Unravelled

by Robyn Harding

Beth wasn’t sure that joining a knitting circle was going to fill the void created when she left her sweet but commitment-phobic boyfriend, Colin, and moved in with her frumpy and judgmental roommate, but it was worth a try. Armed with a bottle of Merlot and a positive attitude, she attended the first meeting of the stitch ’n bitch club. In attendance were Sophie, a young mom grappling with a toddler and a passion-deficit marriage; Nicola, an eerily sweet and demure bride-to-be; and Martin, a charming magazine editor who just had to be gay—or was he?

Genres: Knitting, Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Thriller, Canada

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2007

About the author

Robyn Harding is the bestselling author of several books and has written and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her family and two cute but deadly rescue chihuahuas.

To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynH...

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was definitely was funny in parts. I especially appreciated the fast pace of the novel. It held my attention and I was able to read it quickly. The problem is that even by 'beach read' standards, it wasn't as challenging or as satisfying as it was capable of being. I can best liken it to eating Chinese food, or movie theatre popcorn. It's tasty, but ultimately you're left feeling hungry later because it ultimately isn't satisfying.

I predicted the 'big secret' fairly easily. Now, in and of itself, that isn't a problem to my thinking. What bothered me was that I didn't find Beth's relationships with Nicola or Sophie well developed enough for me to believe she'd care that they were upset with her. Beth was shallow at the beginning and by the end I didn't think she was a great deal more evolved than when she started.

Ultimately, this is not the worst book you'll ever read. If you want something light and breezy that won't challenge you too much, have a read. Personally, I prefer Marian Keyes.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book - I have a lot of forgiveness for easy reads in the knit-lit genre, but this one really did not live up to expectations. The characters were all so shallow (no depth or development), the constant assumption that 'the guy in the knit group must be gay because he's knitting' became really tiring, and really quite unnecessary/aggravating, and I must say I angry read the whole book, angry with myself for continuing to read a book a really did not enjoy. The storyline admittedly had quite a bit of potential, and I really related to the situation that the main character was in, but every single twist and turn really fell flat.

[Sapna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was extremely disappointing. The main character is so whiny, immature and characterless that I wanted to abandon the book early on. The fact that she had no empathy and was more concerned about "consummating" the relationship was just down right shallow. I had picked up the book because it seemed like knitting might be a big part of the story, but instead, as a knitter, I felt insulted with how the author basically used it as a reason for a group of people to get together and "bitch" rather than "stitch."

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe it or not I loved this crazy book. A peek into the trauma of being single in your early thirties! A spoof on the whole dating scene told with wit and wisdom.

The five stars are for a fun read, not necessarily great literature! I rate each genre by its merit in that category. For chick lit this author does a great job, even though she must be choking on that tongue in her cheek!

[Dalia Ghorab · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beth breaks up with her boyfriend of 4 years because she suddenly realizes they want different things in life. While she wants to settle down, get married and have things, her boyfriend, soon to be ex, abhors commitment and just wants the free milk.
Wallowing, she joins a stitching circle, where she meets new friends and consolidates some old acquaintances into friendships.

Beth strikes me as a hormonal 16 year old with the maturity of a 12 year old. She has no grip on anything, is selfish, and I tried so much to empathize with her losses and fails to no avail.
She was kind of in a mission to find a husband and go on with the time frame she’d originally put when she was with her ex. I was annoyed for the bigger part of the book and sometimes wanted to slap some sense into her.

The plot was really vague to me, I kind of lost the purpose of the book and didn’t get where the author wanted things to go... It kind of droned on and on and I didn’t get the gist, was it to show how women should be self reliant and independent? Was it supposedly about the importance of support groups and the therapeutic power of handcrafts? Was it about rebounds?
In my opinion it was a hot mess!

If it weren’t for my stupid rule of never leaving a book after I have started, I would have deserted this 400 something book in the early 60-70s...

Oh Ms. Harding, what’s happened to you?!

I’ve read three quite promising books by Robyn Harding; Her Pretty Face, The Party & The Swap. I was looking forward to enjoying Unravelled as much, or even more, anticipating Harding’s easy flowing ideas.. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed...

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I got past the first 50 pages or so, I really liked this book. The biggest problem I had with it was the stereotyping. The roomate, for example, was pretty much written off as a big loser because she watched romantic comedies, etc., at one point making a big deal about her wanting to watch Titanic. What's wrong with Titanic? It was huge at the box-office, people, men and women, went crazy over it, seeing it multiple times at the theatre, but now it's suddenly loserish to like it? What is up with that? I like romantic comedies, not all of them, but the good ones (and, generally, most people who read chicklit probably also watch romantic comedies), I knit, I'm a big fan of Guns 'n Roses and do not own a single Celine Dion album, so where does that leave me? I ultimately decided to put the stereotyping down as a character flaw of the main character, Beth, rather than of the book as a whole and it worked out much better for me that way. ;) Also, one other thing that bugged me was referring to her friend as a Samantha, without any other clue as to what that might mean. I was never a big fan of Sex and the City, and it took me a minute to get the reference. (I guess all chicklit readers are also fans of Sex and the City?)

Otherwise, I really enjoyed it. I was actually a little surprised by the "secret" and I liked the characters.

[Miss Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much potential, unfortunately it didn’t live up to it. The characters were shallow, and the protagonist, Beth, reads like a self-absorbed whiney teenager despite being a 30 something writer. You see her perspective on the other members of the knitting group, however those perceptions are filtered through her annoying, self-absorbed personality. Every character in this book feels stereotyped. The lonely stay at home mother and wife. The blissfully engaged virgin. The TV celebrity. The friendly male friend. The dog lady. The mysterious and handsome older man.

The stalking of the lone male member of the stitch and bitch club felt invasive and abusive. The constant pestering of the ex to “end things on a positive note” so that her current love life could be fantastic? Equally maddening.

I almost didn’t finish it, but I wanted to see how long it would take before we were finally told the obvious.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a free book on Kindle this was quite fun, though the ending and whole Nicola plot seemed ridiculous to me. Why would that make you postpone your own wedding? While it would be a shock and rather upsetting, you realise your parents have their own lives and make their own decisions/mistakes by your twenties. Bizarre. Does this reflect the authors' small town Canadian upbringing? (Though the novel is set in Seattle.)

I enjoyed the flatmate storyline and am glad it didn't go the way other of books where they would probably have became firm friends, with Kendra joining the knitting group and harmony reigning in the flat.

Do it if you want a light and easy read, with some knitting thrown in.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a fun read! I enjoy light, easy reading, something to just allow me to escape reality for awhile. At points in this book I was laughing so hard I was crying. So if you want an easy, carefree read check this book out. Another point I want to make is that if anyone thinks this book isn't a reflection of what REAL life looks like, especially as a single woman, hasn't been single or experienced a lot of "unraveling" in their life or their friends lives. I related on many levels to the characters in this book, from the boring roommate, to the main character, as well as a few others.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

So terrible! The main character was one dimensional and completely blind to what was going on in her life. There were several loose plot lines that were never addressed or resolved - the potentially gay knit club member, the weird roommate situation, the old boyfriend. I'm not sure why I finished it, but I kept wanting to see what terrible situation the main character would get herself into next.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really was a page turner - I didn't want to put it down! Good thing I'm currently unemployed ;-) I applaud the main character for walking away from the commitment phobic bf - I, too, had to do the same thing. I knew something was up with the new guy, but did not quite picture the plot as it unfolded!! I do hope that he can change... that one... I believe an ex is an ex for a reason, but I suppose in the land of fairy tales, it's worth a second chance.

[Sarca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am always curious to find fiction with knitting as a theme. Alas, I hated this one. I guess I'm way too jaded for the fluffiness of this book, but I could barely get past the first line without wanting to take a Gravol...

[Msjlafferty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to like this book, I really did,but the more I read the more I wanted to throw it across the room.The only reason I kept reading was to see the big secret...I couldn't relate to any of the characters,Beth was so whiny and frustrating.I can't believe I wasted my time.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cotton candy drivel. I think I'm a little dumber after reading this book. And yet I couldn't put it down until I found out what the big secret was.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked this book. it was a quick read, and predictable, but overall a good book. will be looking for more by this author

[Tira · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise, Beth a freelance writer Beth after wallowing in the loss of a four-year relationship is invited to join a knitting circle.
I expected to be introduced to the “knitting group chick lit standards”.
• A married lady
• And younger girl/lady
• The cool one
• And the shoulder to cry on voice of reason
• And someone with or expecting a baby
What I got:
• the virginal engaged girl, CHECK
• the disillusioned marred now new mother CHECK
• the loose trendy girl CHECK
• the token man (is he or is he not homosexual) as the shoulder to cry on voice of reason CHECK
• and the pretty but sad main character

The knitting was just a reason to get two characters to in the same room, so the twist could happen. It could have been any group.
The roommate and dog lady scenes were weird. Both characters were just so Beth wasn’t talking to herself or a reactor to push Beth into action.
The drama with her ex was tiresome. Whenever Beth had a change to move on or stay she would backtrack once the wind blew. She was so frustrating. I stuck with it hoping that she grew.
There was nice plot twist (now looking back I should have seen it coming) Any way, after that I was disappointed when not much changed. It ended Beth's expectations have been lowered.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Angie, her friend, starts a stitch 'n bitch club and invites Beth. Also in the group are Sophie, Nicola and Martin. Beth is a freelance writer who occasionally works for Martin, who they assume is gay. In the meantime, Beth starts dating Jim, an engineer she had interviewed. Because he is older, he seems to be everything Colin isn't and Beth starts to see a future with him.

I was looking for something light and this seemed to fit the bill. Plus I'm a knitter. It started off fairly light but then things started getting went off in a few unbelievable directions. This story is written in first person perspective in Beth's voice. I didn't find anyone all that likeable. Beth and her friends were supposed to be in their thirties but acted like they were in their teens or early twenties, so immature. I figured there was a twist coming up. And there were a couple ... I saw one coming and the other one was farfetched. As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2025/02...

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I read a scan of the actual paperback (complete with yellowed pages) on Open Library.**

I had trouble deciding whether to shelve this book as romance or women's fiction because it couldn't decide which one to be. It wasn't quite bubbly enough to be chick lit, either. I kept hoping that our heroine Beth would have a few more in-depth conversations with some of the other women in her life. For instance, it didn't seem like she even tried to get to know her roommate; she just made fun of her. I also had trouble believing the bond between the members of the knitting group because there didn't seem to be enough of it on the page. I mean, I know they all blurted out some relationship problems they were having, but outside of that, they didn't seem to know much about each other. Beth's attitude about all of her relationships seemed to be, "They are better than nothing." I had trouble feeling happy for her when anything good happened.

[Marisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Library Request. Omg I can't begin to tell you how nondescript this book was, thank god it was from the library and not a purchase. BORING, is all I have to say, and crappy character builds, omg what was with Martin, was he gay, straight, who cared"......" I wish I didn't have this stupid OCD where if I get through the first 20 pages I have to complete the book, no matter of difficult it is. What s waste of my time this book truly was.

[Larisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to remind myself when this was written because I can’t imagine a thirty something woman now being so obsessed with marriage. Main character started off so annoying but got better. I saw the big twist coming a mile away. The “is he gay or isn’t he” stuff was so cringe-worthy. So many awful stereotypes but again this is almost 20 years ago. Entertaining though. If you want something fluffy this is not bad.

[Heidi Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for something light-hearted and I found this on my shelves. It was exactly what I needed. The story is set in downtown Seattle where I've spent a bit of time so it felt familiar. It certainly didn't play out like I thought it would so for what I would consider "chick-lit" it was a good choice. Published in 2007 it's a bit dated but love and friendships don't change so it's a good read.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Knitting group of friends sharing their lives with joys and struggles. The friendships were special and the twists and turns in this book were so much fun. Especially near the end of the book. It did not end the way I hoped, but I still don't know if Martin was gay or not either!

[Janel · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting premise. some of the characters I found to be annoying. not alot of depth to the characterizations. the plot twist isn't something you see coming but its isn't resolved in a manner in which one is satisfied...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not have any expectations for this book, I thought it was going to be a cheesy book. I did not pick this book, and I have no recollection of where I acquired it, but it was a lot better than I thought it would be, and the end moved so quickly!

[Meghan Enga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. Light and unpretentious, good pace, entirely consistent in what it claims to be and then is. Hits all the notes for a fun escapism quick read that has you rooting for the fairly straightforward characters. But they aren’t trying to be anything else, so yay!

[Julie P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time connecting to the main character. She is a mess of an emotional roller coaster. While she had a mind set change in the last 15+ pages of the book, it was too late for me to like her.

[Joy Feazell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of her other books but I really hated this one. I have never read the word “shriek, shriek’s or shrieked “ so much in one book. It became my biggest focus. Glad the shrieking is done!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and not as predictable as I thought it would be.

[Barbara Frey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny Easy pool/beach read!

[Barbara Cryer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a very good streak going. This was another that really isn't that great.