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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Not the book I was recommended-just one with a similar name. Still, a good book and a quick read. Some definite triggers, familiar plot & themes. If you’re up for reading about really awful parts of US history interspersed with some humanity and a book that covers a whole smattering of injustices in the history of our country, this one’s for you.
I love it when authors collaborate on books together, especially when it’s an author whose books I adore, and through that collaboration, I find a new author to love. In this instance, I am a huge fan of Alyson Richman (hist fic fans, you simply must read her entire backlist), and now I am thrilled to meet Shaunna J. Edwards’ writing and cannot wait for her next writing endeavor.
Check out this blurb: “A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife.
Set during the 1860s is the story of Stella, a young Black woman living in New Orleans who embroiders maps to help enslaved men flee the south in order to join the Union Army, and Lily, a Jewish woman, whose husband is in Louisiana in the Union Army. When Lily’s husband goes missing, she travels to Louisiana to find him, and there, her paths cross with Stella.
What a powerful story inspired by both authors’ families! I can hardly write this review without tears. The authors themselves are long time friends, and the story they’ve written together is nothing short of stunning, amplifying lesser heard perspectives during this dark and oppressive time, the brutality of which it also addresses head-on. It also shines a light on the goodness in people, and those who were willing to sacrifice for humanity’s sake. The story is woven together seamlessly much like the threads and sewing featured in the narrative.
I don’t want to give anything else away, but just know this is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and it receives my highest recommendation. The authors’ friendship and how their family histories intertwine in this story; it’s remarkable.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Check out this blurb: “A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife.
Set during the 1860s is the story of Stella, a young Black woman living in New Orleans who embroiders maps to help enslaved men flee the south in order to join the Union Army, and Lily, a Jewish woman, whose husband is in Louisiana in the Union Army. When Lily’s husband goes missing, she travels to Louisiana to find him, and there, her paths cross with Stella.
What a powerful story inspired by both authors’ families! I can hardly write this review without tears. The authors themselves are long time friends, and the story they’ve written together is nothing short of stunning, amplifying lesser heard perspectives during this dark and oppressive time, the brutality of which it also addresses head-on. It also shines a light on the goodness in people, and those who were willing to sacrifice for humanity’s sake. The story is woven together seamlessly much like the threads and sewing featured in the narrative.
I don’t want to give anything else away, but just know this is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and it receives my highest recommendation. The authors’ friendship and how their family histories intertwine in this story; it’s remarkable.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
In 1863, Stella is a beautiful Black woman born into slavery. Her current owner Frye is so taken with her that he has set her up to live in a Creole cottage in New Orleans as his mistress. William is one of Frye's slaves and is a gifted flutist. He has recently escaped to join the Union Army with the help of Stella, his love, who has a talent for sewing escape maps. While part of the Louisiana Native Guard at Camp Parapet, William is befriended by Jacob, a Jewish man from New York City. They bond over their mutual love of music. Back at home, Jacob's wife Lily attends abolitionist meetings and has her own sewing skills, creating a quilt for her husband and other soldiers. The lives of these four characters become intertwined as the war rages on.
The Thread Collectors is a unique Civil War story. It was written by two friends, Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman, who bring their Black and Jewish heritages and perspectives to their characters. Richman is a seasoned author, and this is an impressive debut novel for Edwards. The two couples in this impactful book have touching love stories but the yearning of Stella and William to one day have the opportunity to love one another freely is the heart of the book. I enjoyed this story of resilience and love very much.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Thread Collectors is a unique Civil War story. It was written by two friends, Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman, who bring their Black and Jewish heritages and perspectives to their characters. Richman is a seasoned author, and this is an impressive debut novel for Edwards. The two couples in this impactful book have touching love stories but the yearning of Stella and William to one day have the opportunity to love one another freely is the heart of the book. I enjoyed this story of resilience and love very much.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Interesting and at times hard to read (U.S. History is uncomfortable) but nothing terribly ground-breaking for me.
emotional
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:
Complicated
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
I was expecting from the inside flap more interaction and friendship between Lily and Stella, but I was happily surprised by the beauty of the wholesome friendship between William & Jacob and the loving sisterhood between Stella & Ammanee
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Hate crime, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Antisemitism, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy
adventurous
challenging
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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An interesting read about the war told from different perspectives. The story interweaves the characters nicely.