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zikeyag's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very slow read for me. I guess because I was comparing it to other historical fiction novels I’ve experienced. This read was very informative of what occurred during the Civil War, which led to Juneteenth. I didn’t really know all the details of how the official holiday came about and this provided some background and encouraged me to do my own research. Some parts were devastating at times where my heart broke for the soldiers that were involved, but it broke even more when a child that was enlisted was killed. It was disappointing to read that even though the Union side was fighting for the slaves to be freed, they still treated them as less than. The war was mainly about politics/economics. The abolitionist like Lily were the main individuals who cared about black people being free and being offered equal opportunities. At least that’s how I’m portraying the research I found. Overall, the book was a 3.5 it wasn’t a lot of action and a semi-happy ending. It kept me engaged for the most part.
dannb's review against another edition
4.0
Good subplots… I most appreciated the paralleling of the white vs. black experience during the Civil War.
notinjersey's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars. The Thread Collectors tells the story of Stella, a Black woman living in New Orleans who is in love with William, a man who ran from enslavement to join the Union Army. Stella used her embroidery skills to create maps for other men who want to escape. The book also is about Lily, a Jewish abolitionist living in NY, while her husband Jacob is away in the army. She uses her skills to make quilts and bandages for the soldiers. William and Jacob are both musicians and end up forming a bond with one another. The characters in the book are based on the authors’ own family histories and was an interesting look at both Black and Jewish families at the time of the Civil War. I did find it a bit slow with not much happening until towards the end of the book.
stephanie_happylibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
renaplays's review against another edition
4.0
Some awkward, cliched writing and plotting thankfully are overridden by strong research and fact-based characters; particularly strong is the use of textiles for map making, versus using the controversial theory of quilts on the underground railroad.
bendercath's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The interweaving of a black man’s and Jewish man’s journeys is an unexpected addition to the genre of antebellum historical fiction. The injection of creativity: both in textiles and music added a depth to this story that at times, felt overwhelming in its circumstances. There are some really sad and horrifying scenes yet the commitment and drive to persevere carried me through the book.
tams53's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a spider’s web of people and history that was purposefully and delicately written. It was an emotional and sharp account of our nation’s devastating past and the forgotten voices who deserve to be remembered.
jessicasilfenroy's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 ⭐️This was a great historical fiction book that explores the perils of the Civil War through two underrepresented groups. More specifically, it’s through the lens of a Black couple living in New Orleans and a Jewish couple living in NYC and alternates between all four perspectives. At the start of war, both men meet at a Union Army camp in Louisiana and form a friendship over their talent and love of music. While performing for the army, the women are each helping out with the war effort at home and risk everything for love and freedom.
I learned alot while reading this and a hard time putting this one down. The authors, who are lifelong best friends, did a great job weaving the storylines, which are each inspired by their own backgrounds. I loved how it emphasized themes of friendship and family and think it is a thought-provoking and compelling read perfect for fans of this genre and book clubs!
Read if you like:
-HF set during the Civil War
-Black and Jewish representation
-Own voices stories
-The power of music and the connection it can form
-Unlikely friendships
-The Yellow Wife
Thank you HTP for this ARC! Out 8/30
I learned alot while reading this and a hard time putting this one down. The authors, who are lifelong best friends, did a great job weaving the storylines, which are each inspired by their own backgrounds. I loved how it emphasized themes of friendship and family and think it is a thought-provoking and compelling read perfect for fans of this genre and book clubs!
Read if you like:
-HF set during the Civil War
-Black and Jewish representation
-Own voices stories
-The power of music and the connection it can form
-Unlikely friendships
-The Yellow Wife
Thank you HTP for this ARC! Out 8/30
minilove's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this story was told from an interesting perspective, but heavy. It took me a very long time to get through but I thought it was well written and the characters were well thought out. Overall, a good read.