Second Look on The Cousins

 

  

The Cousins is a novel written by Karen M. McManus, the author of the well known book One of Us Is Lying. I haven’t read this book since first reading it two years ago and decided to reread it.

The story begins when one summer, Milly, Aubrey and Jonah Story get invited by their grandmother Mildred to work at her island resort. Mildred and her husband raised four kids on Gull Cove Island as one of the wealthiest families. But soon after Mildred’s husband passes away, she disowns her children in their teen years without telling them the reason. The children split apart and continue to form their own families.

Years later, Mildred unexpectedly invites only Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah (her eldest grandchildren) to her island for the summer. The three cousins barely know each other and are not interested in going to the island. However, their parents who are desperate to regain connection with their mother and their part of the fortune, force them to go on the trip. Once they arrive at the island, they discover that their entire family is filled with secrets. As the children are spending time on their island, their parents pressure them to meet with their grandmother who seems to be avoiding them. As the book progresses, the three cousins begin to piece together why their grandmother disowned her children and other family secrets.

I really enjoyed how each chapter in the book was told from the perspective of a different cousin. I think this was important to helping me better understand their emotions and problems they faced at home. I also liked the sections told from Milly’s mom’s perspective when she was a teen, because they show what their life was like before they were disowned. Another thing I liked was how the cousins' relationship developed over the course of the book. At the beginning, they barely knew each other and were not close. But by the end of the book, they formed a strong bond after sharing their summer together.

I remember when I first read the book, I didn’t really like it. But I think that rereading the book has made me appreciate it more. If you liked One of Us Is Lying or are looking for a mystery book to read, this book would be a good fit for you.

- Niveditha