This is a children’s novel by Katherine Paterson first published by Crowell in 1980 and it won the annual Newbery Medal next year. The title refers to the sibling rivalry* between Jacob and Esau in the Bible.

The novel follows the story of the Bradshaws, a family who depends on the father, Truitt Bradshaw, and his crabbing/fishing business on his boat, the Portia Sue. Truitt’s two daughters, Sara Louise and Caroline, are twins, and Caroline has always been the favorite.

Paterson captures the inner turmoil* and hurt of the lesser-loved, plainer, and less-obviously gifted twin, Sara Louise (“Wheezy”), growing up on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, the United States in the 1940s.

Caroline, her musically talented, beautiful, and spoiled* sister has stolen the spotlight* ever since birth, having been born fragile and sickly. Boredom, longing, psychic pain, and rage are exquisitely described yet there is humor — especially in the protagonist’s interactions with McCall, the dunderheaded* boy with whom Sara Louise shares many adventures.

In the end, though Sara Louise is thwarted* from her ideal career (due to being female), she achieves one she can be proud of along with love and acceptance in her personal life.

The book is available at online bookstores such as jd.com.

(SD-Agencies)