The Story

The book opens with a shock for Annette Rivière, a serious and independent young woman in post-WWI Paris. Her distant father has died, leaving her a substantial inheritance. The condition? She must share it equally with Sylvie, her illegitimate half-sister whom she never knew about.

Sylvie is Annette's polar opposite: vibrant, impulsive, and living a bohemian life as an artist's model. Thrown together by this legal twist, the two sisters navigate suspicion, curiosity, and a reluctant pull toward each other. The plot follows their awkward, often tense, attempts to build a relationship while wrestling with their father's shadow and their own very different paths in life.

Why You Should Read It

Rolland writes with incredible empathy. He doesn't pick a side between the practical Annette and the passionate Sylvie. Instead, he lets you see the world through each woman's eyes, making you understand and root for them both. The heart of the book is this messy, believable dance between two people who are somehow strangers and family.

It’s also a fascinating snapshot of a society in flux. You feel the old rules crumbling and see women like Annette and Sylvie trying to figure out what freedom and happiness actually look like for them.

Final Verdict

This is a book for readers who love character-driven stories. If you enjoy following complex, intelligent women as they make mistakes, challenge conventions, and slowly open their hearts, you'll be hooked. It’s not a fast-paced thriller; it's a rich, thoughtful exploration of sisterhood and self-discovery. Perfect for fans of nuanced historical fiction or anyone who believes the most compelling dramas happen around the kitchen table.