The Whisper Sister by Jennifer S. Brown
1920s New York. The phrase alone evokes images of fabulous vintage motor cars, parties, flappers, Jazz, clandestine clubs, and perhaps even Jay Gatsby raising a glass in a sardonic toast to Prohibition—an era long past, but never forgotten. USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer S. Brown, brings the era back to life in her novel, The Whisper Sister. Set against the backdrop of speakeasies, immigrant struggles, and family bonds, Brown weaves a rich tapestry where clinking glasses mingle with whispered secrets.
An Immersive Experience
“At a stroke, the American government closed down the fifth largest industry in the United States—alcohol production—and just handed it to criminals—a pretty remarkable thing to do.” ~Bill Bryson
When Prohibition was implemented on January 17, 1920, the men-only saloons were shut down, and people had limited avenues to purchase alcohol. Licensed druggists sold it for “medicinal” purposes and bootleggers, often with links to organized crime, flourished by supplying speakeasies. The term speakeasy summons a covert knock on a door, a panel sliding back, and a whispered password. And beyond the door? Jazz music soared and gender lines blurred as men and women reveled together breaking societal norms.
Brown’s attention to historical accuracy breathes life into the setting and the characters. Minnie Soffer, a young Jewish immigrant, must adjust to a new country, language, and culture. Vivid descriptions elicit the sights, sounds, and smells of the period, making the city itself a character in the novel from the dimly lit speakeasies to the crowded tenements. You’ll want to pour a glass of your favorite tipple, settle into an easy chair, and let Minnie’s whispers transport you to a bygone era of secrets and dreams.
A Family Saga
The story centers around the Soffer family, who strive for stability and citizenship, but the soda shop Minnie’s father runs doubles as a speakeasy. Then tragedy strikes and Minnie must step into her father’s shoes in order to keep the business afloat. She begins an inspiring and heart-wrenching journey from reticent bartender to shrewd entrepreneur. Brown skillfully depicts the family dynamics, peeling back the hidden layers of sacrifice, secrets, and love.
A Resilient Heroine
“For every prohibition you create, you also create an underground.” ~Jello Biafra
In the 1920s, women challenged the heretofore male-dominated roles and broke barriers by becoming bootleggers or bar owners. To run a successful speakeasy, they needed a steady supply of high-quality alcohol and had to navigate the dangerous world of bootlegging, not to mention avoiding law enforcement raids while ensuring protection against criminal gangs and extortion.
Faced with adversity, Minnie refuses to sit on the sidelines, a passive observer. She is determined to succeed in a world where men hold all the cards. As she navigates the shark-infested waters of Prohibition, you’ll want to cheer for her persistence and resolve. Minnie is such a relatable character, which is highlighted through her courage and vulnerability and her unwavering commitment to family and business is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Themes: Belonging and Identity
In The Whisper Sister, Minnie wrestles with her dual heritage—Jewish and American—and the collective inflexibility between tradition and modernity. Her struggle to find her place in a rapidly changing society mirrors the larger immigrant experience. Brown’s exploration of cultural identity will resonate with readers, inviting their introspection and empathy.
An Emotional Symphony
Brown’s prose is lyrical, akin to the music that often accompanies Minnie’s journey. Whether it’s the haunting notes of a violin or the clatter of glasses in the speakeasy, the novel’s emotional ambiance is undeniable. Readers will laugh, cry, and hold their breath as Minnie faces betrayal, love, and loss. The characters come alive, their joys and sorrows etching themselves into our hearts.
Jennifer S. Brown’s poignant storytelling creates a world of courage, love, and the indomitable human spirit that lingers long after the final page. What a triumph!
About Jennifer S. Brown:
Jennifer S. Brown’s debut novel, Modern Girls, was a USA Today bestseller, a Massachusetts Book Award “Must Read,” and a 2016 Goodreads Choice semifinalist for Historical Fiction. Her writing has been published in Fiction Southeast, McSweeney’s, The Best Women’s Travel Writing, The Southeast Review, and the Bellevue Literary Review, among other places. She teaches writing, both in-person in the Boston area and online through the Loft Literary Center. The Whisper Sister is her second novel.
She lives outside of Boston with two beagles and a husband who pretends not to hear her when she says she wants to adopt more dogs.
