REVIEW: Threads by Sophia Bennett

Review by Carly Bennett.

If you only have time to read one novel this week, make it Threads. It’s been so long since I read a debut novel that made me smile (and cry) as much as this one. Threads won The Times Children’s Writing Competition this year and I can see why there’s already such a buzz about it, even though it’s only just been released.

Threads is the story of three best friends, teenagers Nonie, Edie and Jenny who all live in London. By chance they meet Crow, a young African refugee who doesn’t like to talk but lives for fashion. Eventually, after discovering Crow’s talent for designing, the girls take her in and show her that there’s nothing more important than following your dreams.

I can’t tell you enough about the story to do it justice; even the blurb on the back of the book doesn’t do the story justice so all I can say is that I literally don’t have a bad word to say about this book. The story is flawless, the characters are absolutely fantastic and Sophia Bennett is a mean, mean lady for making me cry so much at that part (if you’ve read this book then I’m sure you’ll know exactly which part I’m talking about).

The novel is written from protagonist Nonie’s point of view and she’s an excellent narrator. Sharp, full of wit and extremely sarcastic, she tells us all we need to know about the other characters. Philanthropist Edie is like a whirlwind of good deeds and I think everybody had a friend just like her when they were at school. You know the kind, who rushes from netball practice to choir to an Amnesty International meeting and still has time to be a prefect, mentor and manage to maintain some kind of social life.

Then there’s Jenny, who has a part in a Hollywood movie but is an extremely reluctant star. The descriptions of her on the red carpet actually made me laugh out loud and her mysterious relationship with heartthrob, Joe Yule, (think Zac Efron and you won’t be far wrong) is excellent. 

So I’ve mentioned the story and characters but, with this book, it’s the little details that make it so great. There are enough pop culture references in Threads to keep any teenage girl happy, with mentions of Vivienne Westwood, Topshop and Hollywood’s Golden Couple, who I’m almost certain are supposed to be Brad and Angelina.

If I haven’t sold it to you already then I don’t know what more I can say. Just trust me on this one and get your hands on a copy of Threads. I can wholeheartedly promise that you won’t be disappointed. 

Review by Carly Bennett

Comments

[Sophie]

Fab review! This sounds great!

[Stacey]

Ooooh, I bought this and t was utterly FABULOUS! Great book!

[adam]

hi sophia bennet i am adam taylor who came to our school hasbury in halesowen i have read the frist chapter i hav read and it is graet
:) love adam taylor

[adam]

the book is fab i have read the frist chapter all of year 6 love it at hasbury in halesowen :):)

[sophia]

Hi Adam
It was great talking to you. So glad you're enjoying the book! Thanks for telling me. sophia

[divya]

dear sophia bennett,
this book is awesome... I dont read much books but ever since i've read this book, I've fallen into love with books...
thank u for encouraging me 2 read books and now i've started writing my own stories!
FYI- u r an amzing writer.
thank u sophia;)

[divya]

im divya who has written the above comment

[sophia]

Hi Divya

Thank you so much for telling me (and to Luisa for letting me know). There is absolutely nothing nicer for an author than to know that someone has started enjoying books because of something they wrote. That's wonderful! You have so much fun in store ... And good luck with your writing too. sophia xxx