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aoibhrua's review against another edition
5.0
5 STARS!
SPOILERS
Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads
Starting in the early 1900's, The Thread follows a story set in Thessaloniki, Greece. As Asia Minor is destroyed by the Turkish Army, young Katerina is separated from her fleeing family and ends up under the care of Eugenia, a fleeing mother with her two older daughters. Here, Katerina befriends young Dimitri, son of a strong politically viewed power hungry man.
Soon, the city is plunged into chaos of war and fear, as the Jews are pushed out and young men forced to step up and fight with or against. A story covering decades, the reader is brought along the journey of the city itself, and given an insight into the lives of the people and watch how Katerina's life changed unbelievably, from when she was only six years old.
The Island is one of my all time favourite novels and I bought The Thread a few years ago to read but it always got pushed further down my list. Reading it now reminded me of why I loved The Island so much. Although in this case, I have never been to Thessaloniki, it didn't matter in being able to imagine the city.
Writing: I love Hislop's writing style. The story-telling vibe is so captivating and gripping and you're so quickly swept up into the story and plunged right into the epicenter of the drama. I'm not a huge lover of stories set in the past, as they lack the element of being able to relate to the situations depicted, but Hislop has a unique way of depicting her stories that overrides any dislike for historic tales.
Characters: The characters in this are all so diverse and captivating, the story nearly writes itself.
**Katerina's infectious positivity gleams from the pages but as does her despair once married and in grieving for her lost Dimitri. Her utter resilience and strength is so admirable and she always remained so humble - I couldn't help but fall for her from the beginning.
**Eugenia is also such a kind-hearted and gentle woman and her instant affection for Katerina is so evident from how she immediately treats her as her own little daughter.
**The ruthless and almost evil nature of Kyrios Komninos, Dimitri's father, never fails to shock the reader as we see the extremes he goes to to ensure family pride and reputation remains strong.
Story: The historic detail that permeates Hislop's novels is unbelievable and probably only fractionally represents the level of research that had to be undertaken prior to writing anything. The Thread majorly covers the time of the Second World War and the reader gains an insight into the affect it had on Greece, a country that normally wouldn't be of main focus of the War. The fact that Thessaloniki was thriving with many mixed religions, made for an environment that was torn apart and relationships and livelihoods destroyed. In an effortless story-telling setting, I learned so much more about what went on, especially politically, at that time and how Greece specifically suffered.
The added little phrases and words in Greek, help authenticate the story and remind the reader of where we are and is a beautiful additive.
Romance: This is really a romantic tale of Katerina and Dimitri relaying their story to their grandson but yet it's not presented as a "romance tale" and I love this. Everything romantic is so beautiful and innocent and makes for a gorgeous read as the two lovers are constantly put up against forces that keep them apart. I nearly cried when Katerina found out she was pregnant and knew it was his and not her dreadful, repulsive, slime-ball husband! (And bravo for cleverly getting rid of him!)
Overall:
This has definitely made it into my favourites. Having been travelling to Greece / Greek Islands for over half of my lifetime and having Greek relatives, I am obsessed with Greek culture and the language and the serenity and calmness that comes from the little towns and villages. The Thread captivates the very essence of the Greek city and way of life and is a beautiful tale of life and friendships.
See more of my reviews here
SPOILERS
Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads
Starting in the early 1900's, The Thread follows a story set in Thessaloniki, Greece. As Asia Minor is destroyed by the Turkish Army, young Katerina is separated from her fleeing family and ends up under the care of Eugenia, a fleeing mother with her two older daughters. Here, Katerina befriends young Dimitri, son of a strong politically viewed power hungry man.
Soon, the city is plunged into chaos of war and fear, as the Jews are pushed out and young men forced to step up and fight with or against. A story covering decades, the reader is brought along the journey of the city itself, and given an insight into the lives of the people and watch how Katerina's life changed unbelievably, from when she was only six years old.
The Island is one of my all time favourite novels and I bought The Thread a few years ago to read but it always got pushed further down my list. Reading it now reminded me of why I loved The Island so much. Although in this case, I have never been to Thessaloniki, it didn't matter in being able to imagine the city.
Writing: I love Hislop's writing style. The story-telling vibe is so captivating and gripping and you're so quickly swept up into the story and plunged right into the epicenter of the drama. I'm not a huge lover of stories set in the past, as they lack the element of being able to relate to the situations depicted, but Hislop has a unique way of depicting her stories that overrides any dislike for historic tales.
Characters: The characters in this are all so diverse and captivating, the story nearly writes itself.
**Katerina's infectious positivity gleams from the pages but as does her despair once married and in grieving for her lost Dimitri. Her utter resilience and strength is so admirable and she always remained so humble - I couldn't help but fall for her from the beginning.
**Eugenia is also such a kind-hearted and gentle woman and her instant affection for Katerina is so evident from how she immediately treats her as her own little daughter.
**The ruthless and almost evil nature of Kyrios Komninos, Dimitri's father, never fails to shock the reader as we see the extremes he goes to to ensure family pride and reputation remains strong.
Story: The historic detail that permeates Hislop's novels is unbelievable and probably only fractionally represents the level of research that had to be undertaken prior to writing anything. The Thread majorly covers the time of the Second World War and the reader gains an insight into the affect it had on Greece, a country that normally wouldn't be of main focus of the War. The fact that Thessaloniki was thriving with many mixed religions, made for an environment that was torn apart and relationships and livelihoods destroyed. In an effortless story-telling setting, I learned so much more about what went on, especially politically, at that time and how Greece specifically suffered.
The added little phrases and words in Greek, help authenticate the story and remind the reader of where we are and is a beautiful additive.
Romance: This is really a romantic tale of Katerina and Dimitri relaying their story to their grandson but yet it's not presented as a "romance tale" and I love this. Everything romantic is so beautiful and innocent and makes for a gorgeous read as the two lovers are constantly put up against forces that keep them apart. I nearly cried when Katerina found out she was pregnant and knew it was his and not her dreadful, repulsive, slime-ball husband! (And bravo for cleverly getting rid of him!)
Overall:
This has definitely made it into my favourites. Having been travelling to Greece / Greek Islands for over half of my lifetime and having Greek relatives, I am obsessed with Greek culture and the language and the serenity and calmness that comes from the little towns and villages. The Thread captivates the very essence of the Greek city and way of life and is a beautiful tale of life and friendships.
See more of my reviews here
annoulaplayo's review against another edition
3.0
I very much enjoyed her description of Thessaloniki, as she seems to have a deep understanding of Greek culture as well as the other cultures mentioned in the book. The city is not just a setting but almost one of the characters, which I liked.
The main proper characters could have been developed further, but it was interesting to read the impact of historical events on them. Once more I am convinced of the strength and the bravery of Greek people.
The main proper characters could have been developed further, but it was interesting to read the impact of historical events on them. Once more I am convinced of the strength and the bravery of Greek people.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
More 3,75
This book opens in the modern era, and ends there, but the rest is all 1917 and forward. A young man is being told the story of his grandparents a and why they do not want to leave the city. Making this a mix of historical fiction and modern fiction.
It was a good story about the Katerina and Dimitri, but it was just as much a story about Greek modern history and especially then Thessaloniki history. Because they see so much since they live through it. Honestly I can't even begin with all the twists and turns, war, politics and civil wars, it's always there in the background as life goes on, as life always does.
If I first look at all of this because it has such a big impact on things. First they fight with Turkey which brings young Katerina to Greece from Smyrna, and all the Muslims have to leave Greece. Tragedy from the beginning. Then there is of course WWII which brings Greece into another turmoil and lots of fighting, and the chapters I found the hardest. The Germans come and then they send away the Jews to Poland. And they think everything will be ok while I scream do not go. But of course they go. I will never understand the cruelty of humans, and why some just stand by. But all these things brings such a reality and impact to this story.
The story of Katerina and Dimitri is one that is long in the making. We know they will end up together but the road there is long because of war and its impact on both of them. And Dimitri is rich, but with a troubled family life. Katerina is poor, but with a loving family. But something brings them together, I will let something be a secret. I do like both of them, and their friends and family. Since the books spans over a big portion of time there will be losses, heartache and sorrow, happiness and new paths to take, weaving it all to beautiful story that takes a hold of you.
It was a lovely portrait over a family and a city. I must say that a lot of things happened in Greece, and it does make it a rich settings for a story.
Conclusion:
I read the book pretty fast because I wanted to know what would happen, and it would be a fiction book that I recommend.
Cover
Fitting
This book opens in the modern era, and ends there, but the rest is all 1917 and forward. A young man is being told the story of his grandparents a and why they do not want to leave the city. Making this a mix of historical fiction and modern fiction.
It was a good story about the Katerina and Dimitri, but it was just as much a story about Greek modern history and especially then Thessaloniki history. Because they see so much since they live through it. Honestly I can't even begin with all the twists and turns, war, politics and civil wars, it's always there in the background as life goes on, as life always does.
If I first look at all of this because it has such a big impact on things. First they fight with Turkey which brings young Katerina to Greece from Smyrna, and all the Muslims have to leave Greece. Tragedy from the beginning. Then there is of course WWII which brings Greece into another turmoil and lots of fighting, and the chapters I found the hardest. The Germans come and then they send away the Jews to Poland. And they think everything will be ok while I scream do not go. But of course they go. I will never understand the cruelty of humans, and why some just stand by. But all these things brings such a reality and impact to this story.
The story of Katerina and Dimitri is one that is long in the making. We know they will end up together but the road there is long because of war and its impact on both of them. And Dimitri is rich, but with a troubled family life. Katerina is poor, but with a loving family. But something brings them together, I will let something be a secret. I do like both of them, and their friends and family. Since the books spans over a big portion of time there will be losses, heartache and sorrow, happiness and new paths to take, weaving it all to beautiful story that takes a hold of you.
It was a lovely portrait over a family and a city. I must say that a lot of things happened in Greece, and it does make it a rich settings for a story.
Conclusion:
I read the book pretty fast because I wanted to know what would happen, and it would be a fiction book that I recommend.
Cover
Fitting
pebbles1984's review against another edition
3.0
Just below 3 stars. I previously read two other books by this author which I really enjoyed, but this one disappointed me. I didn't feel very connected to the characters and the book tried to cover too much. But worst of all was that there often was too much telling and too little showing, which made the book at times come across as a history lesson or summation of facts, instead of as enjoyable historical fiction.
teadrinker90's review against another edition
2.0
I was looking forward to reading this book after enjoying Hislop's first two novels. I have never considered her an amazing writer, but I sometimes enjoy a nice easy read and 'The Thread' satisfied me in my need for this; however a few things bothered me. I found the relationship between Dimitri and Katerina unsatisfying and lacking in depth as there seemed to be no real development of their love for one another. I also found the ending to be a bit too ‘happy’ and potentially unrealistic, given the circumstances, for example the ideal timing of the death of Katerina’s husband, just as she realises she is pregnant with Dimitri’s baby. Furthermore I found the beginning and end of the novel regarding Mitsos, their grandchild, unnecessary and irrelevant to the whole story. I recommend this book but only as a light summer read, don’t expect anything spectacular.
karlys_books's review against another edition
3.0
Este es un libro de verdad fascinante que nos cuenta la historia de Grecia a lo largo de la Primera y Segunda Guerra Mundial a traves de los ojos de Dimitri, hijo de un gran hombre en la industria de la tela y Katerina quien queda al cuidado de una desconocida al perderse en el incendio que arrasó su ciudad.Aunque la verdad me prometieron una historia de amor que si ocurre pero los personajes son tan planos que no la sentí nada. Sin embargo el que la personalidad de los "protagonistas" se entienda de manera tan vaga no le quita que sea un libro bastante interesante, ya que además de lo interesante e impactante que es la historia de Grecia, tambien la de los protagonistas es muy interesante, por ejemplo Katerina que pierde a su madre y a su hermana enfrentandose a lo desconocido con una edad bastante corta; sin embargo como ya lo mencioné antes el que la historia se base todoo en contar lo que pasaba en el país hace que haya demasiados personajes y como consecuencia que haya muchas historias diferentes, lo que hace así mismo que la historia de nuestros "protagonistas" pierda impacto.
A pesar de ello, lo considero ciertamente una magnifica lectura, bastante entretenida y seguro si me hicieran un examen sobre el tema, lo pasaria sin problema ( aunque prefiero la historia de México a la de cualquier otro país :D)
De verdad te quedas demasiado enganchado y eso es genial sabiendo que eso de verdad pasó, pero de verdad era frustante que la vida de los protagonistas hubiera sido muy diferente si no hubieran tomado ciertas decisiones.
A pesar de ello, lo considero ciertamente una magnifica lectura, bastante entretenida y seguro si me hicieran un examen sobre el tema, lo pasaria sin problema ( aunque prefiero la historia de México a la de cualquier otro país :D)
De verdad te quedas demasiado enganchado y eso es genial sabiendo que eso de verdad pasó, pero de verdad era frustante que la vida de los protagonistas hubiera sido muy diferente si no hubieran tomado ciertas decisiones.
kyliew52's review against another edition
4.0
Having read a few other reviews, I have to agree that perhaps it is a little bit wooden at times, and for what is at times a very tragic tale, I didn't cry (and I cry easily at books). However, I did finish it in about 2 1/2 days and definitely enjoyed it and found the history very interesting - not something I knew much about. I'd recommend Victoria Hislop's other books, and also Captain Corelli's Mandolin - different author, but similar subject matter and much more emotionally told.
joangittel's review against another edition
4.0
I just returned from a trip to Thessaloniki and wanted to learn more about the history of this city, particularly the Jewish history.
This book certainly filled that need, with an epic that started with the 1917 fire that razed large parts of the city, through the deportation of the Jews during WWII and through the start of the new century.
Interesting characters, compelling story, even if at the end it was a little too contrived, and definitely a worthwhile, memorable read.
This book certainly filled that need, with an epic that started with the 1917 fire that razed large parts of the city, through the deportation of the Jews during WWII and through the start of the new century.
Interesting characters, compelling story, even if at the end it was a little too contrived, and definitely a worthwhile, memorable read.
sammied73's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely book with a really interesting story. I love that it takes you through so much of the 20th century.
It does jump big gaps at times with little explanation and it can be slow at times but an enjoyable read with a lovely main character.
It does jump big gaps at times with little explanation and it can be slow at times but an enjoyable read with a lovely main character.
agnes_marie's review against another edition
5.0
This is undoubtly a very good book, but it unfortunately didn’t hook me quite as much as “The Island” did. Some chapters was a little boring, but I will give it 5 stars either way. It tells a beautiful story about friendship, family, war and love. It’s not your typical cheesy love story, because the love and bonding between friends are just as strong and important, and the author shows this in an excellent way. Definitely recommended.