My Soul Twin by Nino Haratischvili

My Soul Twin is a love story about the forbidden desire between two adoptive siblings. The main character, Stella, lives in Hamburg with her husband Mark and her son, Theo, but her life is turned upside down when her long lost lover and childhood friend Ivo returns.

The story follows Stella’s tumultuous fight against her resurfaced feelings for Ivo and the guilt accompanied with it, as well as memories of a dark secret in their past. Her stubborn desire to be with Ivo at the expense of others’ feelings means she’s not always a likable character.

The writing is engaging and emotional, however, at times the story moves along quite slowly. While beautifully written, it can be hard to sympathise with the ambivalent heroine.

7/10