A Spool of Blue Thread is the twentieth novel of Pulitzer Prize winning American novelist Anne Tyler. In many ways this novel is a culmination of all those that have gone before it; it combines a multitude of themes and never fails to exact humour alongside the more sombre task of delving into topical issues such as sexuality, relationships and ageing.
The character of fiercely unpredictable Denny, Red and Abby Whitshank’s eldest son, is enigmatic to say the least. He’s a pivotal character, who centralises the themes of sexuality and relationships. Denny is introduced as the typical problem teenager and never seems to fully escape from this phase throughout the rest of the novel. Tyler seems conscious of keeping Denny’s intentions under wraps and although the novel partially responds to the reader’s yearning to understand Denny, it certainly doesn’t go all the way in providing an explanation for his behaviour. He’s persistently mentioned at crucial points throughout the novel and keeps both the reader and the other characters gripped in a constant discrepancy regarding his intentions. Denny’s final connection with the thread that is referred to throughout the novel subtly recognises how the plot eerily and indirectly revolves around him.
The novel also plunges into the theme of ageing. Tyler sensitively acknowledges the effects that ageing can have on both the individual and their family members, and she responds by granting chapter upon chapter to the younger days of her characters. In doing so, Tyler powerfully gives a voice to those that society is all too quick to disregard as old and therefore insignificant. By reversing this obtuse assumption and homing in on the lives of young Red and Abby, as well as Red’s parents, Junior and Linne Mae, Tyler celebrates their youth and shows how their younger days are fundamental to the plot: ‘We’re young for such a small fraction of our lives, and yet our youth seems to stretch on forever.’ A Spool of Blue Thread is a hugely profound novel, dedicated to recognising how a person’s childhood and adolescent years play a huge part in determining a sense of self and shaping subsequent experiences.
One of the most beautiful things about this novel is its ability to fit into our everyday lives. Tyler has carefully crafted a narrative that enables every reader to see aspects of themselves in one of the characters. This novel establishes real life issues which are raised as a result of strained and fluctuating family life, and deals with these in an elegant and sophisticated manner. The ease with which Tyler guides us through each point in time and ties everything neatly together is one of the many compelling qualities of this novel.
Francesa Wilson