Untwine
on Goodreads (3,046)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Giselle Boyer and her identical twin, Isabelle, are as close as sisters can be. They are each other’s strongest source of support even as their family life seems to be unraveling and their parents are considering divorce. Then the Boyers have a tragic encounter that will shatter everyone’s world forever. Giselle wakes up in a hospital room, injured and unable to speak or move. She doesn’t know what’s happened to her sister, to her family, to herself. Trapped in the prison of her own body, Giselle must revisit her past in order to understand how the people closest to her—her friends, her parents, and above all, Isabelle—have shaped and defined her. Will she allow her love for her family and friends to buoy her and lead her on the path to recovery? Or will she remain lost in a painful spiral of longing and regret? Untwine is a spellbinding tale, lyrical and filled with love, mystery, humor, and heartbreak. Award-winning author Edwidge Danticat brings her extraordinary talent to this graceful and unflinching examination of the bonds of friendship, romance, and family; the horrors of loss; and the strength we must discover in ourselves when all seems hopeless.
Age
11-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Giselle Boyer
Isabelle Boyer
Mrs. Boyer
Mr. Boyer
Discussion points
How do you think Giselle felt when she was trying to find her own identity separate from her twin?
What are some ways that the characters show strength and resilience throughout the story?
How do the family dynamics change after the accident, and what does that say about the importance of family support?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a difficult situation? How does that relate to Giselle’s experiences?
What do you think is the message that Edwidge Danticat is trying to convey through the story of 'Untwine'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' emotions and actions, validating their thoughts and drawing parallels to their own experiences.
Discuss the significance of identity and personal growth, highlighted in Giselle’s journey, to help your child reflect on their own path to self-discovery.
Use examples from the book to talk about coping with loss and adversity, and relate it back to personal resilience and the support of loved ones.
Reinforce the message of hope and healing, encouraging your child to think about how challenges can lead to personal development and strength.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The strength of sibling bonds
Explanation: In 'Untwine,' the deep connection between the twin sisters, Giselle and Isabelle, showcases the unbreakable bond of siblings, especially during their recovery from a tragic accident.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of supporting and loving their siblings or close friends, facing challenges together, and cherishing these relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Giselle, demonstrates resilience as she navigates the physical and emotional pain after the accident, working through her recovery and the loss of her sister.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and courage when dealing with difficult situations, showing them that they can overcome obstacles and heal with time.
Example Lesson: The healing power of art
Explanation: Throughout the book, Giselle uses art to cope with her grief and find her identity separate from being a twin. Her journey through self-expression and art therapy is a key aspect of her healing process.
Real-World Application: Children learn that creative activities like drawing, writing, or playing music can be powerful tools for expressing emotions and dealing with traumatic events.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the reader is invited to experience the emotions of each character, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding towards people who are experiencing loss and trauma.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more empathetic and supportive towards friends and family members who are going through tough times, helping them to foster deeper and more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Accepting change and moving forward
Explanation: After her sister's death, Giselle learns to accept the irreversible changes in her life and begins to look forward to new beginnings, despite the pain of her past.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a part of life and that embracing it can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.