Description
‘It’s BRILLIANT. I enjoyed it hugely’ Marian Keyes
*****
Two people. Two lives.
One chance to see the same world differently. Louis and Louise are the same person born in two different lives. They are separated only by the sex announced by the doctor and a final ‘e’.
They have the same best friends, the same red hair, the same dream of being a writer, the same excellent whistle. They both suffer one catastrophic night, with life-changing consequences. Thirteen years later, they are both coming home.
A tender, insightful and timely novel about the things that bring us together – and those which separate us, from the author of Richard & Judy recommended book Together
*****
A NOVEL PEOPLE CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT…
‘Not often does a story remind us of what beautifully complex creatures we are. Julie Cohen has given us that rare gift’ Christina Dalcher, author of VOX
‘Louis and Louise is Julie Cohen at her absolute best. So cleverly done and authentic, and you feel as if you live in the town with the characters and have been in the story with them.’ A J Pearce
‘Louis & Louise is moving and beautiful, but it will also make you wonder and question, and it will stretch out your thinking so very beautifully’ Joanna Cannon
‘Elegant, thoughtful and powerful’ Daisy Buchanan
‘Fierce, intricate and intriguing’ Fanny Blake
‘Hugely original and heartbreakingly real’ Rosie Walsh
‘A timely read that will stay with you long after you put it down’ Libby Page
‘What a brave, warm and wise book this is. I loved it’ Tamar Cohen
‘Beautifully written and thought-provoking’ Kate Eberlen
‘A cobweb of a book: beautifully intricate and delicate’ Veronica Henry
‘Wow. What a beautiful, ballsy and brilliant book’ Sinead Moriarty
‘A beautifully written, heartbreaking and important novel about gender, self, family and, ultimately, love’ Claire Frost, reviewer
‘A powerful and memorable story of small town secrets, family dynamics and the sense that some things are just meant to be’ Sunday Express
‘Emotional and seriously powerful’ Fabulous
‘An engaging, moving novel, at its most arresting in the pivotal scenes when she explores the personal fallout of industrial and class conflict in Louis/Louise’s beleaguered hometown’ Sunday Times
‘A modern take told with heart’ Grazia
‘The premise here is radical, but worth the effort… this elegantly written novel also examines much that is universal’ Daily Mail
Laura (verified owner) –
Julie Cohen has created a truly unique and remarkable book exploring how a person’s gender can effect, and affect, the path of their life. This novel is the perfect combination of beautiful writing, interesting characters, and intriguing premise. I have never read anything quite like it before and I doubt I will forget it easily.
Leah BH –
This is such a clever concept which goes far beyond a good idea. As you follow the two parallel stories in a sort of Sliding Doors existence, you find out what would happen to the same person in given circumstances depending on their sex. It’s quite harrowing in places but retains a quiet sort of hope, exploring family, love and friendship. It’s challenging and thought-provoking but not in a preachy way. At its heart it’s a very good story, told by an amazing writer.
Sarah Hampshire (verified owner) –
This is a great book which follows the life of the same person but once as a girl and alternatively as a boy. Its very clever as a comment on gender and how people are treated differently, however it’s also a lovely story. Definitely recommend.
Louise McErlean (verified owner) –
Just fabulous. So clever the way the author explores the 2 lives looking at the impact gender & privilege vs poverty can have on life.
An emotional rollercoaster that unties the complexity of family to give quite a heart warming finish.