bibliotequeish's review
3.0
This book wasn’t enjoyable to read.
The story was good. The writing was good. But I did not look forward to picking it up.
This book is very doom and gloom from beginning to end. There is no break for the poor little protagonist.
I understand that life can be like that, but that doesn’t mean I am going to enjoy reading about it for 350 pages.
The story was good. The writing was good. But I did not look forward to picking it up.
This book is very doom and gloom from beginning to end. There is no break for the poor little protagonist.
I understand that life can be like that, but that doesn’t mean I am going to enjoy reading about it for 350 pages.
stcase's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marisacarpico's review against another edition
I suppose I didn’t need to log this just to DNF it, but whatever. I put the time in, I’d like to commemorate it.
Couldn’t stand the cutesy child speak writing. Character dynamics seem well drawn enough, but I wasn’t invested after 90 minutes and that’s more than enough of a chance imo.
Couldn’t stand the cutesy child speak writing. Character dynamics seem well drawn enough, but I wasn’t invested after 90 minutes and that’s more than enough of a chance imo.
baskinginbooks's review
dark
emotional
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
4.25
hailstorm33's review
5.0
Another book that I wish I could go back and read for the first time over and over again.
zeljana's review
4.0
This is probably the most beautifully written book I've read in a while, very lyrical but never overly so.
It kept my interest despite the hard topics it touches, mainly because the main character is exceptional. Ari is the youngest of six sisters in a family where the father was abusive and the mother an addict and completely emotionally unavailable. However, there is a lot of love in this book, which is about finding family and your own path despite the circumstances thrown at you. A very unique take on some overdone topics with many great characters.
I loved it also cause it feels very Canadian, taking place in Toronto, Cape Breton and Montreal in the 1960s.
It wasn't perfect, some parts kinda dragged on, but overall it is a really decent book. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
It kept my interest despite the hard topics it touches, mainly because the main character is exceptional. Ari is the youngest of six sisters in a family where the father was abusive and the mother an addict and completely emotionally unavailable. However, there is a lot of love in this book, which is about finding family and your own path despite the circumstances thrown at you. A very unique take on some overdone topics with many great characters.
I loved it also cause it feels very Canadian, taking place in Toronto, Cape Breton and Montreal in the 1960s.
It wasn't perfect, some parts kinda dragged on, but overall it is a really decent book. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
betweenbookends's review
3.0
3.5/5
The Clay Girl was bit of a mixed bag for me, I loved certain aspects, but I also had few issues I couldn't ignore. At it's heart, it's the story of how love, kindness, sharply contrasted against cruelty and hate, and a very active imagination sculpt the growing years of Ari Appleton. The story starts from when she is 8 to about 16 starting with her father’s suicide after some completely horrific things he does. The novel tackles a lot of dark and disturbing themes of child abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, etc. Whilst there are horrific moments that no child should ever have to endure, the story has moments that are profoundly moving and ones that are light and happy, sprinkled with humour and heart. Another aspect I must mention is the writing style, which is very unique, poetic & filled with metaphor. It did take me a little getting used to, but once I did I could really appreciate it. And I must add that it had one of the most haunting endings and I love when a book gives that aftereffect.
…
My main criticism is that I found the contrast between Ari, who is near perfect and her mother, who is the bane of her existence, a little too much to handle. Her mother and Irwin, her step father, are probably the most immoral, detestable characters you'll ever come across and the contrast is taken to such an extent that it feels unreal. I adored Ari and really rooted for, but I felt that her goodness was doled out too heavy handedly. I also found aspects of the Canadian law and police forces within the story questionable and doubted whether things really were like that in the 1960s. There were also too many characters, could have been over 30. The main characters do stand out but the remaining bleed into each other and it was cumbersome to keep track. For instance, Mr.Ellis and Mr. West, her english teachers, could have been the same person. They fall within 2 categories, either they hate Ari and would go to any extent to cause trouble, or they love her to bits and pieces. It was too black and white with no shades of grey and the problem is in reality, people aren't either extremes. I felt Heather Tucker went a little over the top with people repeatedly telling Ari that she's spectacular, every third paragraph. This again was something I couldn't digest.
...
It isn't a book I'd confidentially recommend for these very reasons. The metaphorical, whimsical and very imaginative writing might irk a few readers. But I'm still glad to have read it.
The Clay Girl was bit of a mixed bag for me, I loved certain aspects, but I also had few issues I couldn't ignore. At it's heart, it's the story of how love, kindness, sharply contrasted against cruelty and hate, and a very active imagination sculpt the growing years of Ari Appleton. The story starts from when she is 8 to about 16 starting with her father’s suicide after some completely horrific things he does. The novel tackles a lot of dark and disturbing themes of child abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, etc. Whilst there are horrific moments that no child should ever have to endure, the story has moments that are profoundly moving and ones that are light and happy, sprinkled with humour and heart. Another aspect I must mention is the writing style, which is very unique, poetic & filled with metaphor. It did take me a little getting used to, but once I did I could really appreciate it. And I must add that it had one of the most haunting endings and I love when a book gives that aftereffect.
…
My main criticism is that I found the contrast between Ari, who is near perfect and her mother, who is the bane of her existence, a little too much to handle. Her mother and Irwin, her step father, are probably the most immoral, detestable characters you'll ever come across and the contrast is taken to such an extent that it feels unreal. I adored Ari and really rooted for, but I felt that her goodness was doled out too heavy handedly. I also found aspects of the Canadian law and police forces within the story questionable and doubted whether things really were like that in the 1960s. There were also too many characters, could have been over 30. The main characters do stand out but the remaining bleed into each other and it was cumbersome to keep track. For instance, Mr.Ellis and Mr. West, her english teachers, could have been the same person. They fall within 2 categories, either they hate Ari and would go to any extent to cause trouble, or they love her to bits and pieces. It was too black and white with no shades of grey and the problem is in reality, people aren't either extremes. I felt Heather Tucker went a little over the top with people repeatedly telling Ari that she's spectacular, every third paragraph. This again was something I couldn't digest.
...
It isn't a book I'd confidentially recommend for these very reasons. The metaphorical, whimsical and very imaginative writing might irk a few readers. But I'm still glad to have read it.
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.25
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: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault