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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Civil War historical fiction is abundant, and it takes an original story to capture my interest. The Thread Collectors brilliantly succeeds.
I recommend reading the authors' notes before starting this novel. There are no spoilers, but it provides insight into the co-authors' friendship and motivations for writing the book. It also gives the reader more information about the historical basis for the story.
What makes this novel stand out among other Civil War-themed novels?
The New Orleans and Louisiana setting is unique.
The Louisiana Native Guard, a Black regiment often forgotten relative to the Mas 54th, takes a significant role.
Military musicians are also rarely given center stage.
Jewish immigrants from the early and mid-1800s are also infrequently the focus of historical fiction.
All this leads to an original and engaging story. I found the novel's second half picked up the pace; it hooked me, so I had to read it in one sitting.
If you enjoyed The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson, I predict you'll also enjoy the thread collectors.
This is an excellent book club choice - lots to discuss and reader questions provided.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an ebook version of this book in return for an honest review.
I recommend reading the authors' notes before starting this novel. There are no spoilers, but it provides insight into the co-authors' friendship and motivations for writing the book. It also gives the reader more information about the historical basis for the story.
What makes this novel stand out among other Civil War-themed novels?
The New Orleans and Louisiana setting is unique.
The Louisiana Native Guard, a Black regiment often forgotten relative to the Mas 54th, takes a significant role.
Military musicians are also rarely given center stage.
Jewish immigrants from the early and mid-1800s are also infrequently the focus of historical fiction.
All this leads to an original and engaging story. I found the novel's second half picked up the pace; it hooked me, so I had to read it in one sitting.
If you enjoyed The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson, I predict you'll also enjoy the thread collectors.
This is an excellent book club choice - lots to discuss and reader questions provided.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an ebook version of this book in return for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings: Rape, slavery, prejudices, use of N word, war-time gore, death, lynching. (moderate)
The Thread Collectors follows two young women who have no choice but to be strong. While their battles are vastly different, both Stella and Lily fight for what they believe in by using their talents and strengths. We also look into the lives of their loved ones and how harsh the times were during the Civil War. Full of passion, joy, sorrow, and suspense, this story is sure to capture your attention. It does so by giving a detailed look into the lives of slaves and those enlisted during the Civil War. Authors Edwards and Richman excel at creating likable and real characters that you want to root for all the way through. I enjoyed the plotline, characters, and settings. Another bonus was the excellent use of music in the novel. Having said that, I think the pacing throughout could have been better applied. Some chapters that should have been longer to create a deep emotion were cut short, or others were longer and harder to engage with. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read. From the gorgeous cover to the charming characters, I recommend this as an entertaining Civil War historical fiction.
The Thread Collectors follows two young women who have no choice but to be strong. While their battles are vastly different, both Stella and Lily fight for what they believe in by using their talents and strengths. We also look into the lives of their loved ones and how harsh the times were during the Civil War. Full of passion, joy, sorrow, and suspense, this story is sure to capture your attention. It does so by giving a detailed look into the lives of slaves and those enlisted during the Civil War. Authors Edwards and Richman excel at creating likable and real characters that you want to root for all the way through. I enjoyed the plotline, characters, and settings. Another bonus was the excellent use of music in the novel. Having said that, I think the pacing throughout could have been better applied. Some chapters that should have been longer to create a deep emotion were cut short, or others were longer and harder to engage with. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read. From the gorgeous cover to the charming characters, I recommend this as an entertaining Civil War historical fiction.
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A dual-authored historical fiction novel by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman, THREAD COLLECTORS follows two couples, one Black and one Jewish, both separated from their loves by The Civil War. I enjoyed this novel, even though it had some moments of slow pacing. It was heartwarming but realistic to the time period without languishing in Black trauma. I would definitely read more from this pair. Thank you to the publisher for the finished copy.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A wonderfully written book. It was incredible to see the war through the eyes of Black and white soldiers and their wives alike. Very glad that I was able to read this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.