Hurst, Carol Otis. "Jacob Have I Loved (Book Review)." 29 Oct 2009 http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/jaco... ( )

Paterson is one of the few recipients of two Newbery Medal Awards. This winner in 1981 follows Bridge to Terabithia. While I enjoyed the first, I found Jacob Have I Loved more profound.

Set in the 1940's small island located on the Chesapeake Bay, this thought provoking book is a tale of twin sisters, one plain and one beautiful. One is musically gifted with a beautiful voice, the other rough and jagged from the constant comparison leaving her missing the mark and not quite as pretty, as talented, as smart, as alluring.

The story is told from the voice of Louise who, from her birth, was treated differently than her twin. As she struggles with second best, the perception is cruelly confirmed in a moment of vulnerability as her bitter bible quoting, misguided grandmother whispers "Jacob have I loved, but Esau Have I Hated."

The analogy of the bible reference is woven throughout the book as the family sacrifices for the one, leaving the other to feel emotionally neglected.

While Caroline is known for her incredible musical talent, Louise is a tom boy who works with her father in fishing and crabbing.

As Caroline develops a sense of self, unconnected to her sister, she leaves the island and finds her own voice. ( )

Duas irmãs gêmeas , dois detinos tão diferentes. Uma a preferida ; outra , a desprezada. Na Baía de Chespake, Estados Unidos, começo dos anos 40 , Louise , sensível , batalhadora , generosa, revelá-nos como Caroline roubava-lhe tudo: sua esperança de estudar fora, seus amigos, sua mãe, seu amor, e até mesmo seu nome. Uma história marcada pela garra, inteligência, sensibilidade.

It's been quite some time since I read this book. It's about twins growing up in an isolated island community and how the elder copes with her younger sister's favored status. In some ways it reminded me of the place I lived at the time - an island off the coast of British Columbia. It is a tale of successful passage to adulthood and all the fear and pain that go with it. ( )

I have to say I wasn’t too sure about this book. I haven’t read any other Katherine Paterson although I did see the movie, Bridge to Terabithia. The summary just didn’t really grab me. However it wasn’t long into the book before I didn’t want to put it down. I felt pure anger towards Caroline and the parents for their treatment of Louise. I was enraged quite a few times during the book.I liked the writing style and the story and look forward to reading more Katherine Paterson. I can see why it won the Newbery Award in 1981. ( )