You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is very unexpected, but in the best way possible.
I assumed this book would be about tattoos both because of the title and cover. It is a little, but definitely is not the main plot. The books layout is very unique so it's very hard to describe if you have not read it.
Frances is such a sad character, it's hard to read about (but in the best way). It's a lot darker and heavy hitting than I was expecting, probably needing a few trigger warnings.
The theme of tattooing and other body modifications are woven into the plot in small sections. It's actually very informative as well as being good breathing room from the hard-hitting story.
I will admit, it took a little getting used to as it is written from the perspective of someone who is obviously quite traumatised. I could've rated it 4 stars as the ending is not really that amazing and felt like a small let down after such a prominent theme coming to a head towards the end but never being resolved.
Ces' interactions with others is really interesting. It's written in an almost confusing way, which sounds off-putting but it really isn't. It's like what it would probably feel like to actually be able to read someone else's thoughts.
The writing style is very interesting and could fall extremely flat if written any other way. Sullivan manages to pull it off, even more than that really. The story fits the style so very well I cannot think of any other book that would suit it more perfectly.
All the characters except for the main, Ces, are not really over developed (or developed at all) which is very fitting as you get such an insight into Ces' brain. All her thoughts are expressed and written so beautifully, I had to overlook the slightly shoddy ending and rate this 4.5*. Definitely worth a read in my opinion.
I assumed this book would be about tattoos both because of the title and cover. It is a little, but definitely is not the main plot. The books layout is very unique so it's very hard to describe if you have not read it.
Frances is such a sad character, it's hard to read about (but in the best way). It's a lot darker and heavy hitting than I was expecting, probably needing a few trigger warnings.
The theme of tattooing and other body modifications are woven into the plot in small sections. It's actually very informative as well as being good breathing room from the hard-hitting story.
I will admit, it took a little getting used to as it is written from the perspective of someone who is obviously quite traumatised. I could've rated it 4 stars as the ending is not really that amazing and felt like a small let down after such a prominent theme coming to a head towards the end but never being resolved.
Ces' interactions with others is really interesting. It's written in an almost confusing way, which sounds off-putting but it really isn't. It's like what it would probably feel like to actually be able to read someone else's thoughts.
The writing style is very interesting and could fall extremely flat if written any other way. Sullivan manages to pull it off, even more than that really. The story fits the style so very well I cannot think of any other book that would suit it more perfectly.
All the characters except for the main, Ces, are not really over developed (or developed at all) which is very fitting as you get such an insight into Ces' brain. All her thoughts are expressed and written so beautifully, I had to overlook the slightly shoddy ending and rate this 4.5*. Definitely worth a read in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcoholism
“I would like to make things beautiful, but a tawdry and repulsive kind of beauty. A braver sort than people have from birth. Sexy zombies on a bicep. That sort of thing”
The best books are ones that transport you to other places, other worlds, and allow you vicariously live other lives, albeit briefly. The important books put you inside those places so completely that you comprehend things that you haven’t lived yourself; you empathise in a more rounded way than perhaps you did before; stay with you and change how you perceive the world. Needlework may not be an easy read, but Deirdre Sullivan has written an important book. Much like Louise O’Neill’s Asking for It, it should be required reading for everyone who is/was/plans to have a teenager.
Full review https://eatsplantsreadsbooks.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/needlework-book-review/
The best books are ones that transport you to other places, other worlds, and allow you vicariously live other lives, albeit briefly. The important books put you inside those places so completely that you comprehend things that you haven’t lived yourself; you empathise in a more rounded way than perhaps you did before; stay with you and change how you perceive the world. Needlework may not be an easy read, but Deirdre Sullivan has written an important book. Much like Louise O’Neill’s Asking for It, it should be required reading for everyone who is/was/plans to have a teenager.
Full review https://eatsplantsreadsbooks.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/needlework-book-review/
The writing in this book is so powerful and raw. It deals with an incredibly difficult, heartbreaking and sensitive subject, which is at times unpleasant and uncomfortable to read about, making it a very dark read for the majority. The main character is beautifully crafted - she’s vulnerable, but strong and resilient in a quiet, understated way, and is thoughtful and smart as she tries to come to terms with what’s happened to her and what this means for who she is and what her future looks like. A heartbreaking and introspective read filled with beautiful imagery.
“A tawdry and repulsive kind of beauty.”
“A tawdry and repulsive kind of beauty.”
This book. Oh man, this book. I read it in pretty much 24 hours and it's been a while since I've done that. The writing is fantastic and sucks you right in.
I love how Ces - the main character - started opening up the further we got into the book. The tidbits about tattoos and preparing skin for tattoos were amazing and informative - especially the bits about pirates and their tattoos - and fit really well with the narrative of the novel.
The theme of the novel is hard to deal with, so I'm going to say it out loud: this book deals with the aftermath of abuse and incest. It's hard to read. Please take care of yourself if you do decide to read it and you think it might trigger you.
I love how Ces - the main character - started opening up the further we got into the book. The tidbits about tattoos and preparing skin for tattoos were amazing and informative - especially the bits about pirates and their tattoos - and fit really well with the narrative of the novel.
The theme of the novel is hard to deal with, so I'm going to say it out loud: this book deals with the aftermath of abuse and incest. It's hard to read. Please take care of yourself if you do decide to read it and you think it might trigger you.