Identical Strangers

October 1, 2007
In this transfixing memoir, Bernstein, a freelance writer, and Schein, a filmmaker, take turns recounting the story of how each woman, at age 35, discovered she had an identical twin sister, and the reunion that followed. Despite disparate upbringings, education and work experiences, the twins share matching wild hand gestures, allergies, speech patterns and a penchant for the same art movies. Louise Wise Services, the adoption agency, will reveal only that their biological mother was schizophrenic and unaware of who their father was. Records of the study the agency conducted about them are sealed, so the authors spearhead their own research project by poring over birth records, tracking down their birth mother's brother and interviewing researchers, who claim that twins raised apart are more similar than those raised together. Much of the book is devoted to fascinating stories of other twins and triplets who, when reunited as adults, are shocked by how much they have in common with one another. Bernstein and Schein's relationship becomes extremely close and also fraught with expectation. "Once you find someone," Bernstein writes, "you can't unfind her."

December 1, 2007
Adult/High School-Schein recalls saying, I feel like Ive lost a twin, during periodic bouts with depression. However, Bernstein lived blissfully ignorant prior to learning about the existence of her sister. Reunited at the age of 35, these identical twins embarked on a journey to uncover the story of their separation. Research into their genealogical background revealed an ethically questionable study on identical twins performed by the doctors associated with the agency that facilitated their adoptions. In alternating voices, the women detail their emotional struggles as they navigated their developing relationship and the realities of the circumstances surrounding their birth and separation. As their relationship evolved, they marveled at their extensive similarities, but also dealt with the confusion and pain associated with their new identities. Their stories are enhanced by the anecdotal and scientific information they gathered while searching for the motives of the study they unknowingly took part in as adoptees. Ultimately, the authors came to terms with their new personae, and, through that process, redefined their notions of the bond they share. Teens will be pulled in by the mystery surrounding the study and the identity of the authors birth mother. The questions and evidence fueled by the nature vs. nurture debate will interest those fascinated by the roles DNA and environment play in human development and spark interesting book club and classroom discussion.Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.