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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Sisters Brothers summary
Patrick deWitt
Brief summary
The Sisters Brothers is a darkly comic Western novel by Patrick deWitt. It follows the violent and eccentric adventures of the notorious hitman brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, as they pursue their latest target during the Gold Rush era.
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The Sisters Brothers
Summary of key ideas
The Sisters Brothers: A Journey Through the Old West
In The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt, we embark on a journey through the American West during the 1850s Gold Rush. The story is narrated by Eli Sisters, one of the two brothers who work as hired killers for a wealthy and powerful man known as the Commodore. The brothers are assigned to track down and kill Hermann Kermit Warm, a prospector who has stolen something from the Commodore.
As the story unfolds, we learn about the Sisters brothers' contrasting personalities. Eli is more sensitive and thoughtful, while his brother Charlie is ruthless and violent. The two brothers bicker and banter as they travel across the country, encountering a series of odd characters and dangerous situations.
The Journey of the Sisters Brothers
The journey of the Sisters brothers begins in Oregon City and takes them through the vast and harsh landscapes of the American West. Along the way, they encounter a range of colorful characters, including a corrupt detective, a madam with a heart of gold, and a man who has invented a chemical formula that makes gold glow in the dark. Each encounter adds a layer of complexity to the brothers' relationship and their understanding of the world around them.
As they travel, Eli begins to question the morality of their profession and the nature of their relationship with the Commodore. He also starts to dream of a different life, one that doesn't involve killing for a living. In contrast, Charlie remains steadfast in his loyalty to the Commodore and his acceptance of their violent way of life.
The Unraveling of the Sisters Brothers
When the brothers finally catch up with Warm, they discover that he is not the villain they were led to believe. Instead, Warm is a kind and intelligent man who has developed a chemical formula to find gold in riverbeds. He is also in possession of a mysterious and valuable item that the Commodore wants - a formula for an elixir that makes gold glow.
As they spend time with Warm, Eli's doubts about their mission grow stronger, while Charlie becomes increasingly obsessed with the elixir. Their differing reactions to Warm and the elixir lead to a growing rift between the brothers, culminating in a violent and tragic confrontation with the Commodore's men.
Redemption and New Beginnings
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Eli and Charlie find themselves alone and on the run. Their journey takes a surprising turn when they stumble upon a utopian community led by a woman named Mayfield. Here, Eli finds a sense of peace and belonging he never knew was possible, while Charlie's greed and violence continue to drive him to destructive ends.
In the end, The Sisters Brothers is a story of redemption and transformation. Eli, the more introspective of the two brothers, finds a chance for a new life, while Charlie remains trapped in his destructive patterns. The novel ends with Eli reflecting on the choices that have brought him to this point, leaving the reader with a sense of hope for his future.
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What is The Sisters Brothers about?
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt is a darkly comic Western that follows the journey of two brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, as they carry out a hit job in the 1850s Gold Rush era. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, the novel explores themes of loyalty, greed, and the bond between siblings.
The Sisters Brothers Review
The Sisters Brothers (2011) follows two hitmen on a journey through the Wild West, offering a fresh take on the Western genre. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Its complex characters are both flawed and intriguing, adding depth to the storyline and keeping readers invested in their fates.
- The unconventional plot twists defy expectations, making the story unpredictable and ensuring that boredom is never a concern.
- With a darkly humorous tone that balances the violence, the book manages to entertain while also exploring deeper themes of morality and redemption.
Who should read The Sisters Brothers?
Readers who enjoy darkly humorous and unconventional westerns
Those interested in complex sibling dynamics and relationships
People looking for a fresh and unique take on the traditional cowboy narrative
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The Sisters Brothers FAQs
What is the main message of The Sisters Brothers?
The Sisters Brothers showcases the complexities of sibling relationships amid the backdrop of the Wild West.
How long does it take to read The Sisters Brothers?
Reading time for The Sisters Brothers varies, but expect a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the time.
Is The Sisters Brothers a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Sisters Brothers is worth reading for its unique take on the Western genre and exploration of family dynamics.
Who is the author of The Sisters Brothers?
Patrick deWitt is the author of The Sisters Brothers.
What to read after The Sisters Brothers?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Sisters Brothers, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher