Geri Spieler’s Revenge of the Sisters tells the story of Rose, Josie, and Dorothy Butlaw, three fiercely determined Jewish sisters raised in a 1930s Los Angeles orphanage. Scarred by the injustice they faced in high school at the hands of elitist, antisemitic classmates and complicit school authorities, the sisters reconnect as adults with a shared thirst for retribution. Through schemes both subtle and bold, they attempt to reclaim the dignity, success, and justice denied to them. Intertwined with memories of their mother Regina’s sacrifices and strength, the novel becomes not just a tale of revenge but a portrait of resilience, family, and the quiet power of standing up for oneself.

This novel left me feeling both heartened and heartbroken. Spieler’s writing carries a rich emotional current, and I found myself easily pulled into the world of Vista Del Mar and the sisters’ inner lives. The language is simple but stirring, and the dialogue felt authentic, even endearing. The pacing, while occasionally uneven, allowed the emotional arcs to fully breathe. What struck me most was how raw and relatable the sisters’ rage was. Their pain simmered, slowly shaping their decisions and relationships. The revenge isn’t played for shock or sensationalism; instead, it’s strategic and grounded in the sisters’ deep need to feel seen and respected. It made me angry on their behalf and proud of their courage.

The villains, Claire, Ellie, and their entitled ilk, were intriguing, which is why I would’ve loved to understand their motivations more deeply, beyond the stereotypical rich bully trope. At times, the prose leaned toward explanation, but Spieler more than made up for it with vivid cultural details, especially her warm, textured portrayal of Jewish traditions, Yiddish phrases, and the food. The sisters each had distinct personalities, and their banter gave the story its warmth and bite.

Revenge of the Sisters is about justice, identity, and carving out dignity in a world that would rather keep you small. I’d recommend this book to readers who love historical fiction with a personal, emotional pulse. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories about underdogs, sisterhood, and women quietly (or not-so-quietly) rewriting their own narratives.

Pages: 273 | ASIN: B0F3FGR339