Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman #OhSister @jodiechapman @MichaelJBooks @Ells85 #BookReview

Meet Isobel, Jen and Zelda.

Three women whose bodies and minds are not their own.

They belong to the Church.

Life and death decisions are taken by others on their behalf.

Who they might marry.

Whether they start a family.

Isobel and Jen know nothing of the world.

But when Isobel's husband leaves her and Jen challenges those in charge, the Church turns its back on them.

Zelda - never one for doing what is expected - dares to find hope on the outside.

Meet Isobel, Jen and Zelda.

Three women desperate to find a life to call their own . . .

This is a novel about what it is like to live inside a prison of the mind and how to break out of it - if you can.

Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman was published on 13 April 2023 by Michael Joseph. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review. 

I read Oh, Sister whilst I was on holiday on Kefalonia in June. I read it in a couple of sittings and was so impressed by the author's characterisation, and her insight into the world controlled religion. I know that she used her own personal experiences when writing this novel, and the story seems so authentic. It also induces anger and frustration as the reader discovers how women are treated within this Church. 

The Disciples of the Lost Days is a religion run by men. Women are expected to be submissive, always doing as their husband dictates. There are many rules that they must follow. 

Isobel, Jen and Zelda were all members of this religion. They are very different in their outlook but have one thing in common, they have all been disfellowed. Cast out because of their behaviour, and their so-called sins. Ignored by former friends, they each have to make their own way through life. 

The reader doesn't have to like these women, but my goodness, they will empathise with them. Each one of them is individually crafted with care, exposing their innermost thoughts, their flaws and their grief. It feels like a bereavement to all three of them as they struggle with a new life, one that is alien to them, without the man who has always led them. It's a fascinating process to read about, and incredibly well structured. 

This is a story that is resonating and touching, raising issues that will make the reader think and ponder on for a long time afterwards.

It's a novel that portrays power. The power that organised religion can have, the power that men can wield over the women in their lives and most importantly, the power that women can obtain, through friendships and through personal experiences. 

Born and raised in England, Jodie spent a decade as a photographer before returning to her first love of
writing.

She lives in Kent with her husband and three sons. 

Instagram: @jodiechapman

Twitter: @jodiechapman