Once we were sisters - Sheila Kohler

Once We Were Sisters by Sheila Kohler is a deeply personal and poignant memoir that explores the complex relationship between Kohler and her older sister, Rachel, and the profound impact of Rachel’s tragic death. The book is both a meditation on loss and a reflection on the bond between siblings.

Sheila Kohler recounts her childhood in South Africa, where she and Rachel were very close, despite differences in personality. The memoir traces their lives, from their shared experiences growing up, to the divergent paths they took as adults. While Sheila pursued a career as a writer, Rachel's life took a darker turn, marked by struggles with mental illness and emotional distress.

Rachel’s death, which occurred under mysterious and tragic circumstances, becomes a pivotal moment in Kohler’s life. The author grapples with the aftermath of her sister’s passing, trying to understand both the tragedy itself and the complicated relationship they shared. Kohler uses her writing as a way to process her grief, reflecting on the fragility of life, the complexities of familial bonds, and the search for meaning after a devastating loss.

Throughout the book, Kohler delves into themes of memory, identity, and the ways in which the past shapes our present. Once We Were Sisters is both a tribute to her sister and an exploration of the grief that lingers after losing someone close, particularly when that loss is tied to unresolved emotions and questions.