Sister Light, Sister Dark is a novel of fantasy constructed by cleverly interwoven and related parts. Jenna's story is accompanied by sections of myth, legend, poetry, parable, and even song, complete with musical notation. This approach enriches the storytelling, emphasizes the social and cultural value of the imagination, and illumines the way myths and legends can grow.

The topics of the songs and poetry reinforce themes pertaining to women's cause. History sections which satirize dry, misguided scholarly studies add to the novel's witty tone.

Yolen's conception of the mythic deity Great Alta is an inspired stroke relating to the complexities of women's lives. Alta's creative process displays Yolen's usage of symbolic form. Alta made light and dark sisters as mirror images from the golden and dark sides of her flowing hair, twining them as one within her intricate braids. Yolen's capacity for poetic imagery is apparent also in...