Beside Myself

October 12, 2015
In British author Morgan’s intriguing first novel, identical twins Ellie and Helen Sallis decide to swap roles after their father’s death when they’re four. When outgoing Helen, the narrator, tries to end the game soon afterward, socially awkward Ellie continues to pretend to be Helen, denying that she’s Ellie. Despite Helen’s fervent protests, the sisters’ self-absorbed and unsupportive mother believes the new Helen, concluding that “Ellie” is lying to be difficult. As a consequence of the switch, “Helen” (the real Ellie) becomes popular and a good student, while “Ellie” (the real Helen) fulfills the low expectations of her mother and friends by acting out. Over time, the game begins to spiral out of control. “Helen” becomes a famous talk show host with a husband and daughter, while “Ellie” is barely functional. The reader must piece together what, if anything, is true about Helen’s story as her family’s secrets slowly surface. The arc of each girl’s life and the game’s tragic trajectory make for riveting and suspenseful reading. Agent: Caroline Hardman, Hardman & Swainson (U.K.).