Reviews

Unravelling Canada: A Knitting Odyssey by Sylvia Olsen

savvylikethat's review

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2.0

This book was... such a strange read. The author has a deep and *very* interesting knowledge of knitting. The stories about the history and culture surrounding knitting in Canada are super interesting, and enjoyable to read. But the book itself feels so disjointed at times, it's jarring. There are these snippets of stories from knitters they meet on their trip across Canada that are sometimes so short I wondered why include them at all. There's little stories from the trip that are also disconnected from any other part of the journey, but when the author gets into the history of Canada and Knitting, it's suddenly well written and interesting. The details about the First Nations history and connection to knitting and the injustice they face in Canada is also really interesting and pulls you in. I wish the stories from people the author met on the road were more involved, and tied better into the journey of the trip. Over all, the parts that the author writes about that is definitely her wheelhouse make the book worth reading.

annabunce's review

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adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.5

LOVED this book. It really meshed with so many of my interests: knitting, reconciliation and identity in Canada, travel - so good. If you're a knitter in Canada read this book!

gigiglorious's review

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3.0

Probably a 3.5 star book for me. I had originally assumed it was more of a history book than a memoir when I picked it up. Still a delightful read. Though I really wish there was accompanying photos of the cities, towns, and yarn stores the author visited across Canada, as well as some of the amazing old sweaters she saw.