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The Twin Enigma: An Exploration of Our Enduring Fascination with Twins

Author(s) : Vivienne Lewin

Reviews and Endorsements

‘In this book, Vivienne Lewin unravels the multi-layered enigma of the twosome – society’s fascination with twins, ascribed uncanny, sacred and magical qualities by the media, in literature, mythological legends, religious beliefs and cultural practices throughout the world. With detailed examples, the author proposes that idealisation of twinship reflects our ubiquitous unconscious longing for a perfect soulmate. She explores the evolution of this imaginary double in singletons as well as concretisation of this phantasy within families of real twins. Parents and therapists alike will benefit from this knowledgeable presentation of special developmental issues and inter-twin dynamics, denoting internal tensions between deep intimacy yet fierce rivalry, and forceful strategies as each twin struggles to carve out a sense of unique personal identity.’
- Professor Joan Raphael-Leff, PhD, psychoanalyst, transcultural psychologist, and Leader of the UCL/Anna Freud Centre Academic Faculty for Psychoanalytic Research

‘This is a fascinating and erudite overview of the many facets of twinship, a book that is difficult to put down once started. It explains what it is about twins that makes those of us who are not a twin so fascinated with the idea of having a twin, and makes us want to read on. This is a must-read for twins, their families and their friends, and invaluable for those professionals involved in helping twins untangle the knots in their relationship. Once again we benefit from Vivienne Lewin’s personal and professional experience of the twin situation and also from her wide-ranging research.’
- Audrey Sandbank, family psychotherapist for the Twins and Multiple Births Association and author of Twins and the Family and Twin and Triplet Psychology

‘This beautiful book is not just for the specialist. It is for any thoughtful person who seeks to hold body and soul together at the edge of humanity. The author’s clarity of language and clear organisation of a wide range of perspectives deserves tribute. History, literature, genetic endowment and development alongside religion, mythology, and cultural studies shape a wide and deep reading of how moving and poignant the human condition can be. This is a book not to be missed.’
- Richard Morgan-Jones, psychoanalytic psychotherapist and organisational consultant; author of The Body of the Organisation and its Health