Identical
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Identical
Identical by Ellen Hopkins is a young adult novel, presented in free verse, that delves into the fractured lives of identical twin sisters, Kaeleigh and Raeanne Gardella. The narrative explores the stark contrast between their seemingly perfect family facade and the profound dysfunction, abuse, and mental health struggles hidden beneath. Through alternating perspectives, the story intricately weaves their individual coping mechanisms with disturbing family secrets. The book is intended for mature young adult readers, as it tackles a range of extremely sensitive and graphic topics without reservation. It unflinchingly addresses child sexual abuse, incest, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, and psychological trauma, culminating in a significant plot twist involving dissociative identity disorder. Due to the intensity and frequency of these mature themes, parental guidance is strongly advised, and the book is generally recommended for older teens.
Things to Consider
Violence
The book contains graphic and pervasive depictions of violence, primarily in the form of child sexual abuse, self-harm, and implied physical abuse within a relationship. The psychological toll of this abuse is central to the narrative.
Kaeleigh is the victim of ongoing sexual abuse by her father, Ray, which began when she was ten years old. Reviewers mention graphic details such as a 'man performing oral sex on his daughter'. Raeanne, one of the twin personalities, is involved in a 'toxic relationship with a man who is physically and emotionally abusive,' and a scene depicts Mick attempting to rape Raeanne.
Romance and Sexual Content
Romance and sexual content are highly explicit and disturbing, centered around father-daughter incest, promiscuity, and implied sexual assault. This content is integral to the twins' trauma and coping mechanisms.
Substance Use
Substance use is a pervasive and central theme, depicting significant drug and alcohol abuse by multiple characters as a means of coping with trauma and emotional pain.
Scary & Intense Content
The book is described as highly disturbing and intense due to its focus on severe psychological trauma, graphic child sexual abuse, self-harm, and a significant plot twist involving mental illness.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
17+ due to graphic and pervasive themes including child sexual abuse (incest), extensive substance abuse, self-harm, and severe psychological trauma.
Good to Know
The book is written in free verse, which can impact reading experience and emotional intensity. The core narrative features a major plot twist that reveals one of the twin perspectives is a manifestation of dissociative identity disorder, adding a layer of psychological complexity and intensity. Due to the very sensitive nature of the content, including child sexual abuse, self-harm, and drug addiction, it is frequently flagged with trigger warnings and has been challenged or banned in some educational settings.
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