Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters Karen Coats Standiford, Natalie . Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters. Scholastic, 2010. [320p]. ISBN 978-0-545-10710-5 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 7-10. On Christmas day, the formidable matriarch of the überwealthy Sullivan clan, known affectionately as "Almighty," makes a startling announcement: one of her grandchildren has offended her, and as a result the entire family has been completely cut out of her will. Apologies must be proffered by New Year's Day, or the family faces destitution. Clearly, the three middle sisters are the likely suspects, as each has done more than her share to disgrace the family name, so the girls set about writing accounts of their crimes and misdemeanors by way of apologizing to their grandmother. Norrie goes first, detailing the development of her relationship with a much older, mixed-race boy who derails Almighty's plans for Norrie's debut on the arm of her archrival's grandson at the famed Baltimore Bachelors' Cotillion. Jane is next; she has written a tell-all blog called "myevilfamily.com" which details the sordid ways in which the Sullivan family amassed its wealth over the years, through illicit liquor sales, patent theft, exploitive real estate deals and finally, Almighty's five very strategic marriages. Finally, Sassy reveals what she believes to be her part in Almighty's fifth husband's death. Throughout the course of the stories, a picture emerges of a somewhat quirky but loving family navigating their way through the highest levels of Baltimore society. Far from some easily dismissible poor little rich girls' mope, however, the plight of the Sullivan sisters creates real empathy as the girls explore the way their family and its history entitle and trap them. The fact that they've largely been cushioned from the consequences of any of their actions becomes a serious part of each girl's final reckoning: where, then, do they locate real meaning and genuine feeling in their lives? The exploration is subtle and effective but, perhaps most of all, entertaining, with the irresistible lure of finding vulnerability in the midst of massive privilege. [End Page 96] Copyright © 2010 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois