A review by cosmicbookworm
A Thread So Fine by Susan Welch

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

On a 5 star scale my rating is 3.75.

"A Thread So Fine" by Susan Welch is an engaging and thought-provoking historical fiction family drama predominantly set in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The story begins shortly after World War II and spans nearly two decades. It revolves around the Malone family, an upper-middle-class Catholic household with strict social boundaries. Tragedy strikes when one of the Malone sisters contracts tuberculosis, and the other becomes a victim of a violent attack with lasting consequences.

Welch skillfully weaves a tale of two sisters, exploring the challenges of tuberculosis treatment in the 1940s and the repercussions of an unwanted pregnancy. The disintegration of the Malone family stems from their inability to effectively communicate or cope with trauma and shame. The narrative gives us great detail until the end, providing insight into the characters' actions even when they are unwilling or unable to share.

Despite thoroughly enjoying the book, the ending leaves much to be desired. It fails to provide a resolution, leaving me wondering about the fate of the characters, their relationships, and the ultimate outcome. This leaves a sense of frustration and uncertainty, affecting the book's overall rating, which would have otherwise been highly favorable with only minor plausibility concerns.