Jojo and the Twins was the name of the band fronted by twins Emma and Araminta (Ara) Tayloe. Emma is the singer/guitarist, and Ara writes their songs and plays drums. They had a hit record (their only record) several years ago, before Ara settled on heroin as her drug of choice and scuttled their chance at real success. But they have a gig tonight that might break them out of their slump and singer Emma is ready to go full on. Unfortunately, Ara is still using and their music leaves much to be desired.
Josie, the non-singing little sister, found her spot as the family caretaker and fixer as their radical lawyer mom abrogated her role, to solve the problems of the downtrodden. While Josie left her university job as a renowned entomologist to work at a private zoo and be close to the twins, Bertie felt that the girls could get along without her and missed their graduations and concerts so she could tend to the needs of those more deserving.
When Ara was arrested for dealing and put in the county jail to await trial, Josie and Emma came up with a great way to make bail-they would write and record a new album, entitled Jailbreak, and raise money online for the future album. They both wanted to spring Ara ASAP, but she finds peace and camaraderie there, and as she goes through detox, she tells them that she'll stay a little while longer. Also, her songwriting inspiration is returning and she's making music over the prison phone with Emma again. Then something horrible happens to Ara in jail, and their family is thrown into chaos. But maybe this will begin the healing that they all need.
I really enjoyed this hard hitting novel. It was frustrating and upsetting in places, but the sisters and their mother were portrayed realistically, in an unflinching manner. An extremely original and interesting take on a family dynamic that needs to be addressed.
Reviewed by Donna Ballard
August 12, 2025
Reserve a physical copy - Coming soon
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