logo

55 pages 1 hour read

Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Rebecca Wells

Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

383

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1930s-1990s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

850L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells follows Sidda, a successful New York theater director, as she navigates her troubled relationship with her mother, Vivi, with the help of Vivi's lifelong friends, the Ya-Yas, and their shared memories documented in a scrapbook. Sensitive topics include substance misuse disorders, mental health conditions, death by suicide, child abuse, domestic abuse, and racism.

Emotional

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

563,277 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells evokes strong emotional responses through its exploration of complex mother-daughter relationships and lifelong female friendships. Praised for its rich character development and Southern charm, criticisms include a sometimes meandering plot and occasional emotional manipulation. Overall, it’s celebrated for heartwarming, relatable storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood?

Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg will enjoy Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells. This novel is perfect for readers who appreciate rich, multi-generational stories about the complexities of female friendships, Southern charm, and emotional resilience.

4.2

563,277 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Sidda Lee "Sidda" Walker

A renowned theater director, Sidda struggles with her past and is hesitant about marrying her fiancé, Connor; her journey reveals insights into her relationship with her mother, Vivi, and the influence of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood on her life.

Sidda's mother and a member of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Vivi is fiercely creative and complex, and her tumultuous relationship with Sidda forms a central part of the narrative.

A lively and forthright member of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood known for her free-spirited nature and outspokenness.

An outspoken and loyal member of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood who plays an influential role in encouraging peace between Vivi and Sidda.

The most traditional and maternal member of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, supporting her friends with quiet strength and warmth.

Sidda's fiancé, a calm and affectionate man, whose love and support motivate Sidda in her personal journey.

Vivi's patient and introverted husband, who finds solace in farming and duck hunting, displaying a quiet love for his family.

Vivi's parents whose tumultuous relationship and strict upbringing significantly influence Vivi's life and choices.

Teensy's brother and Vivi's first love, whose legacy and influence resonate deeply with Vivi and the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

Book Details
Pages

383

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1930s-1990s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

850L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.