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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
i absolutely adored Violet. there’s something about her, her nature, her simplicity that makes me feel like i really knew her.
The writing was amazing as well, i completely felt like i was in the streets with violet. the ending was absolutely beautiful as well
The writing was amazing as well, i completely felt like i was in the streets with violet. the ending was absolutely beautiful as well
This would be more of a three and three quarters for me. Violet Speedwell, a single woman in her late 30's between the wars, was a wonderful character. This book captured that time and the loneliness of the "surplus women." Violet's story, the broidery guild, and the bell ringers would have been enough for me, but Chevalier added some other elements that just served as weird distractions.
Tracy Chevalier is an excellent writer - she manages to make the mundane (embroidery for example) absorbing and creates lively characters. I found the sexism that Violet faced throughout the book absolutely maddening and the concept of being a ‘surplus woman’ (and the judgement women received for it) revolting. I loved Gilda and Dorothy - their characters brought a lot to the story. I wasn’t much of a fan of any of the men in the novel but assume this was Chevalier’s intention. The ending was a bit predictable but other than that it was a pacy and gripping listen (borrowed from the library on audiobook).
This is a work of historical fiction. In The Great War Violet’s oldest brother and her fiancée both were killed. Now, in 1932, Violet is a “spinster” living on her own to escape a domineering and depressed mother, but earning barely enough to make ends meet. She joins a group of borderers at Winchester Cathedral, working with the women to embroider kneelers. She finds some purpose to her life and builds friendships. And she meets Arthur, one of the cathedral bell ringers. I’ll stop there so as not to give too much away. I really appreciated that the ending wasn’t all neat and tidy, but if I had a pile of other books I was anxious to move on to I might not have finished this one which is why the 2 star rating.
reflective
slow-paced
Three & a half stars really. This book is quite interesting but the story of Violet seems a bit contrived. The main character is really Winchester Cathedral, and of course, the broderers and bell ringers. A pleasant, interesting read.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It read like a guide to Winchester, an embroidery primer and an introduction to bell-ringing, all rolled into one. I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.
This latest book by Tracey Chevalier is set during the years between the Great War and World War II. The focus is on the role of women during these years and how difficult it was for those who were single and at an age where many men from their generation had perished in the Great War.
The main character is Violet Speedwell, a young woman who is grieving the loss of a fiancee and a brother. She has also lost her father, to whom she was very close. Violet has a contentious relationship with her mother. When she chooses to move out and live on her own, she upsets the family expectations and causes them to rethink what a woman’s place should be.
Two prominent subjects in the book are the bell ringers of the Cathedrals and the elaborate needlepoint (embroidery) that the women made to decorate the Cathedrals. Violet was fascinated by both of these subjects and decides to become one of the embroiders.
Her decision to become involved with the embroiders was pivotal in her life. She finds a purpose, finds her independence and even finds love and a way to live fully, despite what society dictates.
I found this one to be a slow burn, as I was almost halfway into the story before I became invested. The second half was very engaging and it was interesting to learn about a part of England and the Cathedrals that I was not aware of. Of course, after I finished the book, I had to go to the internet and find images of the needlepoint for the Cathedrals. Truly beautiful work!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to provide my honest review.
The main character is Violet Speedwell, a young woman who is grieving the loss of a fiancee and a brother. She has also lost her father, to whom she was very close. Violet has a contentious relationship with her mother. When she chooses to move out and live on her own, she upsets the family expectations and causes them to rethink what a woman’s place should be.
Two prominent subjects in the book are the bell ringers of the Cathedrals and the elaborate needlepoint (embroidery) that the women made to decorate the Cathedrals. Violet was fascinated by both of these subjects and decides to become one of the embroiders.
Her decision to become involved with the embroiders was pivotal in her life. She finds a purpose, finds her independence and even finds love and a way to live fully, despite what society dictates.
I found this one to be a slow burn, as I was almost halfway into the story before I became invested. The second half was very engaging and it was interesting to learn about a part of England and the Cathedrals that I was not aware of. Of course, after I finished the book, I had to go to the internet and find images of the needlepoint for the Cathedrals. Truly beautiful work!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to provide my honest review.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No