Sisterhood

Housekeeping, by Marilynne Robinson, is a narrative in a style different from the usual. I would say, it is slightly similar to that of Esther's Inheritance by Hungarian author Sandor Marai, at least in the landscape. The two sisters are brought up by various people including their grandmother, grandaunts-in-law, aunt.

The novel gives details of the girls' childhood experiences. Their grandfather had died in a train accident, and their parents were there no more. When they reach adolescence, the sisters take different courses in life.

The story is told from the point of view of Ruthie, the elder, who becomes more like her aunt. Sister Lucille remains a normal person. Lives in the village where the family had always been.

There are extensice descriptions of the flood that damages their house located on a hill top. Also fine descriptions of winter, and the landscape, and days and nights, their day to day life with their aunt Sylvie, who is abnormal.