Thaw ebook
I read this online in a blog version of "Thaw"--it is amazing and such a clever way for the author to make this novel accessible to everyone. GREAT format! About a week to go...
(This review refers to the online version at read-thaw.blogspot.com.)
I LOVED Thaw. I've never read a novel online. I'm an old-fashioned girl who likes to hold a book made of paper, carry it around with me.
Thaw changed all that. I owe it mostly due to Fiona Robyn's brilliant style for this novel--in diary form, one post on Blogspot for each chapter of the main character's diary--Ruth. Ruth is 32 and has given herself 3 months to decide if she wants to continue living. The story is told through her voice, one that is hurting but open, blunt, honest.
Over the course of the months I felt like Ruth was a real person, again I credit the format.
While there is mature content, I felt confident enough to share it with my 15 yr old. There are lessons to be learned. I learned, I listened, and I felt connected. I can't ask for more from a novel that moves me to tears and not out of sentimentality.
I look forward to reading more from Satya Robyn. I will truly miss reading about Ruth every day.
I read this online in a blog version of "Thaw"--it is amazing and such a clever way for the author to make this novel accessible to everyone. GREAT format! About a week to go...
BalasHapus(This review refers to the online version at read-thaw.blogspot.com.)
I LOVED Thaw. I've never read a novel online. I'm an old-fashioned girl who likes to hold a book made of paper, carry it around with me.
Thaw changed all that. I owe it mostly due to Fiona Robyn's brilliant style for this novel--in diary form, one post on Blogspot for each chapter of the main character's diary--Ruth. Ruth is 32 and has given herself 3 months to decide if she wants to continue living. The story is told through her voice, one that is hurting but open, blunt, honest.
Over the course of the months I felt like Ruth was a real person, again I credit the format.
While there is mature content, I felt confident enough to share it with my 15 yr old. There are lessons to be learned. I learned, I listened, and I felt connected. I can't ask for more from a novel that moves me to tears and not out of sentimentality.
I look forward to reading more from Satya Robyn. I will truly miss reading about Ruth every day.
Undoubtedly, the most captivating novel I have ever read. The characters are written with such conviction and detail that both Ruth and Red become 'beings', far from flat written characters. The gripping diary structure allows you to experience Ruth's plight in almost real-time (if you can actually stop turning the pages). Ruth is definitely in my heart. Beautiful.
BalasHapusI ordered this book based entirely on the first paragraph, which had been posted on the author's blog. It was some the finest writing I've ever encountered and I figured if the rest of the book was as good, I'd be in for a treat. I was not disappointed.
BalasHapusWhile the subject - Ruth weighing suicide- may be depressing, the skill and sensitivity with which the writer handled this all-too-common situation is amazing. All true art consists of two things: the uniqueness of the artist's perception and the artist's ability to communicate that perception. The author's understanding of Ruth's life and emotional state is a tribute to the author's perception. The manner of presenting Ruth's story is a tribute to the author's beautiful writing and craftsmanship.
Anyone who has ever known someone like Ruth, anyone who has ever contemplated ending it all, and - most of all - anyone who appreciates beautiful writing should read this book.
Lots of great conflict in tone and story context that keeps you guessing the entire time. The ending is perfect as well leaving you perplexed yet satisfied -- if that is at all possible.
BalasHapusThe subject matter may sound dark, but this is in no way a depressing novel. Ruth's journey into understanding herself and her life is really moving and very original. I love the diary structure - it gives the narrative such a strong momentum that you can't put it down as you wonder what decision Ruth will come to. I admire the writing for the risk it takes in looking at this issue straight on, without any histrionics or self pity. Ruth is a great character, brave and uncompromising in the way she goes about looking at her life - it's a privilege to spend time with her.
BalasHapusI read this book in one sitting because I grew to care so much about Ruth, the main character, that I couldn't stand the suspense of wondering what she would decide at the end of her three months. Ruth is portrayed in an honest and heartbreaking way as we explore her past wounds and the challenges those create in her current life through her eyes. Her slow reveal of her story in her journal makes her sympathetic and astoundingly real.
BalasHapusThe other characters that populate Ruth's life are also drawn in realistic ways with all of the complexities that real people in real life bring to the table. There are no people who are all good or all bad, and there are no fairy tale endings. Just real people doing their best to muddle through life.
This is a beautiful story that takes on a tough subject with all of the complexity of real life, but it's told in a honest but compassionate way that will make you care deeply about the characters. The ending is absolutely perfect, and the story and its characters have stayed in my mind well beyond the end of the book. Really great writing!
BalasHapus