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Caroline
In 1980s New York City, young lawyer Nick Coleman meets free spirit Caroline Sedlak in an evening fiction writing course. A vivacious fixture at a Greenwich Village bar, she remains mysterious about her life until their teacher reads her story submission to the class, and Nick realizes that a darker past lurks beneath her happy-go-lucky exterior. Nick must confront demons of his own while struggling to prove himself to his colleagues as a young blind lawyer at an office that handles appeals for indigent convicted felons.
Nick’s practical, goal-driven approach to life balances Caroline’s quixotic nature, and their friendship soon deepens into something more. For some time, they’re happy together. But as the two become closer, Nick’s reluctance to commit collides head-on with Caroline’s need to be loved and belong. Soon, they realize that Caroline hasn’t left her past far behind after all...and the behavior that Nick once found charming first frustrates, then terrifies him. As the two spiral toward an inevitable clash, Nick must choose between the life he thought he wanted, and the woman he can’t bring himself to admit he loves.
Nick’s practical, goal-driven approach to life balances Caroline’s quixotic nature, and their friendship soon deepens into something more. For some time, they’re happy together. But as the two become closer, Nick’s reluctance to commit collides head-on with Caroline’s need to be loved and belong. Soon, they realize that Caroline hasn’t left her past far behind after all...and the behavior that Nick once found charming first frustrates, then terrifies him. As the two spiral toward an inevitable clash, Nick must choose between the life he thought he wanted, and the woman he can’t bring himself to admit he loves.
Audible Audio
Published February 9, 2022
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About the author
Adrian Spratt
1 book40 followersAdrian Spratt practiced law for twenty years, mainly in consumer protection, before returning to his first love, fiction writing. He graduated from Amherst College and earned his law degree from Harvard. Retinal detachment led to his loss of vision when he was thirteen. Today, he lives in Brooklyn with his wife, the artist and photographer Laura Rosen. His website, where he maintains a blog and showcases selected stories, essays and memoir excerpts, is www.adrianspratt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 22, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Caroline unfortunately for me was a book I didn't finish (DNF). I trued my hardest to push through this book as it is so very rare for me to DNF a book - but however many times I tried, I just couldn't take to it. Maybe the written book would be better than the audio, but I'm not sure. I just found the book flat to listen to and my mind kept zoning out as I found the narrators voice monotonous and offering nothing to the story. I really had higher hopes for this book and although it was well written, it just wasn't the best fit for me.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Caroline unfortunately for me was a book I didn't finish (DNF). I trued my hardest to push through this book as it is so very rare for me to DNF a book - but however many times I tried, I just couldn't take to it. Maybe the written book would be better than the audio, but I'm not sure. I just found the book flat to listen to and my mind kept zoning out as I found the narrators voice monotonous and offering nothing to the story. I really had higher hopes for this book and although it was well written, it just wasn't the best fit for me.
March 26, 2022
I loved Nick, he was such a deep person. Blind but so powerful on others types of feelings. Caroline was also so alive and so senstive. I felt so much their story, it touched my heart. I am so thankful for my family even not all is perfect and and many times is hard to go on. So is this book souch a vital story. It can happen to everyone. It depends on everyone how we cope with hard situations.
Thanks to Books Fluent publishers and Netgalley fir this audiobook.
Synopsis
In 1980s New York City, young lawyer Nick Coleman meets free spirit Caroline Sedlak in an evening fiction writing course. A vivacious fixture at a Greenwich Village bar, she remains mysterious about her life until their teacher reads her story submission to the class, and Nick realizes that a darker past lurks beneath her happy-go-lucky exterior. This doesn’t trouble Nick, who struggles with demons of his own: as a blind lawyer launching his career prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act, he struggles to prove himself at a law office that handles appeals for indigent convicted felons.
Nick’s practical, goal-driven approach to life balances Caroline’s quixotic nature, and their friendship soon deepens into something more. For some time, they’re happy together. But as the two become closer, Nick’s reluctance to commit collides head-on with Caroline’s need to be loved and belong. Soon, they realize that Caroline hasn’t left her past far behind after all … and the behavior that Nick once found charming first frustrates, then terrifies him. As the two spiral toward an inevitable clash, Nick must choose between the life he thought he wanted, and the woman he can’t bring himself to admit he loves.
Thanks to Books Fluent publishers and Netgalley fir this audiobook.
Synopsis
In 1980s New York City, young lawyer Nick Coleman meets free spirit Caroline Sedlak in an evening fiction writing course. A vivacious fixture at a Greenwich Village bar, she remains mysterious about her life until their teacher reads her story submission to the class, and Nick realizes that a darker past lurks beneath her happy-go-lucky exterior. This doesn’t trouble Nick, who struggles with demons of his own: as a blind lawyer launching his career prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act, he struggles to prove himself at a law office that handles appeals for indigent convicted felons.
Nick’s practical, goal-driven approach to life balances Caroline’s quixotic nature, and their friendship soon deepens into something more. For some time, they’re happy together. But as the two become closer, Nick’s reluctance to commit collides head-on with Caroline’s need to be loved and belong. Soon, they realize that Caroline hasn’t left her past far behind after all … and the behavior that Nick once found charming first frustrates, then terrifies him. As the two spiral toward an inevitable clash, Nick must choose between the life he thought he wanted, and the woman he can’t bring himself to admit he loves.
July 19, 2022
The description of a blind lawyer who meets a young woman in a fiction writing class was appealing. The book not so much. There seemed to be a bunch of time jumps. First he is helped on the way home by a young woman but his wife is at home. Then he meets a young woman in a fiction class and they are having an affair. Was this before or after the subway girl? Then there are the stories he and Caroline wrote for their class. I gave up at 30% because I just didn't see what the plot was or where the story is going. I found Nick to be very cold and had an odd relationship with his parents. I just finished reading four great books and perhaps this book just wasn't the right time for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Books Fluent for providing me with a copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Books Fluent for providing me with a copy.
November 16, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
3.5 stars.
“He laughed pleasantly. “Something I observed was that Caroline never acted as though you had physical limitations. She adapted to your needs, but in the way we all adapt to our companions, one way or the other – the way you adapted to hers. You were happy together.”” (Quote from ARC)
A well-adjusted blind hero revisits a past love in “Caroline”, by Adrian Spratt (Books Fluent), an evocative tale with marks of sadness but also hope.
Besides the intrinsic sadness and nostalgia, the story about Nick and Caroline is told in a somewhat dispassionate tone, filtering what was a heartfelt love story decades ago.
Watching a blind lawyer navigate his career in 1980’s New York was an interesting dimension of the book. The contrast between the two eras is compelling, too.
Although the hero, Nick, is in love with Caroline, we sense the pain of loss is already mitigated through the lenses of time. The ignorance or unawareness (the blindness?) about Caroline’s issues ends up being more poignant than the disability itself.
This was very solid in the disability representation; the intensity level of the love story was not so compelling.
I found some parts of the story a bit boring, but I suspect it’s just a personal preference about reading a love story set in the outdated yet so familiar 1980s (showcasing how technology drastically changed our lives).
3.5 stars.
“He laughed pleasantly. “Something I observed was that Caroline never acted as though you had physical limitations. She adapted to your needs, but in the way we all adapt to our companions, one way or the other – the way you adapted to hers. You were happy together.”” (Quote from ARC)
A well-adjusted blind hero revisits a past love in “Caroline”, by Adrian Spratt (Books Fluent), an evocative tale with marks of sadness but also hope.
Besides the intrinsic sadness and nostalgia, the story about Nick and Caroline is told in a somewhat dispassionate tone, filtering what was a heartfelt love story decades ago.
Watching a blind lawyer navigate his career in 1980’s New York was an interesting dimension of the book. The contrast between the two eras is compelling, too.
Although the hero, Nick, is in love with Caroline, we sense the pain of loss is already mitigated through the lenses of time. The ignorance or unawareness (the blindness?) about Caroline’s issues ends up being more poignant than the disability itself.
This was very solid in the disability representation; the intensity level of the love story was not so compelling.
I found some parts of the story a bit boring, but I suspect it’s just a personal preference about reading a love story set in the outdated yet so familiar 1980s (showcasing how technology drastically changed our lives).
March 2, 2022
I received an advanced copy from the Goodreads giveaway. Sadly, as of right, I DNF it. I did try really hard, but I found myself reading parts of the same page over and over. I couldn't connect to the pages and I'm hoping that I can come back and read it at another time.
I didn't want to write a review until I was able to finish, but sadly I don't think it was the right time for me and this book to meet. The story was a very, very slow burn, like 3rd degree burn. Maybe I'll give it a chance when my own life slows down.
I didn't want to write a review until I was able to finish, but sadly I don't think it was the right time for me and this book to meet. The story was a very, very slow burn, like 3rd degree burn. Maybe I'll give it a chance when my own life slows down.
June 1, 2022
I have been picking up historical fiction novels more recently and was very excited when I got approved to read this title through NetGalley. The blurb and character descriptions sounded great, but the actual book was not. The writing was extremely slow-paced and I had to force myself to finish reading this one. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories may enjoy Caroline more than I did, but I would not recommend it to others.
(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)
(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)
(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)
(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)
March 29, 2022
This just wasn't for me. Too cerebral. I couldn't tell you what it was really about or what I was supposed to take away from it. I definitely think it has an audience. It just wasn't me.
February 3, 2023
Okay this was heavier than I thought it would be. It was a bit hard to follow at times, but I thought the overall story was intriguing. Following a blind lawyer and his ever evolving relationship with Caroline who struggled with her own insecurities and issues. We truly never know what is going on in someone else’s life.
March 13, 2022
Caroline by Adrian Spratt
Caroline is a book about Nick and his girlfriend Caroline. They meet in a fiction writing class. Nick is an interesting character he wants people to see him for his abilities not his disabilities. He is more than his blindness. He is a deep man with an interesting outlook on life. When he an Caroline meet in the fiction class he begins to like her after her writing is shared in the class. The book starts a little slow but you get to understand Nick the second half of the book you see the darker side of each character especially Caroline. I loved how Caroline did not treat Nick different from his disability she to me treated him equal.
There are many themes in the book that for some of them are on the darker side like abortion, suicide, depression, people with disabilities, and a touch of religion. The second half to me turned really dark Caroline life really came full force in the front. Nick struggles to understands and misses key things about truly understanding the dire situation with his girlfriend Caroline.
Adrian Spratt story laid out how complex relationships can get when unexpected situations arise when couples are not ready to become fully committed in their relationship to become parents. The story was deep and complex in the struggles each go through in the book Nick struggles with people seeing him for his abilities and the acceptances of his girlfriends Caroline's dark side. Caroline struggles with demons that lead her to a very dark place and her struggles to deal with consequences and the aftermath destruction. I felt as though at times Nick was in denial and Caroline had troubles with her mental state before Nick came into her life.
I recommend this book it gives you the inside view of the struggles new and young couples go through when making decisions of unplanned consequences.
I rate this book 4 stars. I want to thank Netgalley and Adrian Spratt for a free copy of the book for an honest review.
Caroline is a book about Nick and his girlfriend Caroline. They meet in a fiction writing class. Nick is an interesting character he wants people to see him for his abilities not his disabilities. He is more than his blindness. He is a deep man with an interesting outlook on life. When he an Caroline meet in the fiction class he begins to like her after her writing is shared in the class. The book starts a little slow but you get to understand Nick the second half of the book you see the darker side of each character especially Caroline. I loved how Caroline did not treat Nick different from his disability she to me treated him equal.
There are many themes in the book that for some of them are on the darker side like abortion, suicide, depression, people with disabilities, and a touch of religion. The second half to me turned really dark Caroline life really came full force in the front. Nick struggles to understands and misses key things about truly understanding the dire situation with his girlfriend Caroline.
Adrian Spratt story laid out how complex relationships can get when unexpected situations arise when couples are not ready to become fully committed in their relationship to become parents. The story was deep and complex in the struggles each go through in the book Nick struggles with people seeing him for his abilities and the acceptances of his girlfriends Caroline's dark side. Caroline struggles with demons that lead her to a very dark place and her struggles to deal with consequences and the aftermath destruction. I felt as though at times Nick was in denial and Caroline had troubles with her mental state before Nick came into her life.
I recommend this book it gives you the inside view of the struggles new and young couples go through when making decisions of unplanned consequences.
I rate this book 4 stars. I want to thank Netgalley and Adrian Spratt for a free copy of the book for an honest review.
March 15, 2022
Thank you, NetGalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
I don't even know where to begin with this book.
I was initially intrigued by the premise and was excited to read (well, listen) to a story about a lawyer/aspiring writer that just so happens to be blind. For a majority of the book, it felt like nothing was really there to move the plot forward, and it was not very memorable. It was only around the 60% mark that the plot started to pick up.
I didn't really like the portrayal of women in this book. (Or anyone really, since the characters and everyone's feelings toward one another came off as very dull and surface-level with very little character development.) Any woman who wasn't a mother or relative was instantly attracted to the main character or portrayed as troubled, or a mix of both. TW are needed for sexual assault and suicide. While I can forgive cringey interactions Nick has with the many women in his life, the fact that the main character basically sexually assaults a character that has revoked consent and sees nothing wrong with it/calls her crazy afterward is just gross in my opinion.
It definitely feels like this novel was more of an author-insert fantasy than what the summary promised. However, this was probably done on purpose as there was a bit at the end of the novel that alluded to it being a bit self-aware.
Story and characterization-wise, I was not a fan of this book. However, the writing itself is quite good. At times Splatt's writing comes off as a bit technical or "lawyer-y" at times, but the ideas flow from one another quite well. I also enjoyed reading about a character that happens to be blind, as there were some interesting moments that shed light on just how different someone who has sight and someone who happens to not have sight will interpret things. However, between the terrible characterizations and dark themes that are solely used for shock value at the end, I cannot give this book more than 2/5 stars.
I don't even know where to begin with this book.
I was initially intrigued by the premise and was excited to read (well, listen) to a story about a lawyer/aspiring writer that just so happens to be blind. For a majority of the book, it felt like nothing was really there to move the plot forward, and it was not very memorable. It was only around the 60% mark that the plot started to pick up.
I didn't really like the portrayal of women in this book. (Or anyone really, since the characters and everyone's feelings toward one another came off as very dull and surface-level with very little character development.) Any woman who wasn't a mother or relative was instantly attracted to the main character or portrayed as troubled, or a mix of both. TW are needed for sexual assault and suicide. While I can forgive cringey interactions Nick has with the many women in his life, the fact that the main character basically sexually assaults a character that has revoked consent and sees nothing wrong with it/calls her crazy afterward is just gross in my opinion.
It definitely feels like this novel was more of an author-insert fantasy than what the summary promised. However, this was probably done on purpose as there was a bit at the end of the novel that alluded to it being a bit self-aware.
Story and characterization-wise, I was not a fan of this book. However, the writing itself is quite good. At times Splatt's writing comes off as a bit technical or "lawyer-y" at times, but the ideas flow from one another quite well. I also enjoyed reading about a character that happens to be blind, as there were some interesting moments that shed light on just how different someone who has sight and someone who happens to not have sight will interpret things. However, between the terrible characterizations and dark themes that are solely used for shock value at the end, I cannot give this book more than 2/5 stars.
March 22, 2022
I received this audiobook from NetGalley as an advanced listening copy (ALC). Thank you to NetGalley, Books Forward Audiobooks, and Adrian Spratt for allowing me to listen in exchange for my honest review.
I plan to review this audiobook with soft spoilers, so read at your own risk. My review style for audiobooks is to rate the book and the narration separately with the average being the final rating (i.e. a 3 star book with a 5 star narration= 4 star overall rating).
Narration:
At first the narration turned me off. The voice actor, John Lescault, has a cadence like a local radio personality commentating on CSPAN: thunderous yet dull. However, as I continued to listen his voice became soothing to me. Like Peter Thomas from the TV show “Forensic Files”, he speaks about dark, yet mundane, subject matter in a way that’s entertaining and calming. Knowing that Mr. Lescault mostly narrates nonfiction audiobooks makes perfect sense. He honestly was a good pick to read this book because his voice personifies what I would expect the main character Nick to sound like.
Narration: 4/5 stars
Story Structure:
This book is set up like a slow burning satirical memoir. It’s Nick telling us about his journey with Caroline. He speaks about how their relationship unfolds and his perspective (and sometimes lack thereof) of their partnership. The author speaks about being employed as a lawyer in a time before the ADA. Being a blind lawyer in the 80’s, Nick struggles to find his footing professionally, with his family, and in courtship.
Story: 4/5 stars
Overall:
I really enjoyed this book. This is going to be a polarizing book. It’s a slow burner and to many will come across as downright boring. I have a tendency to enjoy books that are anticlimactic and dry. *There is a trigger warning about rape but it is not graphic.*
Overall rating: 4/5 stars
I plan to review this audiobook with soft spoilers, so read at your own risk. My review style for audiobooks is to rate the book and the narration separately with the average being the final rating (i.e. a 3 star book with a 5 star narration= 4 star overall rating).
Narration:
At first the narration turned me off. The voice actor, John Lescault, has a cadence like a local radio personality commentating on CSPAN: thunderous yet dull. However, as I continued to listen his voice became soothing to me. Like Peter Thomas from the TV show “Forensic Files”, he speaks about dark, yet mundane, subject matter in a way that’s entertaining and calming. Knowing that Mr. Lescault mostly narrates nonfiction audiobooks makes perfect sense. He honestly was a good pick to read this book because his voice personifies what I would expect the main character Nick to sound like.
Narration: 4/5 stars
Story Structure:
This book is set up like a slow burning satirical memoir. It’s Nick telling us about his journey with Caroline. He speaks about how their relationship unfolds and his perspective (and sometimes lack thereof) of their partnership. The author speaks about being employed as a lawyer in a time before the ADA. Being a blind lawyer in the 80’s, Nick struggles to find his footing professionally, with his family, and in courtship.
Story: 4/5 stars
Overall:
I really enjoyed this book. This is going to be a polarizing book. It’s a slow burner and to many will come across as downright boring. I have a tendency to enjoy books that are anticlimactic and dry. *There is a trigger warning about rape but it is not graphic.*
Overall rating: 4/5 stars
March 19, 2022
Caroline AUDIO by Adrian Spratt is kind of a fictional memoir of the yearlong relationship between Nick and Caroline. It is New York in the 1980s, Nick is a lawyer, and Caroline is the kind of young woman everyone likes. They meet in a creative writing class. Nick has long toyed with the ideal of writing and Caroline is just at loose ends, but is not a bad writer. Nick is blind, which metaphorically is important to the story, but not literally. After leaving class together for a few weeks, they sleep together, and then it becomes a regular thing with her all but living with him. She is good for Nick. She broadens his horizons. Things go well until she finds herself pregnant. She doesn't know how to react, and because of that, Nick doesn't either.
John Lescault is the reader and much of how I feel about the book comes down to him. He had a very calm voice, almost monotone, and reacted to nothing in the retelling of Nick's story. I don't know if it was Nick or John and so I am no sure what I am reacting to. I don't feel like he was the best choice as a reader because of this. Maybe it was the director's interpretation of the book and John did as he was told. I think I would feel differently if it had been a different reader or if I had read the words. I feel like Nick was nearly emotionless and that left me feeling negatively about the book. It was sad, but at least partly because of Nick. I didn't love it.
I was invited to listen to a free audio of Caroline by Books Fluent, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #booksfluent #adrianspratt #caroline
John Lescault is the reader and much of how I feel about the book comes down to him. He had a very calm voice, almost monotone, and reacted to nothing in the retelling of Nick's story. I don't know if it was Nick or John and so I am no sure what I am reacting to. I don't feel like he was the best choice as a reader because of this. Maybe it was the director's interpretation of the book and John did as he was told. I think I would feel differently if it had been a different reader or if I had read the words. I feel like Nick was nearly emotionless and that left me feeling negatively about the book. It was sad, but at least partly because of Nick. I didn't love it.
I was invited to listen to a free audio of Caroline by Books Fluent, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #booksfluent #adrianspratt #caroline
December 1, 2022
This one is a mixed bag.
On the plus side: The writing is excellent, the characters compelling, and most importantly, this is an exceptional and necessary portrait of blindness.
It’s extraordinarily rare to see a blind protagonist, and Spratt excels at demonstrating what the character’s life is like, the obstacles, treatment by others, and even the things that are quite manageable despite what differently abled folks may think.
It’s also an interesting examination of what I would call do-gooder law, and the fact that it’s not entirely as wholesome as we would like to believe.
In the downside, there’s no getting around that the ending makes the entire story feel bleakly depressing, and while perhaps a realistic sequence of events, it’s not what anyone (neither the characters nor the reader) would want, and it leaves you feeling sort of despondent and hopeless.
Another issue is Caroline herself. While we might feel sorry for her, she’s not exactly…likable. Again, it’s probably a pretty realistic portrait of someone like her, but she’s difficult to feel any warmth toward, and that matters in the end in a way that it doesn’t in some books.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
On the plus side: The writing is excellent, the characters compelling, and most importantly, this is an exceptional and necessary portrait of blindness.
It’s extraordinarily rare to see a blind protagonist, and Spratt excels at demonstrating what the character’s life is like, the obstacles, treatment by others, and even the things that are quite manageable despite what differently abled folks may think.
It’s also an interesting examination of what I would call do-gooder law, and the fact that it’s not entirely as wholesome as we would like to believe.
In the downside, there’s no getting around that the ending makes the entire story feel bleakly depressing, and while perhaps a realistic sequence of events, it’s not what anyone (neither the characters nor the reader) would want, and it leaves you feeling sort of despondent and hopeless.
Another issue is Caroline herself. While we might feel sorry for her, she’s not exactly…likable. Again, it’s probably a pretty realistic portrait of someone like her, but she’s difficult to feel any warmth toward, and that matters in the end in a way that it doesn’t in some books.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
July 29, 2023
I stumbled upon this book quite randomly, but found the description intriguing so decided to give it a shot. I liked it. I found Nick and Caroline to be endearing characters, which is what kept me going through the occasional passage that drifted a bit far and lost focus. Overall, however the story kept me engaged, feeling with and for the characters and ultimately I was left with a lot to think about, especially my own relationships. Nick's perspective was interesting in the sense that to me it walked on the perfect line between addressing its uniqueness but that not taking complete forefront but it also not being completely disregarded. There were moments where I desired to know more about Caroline, but perhaps the mystery that surrounded her and her thoughts was intentional since that is what Nick is left with and this also the reader.
I tend to be drawn to these types of 'slice of life' books, so 'Caroline' really fit right up my alley. If you are too, I'd say it's definitely worth a read. If these types of books that mainly focus on life and relationships tend to bore you, then this might not be for you.
I tend to be drawn to these types of 'slice of life' books, so 'Caroline' really fit right up my alley. If you are too, I'd say it's definitely worth a read. If these types of books that mainly focus on life and relationships tend to bore you, then this might not be for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
Caroline by Adrian Spratt is a beautifully layered, emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of love, identity, and human vulnerability with striking nuance. Set against the vibrant yet unforgiving backdrop of 1980s New York City, the story follows Nick Coleman, a blind lawyer navigating both professional challenges and the intricate emotional landscape that comes with falling in love with the enigmatic Caroline Sedlak. Spratt’s writing is psychologically sharp yet poetic, creating a world that feels both intimate and deeply textured.
What makes Caroline stand out is its rare blend of character depth and emotional honesty. The relationship between Nick and Caroline unfolds with delicacy and tension, revealing how past traumas, insecurities, and unspoken fears shape the way people love and hurt one another. As their connection tightens and ultimately unravels the novel portrays with gripping clarity how two imperfect people can simultaneously heal and wound each other. Enhanced by critical praise from Kirkus and Foreword Clarion Reviews, Caroline emerges as a compelling, thought-provoking literary work that lingers long after the final page.
What makes Caroline stand out is its rare blend of character depth and emotional honesty. The relationship between Nick and Caroline unfolds with delicacy and tension, revealing how past traumas, insecurities, and unspoken fears shape the way people love and hurt one another. As their connection tightens and ultimately unravels the novel portrays with gripping clarity how two imperfect people can simultaneously heal and wound each other. Enhanced by critical praise from Kirkus and Foreword Clarion Reviews, Caroline emerges as a compelling, thought-provoking literary work that lingers long after the final page.
July 19, 2022
They say that time heals all wounds. But that trite statement is false. At best time is a palliative and offers perspective. This is the theme of Caroline, a novel by first-time author, Adrian Spratt. Blind lawyer Nick Coleman looks back thirty years to a time when he was young and idealistic, a time when he fell in love with an equally young and captivating Caroline Sedlak in New York. They form a relationship, two people who are drawn to each other – and yet, mutual attraction is not enough to sustain them. So, while there are dark moments, the author’s droll style maintains a necessary balance. Here is one of my favorite examples: “I kept the Venetian blinds in my bedroom closed, but mostly left those in my living room open, even though I remembered a classmate back in junior high defining home as the place where you can scratch your ass. I put on no such show as I settled into the first place I could call my own.”
March 11, 2022
Reviewing
Caroline
By Adrian Spratt
I was very intrigued by the concept of a blind attorney and navigating the highs and lows of the legal world unfortunately it did not play out as interestingly as I imagined it would. The writing style felt very clinical, the characters showed little development, and the overall feel was veryThe writing style felt very clinical, the characters showed little development, and the overall feel was lethargic and depressing. I was desperate for something, ANYTHING to happen and when it finally did it came and went to fast I wast sure it actually took place. I went back, reread it, and continued on only to find the second half as mundane as the first. Sad.
I believe that there are readers out there who love this book but unfortunately it didn’t peek my interest as I hoped it might.
⭐️⭐️💫 2.5 stars with a 14+ rating for mature sexual content.
Caroline
By Adrian Spratt
I was very intrigued by the concept of a blind attorney and navigating the highs and lows of the legal world unfortunately it did not play out as interestingly as I imagined it would. The writing style felt very clinical, the characters showed little development, and the overall feel was veryThe writing style felt very clinical, the characters showed little development, and the overall feel was lethargic and depressing. I was desperate for something, ANYTHING to happen and when it finally did it came and went to fast I wast sure it actually took place. I went back, reread it, and continued on only to find the second half as mundane as the first. Sad.
I believe that there are readers out there who love this book but unfortunately it didn’t peek my interest as I hoped it might.
⭐️⭐️💫 2.5 stars with a 14+ rating for mature sexual content.
April 11, 2022
A book about life and its ups and downs. But mainly, this book is about heartbreak, regrets, loss, and yes even love. But love isn't always that easy.
In a fictional memoir of sorts, Nick Coleman describes his one-year relationship with Caroline Sedlak. He is a blind lawyer in 1980's New York. She is a vivacious redhead and a carefree wanderer with a darker-than-he-realized past. Their relationship is decidedly casual, bordering on non-committal until a huge life decision makes it hard to keep up that charade. Caroline's mysterious past rears its ugly head and Nick isn't sure what he can or should do about it. In the end, there might not be an answer to that dilemma.
This isn't a happily ever after story. This isn't really even a love story. But it is a life story and one that should be read.
TW: Suicide, Sexual Assault, Depression
In a fictional memoir of sorts, Nick Coleman describes his one-year relationship with Caroline Sedlak. He is a blind lawyer in 1980's New York. She is a vivacious redhead and a carefree wanderer with a darker-than-he-realized past. Their relationship is decidedly casual, bordering on non-committal until a huge life decision makes it hard to keep up that charade. Caroline's mysterious past rears its ugly head and Nick isn't sure what he can or should do about it. In the end, there might not be an answer to that dilemma.
This isn't a happily ever after story. This isn't really even a love story. But it is a life story and one that should be read.
TW: Suicide, Sexual Assault, Depression
November 30, 2021
This book took a few chapters to hook me, but once it did, I was in. It’s narrated by Nick, a lawyer for the EPA who also happens to be blind, as he looks back on a formative romantic relationship in his life. I appreciated reading a novel where the character’s blindness was important to the story but not THE story. I liked that the narrator was self aware and reflective as he looked back. I didn’t come away feeling as though I fully knew or understood Caroline—which may well have been the point! A few things could have been tighter. I think this book would have benefitted from being 10-15% shorter. The intro and ending in present day didn’t add to the story for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2022
I received a free review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley - thank you!
I listened to this as an audiobook.
A love story between Caroline and Nick. Nick is a lawyer, and blind. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t bring myself to like him very much - the word “cold” keeps coming to mind. As for Caroline, I didn’t feel like I ever really got to know her very well. She remained a two dimensional character. That might have had something to do with Nick’s view of her though - he talked like he cared for her, but his actions didn’t quite match.
Also, it took quite a long while (approximately 20% of the way through) to really get into the story. The switching between the actual story and Nick’s fictional story in the first part of the book were quite confusing.
I listened to this as an audiobook.
A love story between Caroline and Nick. Nick is a lawyer, and blind. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t bring myself to like him very much - the word “cold” keeps coming to mind. As for Caroline, I didn’t feel like I ever really got to know her very well. She remained a two dimensional character. That might have had something to do with Nick’s view of her though - he talked like he cared for her, but his actions didn’t quite match.
Also, it took quite a long while (approximately 20% of the way through) to really get into the story. The switching between the actual story and Nick’s fictional story in the first part of the book were quite confusing.
February 20, 2022
This was an excellent read!
A friend told me about the book, and I found it extremely satisfying.
The story is complex and compelling, and is made all of the more interesting by the unique perspective of the visually impaired narrator.
It’s a story about relationships, the characters showing each other the best and worst of them selves, for Good or for ill.
The author has a talent for scene and setting, and his writing beautifully captures the highs and lows of a tumultuous romance.
And, Caroline is so much more than a love story.
It explores how we, as people, grow and fail to grow. And when we fail, how do we pick up the pieces. And then try again.
A friend told me about the book, and I found it extremely satisfying.
The story is complex and compelling, and is made all of the more interesting by the unique perspective of the visually impaired narrator.
It’s a story about relationships, the characters showing each other the best and worst of them selves, for Good or for ill.
The author has a talent for scene and setting, and his writing beautifully captures the highs and lows of a tumultuous romance.
And, Caroline is so much more than a love story.
It explores how we, as people, grow and fail to grow. And when we fail, how do we pick up the pieces. And then try again.
March 11, 2022
I chose this book because I liked the storyline but I have found that after listening to 17 chapters of Caroline that I will not be able to finish it.
I like both characters of Nick and Caroline but found that I was often lost with all the characters that were so quickly introduced while listening. I didn't find any character development for the characters as they entered the picture which made it easy to forget who they were.
I may try reading Caroline as an ebook rather than an audiobook to see if that format works better for me.
My thanks to #NetGalley, Books Fluent, and the author for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I like both characters of Nick and Caroline but found that I was often lost with all the characters that were so quickly introduced while listening. I didn't find any character development for the characters as they entered the picture which made it easy to forget who they were.
I may try reading Caroline as an ebook rather than an audiobook to see if that format works better for me.
My thanks to #NetGalley, Books Fluent, and the author for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2021
“Writing can be compensation for a dull life”
This quote from this book stuck out to me. As it encompasses most of my feelings toward the book. Spratt is compensating, yet it’s the book that is dull! I do, however, like some aspects of Spratt’s style of writing. His word choice is is clear and vivid. The reader really understands Nick throughly. And Caroline deeply too. I also like that while Nick is blind, and that adds a layer to the story, it isn’t the focal point of this story. It just left me wanting more. I just wanted it to be over mostly.
This quote from this book stuck out to me. As it encompasses most of my feelings toward the book. Spratt is compensating, yet it’s the book that is dull! I do, however, like some aspects of Spratt’s style of writing. His word choice is is clear and vivid. The reader really understands Nick throughly. And Caroline deeply too. I also like that while Nick is blind, and that adds a layer to the story, it isn’t the focal point of this story. It just left me wanting more. I just wanted it to be over mostly.
February 15, 2022
This one is a DNF for me. I really wanted to like it and more because I have never read a book where the main character is blind but sadly I just couldn’t get into it. I really tried but I couldn’t read more than 87 pages because it was so slow and I didn’t feel like anything was happening at all. I also didn’t understand were the story was going or what was the point of it.
Also, the romance was lacking. It felt forced.
I am really sad that I couldn’t get into it.
.
Thanks to Books Foward for sending me an e-Arc in exchange of an honest review.
Also, the romance was lacking. It felt forced.
I am really sad that I couldn’t get into it.
.
Thanks to Books Foward for sending me an e-Arc in exchange of an honest review.
April 24, 2022
(I listened to the Audiobook)
Thanks to NetGalley and the editors for providing this early copy in exchange for an honest review.
(DNF 40%)
It started very slow but I decided to give it chance, however it didn't pick up speed, also the book is called Caroline but at 40% she has barely made an appearance, it seems like its more of Mikes story, I'm sure Caroline's story will come up later but I'm at 40% already and I'm not even interested on her yet.
Mikes story is not that bad but I feel like we don't know much about him yet.
Thanks to NetGalley and the editors for providing this early copy in exchange for an honest review.
(DNF 40%)
It started very slow but I decided to give it chance, however it didn't pick up speed, also the book is called Caroline but at 40% she has barely made an appearance, it seems like its more of Mikes story, I'm sure Caroline's story will come up later but I'm at 40% already and I'm not even interested on her yet.
Mikes story is not that bad but I feel like we don't know much about him yet.
May 25, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read Caroline By Adrian Spratt in exchange for my honest feedback.
This book was written in the perspective of a blind lawyer named Nick. It was extremely interesting to see how he was able to describe everything so vividly in the story to help really draw a picture for the reader/listener as well as the Nick. This story was about how he fell in love with a redheaded girl named Caroline. This story was very slow and rich in detail but dragged on a bit much for me to enjoy.
This book was written in the perspective of a blind lawyer named Nick. It was extremely interesting to see how he was able to describe everything so vividly in the story to help really draw a picture for the reader/listener as well as the Nick. This story was about how he fell in love with a redheaded girl named Caroline. This story was very slow and rich in detail but dragged on a bit much for me to enjoy.
December 17, 2022
This had the potential to be a really interesting novel in that it had an unusual conceit – a blind lawyer navigating his way through a sighted world, exploring his professional and personal life, and the impact his blindness has on himself and those around him. However, I found the writing flat and uninspiring, the characterisation equally so, and I couldn’t relate to any of the people in Nick’s world or even to Nick himself, and least of all to the eponymous Caroline. I found the storyline dull and unengaging and reluctantly gave up.
February 15, 2022
It took me a while to get into the book but after a few chapters it was a little better. It was a nice read and I can understand the draw the book brings for others. It was interesting to see everything from the perspective of Nick. And I did enjoy the relationship between Nick and Caroline. But if you want to take a trip back to the 80s and like historical fiction thrillers you should check it out!
July 15, 2022
Blind lawyer Nick is the narrator in this audio book. He tells the story of how he falls in love with Caroline when he meets her at a writing class. He makes some interesting and clever observations but I found the story slow, rather long and, at times, confusing. While I learned a lot about Nick, I didn't feel I really understood Caroline's character. Thank you to the author, publisher and Net galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2021
I loved this book. It kept me guessing while still having me root for the romance at its center. I especially liked seeing a character with a different background than we usually see in books. The creative writing aspect was super interesting to me because that is something I can see myself doing in the future. Would highly recommend this book!
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