What do you think?
Rate this book
Edward #3
Edward Unspooled
Change keeps stalking Edward Stanton. He and his new wife, Sheila, have retreated to his small house in Montana after an unsuccessful attempt at operating a motel in Colorado. That failure has left wounds, especially for Sheila, and now they face a bigger challenge: pregnancy and impending parenthood.
Edward begins penning notes to the child (ever precise, he refers to the gestating being as "Cellular Stanton") as he navigates married life with Sheila, who is unhappy and unfulfilled in Montana; a work partnership with his friend Scott Shamwell, whose own life is teetering; and the emergence of a long-buried family secret and the effect of this revelation on his relationship with his overbearing mother.
Even as Edward's world expands, he must confront questions about whom to let in, how much to give, the very definition of family, the fragility of hope, and the expanses of love.
Edward begins penning notes to the child (ever precise, he refers to the gestating being as "Cellular Stanton") as he navigates married life with Sheila, who is unhappy and unfulfilled in Montana; a work partnership with his friend Scott Shamwell, whose own life is teetering; and the emergence of a long-buried family secret and the effect of this revelation on his relationship with his overbearing mother.
Even as Edward's world expands, he must confront questions about whom to let in, how much to give, the very definition of family, the fragility of hope, and the expanses of love.
286 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2016
91 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
About the author
Craig Lancaster
29 books426 followersWhen Craig Lancaster moved to Montana in 2006, at the age of 36, it was the realization of a dream he’d harbored since childhood, one that he figured had been overtaken by events, as so many dreams are.
“I have these incredibly vivid memories of visiting Montana with my folks on family vacations, and following my dad, an itinerant laborer who worked in the oil and gas fields of the West when I was a kid,” Lancaster says. “It was such a vast, beautiful, overwhelming place. From the first time I saw Montana, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Craig was born on February 9th, 1970, in Lakewood, Washington. Adopted at birth, he grew up in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, with his mother and stepfather and siblings. His stepfather, Charles Clines, was a longtime sportswriter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a connection that led to Craig’s career as a journalist, a profession he followed to a series of newspaper jobs across the country — Texas, Alaska, Kentucky, Ohio, Washington, California and, finally, Montana.
A couple of years after Craig’s arrival in the Big Sky State, he began chasing another long-held dream: that of writing novels. His first completed novel, 600 Hours of Edward, was born in the crucible of National Novel Writing Month, that every-November free-for-all of furious writing. He completed an entire first draft, nearly 80,000 words, in November 2008. In October 2009, it was published by Riverbend Publishing of Helena, Montana, and has since gone on to be selected as a Montana Honor Book and a High Plains Book Award winner.
His follow-up, The Summer Son, was released in January 2011 by AmazonEncore, to similar acclaim. Booklist called the new novel “a classic western tale of rough lives and gruff, dangerous men, of innocence betrayed and long, stumbling journeys to love.”
Lancaster’s work delves deeply below the surface of its characters, teasing out the desires and motivations that lead us through our lives.
“It’s all too easy to turn people into caricatures, but the truth is, we humans are pretty damned fascinating,” he says. “For me, fiction is a way at getting at truth. I use it to examine the world around me, the things that disturb me, the questions I have about life — whether my own or someone else’s. My hope is that someone reading my work will have their own emotional experience and bring their own thoughts to what they read on the page. When I’m asked what my stories mean, my inclination is turn the question around: What do they mean to you?”
“I have these incredibly vivid memories of visiting Montana with my folks on family vacations, and following my dad, an itinerant laborer who worked in the oil and gas fields of the West when I was a kid,” Lancaster says. “It was such a vast, beautiful, overwhelming place. From the first time I saw Montana, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Craig was born on February 9th, 1970, in Lakewood, Washington. Adopted at birth, he grew up in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, with his mother and stepfather and siblings. His stepfather, Charles Clines, was a longtime sportswriter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a connection that led to Craig’s career as a journalist, a profession he followed to a series of newspaper jobs across the country — Texas, Alaska, Kentucky, Ohio, Washington, California and, finally, Montana.
A couple of years after Craig’s arrival in the Big Sky State, he began chasing another long-held dream: that of writing novels. His first completed novel, 600 Hours of Edward, was born in the crucible of National Novel Writing Month, that every-November free-for-all of furious writing. He completed an entire first draft, nearly 80,000 words, in November 2008. In October 2009, it was published by Riverbend Publishing of Helena, Montana, and has since gone on to be selected as a Montana Honor Book and a High Plains Book Award winner.
His follow-up, The Summer Son, was released in January 2011 by AmazonEncore, to similar acclaim. Booklist called the new novel “a classic western tale of rough lives and gruff, dangerous men, of innocence betrayed and long, stumbling journeys to love.”
Lancaster’s work delves deeply below the surface of its characters, teasing out the desires and motivations that lead us through our lives.
“It’s all too easy to turn people into caricatures, but the truth is, we humans are pretty damned fascinating,” he says. “For me, fiction is a way at getting at truth. I use it to examine the world around me, the things that disturb me, the questions I have about life — whether my own or someone else’s. My hope is that someone reading my work will have their own emotional experience and bring their own thoughts to what they read on the page. When I’m asked what my stories mean, my inclination is turn the question around: What do they mean to you?”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
July 30, 2016
I truly don't know how to give this book the praise it deserves. All I can say is that I adored 600 hours, I devoured Edward Adrift and when I heard that Edward was coming back into my life I got a little excited (wet myself actually). Meeting Edward again is like meeting your old best friend, despite being several years since reading Adrift this book brought everything back. The humour, the innocence, the honesty, the wonderful observations and idiosyncrasies of Edward made this book truly beautiful and moving and I confess to crying throughout the last few chapters. Everyone needs an Edward in their life. 5 humongous (I love that word) stars. #TBConFB
May 25, 2022
I have no idea why it's taken me so long to finish this trilogy, I adored 600 hours of Edward and Edward Adrift and while this one I felt started slowly I loved it equally in the end.
Its in a totally different format to the first two books but in the end it worked well.
I'm really really hoping that someday the author writes another Edward book as I just don't feel it's the end of his story!
At time of posting this trilogy is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Its in a totally different format to the first two books but in the end it worked well.
I'm really really hoping that someday the author writes another Edward book as I just don't feel it's the end of his story!
At time of posting this trilogy is available on Kindle Unlimited.
August 23, 2017
Reading Edward makes me happy. These are not books of great drama and angst but books about people and their little big everyday bits and pieces. Where important matters are discussed, important like connecting to people around us, being loyal, being there, loving, fighting and making up. Beautiful.
If Edward ever whispers some more in Lancaster's ears I'll be in queue to read.
If Edward ever whispers some more in Lancaster's ears I'll be in queue to read.
February 7, 2017
I was privileged to get a proof of Edward Unspooled to read and review.
Edward Stanton is a 40+ man with Asperger’s syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder - he is also my favourite literary character; charming, vulnerable and totally endearing. After waiting over 3 years for this, the third glimpse into Edward's life, I was beyond excited to start but at a loath to finish. I read as slowly as possible and relished every word of this exquisitely written book. Edward is as flummoxing and endearing as ever as he adapts to married life with Sheila. The outrageous Scott Shamwell makes a very welcome appearance but what was, for me, the most wonderful part of this story involves spoilers which I'm not prepared to divulge.
Buy this book now, laugh, love and cry along with Edward in this wonderfully moving story which has already entered my 'All Time Favourites' list along with the first two Edward books. I'm bereft to have finished reading it, it was beautiful, heart warming, funny and heart breaking . I already desperately NEED book 4 - please don't make me wait another 3+ years for my next fix Craig Lancaster or I'll be crestfallen (I love the word crestfallen) .
Every once in a while a book or series of books comes along and you want the whole world to read and love them as much as you do - Whilst Edward Unspooled would work really well as a stand alone read you would, in my opinion, miss out on two truly wonderful books charting Edward's journey and growth as a person so read all 3 . This is my all time favourite series of books and I urge, nay implore you all to read them and take this wonderful character into your heart #TeamEdward #TBConFB - Unreserved 5 stars
Edward Stanton is a 40+ man with Asperger’s syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder - he is also my favourite literary character; charming, vulnerable and totally endearing. After waiting over 3 years for this, the third glimpse into Edward's life, I was beyond excited to start but at a loath to finish. I read as slowly as possible and relished every word of this exquisitely written book. Edward is as flummoxing and endearing as ever as he adapts to married life with Sheila. The outrageous Scott Shamwell makes a very welcome appearance but what was, for me, the most wonderful part of this story involves spoilers which I'm not prepared to divulge.
Buy this book now, laugh, love and cry along with Edward in this wonderfully moving story which has already entered my 'All Time Favourites' list along with the first two Edward books. I'm bereft to have finished reading it, it was beautiful, heart warming, funny and heart breaking . I already desperately NEED book 4 - please don't make me wait another 3+ years for my next fix Craig Lancaster or I'll be crestfallen (I love the word crestfallen) .
Every once in a while a book or series of books comes along and you want the whole world to read and love them as much as you do - Whilst Edward Unspooled would work really well as a stand alone read you would, in my opinion, miss out on two truly wonderful books charting Edward's journey and growth as a person so read all 3 . This is my all time favourite series of books and I urge, nay implore you all to read them and take this wonderful character into your heart #TeamEdward #TBConFB - Unreserved 5 stars
October 31, 2016
Such a feel-good book! Not only because it places great emphasis on friendships and bonds between people but because watching Edward--who is super kind and generous--navigate through life challenges and changes with grace and loyalty and selflessness made me want to do better.
October 24, 2016
UPDATE: Craig Lancaster responded to my question about why David Otey narrated Edward Unspooled instead of Luke Daniels who had narrated the earlier books in the Edward Series. He says that he was unable to hire Luke Daniels to narrate Edward Unspooled because of "production schedules and other variables." This is a perfectly reasonable explanation and I'm glad to hear that Craig Lancaster is interested in working with Luke Daniels in the future. Lancaster is the author of my favorite series and Daniels is my favorite narrator. So things hardly get any better for me than when they work together.
Since I discovered the amazing world of audiobooks, I have probably listened to nearly 100 titles. I don't know because I am not Edward Stanton and, until I got active with Goodreads in late 2015, I did not keep track of such things. The books in Craig Lancaster's Edward series are my favorite books out of all of them.
I'm going to sound totally creepy and weird here but Edward Stanton is more than just a literary character. He's alive. He's like a best friend that you only hear from once every few years (when Craig Lancaster publishes a new installment in the Edward series). I feel like I know him, understand him and have been watching him grow, learn and develop since the early 2000s. He's come so far in terms of improving his social skills and bringing his OCD under control (odd numbered lists continue to vex him... but he'll get there).
In this, the third book in the Edward series, Edward struggles to hammer out difficulties in his relationships with his mother and with his wife as he prepares to welcome a baby to the family. If you've read The Fallow Season of Hugo Hunter then you won't be too surprised by another new person who comes in to Edward's life.
Even after knowing Edward for as long as I have, he still makes me laugh. Scott Shamwell is a terrible but hilarious influence on him. And, because Edward is always growing and changing, he continues to surprise me. He never remains predictable for long.
I would be remiss if I did not criticize the shabby Audible audiobook version of this book. Luke Daniels narrated the first two Edward novels. He's my favorite narrator. He's one of the best narrators out there. And, of course, I've come to know the voices he does for the characters of those first two Edward novels as the voices that belong to the characters within those books. A narrator by the name of David Otey narrates the Audible audiobook version of Edward Unspooled.. Given Otey's résumé, he did not do a bad job. But he's out of his element here. He's used to narrating books touting phony medical treatments, real estate investment schemes, how to mix essential oils, etc. If one were to take the best Little League baseball player in his hometown and send him off to the majors to play ball with the 'roid raging pros, that would be the equivalent to what was done here with hiring David Otey to narrate this book. Otey's narration is flat and uninspired (I am not talking about Edward's Aspergian flat-affect... that's different). He basically uses the exact same voice for all the characters. Even if Otey were of a similar caliber to Luke Daniels, only Luke Daniels can correctly do the unique voices that audiobook listeners have come to associate with the characters in Edward's world.
I am not sure why David Otey was hired for this project over Luke Daniels. I have submitted that question to the author, Craig Lancaster, and will update this review if I get an answer (I got one. Posted as an update at the top of this review.) I do know that Craig Lancaster self-published Edward Unspooled because his publisher rejected it (http://lastbestnews.com/site/2016/07/...). So perhaps Luke Daniels had some exclusivity/non-compete agreement with Lancaster's publisher. Or perhaps Luke Daniels is very expensive and Lancaster did not anticipate making much money off this novel. I'm just guessing. There are a million possible reasons. But, as I listened to Edward Unspooled, I was constantly aware that the voices were not actually those of the characters. It FELT like I was being read a story and I had a tough time getting sucked in.
Also, it's clear that Lancaster wrote this book with readers in mind, not listeners. I don't want to spoil too much but That's not a weakness. But it's a reason to consider reading the novel instead of listening to the audiobook.
Overall, if you have time, you should read this book rather than listen to it. But this novel is not to be missed! If you don't have time to sit down and read it, go ahead and purchase the audiobook anyway and listen to it. David Otey did an ok job... but he's not Luke Daniels. He can't do the voices of the characters that audiobook listeners have come to know.
I just can't say enough good things about the Edward series. If you haven't started it yet, start by reading 600 Hours of Edward. Then read Edward Adrift. Not everyone likes Edward Adrift. If you don't think Edward Adrift is at least "three out of five stars," you should stop reading the series at this point because the same things that some readers (not me) dislike about Edward Adrift remain true for Edward Unspooled. If you liked Edward Adrift a lot then, for bonus points, read The Fallow Season of Hugo Hunter. That book is not directly about Edward, and it's not as good as the Edward books, but you'll learn something important about Edward that will give you some context and perspective when you read Edward Unspooled.
Bravo, Craig Lancaster! Thank you for writing this book for your loyal Edward fans.
Since I discovered the amazing world of audiobooks, I have probably listened to nearly 100 titles. I don't know because I am not Edward Stanton and, until I got active with Goodreads in late 2015, I did not keep track of such things. The books in Craig Lancaster's Edward series are my favorite books out of all of them.
I'm going to sound totally creepy and weird here but Edward Stanton is more than just a literary character. He's alive. He's like a best friend that you only hear from once every few years (when Craig Lancaster publishes a new installment in the Edward series). I feel like I know him, understand him and have been watching him grow, learn and develop since the early 2000s. He's come so far in terms of improving his social skills and bringing his OCD under control (odd numbered lists continue to vex him... but he'll get there).
In this, the third book in the Edward series, Edward struggles to hammer out difficulties in his relationships with his mother and with his wife as he prepares to welcome a baby to the family. If you've read The Fallow Season of Hugo Hunter then you won't be too surprised by another new person who comes in to Edward's life.
Even after knowing Edward for as long as I have, he still makes me laugh. Scott Shamwell is a terrible but hilarious influence on him. And, because Edward is always growing and changing, he continues to surprise me. He never remains predictable for long.
I would be remiss if I did not criticize the shabby Audible audiobook version of this book. Luke Daniels narrated the first two Edward novels. He's my favorite narrator. He's one of the best narrators out there. And, of course, I've come to know the voices he does for the characters of those first two Edward novels as the voices that belong to the characters within those books. A narrator by the name of David Otey narrates the Audible audiobook version of Edward Unspooled.. Given Otey's résumé, he did not do a bad job. But he's out of his element here. He's used to narrating books touting phony medical treatments, real estate investment schemes, how to mix essential oils, etc. If one were to take the best Little League baseball player in his hometown and send him off to the majors to play ball with the 'roid raging pros, that would be the equivalent to what was done here with hiring David Otey to narrate this book. Otey's narration is flat and uninspired (I am not talking about Edward's Aspergian flat-affect... that's different). He basically uses the exact same voice for all the characters. Even if Otey were of a similar caliber to Luke Daniels, only Luke Daniels can correctly do the unique voices that audiobook listeners have come to associate with the characters in Edward's world.
I am not sure why David Otey was hired for this project over Luke Daniels. I have submitted that question to the author, Craig Lancaster, and will update this review if I get an answer (I got one. Posted as an update at the top of this review.) I do know that Craig Lancaster self-published Edward Unspooled because his publisher rejected it (http://lastbestnews.com/site/2016/07/...). So perhaps Luke Daniels had some exclusivity/non-compete agreement with Lancaster's publisher. Or perhaps Luke Daniels is very expensive and Lancaster did not anticipate making much money off this novel. I'm just guessing. There are a million possible reasons. But, as I listened to Edward Unspooled, I was constantly aware that the voices were not actually those of the characters. It FELT like I was being read a story and I had a tough time getting sucked in.
Also, it's clear that Lancaster wrote this book with readers in mind, not listeners. I don't want to spoil too much but That's not a weakness. But it's a reason to consider reading the novel instead of listening to the audiobook.
Overall, if you have time, you should read this book rather than listen to it. But this novel is not to be missed! If you don't have time to sit down and read it, go ahead and purchase the audiobook anyway and listen to it. David Otey did an ok job... but he's not Luke Daniels. He can't do the voices of the characters that audiobook listeners have come to know.
I just can't say enough good things about the Edward series. If you haven't started it yet, start by reading 600 Hours of Edward. Then read Edward Adrift. Not everyone likes Edward Adrift. If you don't think Edward Adrift is at least "three out of five stars," you should stop reading the series at this point because the same things that some readers (not me) dislike about Edward Adrift remain true for Edward Unspooled. If you liked Edward Adrift a lot then, for bonus points, read The Fallow Season of Hugo Hunter. That book is not directly about Edward, and it's not as good as the Edward books, but you'll learn something important about Edward that will give you some context and perspective when you read Edward Unspooled.
Bravo, Craig Lancaster! Thank you for writing this book for your loyal Edward fans.
July 27, 2016
Oh my goodness I just don't know where to start. It feels like I have waited forever for this book but by page 2 it was like meeting an old friend again. Edward reminds me of that comfy pair of shoes we all own, as soon as we put them on everything in the world is right. Craig Lancaster has done an amazing job with this installment which is written as a sort of journal along with his wife to their unborn child. The story also introduces us to some new characters in Edwards life. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry and most of all fall in love with Edward all over again.
April 11, 2018
This is the third installment of the Edward trilogy. After reading the first one, "600 Hours of Edward," when it could be borrowed from Prime Reading, I borrowed the other two from the Kindle Owners Lending Library because I fell in love with Edward. I loved "600 Hours of Edward," and the second novel, "Edward Adrift," I liked it just fine, but it wasn't as good as the first installment of the trilogy. I have to say the third novel is my least favorite. The only reason I gave it three stars (I'm being generous) was it got better near the end.
Edward has Asperger's and severe OCD, and it is refreshing to read from the viewpoint of someone very different than the average person most novels are about. The author does a good job of showing how this affects Edward, both internally and how he handles relationships. Edward has definitely come a long way since the first novel, and reading about his journey was enjoyable.
In this story, Edward is married to Sheila and she is expecting. Edward goes through a variety of emotions regarding becoming a father. The novel is written in letters to the child, mostly by Edward but some by Sheila. I will be in the minority here, but I did not care for this format. I feel it would have flowed better had it been written traditionally, as in chronological order with the backstory inserted in pieces. I guess the letters are a throwback to the first novel when Edward would write letters of complaints (but not mail them) at the end of each day, and that could have been accomplished just by having Edward write a short note every day to the child. The letters were jarring tidbits of what would happen, and at times they did not flow from one letter to the next. I found the whole thing somewhat irritating.
My other problem with this story is Sheila. How her character was written in this book was vastly different than her introduction in "Edward Adrift." Sheila was a quirky, likeable character then, and in this she is manipulative and controlling. The novel explains it's hormonal because of the pregnancy, but her behavior was so "out there" that it could hardly be explained by pregnancy hormones; it made me wonder why did Edward marry her in the first place.
The last few chapters of the story were better than the rest of the book. I forced myself to finish this novel because I wanted to complete the Edward series. If I didn't like "600 Hours of Edward" so much I probably wouldn't have bothered.
If you've read the first two books, and are curious about how Edward handles fatherhood, then read it. Otherwise, don't bother.
Edward has Asperger's and severe OCD, and it is refreshing to read from the viewpoint of someone very different than the average person most novels are about. The author does a good job of showing how this affects Edward, both internally and how he handles relationships. Edward has definitely come a long way since the first novel, and reading about his journey was enjoyable.
In this story, Edward is married to Sheila and she is expecting. Edward goes through a variety of emotions regarding becoming a father. The novel is written in letters to the child, mostly by Edward but some by Sheila. I will be in the minority here, but I did not care for this format. I feel it would have flowed better had it been written traditionally, as in chronological order with the backstory inserted in pieces. I guess the letters are a throwback to the first novel when Edward would write letters of complaints (but not mail them) at the end of each day, and that could have been accomplished just by having Edward write a short note every day to the child. The letters were jarring tidbits of what would happen, and at times they did not flow from one letter to the next. I found the whole thing somewhat irritating.
My other problem with this story is Sheila. How her character was written in this book was vastly different than her introduction in "Edward Adrift." Sheila was a quirky, likeable character then, and in this she is manipulative and controlling. The novel explains it's hormonal because of the pregnancy, but her behavior was so "out there" that it could hardly be explained by pregnancy hormones; it made me wonder why did Edward marry her in the first place.
The last few chapters of the story were better than the rest of the book. I forced myself to finish this novel because I wanted to complete the Edward series. If I didn't like "600 Hours of Edward" so much I probably wouldn't have bothered.
If you've read the first two books, and are curious about how Edward handles fatherhood, then read it. Otherwise, don't bother.
December 15, 2017
Well you did it again Craig Lancaster you damn well made me sob and snivel..but oh you made me laugh and smile also. What a wonderful book this was and now once more I have to wait and hope we will see Edward, family and friends once more but ohh how I will miss him. A massive 5 +++ stars and thank you as always for the wonderful writing and insight on the life of Edward I loved it.
August 13, 2016
This is the only series of books I've read as the books come out. This is the best one yet. Waiting for a fourth book and I think Edward should be on TV!
December 26, 2016
Not as good as the other 2 Edward books. The gimmicky narrations- notes to the unborn child- simply did not work for me. I would much have have the more traditional dialog.
December 26, 2020
Books 1 & 2 were done in Edwards POV, this book was down through his journal with Shelia making entrees. I wasn’t a fan and the new narrator isn’t bad but I miss Luke.
A lot of drama which is normal for life. But I just felt like no one communicated well at all. Shelia steamrolls Edward a lot. And Edwards mother is a loose cannon lol. I laugh but I was also like woooo… chill lady.
I enjoyed the ending, I think Edward is going to be one heck of a father because he knows what not to do.
A lot of drama which is normal for life. But I just felt like no one communicated well at all. Shelia steamrolls Edward a lot. And Edwards mother is a loose cannon lol. I laugh but I was also like woooo… chill lady.
I enjoyed the ending, I think Edward is going to be one heck of a father because he knows what not to do.
July 12, 2020
Loved Edward and his “Bitchin’ iPhone”!!
February 4, 2017
Edward Unspooled is the third book featuring Edward Stanton. To understand Edward more, I would advise reading 600 Hours of Edward and Edward Adrift before reading this one.
Edward is such a wonderful character. He is someone that the readers take to their hearts immediately. I was so pleased to discover that Edward is now married and expecting his first child with his wife.
The story is told between Edward and Sheila in the form of a diary/notes to their unborn child. This made the whole story really endearing. Edwards entries were so bitter sweet. Due to his Aspergers it does make some of what he writes quite funny. It did feel though that he was constantly being told off by Sheila which I kept feeling quite sorry for him.
Even though Edward is now well into his forties, he is still very much treated as a child by his mother and his wife. As much as his wife wants Edward to stand up to his mother, she is constantly telling him what to do also. As much as I didn’t really like this about Sheila, overall you can tell what a good influence she has on Edward and more than anything you can see through these entries just how much they both love each other.
The whole story felt like Edward finally growing up and I was like a proud parent on the side lines cheering him on. He seems to learn so much more than just becoming a parent and I so enjoyed his journey of self discovery.
Edward Unspooled is just a wonderful read. Edward has vast become one of my all time favourite characters in a book. With each book my heart gets bigger with the pride that it is literally bursting with. He feels like he’s not only the authors creation but the readers also and I so hope that we haven’t seen the last of him.
Sweet, heartfelt, inspiring and an all round great read.
Edward is such a wonderful character. He is someone that the readers take to their hearts immediately. I was so pleased to discover that Edward is now married and expecting his first child with his wife.
The story is told between Edward and Sheila in the form of a diary/notes to their unborn child. This made the whole story really endearing. Edwards entries were so bitter sweet. Due to his Aspergers it does make some of what he writes quite funny. It did feel though that he was constantly being told off by Sheila which I kept feeling quite sorry for him.
Even though Edward is now well into his forties, he is still very much treated as a child by his mother and his wife. As much as his wife wants Edward to stand up to his mother, she is constantly telling him what to do also. As much as I didn’t really like this about Sheila, overall you can tell what a good influence she has on Edward and more than anything you can see through these entries just how much they both love each other.
The whole story felt like Edward finally growing up and I was like a proud parent on the side lines cheering him on. He seems to learn so much more than just becoming a parent and I so enjoyed his journey of self discovery.
Edward Unspooled is just a wonderful read. Edward has vast become one of my all time favourite characters in a book. With each book my heart gets bigger with the pride that it is literally bursting with. He feels like he’s not only the authors creation but the readers also and I so hope that we haven’t seen the last of him.
Sweet, heartfelt, inspiring and an all round great read.
August 31, 2016
People embarking on Book Three in the Edward series are sure to be Edward fans already. We have seen him, through the previous two books, turn from a solitary, rather mistrustful man, to someone who learns to socialise and become a friend. He and Sheila, now married, learn they are to be parents, and this book takes the form of letters to his unborn child, to which Sheila adds her own notes.
Through the writer's skill, Edward's voice comes through loud and clear. He learns to stand up for himself and to be considerate of others, not easy for him, bearing in mind his background. He is very literal and this often results in humour. He is convinced that he’s really funny but much of the humour comes from his failure to understand or to empathise with others, try though he might. The story is often surprising and at times exciting. I found it a really enjoyable read.
Through the writer's skill, Edward's voice comes through loud and clear. He learns to stand up for himself and to be considerate of others, not easy for him, bearing in mind his background. He is very literal and this often results in humour. He is convinced that he’s really funny but much of the humour comes from his failure to understand or to empathise with others, try though he might. The story is often surprising and at times exciting. I found it a really enjoyable read.
August 14, 2016
I can't say enough about this book! I have loved Edward from the beginning in 600 Hours of Edward, but to see how he has grown since then by allowing people into his life and allowing himself to care about those people makes this book my favorite of trilogy. I can only hope, beg, and plead that Craig Lancaster will bless us with one more Edward book so we can see how he develops as a father and to hear the undoubtedly hilarious dialogue that will take place between him and his child. If you have enjoyed the other Edward books, don't miss his heartfelt and sometimes tumultuous journey into fatherhood in Edward Unspooled.
February 11, 2018
Conclusion to Edward's story - I loved it
Carrying straight on from the last book, the wonderful Edward picks up his story - his wife Sheila is now pregnant, and in trying to get her anxious husband bonding with his future offspring, he writes the baby a series of letters.
The book is made up of these letters, as Edward tries to get used to the idea of fatherhood, reconfiguring their life together back at his home in Montana for the new arrival. Sheila is already unhappy with little direction for her life away from her home, and Edward finds he has a job situation and some family secrets to contend with.
He may not tell us about the weather and his wake times every day, but he DOES tell his baby all sorts of things that may or may not be appropriate.
I found this a lovely end to Edward's story, seeing him truly blossom as a functioning adult, caring for others and having to take decisions that a few years ago, would have been too much for him.
The story continues seamlessly from the previous two, with many references to characters and happenings in Edward's life. Edward's mother and lawyer, his friends from previous chapters as well as some new people make this a very enjoyable return to Stanton's world.
Edward is pretty adorable, though to live with he might be a little annoying! There are some wonderfully funny scenes here, my favourite was the scoring system as Sheila and Edward search for a new house. But the letters themselves are just brilliant - I hope they are edited before Baby Stanton lets their future baby read them one day.
There is an interesting subplot as a surprise relation enters Edward's life, friendships play a strong role in the story as well, and Sheila gets her moments to shine (as well as writes accompanying letters to Edward's own).
The ending comes quite suddenly, and I wasn't prepared to leave Edward so soon, but it did feel like a complete and satisfying climax.
I listened to this as an audiobook, with a great narrator taking on the role of the idiosyncratic Edward and making him sympathetic and very winsome. Wonderful series, superb creation of a protagonist that I won't be forgetting, and I will look for more from the author.
Carrying straight on from the last book, the wonderful Edward picks up his story - his wife Sheila is now pregnant, and in trying to get her anxious husband bonding with his future offspring, he writes the baby a series of letters.
The book is made up of these letters, as Edward tries to get used to the idea of fatherhood, reconfiguring their life together back at his home in Montana for the new arrival. Sheila is already unhappy with little direction for her life away from her home, and Edward finds he has a job situation and some family secrets to contend with.
He may not tell us about the weather and his wake times every day, but he DOES tell his baby all sorts of things that may or may not be appropriate.
I found this a lovely end to Edward's story, seeing him truly blossom as a functioning adult, caring for others and having to take decisions that a few years ago, would have been too much for him.
The story continues seamlessly from the previous two, with many references to characters and happenings in Edward's life. Edward's mother and lawyer, his friends from previous chapters as well as some new people make this a very enjoyable return to Stanton's world.
Edward is pretty adorable, though to live with he might be a little annoying! There are some wonderfully funny scenes here, my favourite was the scoring system as Sheila and Edward search for a new house. But the letters themselves are just brilliant - I hope they are edited before Baby Stanton lets their future baby read them one day.
There is an interesting subplot as a surprise relation enters Edward's life, friendships play a strong role in the story as well, and Sheila gets her moments to shine (as well as writes accompanying letters to Edward's own).
The ending comes quite suddenly, and I wasn't prepared to leave Edward so soon, but it did feel like a complete and satisfying climax.
I listened to this as an audiobook, with a great narrator taking on the role of the idiosyncratic Edward and making him sympathetic and very winsome. Wonderful series, superb creation of a protagonist that I won't be forgetting, and I will look for more from the author.
October 2, 2017
With the change in narrator, which was tragic in a way I never would have imagined, and the repetitive retelling of the first two books in a creative, however boring way, this book would have rated 1 or 2 stars tops. But, Craig Lancaster pulled out the 4 stars in the end. The audible version's narrator for the first two books in this series is Edward and introducing a new narrator on the third book was like taking the fantastic movie Rainman and halfway through, reversing the roles of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. I mean Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman probably would have done a fine job in either role but the switch wouldn't work no matter how great an actor they prove to be. Craig Lancaster made the wrong call in not waiting for his original narrator to complete this and any subsequent books about Edward.
June 12, 2020
Edward Unspooled was pretty good, although it was not as moving as the first two books in the series (600 Days of Edward and Edward Adrift). It also had a merely decent ending. Edward Stanton – autistic, obsessive-compulsive, still lovable after six years – is now in his mid-40s, finally coming into his own. Book 3’s Edward is now a married business partner and expecting father. He has become a big-hearted social butterfly, and his circle of loyal friends and family has grown. He and his pregnant wife Sheila are even house-hunting! Equipped with a growing inner strength and odd humor (and the ongoing support of his very patient therapist) he must learn how to navigate a complicated adult world of impending parenthood, marital discord, career change, and family secrets. This fulfilling new life is a culmination of six years of change and growth. He made it! I was totally proud of this character.
2 stars
2 stars
August 1, 2020
I am not ready to say goodbye to Edward. He has woven himself into my heart and he has tugged on my heartstrings. Maybe Craig Lancaster will meet Edward again and he will write book #4 and tell me what Edward is doing now...
April 4, 2019
Back later to review.
August 8, 2020
I’m so invested in Edward after reading the third story this summer. It’s definitely helped me through the COVID craziness! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
August 7, 2024
A heartwarming end to a wonderfully quirky series.
June 17, 2020
Edward ...I want more Edward!
March 10, 2017
jedva cekam iducu, savrsena prica, likovi, nacin pripovijedanja... all time favorit :)
February 28, 2017
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because I love Edward Stanton so much! Edward is moving along in his life. He has been married to Sheila for a few years and they are now expecting a baby. This has Edward flummoxed (a good word) a bit so to better grasp what that means, he "talks" it out with his unborn child in a journal that details his past, present, and his hopes for the unknown future. Being Edward, he is very detailed and factual as he explains his current reality - too detailed sometimes. Sheila adds her thoughts in the journal also so we get both sides of their lives while they wait for their child's birth. Very well done, very readable, a lot of tie-ins to the previous two books which I recommend reading. Not all loose ends are tied up, so there is plenty of story left for another book! More Edward please!
February 1, 2017
When a series starts out on an unbelievably high note, it would not be surprising to find the writing, the plot, the everything, fall off just a bit. It is less conceivable that each addition would get better and remain as engrossing as the first. Craig Lancaster achieves that with his series about Edward Stanton, a man with Aspergers who finds his way in a life that once overwhelmed him. In this, the third installment in the series, Edward is married, back in Billings Montana and waiting the arrival of his child. The narrative is really a series of letters he writes to his unborn baby, at his wife's suggestion, in the hopes he will bond with it when he / she is born. There are letters to and from his wife as well and a few from others that I won't mention in an effort to conceal any spoilers. You don't have to read the other two first in order to enjoy the book but you will be poorer for not having done so. I listened to the audio version and it saw me through workouts, boring drives and a few minutes in the driveway when I had to finish the chapter before I turned the car off. Yes it was that good and, as Edward would say, it made a few shit burger days pretty darn special.
August 5, 2016
Craig Lancaster did it again! Another amazing Edward adventure. This time he is older, wiser, more controlled and I loved how he is also more outspoken. The way that the past books were remembered was just perfect; part of the story, natural reminders that made us just go back to some points in a way that helped understanding the present narrative without being boring or forced. This is how good literature should be.
The audiobook, once more, is impeccable. I'm glad I decided to wait some days longer (and it was hard, I've been anticipating this book for so long!) and listen to it as I did with the previous novels.
Oh, and
I can't recommend this book enough. All Craig Lancaster's books, in fact!
The audiobook, once more, is impeccable. I'm glad I decided to wait some days longer (and it was hard, I've been anticipating this book for so long!) and listen to it as I did with the previous novels.
Oh, and
I can't recommend this book enough. All Craig Lancaster's books, in fact!
October 4, 2016
To prepare for the joy that is a new Edward book I re-read 600 hours of Edward and Edward Adrift and had forgotten just what a lovely character Edward is with his idiosyncrasies and his wonderful view on the world.
Unspooled took a while to get into. It's written in the form of letters from Edward to his unborn baby. Shiela his wife often adds a post script. However a few chapters in and I was in love with Edward all over again! His friend Scott Shamwell plays a bigger part than in Adrift and provides some of the humour.
This is another triumph by Craig Lancaster - gentle kind humorous and heart-warming it's wonderful!!
Unspooled took a while to get into. It's written in the form of letters from Edward to his unborn baby. Shiela his wife often adds a post script. However a few chapters in and I was in love with Edward all over again! His friend Scott Shamwell plays a bigger part than in Adrift and provides some of the humour.
This is another triumph by Craig Lancaster - gentle kind humorous and heart-warming it's wonderful!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews