A review by judeinthestars
These Thin Lines by Milena McKay

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I think by now it’s pretty obvious that I love Milena McKay‘s books, and it’s also pretty obvious that I love Abby Craden‘s narrations. Putting the two together can only have one result and this review won’t surprise anyone since, yes, it’s another 5⭐️. How could it not be? The first chapter wasn’t over and I already wanted to bow respectfully before Abby Craden. What a privilege and how appropriate to hear royalty narrating this fairytale of a romance. 

As happens often when the narration is this good, I love the characters even more after hearing them. And that’s saying a lot. Chiara’s voice suits her impeccably, low, warm, amused and tender one moment, hard and hurt the next. Abby Craden could have made her speak with an Italian accent but instead, she gives her a rhythm, a musicality that are all Chiara. A woman whose talent and grace should have given her the world but who, instead, has been stifled and used to the point of distrusting even the most open, the most obvious devotion. And I only mentioned it in passing in my original review, since I already had so much to say, but McKay nails Chiara’s ADHD and dyscalculia, and the guilt she’s felt most of her life about her “flaws”. Craden narrates these moments with the perfect balance of vulnerability and hope. 

Both in words and in sound, Vi’s voice, pure and clear, provides an ideal contrast to Chiara’s. Her slight British accent underlines her initial ingenuity and youth, then, in the second part, her wilful aloofness. 

And then there’s Aoife, whose genuine love for both Chiara and Vi shines. I can’t judge the accuracy of her Irish accent but the tone, the energy feel completely right for the character. I love her teasing sense of humour and her righteous anger when the people she cares about get hurt. 

I, as usual, have a lot more to say but I wrote most of it when I reviewed the book. One last thing however: how beautiful is this quote: “Would it make you angry that I’ve been loved?” If this doesn’t make you swoon, I don’t know what will.

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars