A modern, quirky Western

It’s 1851 in Gold Rush era Oregon and California.

Eli and Charlie Sisters are brothers. The Sisters brothers. And they are notorious hitmen. When they walk in to a bar, everyone else jumps out.

All the ingredients of a classic Western are there. However, ‘The Sisters Brothers’ puts a playful, modern twist on the clichés. It is quirky, and absurd, and laced with dark humour.

I would describe this book as sweet, in an odd kind of way.

The journey is full of delightful intrigues, such as a trip to the dentist. The characters are peculiar, and their dialogue is candid and charming. Instead of being a villainous ruffian, Eli struggles with his self-esteem and puts himself on a diet.

The story is told in a series of short vignettes with a minimal writing style, making it a quick and addictive read.

But this book is not as simple as it may seem at first glance.

Discerning readers will find hidden bonus layers which draw upon Greek mythology.

‘The Sisters Brothers’ could be read as an Odyssean homecoming story, with the protagonists delayed by sirens, witches, a hunt, and a one-eyed creature.

Another interpretation is that the brothers are being punished by the Sisters of Fate, the Moirai from Greek mythology. This would explain the name of the Sisters brothers.

Like any book, you can enjoy the story with or without reading in to any symbolism.

‘The Sisters Brothers’ is a lighthearted and unexpected adventure in literary absurdism using a Western setting.

3 out of 5 nuggets of gold.

So why wasn’t my rating higher? It was fun to read and I would have really liked to give 4/5, but I just didn’t get enough out of it. It needed a little more oomph for me.

Giddy up!

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