Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The Red Thread by Roderick Townley

Dana has terrible nightmares. Dark dreams of tombs, betrayal, and a sneering man. Her only release from a constant terror of sleep is photographing everything in sight, even if her artistic talent isn't registered on every elitist's scale (*cough* cruel school girl *cough*). And the night is only one of her problems. She also has to deal with a paralyzed brother, a confusing relationship, and a psychotherapist who might need professional help of his own. But then sleep begins to leak into day and visions pursue her from the streets of Portsmouth, New Hampshire to the cobbles of London. People she once knew. Happenings she once was present for. And a murder she might have committed.

I am very sad for this book. The plot and characters had so much potential, but fell short of my expectations. But suspenseful moments peppering the storyline were enough to keep me from putting this novel down. Also there were nagging questions, some of which continued unsolved even after the last page turned. But the protagonist is difficult to like and important plot points are skimmed over with juvenile writing style and inconsistencies. Chase and Dana appear to be friends in the beginning and suddenly they are kissing. Crippled Ben goes from mature and intelligent to not understanding anything in the least. Another great flaw was found in the detail of place. The cities of Portsmouth and London are described by streets and landmarks that make no sense to the casual reader who has not visited the places or seen a map of them (myself included).

Ultimately, I would not recommend this novel unless there was truly nothing of value to read in the general vicinity. 3 out of 7 lightnings for the book that tried and failed on most levels.

Reading Up on Calvinism,
Aella Siofra

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

ewww, unresolved plot points make me feel all unclean, like not brushing your teeth or something.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
The Whirlwinds said...

I'm very sorry you think that, anonymous.

*Aella*

Anonymous said...

Hahahahaha!
Wow, someone says something like that and won't even say their name... well you obviously have credibility. I laugh at your petty comments. I will waste no more time with you, now shoo, *makes shooing motion*

Ick, I hate that not brushing your teeth feeling.

Chelsea said...

Was it that anonymous person again? Someone's been doing that on a lot of blogs. Don't take it personally. Really. Your blog rocks!

Caroline said...

Ah, yes, the "Fan of Good Books" but jealous hater of awesome reviewers. The comment on The Story Siren's latest blog is perhaps the most ridiculous of all. I couldn't help but respond to it. It was that horrible. Again I say, the Maelstrom is AMAZING and don't you dare believe anyone who tells you otherwise!

The Whirlwinds said...

Thank you so much! And I think I can say that for Medeia too.

*Aella*

Anonymous said...

Thanks, guys. When I read your comments, that little voice in my head went "Awwww".