spool of blue thread

I never really cared about the characters so was not gripped by the story. would not recommend

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Stick with it for your reward

Where does A Spool of Blue Thread rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I loved this book, and I was sad when it ended. But it took me a while to settle to the slow pace and time switches. In the end the characters became very real in my mind, and related well to my own family saga.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Red Whitshank was the most likeable character in my mind. As a man he reminded me a lot of my father. But then Abby Whitshank was a lot like my mother. Although my parents only lived in America briefly, they had a lifestyle very much like the Whitshanks with hospitality, hard work, family and church at the centre of their lives.

Have you listened to any of Kimberly Farr’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I would like to hear more from her - I loved her accent and voices.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, this is a book to savour and re-read slowly to prolong the pleasure.

Any additional comments?

I would love to listen to another book by Anne Tyler read by Kimberly Farr.

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1 person found this helpful

Funny, observational and occasionally poignant

Would you listen to A Spool of Blue Thread again? Why?

Yes, it's filled with humour and sharp observation.

What other book might you compare A Spool of Blue Thread to, and why?

None springs to mind

Which character – as performed by Kimberly Farr – was your favourite?

I enjoyed them all. Great narration with excellent character voices.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I literally gasped with shock and surprise when there's an unexpected death half way through. Didn't see that coming!

Any additional comments?

The first I've read/listened to by Anne Tyler. I was captivated from start to finish; such a simple premise and an engagingly eccentric cast of characters. I'm aware that some reviews suggest that this isn't Tyler's best work; in which case I have further delights in store, because I so enjoyed this. It's quirky, observational and in many ways, very ordinary. But her writing takes it into the realms of the extraordinary.. I enjoyed the way the narrative weaved back and forth across the years, with the same events recounted from more than one perspective.
It's a family saga, filled with disparate characters. None are overly endearing, but they interact so well, the story flies by and I didn't want it to end. Tyler's writing is never over complicated, but always sharp, truly observational and it made me laugh out loud a few times. It's also filled with shrewd observation about human nature. I enjoyed it and don't know which of her books to try next.

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1 person found this helpful

Stunning.

A perfect story perfectly narrated. Anne Tyler understands us. This is a story that effortlessly encompasses life: its beginnings and its endings and all the strange, happy, sad and beautifully ordinary moments.

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Lively and Quirky Characters

I read this as on the Man Booker Longlist. It is said that this will be the last novel the author Anne Tyler writes.
This book is initially about Red and Abby Whitshank who are an older couple with health and memory issues and needing the support of their family to stay in the home they have been in for years. They are surrounded by a large family.
Much of the story is around the transition Red and Abby face. The writing is full of descriptive phrases and although it is about mundane daily life Tyler captures the stresses and strains and draws the reader into it. The characters are lively and quirky.
The story drifts back in time to how Red and Abby met and then how Red’s parents met.
The development of some characters are adequate whereas others are not for example the character of ‘black sheep’ son Denny is left unresolved which was frustrating.
The narration by KimberleyFarr was so annoying and gave me such a headache. I would recommend reading this as a physical book or on #Kindle.
I think this is a middle of the road book and Im glad I read it but it was not a major read for me.

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14 people found this helpful

Too drifting

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I felt I would tie up the loose ends more securely.

Would you be willing to try another book from Anne Tyler? Why or why not?

Yes. I have read a number of Anne Tyler's books which I enjoyed much more.

What about Kimberly Farr’s performance did you like?

She was quite engaging and easy an easy listen

Could you see A Spool of Blue Thread being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

No.

Any additional comments?

I felt the tensions within the family could have been better illustrated. But it did make me think and I emphasised with the Stem and Denny characters but it all seemed pointless in the end.

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4 people found this helpful

Okay

I read this because it was on everyone's must read list. I never felt as though it really got going. I have read several books which focus on the minutiae of life and thoroughly enjoyed them. This was kind of meh.

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17 people found this helpful

Enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this book. There were some surprises, but it described the sadness and unpredictability of life very poignantly.

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5 people found this helpful

Spool of blue thread

I loved it. Beautifully crafted writing and well read. It wouldn't suit anyone who likes a fast moving plot but if you enjoy the intricacies of family relationships, it's for you

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3 people found this helpful

Wonderful characters and absorbing story

Beautiful attention to detail in dialogue, characterisation and description. Relates the everyday drama and highs and lows of family life.

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12 people found this helpful