At first, I found the writing style a little confusing and I struggled to follow the story thread. However, after getting used to the time switches I got into it and followed the girls' lives with interest. I did have a problem with the name Dylan and pictured a male at first. The narrative was resolved satisfactorily. Bergstrom identifies as she/her so I was confused by the reviews which refer to they, their.

Abigail Bergstrom's second novel is the story of three sisters in Wales. Ines, Dylan and Gwen navigate life, it's complexities, and their childhood bond stretches into adulthood. Bergstrom's novel shifts through times and perspectives, and the brevity of some of its chapters often gives little time to fully orientate oneself. However, when Selfish Girls pulls itself into a cohesive whole, there is real beauty and honesty here. Bergstrom is a very fine writer, and draws the characters on the page well. The story is engaging and a pleasure to read - it also helps I'm a sucker for novels with a Welsh theme to them (I love to see Cymraeg on the page.).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I decided to give this author another go after failing to enjoy their first novel, 'What a Shame'. But, unfortunately, I think their work is just not my cup of tea. I don't get on with the writing style and similarly to the previous book, I failed to find the characters interesting or the story engaging. The story is difficult to follow as well due to the narration being all over the place and very confusing. Just not for me, sorry!

I enjoyed Abigail Bergstrom's first novel but unfortunately I didn't think this was very good! It's a story of sisters in Wales and their messy and complicated dynamic, drawing heavily on Little Women, and while that sounds great, the actual book wasn't. I was drawn in at various points, but overall I thought the writing was just okay and the characters and their stories not very interesting.

My, oh my, what a book! I was first attracted to this story by the cover. It's a painting by the stunningly talented artist, Valeria Duca. It does not disappoint, people. Being a sister of three myself, I was instantly besotted by the compelling family drama (and past trauma) that connects these three, and enjoyed reading about this family as though it was a real family, the characters of the sisters jumping off the page as though alive. Full of action and angst, this is a book not to be missed. All in all, it was clever, complicated and compelling. A family drama involving sisters at its messiest. As an aside, it was weirdly confusing due to reading it at the same time as Coco Mellors' Blue Sisters which is our May Book Club read. There are lots of similarities, and lots of sisters! Both books are fabulous.

Thank you to Abigail Bergstrom, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Bergstrom is obviously a talented writer, but not one, I think, for me. The premise was promising and I love novels that include sisterhood / family dynamics. Unfortunately, it was hard to distinguish between the characters and the narrative changes were baffling at times, making it hard to follow the story.

I think if you enjoyed What A Shame, you might also enjoy this one.

This felt like a book of two halves. Some parts were so beautifully written, with incredible characterisation and heartbreaking moments. Whereas others felt thrown in for no reason and overwritten. It took me a long time to distinguish the sisters, their mother and the different timelines, which had me rereading certain chapters to see if I missed something. The writing was searing and the message of the book was poignant, I just wish it was a little neater in parts.

Selfish Girls by Abigail Bergstrom explores family relationships and the complicated dynamics between loved ones that cause dysfunction and pain.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hooder & Stoughton for the ARC!

2.5 stars!

I really liked how this started and the premise. I was so ready for this and really wanted to get deep into the sisters relationships, the relationship with their mum, and their own lives.

The writing is great! But the way it jumps from different past, present, and even Gwen's past, just seem to stop me from really getting deep within the story and connecting with any of the characters sadly.

Definitely worth checking out if you love family dynamics and relationships and realistic fiction, but sadly the execution wasn't a fit for me but maybe for someone else!

Selfish Girls follows three sisters and their mother as they navigate life. Ines moves home with her partner after almost having a breakdown but her mother, Gwen is glad to have her daughter home. Dylan is trying to move on from a rejection she can’t forget and Emma is suffering silently in her marriage. The sisters used to be inseparable, but being back in the Welsh town where they grew up reveals their haunting past.

I think many people will enjoy this novel. Technically the writing is good and it’s easy to emphasise with the characters.