The Thread Collectors
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman is a beyond beautifully and superbly well written, poignant and moving story set during the Civil War and follows two very different couples and how they survived during the war.
Synopsis: 1863: In a small Creole cottage in New Orleans, an ingenious young Black woman named Stella embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Bound to a man who would kill her if he knew of her clandestine activities, Stella has to hide not only her efforts but her love for William, a Black soldier and a brilliant musician.
Meanwhile, in New York City, a Jewish woman stitches a quilt for her husband, who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. Between abolitionist meetings, Lily rolls bandages and crafts quilts with her sewing circle for other soldiers, too, hoping for their safe return home. But when months go by without word from her husband, Lily resolves to make the perilous journey South to search for him.
As these two women risk everything for love and freedom during the brutal Civil War, their paths converge in New Orleans, where an unexpected encounter leads them to discover that even the most delicate threads have the capacity to save us. Loosely inspired by the authors' family histories, this stunning novel will stay with readers for a long time.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
I was drawn into this book because it takes a very unique perspective through the lives of a well-off Jewish couple from New York and a Black couple trying to escape the south in New Orleans. I loved how they had different backgrounds and how strong and courageous they were.
The book also revealed some of the ravages and heartbreaks of war, from the perspective of both the north and south. It also reveals some of the horrific conditions of slavery and especially the different ways slave owners used the girls and women they owned.
How was the pace?
This was a slow burn story with a lot of emotion. The authors have brought so much to this story with family, found family, friendship, courage, freedom, heartbreak and hope.
Do you recommend this book?
Overall, this is a memorable book that will stay with me for a long time. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is looking for a thought-provoking story (perfect for book clubs).
Thank you, HTP Books, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
