The Two Lives Of Louis & Louise

ReviewCohen has written 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 TIMESBook of the Month: The idea behind Louis Louise is one of the cleverest I've seen: a baby is born on 8 September 1978 from that point, the narrative splits, with the child growing up female in one strand and male in the other... This tender, moving, fantastically readable story is expertly handled by Julie Cohen.GOOD HOUSEKEEPINGEmotional and seriously powerful.FABULOUS MAGAZINE, SUN ON SUNDAYTold over two, initially parallel, narratives (or, indeed, universes), this is a nuanced exploration of how the social expectations of gender can push us down certain paths.THE INDEPENDENTThis elegantly written novel also examines much that is universal: teen love, parentchild relations, class division and smalltown prejudice.DAILY MAILIn this fascinating novel, Cohen explores the paths taken by Louis and Louise, which run almost parallel until a lifechanging event on the night of Lou's high school graduation. It's a poignant look at how our gender can determine the way we are treated and the knockon effects that can have, even if all the other circumstances of our lives are exactly the sameEmerald StreetIn the hands of a less skilful author this could have been an unsubtle gimmick to make a point about gender but Julie Cohen has written a powerful and memorable story of small town secrets, family dynamics and the sense that some things are just meant to be.SUNDAY EXPRESSNot often does a story remind us of what beautifully complex creatures we are. Julie Cohen has given us that rare giftChristina Dalcher, author of VOXPoignant and heartfeltPRIMATender and thoughtprovokingIsabelle Broom, Woman & Homethis is a modern take told with heartGRAZIAElegant, thoughtful and powerfulDaisy BuchananHugely original and heartbreakingly realRosie WalshFierce, intricate and intriguingFanny BlakeA timely read that will stay with you long after you put it downLibby PageLouis 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, author of DEAR MRS BIRDLouis Louise is moving and beautiful, but it will also make you wonder and questionJoanna Cannon, author of THE TROUBLE WITH GOATS AND SHEEPWhat a brave, warm and wise book this is. I loved itTamar Cohen, author of THE BROKENBeautifully written and thoughtprovokingKate Eberlen, author of MISS YOUA cobweb of a book: beautifully intricate and delicateVeronica HenryWow. What a beautiful, ballsy and brilliant bookSinead MoriartyA beautifully written, heartbreaking and important novel about gender, self, family and, ultimately, loveClaire FrostThe premise here is radical, but worth the effort... this elegantly written novel also examines much that is universalDaily MailExploring two alternate realities one in which the Alders have a son, the other a daughter the Sliding Doorsstyle scenarios of growing up male or female in a small US town make for an intriguing looks at gender and destiny.SUNDAY MIRRORProduct 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. One was born female, and one male.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 lifechanging 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 STO