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renajc 's review for:
Needlework
by Deirdre Sullivan
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