5.0 out of 5 stars You'll want to get inside this "Sister Tent"!
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2022
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In August 2019, the author and two of her siblings (one older, one younger) left the comforts of their respective American homes and pitched their "Sister Tent" abroad. They decided that each would pick one country as a travel destination, find suitable accommodation, and suggest an itinerary for one week. Now in their 60s, it has been 50 years since the sisters all shared a room while growing up in California. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing, except that each sister (like all of us) is traveling with extra carry-one baggage that's packed with long-ago, deep-rooted frustrations and jealousies. Despite the many decades of living apart, these are quick to resurface and threaten to rip or tear the "Sister Tent." Through backstory, the author shares insight into these well-established childhood patterns and reveals devastating family losses that impacted her two sisters and her relationships with them. Ms. Kraus is compassionate in her understanding, quick to forgive, and eager to make her siblings laugh.

Against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Wimbleton (beware the orange bag), and Trinity College, we watch the sisters navigate through cultural and language barriers ("To Let" is not a toilet!), suppress their knee-jerk reactions to being "stomper-offers," and learn to prioritize what is truly important during their time together: their sisterly bonds. The author likens each of them to an individual star "bringing light to our sisters' constellation." Her affection and respect for Rie and Les shine through on every page.

This is a big-hearted, good-natured memoir told with an openness that feels as if you are traveling alongside the sisters on their adventures through Scotland, Ireland, and England. And for the hours it took to read this book (not so many, as I gobbled it up), it was an enviable place to be. Highly recommended!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Memoir..but more than that
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2022
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I rarely do this, but I am going to start my review of this book with an " I loved this book". It is a travel memoir of the 3 Moore sisters journey to Ireland, England and Scotland, but it actually is about so much more. It is about 3 sisters, in their mid-60's, navigating not just bus schedules, but their sister relationships. Traversing life and making their symbolic sister tent stronger with shared humor and shared understanding.
When traveling situations go a bit sideways, family history was shared with the reader to give background insight. Each sister was in charge of the arrangement s for "their" country, which I thought was brilliant.
I read this book slowly, taken in all the experiences. There are many thought provoking moments to stop and ponder. The sisters visited interesting places within all 3 countries. I especially liked learning about Ireland as that was a Country I had not been to. Also as I read I thought of my own 3 sisters and have had a discussion or two with them as I came across humorous parts we could relate to as well as the sistership feelings.

I liked that at the end we are let into how things transpired when everyone went back home. It was very heatwarming. ...and yes, they were still talking and laughing!
There are photos which I loved seeing! Perhaps the Moore sisters will travel together again. Perhaps a warmer climate next time i.e , Greece or Spain, although I can see them in France or Holland as well. This book has inspired the Deurloo sisters to do some traveling together someday.
Highly recommended, not just for sisters but for friends, all siblings..etc.

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely story. Beautifully written.
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2022
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A lovely story of three sisters taking three weeks to travel through three countries...Ireland, Scotland and England. I loved that each sister was assigned a different country and was charged with choosing the hotel, where to visit, etc. The author has a wonderful sense of humor and writes with such an approachable style that makes me want to meet her - and her two sisters - in person! I highly recommend this travel memoir! LOVE the photos she included... and the book club discussion points in the back of the book are a real plus. This would make a fabulous book club read! #memoir #travel #women #bookclubpick

5.0 out of 5 stars Insight, surprise, and humour in abundance! Enjoy!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2022
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An opportunity to view one’s own, “old”, country through the eyes of an intelligent and careful observer from the “new world” promises insight, surprise, and humour.

Elizabeth Moore-Kraus’s account of her and her two sister’s adventures in Ireland, England and Scotland fulfils all three promises in abundance.

Whether you are from the “old” or the “new” world, if you enjoy fast-moving travel stories in good company, you’ll find “3 Sisters 3 Weeks 3 Countries” a delight AND you’ll discover qualities that support sisterly harmony.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rule of Three Works
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2022
It is said that readers have a natural tendency to respond positively to things that come in threes as they’re inherently more satisfying. If this “rule of three” is to be believed, it’s certainly the case with the Liz Kraus memoir 3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries (Still Talking).

This enjoyable, detailed and often humorous telling of three adult siblings traveling and rooming together for the first time since childhood is fraught with the conflicting threat of their bonds of sisterhood coming apart at the proverbial seams when long-held issues surface under current (sometimes cramped) conditions.

And as we armchair travel and sightsee with them through the beautiful landscapes, histories and eateries of Ireland, England and Scotland, we get a deeper understanding of all three countries – and all three sisters – learning that no matter the circumstances faced or how much baggage we come with (physical or emotional), there’s always room in the corners for a little compassion and understanding.

5.0 out of 5 stars Take me away
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
This beautifully written memoir has done the impossible for me. It has changed my whole perspective on memoirs and opened my eyes to reading more of them.

The three Moore sisters, all in their sixties take on England, Ireland and Scotland in all their glory. With different personalities they navigate traveling together with humor, respect and perseverance.

I loved that they all got to choose a country that they were responsible for making the accommodations for and arranging the sites to see. A brilliant idea that put them on an even playing field.

Not only was the memoir written with humor but it wove a personal side into their travels that allowed the reader to get to know all their unique personalities. This made it more authentic and genuine with a true understanding on how difficult it was to keep the sister tent intact.

I loved everything about this book. The description of the scenery and the locals intertwined with a touch of history that I found fascinating.

A definite five star that I recommend to all for its in-depth knowledge of culture and respect for individuality.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sister trips
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
The title of the book draws you in. Took awhile for the 3 sisters to find the time to take 3 weeks to travel together. The sisters also had to decide on so many things—they hit on some good ideas—3 sisters 3 countries so they each decided they would be responsible for one country. It was so funny that they thought they would have lifts(elevators) and didn’t and the stories of how they got their luggage up the tons of stairs was so funny. They had a good time and keep in touch more now than they did before traveling together. It was fun reliving a lot of places my sister and I visited but I think they should have had one day each week where they could do what they wanted and alone if wanted. I would recommend this book for anyone that wants to travel with any type of family members.

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt memoir of the sisterly bond
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2022
3 sisters 3 weeks 3 countries is a heartfelt memoir of the tight, special, sisterly bond interspersed with a gorgeous travel guide of Ireland, England and Scotland. Kraus emotes through her writing the raw emotions of Les (Leslie), Liz (Elizabeth) and Rie (Laurie), encompassing the “sister tent,” drawing on memories from their childhood.
As the middle of three girls, I envisioned the tales, I empathized with the challenges of their lives and each other, and loved them together and each one for their unique special character. Three weeks traveling together is not an easy feat – with each obstacle rather than “stomp” away the three sisters dug deeper into themselves and each other. What is evidence throughout is laughter, laughter, and more laughter.
After reading Kraus’s book, not only will you challenge which of the three countries you want to visit based on vivid travel experiences, and quirky exchanges amongst individuals throughout the three weeks. Your heart breaks, your heart smiles, and your heart rejoices for the Moore sisters.

5.0 out of 5 stars Take an entertaining trek with three lovely sisters!
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022
An entertaining and beautiful depiction of a sisterly journey abroad. I am a middle sister bookended by one younger and one older sister. I relate to these women’s camaraderie, struggles, joy and the sensitivity in how they deal and interact with each other. It’s a dance you do all the whilst trying not to step on each other’s toes. Kraus did an excellent job putting this dance to words. The story flows seamlessly. The flashbacks of their lives give the reader a robust sense of who these women are and what it was like growing up in a large family in Southern California. It was amusing to peek in on the antics they pulled when they were kids…nice job on the disappearing car prank! I highly recommend this book. Sisterhood is complicated, mysterious, and breathtaking; I wouldn’t trade it for anything. However, you don’t need to be a sister thoroughly enjoy this read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2022
I found this a fun and enjoyable read about three sisters journey across three beautifully described countries and the people they encounter along the way. Kraus uses family dynamics, backstories and the sisters travel antics to reveal the universal human spirit of overcoming not only the everyday; but the deeply personal challenges that shape who we are in life. Those with brothers and sisters, and those who love travel will especially relate to the humor, trials, triumphs, and the touching and enriching moments of their journey. I think this would be a fun Book Club read and plan to recommend it to mine.

5.0 out of 5 stars A delight to read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2022
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Liz, Les and Rie, I was right there on the journey with you! I came to love all three, thanks to Liz's deft, honest storytelling and obvious love for her sisters. As a Brit who has been to most of the destinations described, I delighted in the open-mindedness of the three Californian travellers. I felt as though I came to know each one as the journey progressed, much in the same way that the sisters deepened their love and knowledge of themselves and each other. It was a privilege to read both the internal and the outward journeys described. Even better to know that the experience was such a strengthening one for the 'sister tent' which remained intact to the end!
The writing style is clear, easy to read, and kept me entertained throughout. The sisters' humour is evident even in the darkest of moments. They didn't even complain too much about our terrible weather! The descriptions of some places which I have yet to visit myself made me want to go there, the mark of good travel writing. The weaving in of some autobiographical background helped punctuate and pace the story and also to understand where each sister was coming from. I felt there was a good balance between this and the travel narrative. I look forward to hearing about Liz's next adventure!

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and heart-warming!
Reviewed in India on July 26, 2022
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Elizabeth Moore Kraus’ Three Sisters, Three Weeks, Three Countries (STILL TALKING) is a wonderful memoir that offers so much to identify with and to learn from. To begin with, I simply loved the title as it truly suggests what all one would find in this vibrant book – places, landscapes, architecture, romantic descriptions, nuanced yet heart-warming and at times emotional relationship of siblings, witty conversations, digs and asides, childlike innocence, errors and mischief, a journey down the memory lane – as these three adorable sisters with their distinctive whims, humour and temperaments take the risk of staying together through it all. The book presents an interesting amalgamation as well as juxtaposition of past, present and future as the middle Moore sister, the author of the book freely experiments with the genre ‘memoir’. Kraus’ strikingly vivid depiction of their journey across the three countries makes the readers feel a plethora of emotions, know some fascinating historical facts, learn some philosophies to live by, enjoy wonderful quotes, and visit the places through the lovely pictures. I absolutely loved reading this book as delightful and endearing as it is!. I recommend this captivating memoir to everyone who loves life with its different shades and if you love it when a book literally talks to you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, I’d love to be named after a queen.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2022
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The Moore sisters’ adventures in Ireland, England, and Scotland are described in such vivid detail that I want to visit each country. Even though there was some jealousy between the sisters, I love how they worked through it and became closer. By traveling with my sister, I’ve learned that there are always things we don’t know about each other. The way the Moore sisters laugh when tragedy strikes, something gets misplaced, or they misplace themselves makes me long to laugh with my sister more. It is essential to spend time with loved ones while they are here. You never know when it may be your last day on earth. As Elizabeth says, it just takes a little faith in yourself and your family to work through difficult times, even while traveling together. Kudos to the Moore sisters for enduring each other for three long weeks, most times in tight spaces. This book is excellent for anyone who wants to laugh, travel, or learn how to bond with family. I couldn’t put this book down.

5.0 out of 5 stars A heartfelt journey
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
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I truly enjoyed this book and the voyage of the three sisters. Regardless if you have siblings (sisters for that matter) you’ll find a connection to these characters. We all have a “sister tent” in our relationships - managing the nuances of those closest to us is always a challenge. That said, it was the human nature of this story with the mix of humor that really pulled this book together

Kraus’s writing is eloquent and flows well, making this memoir a joy to read. A natural born worrier, in this book the author can’t help but dissect the sibling relationship with particular reference to her two sisters. The three of them have decided it is high time they went on an extended vacation together. Each sister wants to go to a different country in Europe, so they decide to go for three weeks, with each sister choosing the destination and accommodation for one of the weeks. The book is a funny, somewhat irreverent look at the relationship between the three Californian sisters during their trip to Ireland, Scotland and England. The author describes the historical landmarks they visit, the food and shopping they experience with care and great detail, making it a useful travel guide as well as an interesting study of family relationships. Along the way they experience a few storms (both rain and emotional) and have to work out how to weather these. I found 3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries to be highly enjoyable, particularly having been to Dublin, Edinburgh and Bath and having lived in London for twelve years (all places the Moore sisters visit, among others). As an only child the insight into the sibling relationship was very interesting to me, a relationship I have always envied. Highly recommended!