Review of The Reel Sisters

[Sarvesh J Yadav 1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Reel Sisters" by Michelle Cummings.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The novel "The Reel Sisters" isn't that much of a mere story that only talks about fly fishing; it is rather a metaphorical reflection on the fragile connections that form in society. Similar to a well-tied fishfly, Michelle Cummings interlaces the various personal journeys of five different women, expertly presenting the individual textures as well as the surprising cord joining them.

Rose, Sophie, Amanda, Melody, and Veronica are at the first step of becoming archetypes. We have the mature mother, the spontaneous teenager, and the workaholic. It all sounds familiar. However, Cummings subverts the expectation well. Within these annexed “types” lie diverse internal lenses. They aren't only fishing buddies; they’re women who carry grievances in silence, dreaming of what agony or happiness would be inwardly or struggling to keep their heads above water in a world that does not always understand them all that well.

The real depth of "The Reel Sisters" is the fact that the author uses fly fishing as a metaphor. This is not a technical book; it is about the inner, meditative experience and mindfulness of the sport and its ability to connect you to something bigger with the same hand that pulls you into yourself. Each woman confronts her own 'catch' while on the river: hidden wounds, untapped creativity—it's getting through to them that they're not unusual. That is the really intriguing part. While it is usually the relationship between the females that becomes the focal point, there is an unspoken dimension of generational connection. Rose, the group’s pivot, softly instructs on what she has gathered over time. Rose, in turn, gets energized by the young women who offer their vibrancy and different views that keep her feeling alive and relevant. It brings a picture of women of different age sets who contribute something different from each other and hence help one another.

Yet it has its own imperfections as well. Sometimes the metaphors are a bit too heavy-handed, and one character's resolution seems to be too neat and straightforward compared to the rest. I will give this 5 stars because the above reason doesn’t take away one star. The editing was good since there were no mistakes. It's that kind of book where you find no rest after closing it—some gentle warmth, a moment of recognition, and a chance to find the reel sister of your own (anyone it could be) and give them a call.

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The Reel Sisters
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[David Samanthaa]

The Reel Sisters is a touching story that highlights the importance of pursuing passions and nurturing friendships. It’s a refreshing and uplifting read