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Thorn in the Flesh by Anne Brooke
I’ve been meaning to write a review of Thorn in the Flesh for some time. It’s taken a while partly because I haven’t known quite what to say. It’s like a discovery you look forward to sharing with someone special - but you don’t want to tell them too much and spoil the surprise.
Surprising it certainly is. Having read three of Anne’s novels now one might expect to see a certain pattern emerging – qualities in the writing that makes you think – ah yes, this is typical; this is similar to what she did before. Many of us are happy to read our favourite authors confident that they will deliver more of the same ingredients that worked so well before. No – think again. Each of Anne’s books is gloriously individual – each builds on the strength of what has gone before to deliver something new – a fresh experience for the reader.
When I read ‘Thorn in the Flesh’ I literally could not put it down. Anne delivers a compelling story that keeps you turning the pages. I found her strong central character Kate entirely believable. She is depicted with searing honesty and the character is fearless in her refusal to compromise – to conform to expectation.
I imagine that because of this Kate is a character the reader will love – or love to hate. Here is a woman who is attacked in the sanctuary of her own home – whose certainties and securities are torn away – what happens next? Where does she go from here?
Thorn in the Flesh is not a comfortable read, it provides no cosy solutions and ultimately it gives no easy answers. It gets under the skin of the reader and causes you to look into the void – to imagine the unimaginable. It is to the credit of the author that the character’s journey is so believable. To me there is truth in the story and integrity in the writing. The story taps into the resonance of ancient myth delivered with the pace and assurance of a modern thriller. Read and enjoy.
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Goodness, thanks so much, Sarah! Your comments are hugely appreciated indeed. Interesting how people either love Thorn - and Kate - or hate it and her.
And it's certainly been the most commented-on book of mine on the new Authonomy site - one person seriously hated it. I did find it the hardest one - so far - to write, so I can understand the polarised responses.
Ooh, and if people are kind enough to go looking for it, Amazon don't stock it as Goldenford are such a small publisher so it's not worth their while, so it's best to buy either via my site - http://www.annebrooke.com - or via http://www.goldenford.co.uk
Hugs and thanks hugely again!
A
xxx
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optimist