A Spool of Blue Thread

by Anne Tyler
A Spool of Blue Thread cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8350
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780701189525
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2015-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler is a captivating exploration of family dynamics and the enduring bonds that tie us together. The story begins with Abby Whitshank recounting the day she and Red fell in love, a tale that has been told many times before. However, this gathering is different as the family must make decisions about caring for their aging parents and their beloved family home. Through the lens of three generations, the novel delves into the events, secrets, and unguarded moments that define the Whitshanks, revealing the universal hopes, fears, rivalries, and tensions that are inherent in family life. /n/n Tyler's masterful storytelling weaves together the past and present, offering a poignant and deeply human portrayal of a family navigating the complexities of love, responsibility, and the passage of time. With over a million Anne Tyler books sold, this novel is a testament to her ability to capture the essence of family life in all its messy, beautiful glory.

Reviews
BookerTalk · 2021-12-04
pleasant 3.00

The novel is enjoyable but not remarkable, falling into the category of books that are pleasant to read but don't leave a lasting impact.

This reviewer found 'A Spool of Blue Thread' to be a pleasant read, but not one that stands out in the literary landscape. They appreciate the storytelling and the exploration of family life, but feel that the novel lacks the depth or uniqueness to be considered remarkable. The reviewer acknowledges that it's a good book, but one that might not stay with the reader long after finishing it. They also note that the characters are well-developed and the narrative is engaging, but the overall impact is somewhat mild.

Quick quotes

    Anne Tyler's novel about four families of the Whitshank family falls into the category of books I consider 'enjoyable but not remarkable'

    It is pretty poignant, yes. In Abby's case, there's concern that she's losing her memory a bit anyway and then … So it's worth a read

    Her writing shines the brightest in this book. The first chapter still hurts as much even on the second reread.

The Indiependent · 2016-11-02
enthralling 4.00

The novel is beautifully written and gently enthralls the reader, inviting them to ponder the stories behind each character.

This review praises Anne Tyler's ability to create a beautifully written novel that gently draws the reader in. The reviewer appreciates the way Tyler crafts each character, making them individual and intriguing. They note that the novel has a slow, steady pace that allows the reader to become deeply involved in the lives of the characters. The reviewer also highlights the empathetic nature of the storytelling, which makes the novel a compelling read. They find the exploration of family dynamics to be particularly well-done, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This beautifully written novel gently enthrals, coaxing the reader to wonder about the story behind each wonderfully individual character

    Beautifully written and full of interesting characters, a study of love in families, with all the misunderstandings, bindings and secrets that individuals

    That makes it cliché territory, risky for an ambitious novelist. It's also quintessential Anne Tyler, as well as quintessential American comedy.

The Guardian · Elspeth Barker · 2015-03-01
joyful 4.50

The novel beautifully captures the ordinariness of family life while keeping the reader absorbed. It's a testament to Tyler's ability to find the extraordinary in the mundane.

This review highlights how Anne Tyler manages to weave a compelling narrative from the everyday experiences of a family. The reviewer appreciates the way Tyler delves into the complexities of family dynamics, making the story relatable and engaging. They also note that the novel's strength lies in its ability to make the ordinary feel extraordinary, a hallmark of Tyler's writing. The reviewer finds the characters believable and the storytelling empathetic, making it a joy to read.

Quick quotes

    Tyler is able to relax into an ordinary, homely minor key while keeping one as absorbed

    The novel is extremely well crafted, well structured, full of believable characters, and an admirable empathy with these lives

    Anne Tyler's 20th novel will bring joy to her legions of admirers.

Appears in Lists