A Spool of Blue Thread: A Novel by Anne Tyler | Summary & Analysis

by Book*Sense

A Spool of Blue by Anne Tyler | Summary & Analysis

Anne Tyler's latest novel, she does what she does she creates a family filled with quirky, genuine characters and deftly builds their histories and relationships. The Whitshanks are a family who believe certain myths about themselves. They believe they are happier than other families, and closer to each other, and they believe that Whitshanks have a way of getting what they want. In the winding course of this novel, Tyler shows how these beliefs are true in some ways, but painfully untrue in other ways.

This latest work from Anne Tyler is as masterful and absorbing as anything she has written. Her patient character development, her unsentimental portrayal of family life, and her brilliant understanding of the psychology of parents and children all combine to create a memorable and breath-taking novel. Fans of Anne Tyler will not be disappointed, and new readers will no doubt rush to read her extensive back list.

This companion also includes the
• Book Review
• Story Setting Analysis
• Story elements you may have missed as we decipher the novel
• Summary of the text, with some analytical comments interspersed
• Thought Provoking /or Discussion Questions for both Readers & Book Clubs
• Discussion & Analysis of Themes, Symbols…
• And Much More!

This Analysis fills the gap, making you understand more while enhancing your reading experience.

44 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2015

Reviews

[Larraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me a new novel by Anne Tyler is a cause for celebration. This book is no exception. Tyler is known for her exploration of character - quirky and normal go hand in hand because, in the end, few of us are really absolutely normal in every way. It would be kind of boring in the end. This novel explores a family through the house in which they live. The book centers on Abby, retired social worker wife of Red, a genial home contractor. They live in a house in an upper middle class neighborhood originally built by Red's father for a client. However, from the beginning he wanted that house, and was thrilled when his client decided that the house was too big for them and they were moving to an apartment downtown. Tyler's books take place in Baltimore. She lives in Roland Park, an upscale historic neighborhood there. Although she doesn't say that, the neighborhood where the family lives is Roland Park, knowing Baltimore's geography. The book explores the history of the family through the house starting with Abby, then going back in time where we learn about Red's parents and their unusual relationship. We meet Abby and Red's children and their own complicated family including an adopted son who was never legally adopted and a natural son who has always been a problem child. Ms. Tyler has said that this is her last book. I hope not.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne Tyler introduces you to people you soon seem to have known for years, then are surprised to find something about them that you would never have guessed. I held back a star because I did not care for the section about "Junior" or where it was placed in the book, long after his son is an old man and now we hear his story when we already know we will not like him?

[Tim Rand · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it.

[Alex Gutteridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read A Spool of Blue Thread, the novel, but posted this edition by mistake and then couldn't work out how to change it! So this review is about the novel and not the summary and analysis. I was bought this as a present in hardback and it is a beautifully presented book. However I don't think it is one of her best. Anne Tyler is a master of observation but I didn't engage with quite a few of the characters, especially the adult children and didn't really buy into their relationships. I was also quite shocked by what happened halfway through the book and this tainted my enjoyment of the remainder. Despite all of this would I recommend it? Of course. It's Anne Tyler after all. Her writing is always interesting and for describing the minutiae of life she's head and shoulders above anyone else in my opinion.

[Irma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrific read. Anne Tyler has such a beautiful way of sharing with us the interiors of her characters. She does such a good job, there are rich main characters with just enough intrigue to keep you page turning. The title is significant of how she slowly releases the thread of the Whitshank family winding and connecting parents and children.

[Karen O'donnell tennenbaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I pretty much hated most of this book. It never went anywhere at all.....there was much skipping around and it didn't make the book any more interesting...it felt like a contrivance! I was greatly disappointed since I usually love Ann Tyler books. I barely made it through this one!

[Theresa Nielsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like it so much, it dragged in many areas, not her best.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tyler tells a good story with superb character development. I gave it 3stars because of the ending which was anti-climatic.

[elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow read for me.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe the author inverted the sections at one point. Lost its fluency when we had to back-paddle to the grandparents’ youth. Many finely-written and memorable moments, characters well-drawn and endearing, but as to The Guardian review’s comparison to Alice Munro? No way. No way near so subtle and powerful. Enjoyable read for the most part but seemed artificially dragged out at the end.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to wade through this story of family and relationship, aging and loss. In fact, I almost gave up but would then come across something that really struck a cord. Glad I finished it but cannot highly recommend

[Susan Amos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love her writing style and her observation. Can easily imagine the house, street and all the characters thanks to wonderful descriptions. The family itself didn’t excite me though. Even Denny the prodigal son was boring.

[Sloan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I

[Bobbie Cowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as always.

[Cynthia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensitive, humorous.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really do not know what the story line is in this book. About a house that a father loved and a swing that was never suppose to be blue. Left me bewildered.

[Nancy]

Anne Tyler's latest novel, she does what she does best: she creates a family filled with quirky, genuine characters and deftly builds their histories and relationships. The Whitshanks are a family who believe certain myths about themselves. They believe they are happier than other families, and closer to each other, and they believe that Whitshanks have a way of getting what they want. In the winding course of this novel, Tyler shows how these beliefs are true in some ways, but painfully untrue in other ways.

This latest work from Anne Tyler is as masterful and absorbing as anything she has written. Her patient character development, her unsentimental portrayal of family life, and her brilliant understanding of the psychology of parents and children all combine to create a memorable and breath-taking novel. Fans of Anne Tyler will not be disappointed, and new readers will no doubt rush to read her extensive back list.

Helpful in understanding book.

[Melissa Etheridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Summary and Analysis

The summary and analysis for Anne Tyler's novel A SPOOL OF BLUE THREAD is an excellent choice for someone who needs to write an analytical essay on the book. The chapter summaries are well written and concise. The narrative element descriptions and analysis are spot on with my understanding of the book. The explanations are clear enough for any reader.

I would recommend this book for students and teachers.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Love Anne Tyler. Have read all of her books. This one is just as wonderful, with the odd and querky loveable characters.
If you haven't read any of her books yet, however, I'd start with The Amateur Marriage, Breathing Lessons and the Accidental Tourist.

[Ann]

As usual, Anne Tyler looks with kindness on the dark side of the American dream in this comprehensive story of four generations of a middle class suburban family in Baltimore. At this point in our history I would rather read about a black family in that city, but that aside, it is a terrific read.

[Muriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

an enjoyable read -- interesting structure

[Cathie Schumaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ann Tyler's book. Her characters are like members of my family. Glad to see her returning to form with this novel.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Started a little slow. A story of a very disengaged family with many sad, core issues.

[Sharon Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the novel not the guide.lol. As always, Anne Tyler's characters are interesting but also 'different'. In the end you finally have figured them out. Wonderful book.

[Nancy Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne Tyler always writes a good story about families and everyday life. Enjoyed it.

[Peggy Fynan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book until the end. Very anti climactic.

[Mouse_Woman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhat different for Tyler. More the story of the house than the people. Quite a few threads are left dangling. Still interesting and satisfying to read.

[Mary Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic Anne Tyler story.