about two girls attached at the head that work at a small town library? When the dullness starts to set in Lansens finds a way to brighten the story making you want to read on and on. I feel that the novels weaknesses are also another reason why it should be read often as an example of Canadian literature.

I feel that Lansens new voice that is now loudly heard through her second novel “The Girls” will only continue to get stronger as this novel and other novels expands. As well, this novel should definitely be added to the list of Canadian novels that you must read and add to your collection. More attention should be paid to this author and she should be applauded for her work.