The Phantom Twin is a young adult graphic novel concerning siamese twins during the 1920s. Isabel and Jane Peabody are conjoined twins working in a traveling carnival show until an ambitious surgeon tries to separate them. Jane dies during the surgery and Isabel loses an arm and a leg that they both shared. Her dead sister now haunts her as her phantom limb. The traveling freak shows were a big attraction in the 1920s. Anything or anyone who was considered to be different drew unwanted attention and that is why these "freak" shows became popular. The two sisters were called by their co-carnies "Jan-iss" because they were two people within one body. The book was published last month on March 3, 2020.
The book is a fast read that shows the reader how cruel a world can be for those who are different. It is a sad story although the sisters and workers at the carnival are portrayed with humor. They are shown as being normal people with normal personalities who have fun together. Their reaction to being physically different is heartwarming as life just goes on despite being cast aside by society. The reader can feel Isabel's emotions as she transitions her life from being two to being alone. The artwork is plain and simple with bright colors that always appeal to me.
I loved The Phantom Twin. I highly recommend it for young readers. 5 out of 5 stars.
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