Identical Strangers
Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein
22 min
8 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Explore the fascinating journey of identical twins, separated at birth, as they reunite and delve into their shared past, uncovering the power of genetics and the bond of sisterhood.
You'll learn
1. How twins feel when they split and meet again2. Is it right to separate twins for studies?3. Nature or nurture - what shapes us more?4. Why family ties and knowing who you are matters5. Finding and accepting yourself6. The magic of genes and shared traits.Key points
01Birth and Separation
The birth and subsequent separation of Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein on October 9, 1968, in New York City, marked the beginning of a unique and complex narrative that would span decades. Born to a mother deemed unfit due to her mental health issues, the twins were thrust into a controversial study that would shape their lives in ways they could never have imagined. The decision to separate the twins at birth was not a random act, but a calculated move influenced by the research interests of Dr. Peter Neubauer, a renowned child psychiatrist. Driven by the age-old nature vs. nurture debate, Dr. Neubauer saw in the twins a rare opportunity to observe the effects of different environments on genetically identical individuals. This decision, while scientifically intriguing, had profound implications on the lives of Elyse and Paula. Elyse, adopted by a loving Jewish family in New Jersey, grew up as an only child, oblivious to the existence of her twin sister. Her life, while filled with love and support, was marked by a sense of loneliness and a feeling of incompleteness. Paula, on the other hand, was adopted by a Jewish family in Manhattan and grew up with two older brothers. Despite the familial support, she too felt like an outsider, a feeling that was exacerbated by her status as the only girl in the family. The role of the Louise Wise Services, the adoption agency that facilitated the twins' separation and adoption, cannot be overlooked. The agency not only allowed Dr. Neubauer access to the twins for his research but also ensured that the adoptive families remained ignorant of the existence of the twins' siblings. This lack of transparency added another layer of complexity to the twins' narrative. Throughout their childhood and adolescence, both Elyse and Paula experienced recurring dreams about a twin sister. These dreams, dismissed as fantasies by their families and therapists, were in fact a subconscious manifestation of a missing part of their identities. The twins' lives, despite being physically separated, mirrored each other in uncanny ways, from their academic interests and career choices to their personal habits. The birth and separation of Elyse and Paula is a poignant reminder of the profound influence that early life events can have on individuals' lives. Their story underscores the ethical implications of scientific research and the importance of transparency in adoption processes. It also highlights the deep-seated human need for connection and the enduring influence of genetics on individuals' lives. Despite the physical distance and different life paths, the twins' shared experiences and mirrored lives serve as a testament to the enduring bond between them.
02Growing Up Apart
In the heart of New York City, a young girl named Elyse was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her. Despite the city's vibrancy and the freedom it offered, Elyse often felt a profound sense of loneliness. She was drawn to art and literature, finding solace in the creative world, yet she couldn't shake off the feeling that a part of her was missing. This inexplicable connection to an unknown entity often led her to stare at her reflection, as if trying to decipher a hidden message. Meanwhile, in the quiet suburbs of Long Island, another girl named Paula was growing up in a traditional family setting. Her parents, both educators, instilled in her a love for learning and a disciplined approach to life. Despite the comfort of family dinners, weekend outings, and a close-knit community, Paula too felt an unexplainable emptiness. She often dreamt of a girl who looked just like her, living in a city she had never visited. Elyse and Paula, despite their contrasting upbringings, shared a common feeling of incompleteness. Elyse, with her love for art and literature, often felt out of place in her urban environment. On the other hand, Paula, despite her structured upbringing, yearned for something more. This shared sense of longing and incompleteness would later play a significant role in their lives. The influence of their upbringing and the shared sense of longing had a profound impact on their lives. It led them on a journey of self-discovery, pushing them to question their identities and their place in the world. This journey was not just about finding the missing piece of their puzzle, but also about understanding themselves better. Elyse's urban upbringing and her exposure to art and literature shaped her into a creative and independent individual. However, her sense of loneliness and the feeling of a missing connection pushed her to seek answers, to find the missing piece of her identity. Paula, on the other hand, had a structured and disciplined upbringing. Her love for learning and the support of her close-knit community shaped her into a disciplined and focused individual. Yet, her dreams of a girl who looked just like her and the longing for a connection she couldn't quite understand pushed her to seek answers, to find the missing piece of her identity. Their contrasting upbringings and shared sense of longing and incompleteness led them on a journey of self-discovery and reunion. It was a journey that not only reunited them with their missing halves but also helped them understand themselves better. Their story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the profound impact of our upbringing on our lives. It is a story of growing up apart, yet never truly being apart.
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03The Search Begins
04Reunion
05Discovering Shared Lives
06Uncovering the Truth
07Coming to Terms
08Conclusion
About Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein
Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein are identical twins who were separated at birth and reunited as adults. They co-authored "Identical Strangers," a memoir detailing their unique experience. Both have backgrounds in film and writing, with Bernstein being a freelance journalist and Schein a filmmaker.