Her Fearful Symmetry : Audrey Niffenegger

"Her fearful Symmetry" appeared as a very complicated read to me, the actions of the characters are never justified, the feelings are but are never that strong enough to justify it to the reader. For example- why would Elspeth, a mother would like to replace her own daughter's life by herself?? Why would Robert who was never clear in the first place about whom he loved, was it Elspeth or Valentina? become a part of the conspiracy.

More over I find that the events described were very sporadic and were in no way much contributing to the story. There are many mysteries that remain unresolved but not in an enticing sort of way but more of in a frustrating manner.Among the questions that I found unanswered as I read this book though, and one was, why only Valentina could see Elspeth's ghost (eventually), or even sense it, while the rest could only feel the coldness of her touch.

This whole story is set around a graveyard, and as expected, we have ghosts too. Elspeth returns as a ghost and is stuck in her apartment. Valentina especially gets to know her better, and in the process the two make some very unpleasant discoveries. I wouldn't go into that since it's a spoiler, but it's definitely a very strong issue and I think, unethical (even in a haunted world). The particular incident literally left me shell-shocked and, to use the expression, gasping for air. It's been a long time since a book did that to me. I've never been able to forgive the character responsible for it, but then Audrey Niffenegger's books don't really go in the directions you want them to. They more likely leave you with questions, tears sometimes, but in a strange way, satisfaction too, since they get you thinking more than if circumstances had taken a much "beaten" path.

The part about Martin's condition is very well described and his wistfulness for Marijke are the best parts of the story along with his overcoming the fear and finally coming all the way to Amsterdam to be with her. And its a lot to know about twins if u don't have one, but yet another unanswered mystery was if there was such a deep connection as was described, why would they split over silly reasons, why could not they just get over it and co-exist.

The character of Elspeth, Julia and Robert also fr that matter were very well described so as they were never to pure, never very shady just the right amount of grey but the reasons for it were never to clear.

The first book "Time Traveler's Wife" was a great read and it raised huge expectations from "Her fearful Symmetry" too, but its really disappointing. The way all the time slots in the last bk were woven around the story were fascinating, but here its merely a drag.

Overall not a GOOD READ.