Once We Were Sisters - Sheila Kohler (Books)

Title: Once We Were Sisters

Author: Sheila Kohler

Publisher: Penguin Books

Date Published: 2016

Category: Memoir / Non-fiction / South African Literature

Once We Were Sisters is a poignant memoir by South African-born author Sheila Kohler, recounting the life and tragic death of her sister, Maxine. Raised in a privileged yet emotionally distant family in apartheid-era South Africa, the sisters shared a deep bond that was tested by their tumultuous lives. After Maxine’s untimely death at thirty-nine—under circumstances that strongly suggest foul play—Kohler returns to South Africa to confront the painful truths of their past and the unresolved questions surrounding her sister’s demise.

Kohler’s narrative intertwines personal recollections with reflections on family dynamics, societal expectations, and the enduring connection between siblings. The memoir has been praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, offering a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of sisterhood.