Afternoon Book Club Blog
March 2016
A spool of blue thread
Anne Tyler
“It was a beautiful, breezy, yellow-and-green afternoon...” This is how Abby Whitshank always began the
story of how she fell in love with Red that day in July 1959.
The afternoon’s discussion focused on the effects of family
stories and secrets throughout four generations of the Whitshanks. Readers agreed
that the family home with the large front porch and worn swing was the main
character. Everyone’s story revolved around the house in Baltimore that was
built by Grandfather J.R. Whitshank and lovingly cared for by all of them. Strong,
detailed and realistic descriptions of characters are the defining focus of her
stories of family, marriage and emotional life. During the course of discussion
readers shared stories of their own family experiences of similar
circumstances. The author had tapped into a universal awareness that brought
meaningful connections to the group.
Readers were impressed with the scope of the story and the accommodations
made to hide shocking secrets. They discussed the motivations of the secret
keepers and made allowances for some. Although lives were altered there was
redemption for some along with another path to be forged.
All of the readers had sympathy for Denny, J.R.’s grandson
and Red’s son. After his secret was revealed, readers understood his distance
from the family and why he couldn’t find direction and stability in life.
Readers agreed that the story of the Whitshank family was a satisfying read and
compared it to other books by Anne Tyler. They were glad that they had finished
the book after a rocky start for some.
Have you read A spool
of blue thread? What did you think?
Please share your thoughts in comments.
