Great Literary Sisters
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 May 20, 2026
Author Janet Phillips
Distributor: New South Books
ISBN: 9781851246212
Publisher: Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
Release Date: 23 April 2026
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Great Literary Sisters is a small book that holds marvellous essays looking at relationships between sisters in Literature. The fictional sisters chosen here are those whose psychological attachment is examined along with their chosen paths in life.
The author, Janet Phillips, has placed the novels into five categories “exploring sibling rivalry, sisters who show redoubtable courage and perseverance in the domestic sphere, sisters who support and sometimes betray each other in affairs of the heart, those whose relationship is coloured by issues of mental health, and those who fiercely protect each other.” This makes us read familiar stories at a new level.
Under the heading “Growing up,” we begin with the sisters in the story, Little Women. There is a great deal to examine here as each of the women has such a unique personality. They have their own visions of their future lives, and each is quite different. However, their fierce loyalty to each other is undeniable. The Railway Children, Sisters by Accident, and Catcher in the Rye are the other books examined under this heading.
Heroes At Home, is the heading for Little Dorrit, and Middlemarch. Several other books similar to these are examined under headings, Poverty and Riches, and Hidden Lives.
Affairs Of the Heart, sees Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Half of a Yellow sun analysed. Other divisions are, Affairs of The Heart, Trauma, and To the Rescue. Books discussed under each of these headings show diverse behaviours and attitudes that one may not be completely aware of when reading through the story.
For each analysis, a part of the story and relevant discussions help to emphasize the point that Janet is making. This is an excellent way to further look at books one is familiar with, and to rouse curiosity about books one has not read.
Great Literary Sisters is a valuable resource for those who enjoy true depth in a story.