Tumbling by Caela Carter

Challenge #29 ~ “A book where the author has the same first and last initial as you.”

tumbling

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

Tumbling was very much a mixed bag, in that whilst I enjoyed it overall, I think Carter tried to do too much in one novel, meaning impact was very much lost along the way. Furthermore, and I’m no hardcore gymnastics fan, there were quite a few obvious inaccuracies along the way (in simple things such as which way a move faces) and several inconsistencies in her own choices that lowered the book’s standard, too. Nevertheless, it’s certainly a readable novel and one that will very much get you in the Olympic mood.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

The structuring of the book was definitely its strength. Using sections to divide the story by rotation across the two-day trials event really aided in building the suspense and mystery over team selections, much as in reality. Sure, the ending was just a bit too contrived my liking, but it certainly wasn’t predictable and it definitely contributed much to the overall momentum throughout, as well as assisting in shaping the overall atmosphere and world-building.

A warning for the book:

Carter tries to do a lot in this book and doesn’t quite carry it off. With five POVs, it’s essential to establish their distinct characters, but unfortunately instead they quickly blend into one, making it difficult to relate or remember who’s who. Their main defining traits seem to be the Major Problem they’re all having to deal with, but with such diversity in this regard, there’s not enough scope to really address any of the themes and their implications that arise, adding to the lacklustre delivery. I laud Carter’s ambition, but I think the novel would have been stronger if it were dialled back slightly, offering greater insight into a select few, unique characters.

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