serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The Clay Girl and Cracked Pots follow the life of Ari Appleton from the age of 8 through her late teen years. She has a very dysfunctional family including an incestuous pedophile father who took his own life in front of his children, and an emotionally abusive mother with addiction problems. A physically and emotionally abusive step-father later enters the picture. At some level her life seems to be one tragedy, setback, or trauma after another. And yet Ari is kind-hearted, intelligent, incredibly resilient, imaginative and creative, a delightful character, who may be bowed but never beaten. She’ll stand up for herself and those she loves and refuses to take any BS - although she plays a mean long game. In some ways she’s a less saccharine, steelier and more street-smart version of Anne Shirley, more suited to life in the 1960s and 1970s. She’s a character who will steal your heart, have you rooting for her while railing against the people and systems that repeatedly fail and harm her.
I was interested in the factors which made a difference in Ari’s life, which saved her from the many negative outcomes which might be expected. Her indomitable spirit, rich imagination and creativity clearly helped sustain her. So too did some strong sisterly bonds, a step-father who loved her as if she was his own and provided much needed stability, two very special Aunts and the wonderful wisdom they shared, some encouraging and understanding teachers, a few close friends, and her relationship with Jake.
Ari’s story was really lyrically told. The metaphors involving clay and pottery which ran throughout the books were strong and effective. I also appreciated the way Ari used animal metaphors to understand people and their needs. Jasper the sea horse was a delight.
Ari was a quirky character. So too was the way her story was told. And I got a little tired of it. The books felt overly long with a lot of repetition, and I think could have been significantly reduced in length without any detriment to the story or atmosphere.
If you like distinctive storytelling and an unforgettable character give these a go.
I was interested in the factors which made a difference in Ari’s life, which saved her from the many negative outcomes which might be expected. Her indomitable spirit, rich imagination and creativity clearly helped sustain her. So too did some strong sisterly bonds, a step-father who loved her as if she was his own and provided much needed stability, two very special Aunts and the wonderful wisdom they shared, some encouraging and understanding teachers, a few close friends, and her relationship with Jake.
Ari’s story was really lyrically told. The metaphors involving clay and pottery which ran throughout the books were strong and effective. I also appreciated the way Ari used animal metaphors to understand people and their needs. Jasper the sea horse was a delight.
Ari was a quirky character. So too was the way her story was told. And I got a little tired of it. The books felt overly long with a lot of repetition, and I think could have been significantly reduced in length without any detriment to the story or atmosphere.
If you like distinctive storytelling and an unforgettable character give these a go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Rape
More...