Three Cousins

A Novel

Fiction - Womens
312 Pages
Reviewed on 07/02/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite

Jessica Levine's Three Cousins unfolds beautifully in the constantly changing tide of America in the 1970s, during a period of opportunity, resistance, and personal reinvention. Julia, Anna, and Robin are cousins united by blood, goodwill, and the clutter that typically emerges when a person decides to forge their own path to individuality. Together, these three young women share much more than just an apartment while attending Yale. Each one wants something different from life, whether it is stability, autonomy, or to discover their purpose. But as Julia, Anna, and Robin learn to navigate the hazy lines between sex, love, and self-identity, their longings intersect in unforeseen ways, especially during their shared attraction to the same alluring but emotionally jaded musician named Michael. Set against the backdrop of the feminist era and the sexual revolution, Julia, Anna, and Robin's story is one about rising above adversity while holding on to the strength of one's family. This heartfelt story depicts their incredible journey.

Bold, well-written, and emotionally intense, Jessica Levine's Three Cousins intimately explores the lives of its three female protagonists as they navigate the cultural highs and lows of a still male-dominated era. Even though Julia, Anna, and Robin take very distinct paths, their narratives entwine in ways that expose the era’s dichotomies regarding personal freedom, rebellion, and one's sense of duty. Each lead character's journey represents a unique aspect of what being a woman during that period of revolutionary change symbolizes for them and the people around them. Interestingly enough, their thought-provoking struggles create a profound portrayal of themes like ambition, love, and self-expression. Even though their differences set them apart somewhat, those same differences also helped to make the narrative and their collective experiences feel even more raw, authentic, and captivating. Altogether, this book was certainly hard to put down. Even though I would categorize it as women's fiction, I am confident it will also appeal to a male audience.