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The Forgotten Seamstress
"Liz Trenow sews together the strands of past and present as delicately as the exquisite stitching on the quilt that forms the centerpiece of the story."-Lucinda Riley, author of The Orchid House
She Kept Her Secret for a Lifetime...
A shy girl with no family, Maria knows she's lucky to have landed in the sewing room of the royal household. Before World War I casts its shadow, she catches the eye of the Prince of Wales, a glamorous and intense gentleman. But her life takes a far darker turn, and soon all she has left is a fantastical story about her time at Buckingham Palace.
Decades later, Caroline Meadows discovers a beautiful quilt in her mother's attic. When she can't figure out the meaning of the message embroidered into its lining, she embarks on a quest to reveal its mystery, a puzzle that only seems to grow more important to her own heart. As Caroline pieces together the secret history of the quilt, she comes closer and closer to the truth about Maria.
Page-turning and heartbreaking, The Forgotten Seamstress weaves together past and present in an unforgettable journey.
She Kept Her Secret for a Lifetime...
A shy girl with no family, Maria knows she's lucky to have landed in the sewing room of the royal household. Before World War I casts its shadow, she catches the eye of the Prince of Wales, a glamorous and intense gentleman. But her life takes a far darker turn, and soon all she has left is a fantastical story about her time at Buckingham Palace.
Decades later, Caroline Meadows discovers a beautiful quilt in her mother's attic. When she can't figure out the meaning of the message embroidered into its lining, she embarks on a quest to reveal its mystery, a puzzle that only seems to grow more important to her own heart. As Caroline pieces together the secret history of the quilt, she comes closer and closer to the truth about Maria.
Page-turning and heartbreaking, The Forgotten Seamstress weaves together past and present in an unforgettable journey.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2013
848 people are currently reading
5216 people want to read
About the author
Liz Trenow
16 books368 followersLiz Trenow's family have been silk weavers for nearly three hundred years, and the company is one of only three still operating in the UK today, weaving for top-end fashion houses and royal commissions.
It is this remarkable silk heritage that has inspired many of Liz's four novels, including the most recent The Silk Weaver (UK pub Jan 2017) It will be published in the US as The Hidden Thread in May 2017.
It is set in London in the 1760s in the very house in which the family company began, just down the road from where the pre-eminent silk designer Anna Maria Garthwaite lived at the same time. It is the unknown early life of Anna Maria that has inspired the plot, set against the historical backdrop of racial tension and industrial unrest.
With beautiful illustrations of Anna Maria designs throughout, this will be a book to treasure.
It is this remarkable silk heritage that has inspired many of Liz's four novels, including the most recent The Silk Weaver (UK pub Jan 2017) It will be published in the US as The Hidden Thread in May 2017.
It is set in London in the 1760s in the very house in which the family company began, just down the road from where the pre-eminent silk designer Anna Maria Garthwaite lived at the same time. It is the unknown early life of Anna Maria that has inspired the plot, set against the historical backdrop of racial tension and industrial unrest.
With beautiful illustrations of Anna Maria designs throughout, this will be a book to treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 962 reviews
May 31, 2014
A quilt with a history. A quilt containing royal cloth. A quilt spanning a number of years. A quilt that told a story.
This mysterious quilt, a seamstress, stolen patches of material, royalty, and Caroline tell the tale of the beautiful, lovingly handmade quilt that connects Maria the seamstress to Caroline the present day character through flashbacks and recorded tapes. You will LOVE the connection.
Maria's story began in an orphanage where she learned the skills of a seamstress and then moves to her being a seamstress in Buckingham Palace along with her friend, Nora. Both girls did impeccable stitching for the royal family.
In her spare time at the castle, Maria made a quilt from royal cloth and told the story of her life in every patch and stitch. Her quilt was handed down through the generations with mysteries and a story of its own.
Maria's life was changed for the worst, though, after the Prince summoned her to do some mending for him. This beautifully told story continued from that point and back to the present.
If you enjoy reading family history and the history of family heirlooms created by a past generation and found by the present generation, you will definitely enjoy THE FORGOTTEN SEAMSTRESS.
The writing is flawless, the characters are lovable and unforgettable, the storyline will definitely hold your interest until the last page. And...the last few pages will have you glued to each word. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge by the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 6, 2017
Four and a half stars.
This story revolves around a quilt, the woman who made it and the woman who discovers it in her mother’s attic. Maria is the woman who made the quilt. She is a talented seamstress who ends up working for the royal family. There she attracts the interest of the Prince of Wales. But life certainly turns out a far cry from the way she daydreamed and expected it would. What happens to her is heartbreaking. Her one solace is the quilt she makes, which tells of her love and her life. Caroline Meadows, the woman who finds the quilt, is dealing with guilt over her mother while at the same time trying to uncover the story behind the quilt. Over time and after a few dead end leads, with a bit of help, she eventually finds out the truth.
I found this to be a very readable story. It grabbed me from the beginning. Even before I started the book though I had to smile at the comment some other library user had written in neat, careful writing. ’A very unusual book, quite entertaining really, I even wondered if t was true, I guess not.’ That intrigued me to start with and so did the start of the book. It maintained my interest throughout. I did have to chuckle at the input from library users though. Later in the book another reader printed their comment about a line to do with eyelashes mentioned in the book. But what really got me was the word which had been almost completely inked over and obliterated on page 297. Of course being an absolute sticky beak I had to find out what word been so strongly crossed out. It was the f word. Obviously the other reader took exception to it. It is the only time the word is used throughout the book. So yes, I enjoyed the book immensely but also the little insights from other readers.
This is an interesting historical novel with a mystery at its heart. It deals with truth, lies, friendship, family and romance. All in all, it is a highly entertaining read. This is the first book I have read by this author but I would be keen to read more.
This story revolves around a quilt, the woman who made it and the woman who discovers it in her mother’s attic. Maria is the woman who made the quilt. She is a talented seamstress who ends up working for the royal family. There she attracts the interest of the Prince of Wales. But life certainly turns out a far cry from the way she daydreamed and expected it would. What happens to her is heartbreaking. Her one solace is the quilt she makes, which tells of her love and her life. Caroline Meadows, the woman who finds the quilt, is dealing with guilt over her mother while at the same time trying to uncover the story behind the quilt. Over time and after a few dead end leads, with a bit of help, she eventually finds out the truth.
I found this to be a very readable story. It grabbed me from the beginning. Even before I started the book though I had to smile at the comment some other library user had written in neat, careful writing. ’A very unusual book, quite entertaining really, I even wondered if t was true, I guess not.’ That intrigued me to start with and so did the start of the book. It maintained my interest throughout. I did have to chuckle at the input from library users though. Later in the book another reader printed their comment about a line to do with eyelashes mentioned in the book. But what really got me was the word which had been almost completely inked over and obliterated on page 297. Of course being an absolute sticky beak I had to find out what word been so strongly crossed out. It was the f word. Obviously the other reader took exception to it. It is the only time the word is used throughout the book. So yes, I enjoyed the book immensely but also the little insights from other readers.
This is an interesting historical novel with a mystery at its heart. It deals with truth, lies, friendship, family and romance. All in all, it is a highly entertaining read. This is the first book I have read by this author but I would be keen to read more.
May 16, 2014
Once again I seem to be in the minority of people whose heartstrings were not plucked by a book. I don't know if it's just my mood at the moment, but I've been reading an awful lot of books that were that dreaded thing, not bad, but not outstanding, and though I've enjoyed them-ish, I've found it difficult to say very much about them. Sadly, I found this was another one.
It's a good story. It's a very horrible story in a way, with a woman who was locked up in an asylum for being inconveniently pregnant and then pretty much has her life destroyed by experimental procedures. I know this happened, and it's horrific, but somehow in the context of this story I remained - well, dry-eyed. Am I hard? Party I know it was the fact that she got pregnant to the Prince of Wales. I totally had no sympathy for her there, and even though the situation was an enormous abuse of trust, I still couldn't feel sorry for her. Instead, I was repelled and while there is no way I would go so far as to say she deserved all she got, I did find her continued utter lack of resistance really irritating.
And in fact, this was the problem a bit with the modern protagonist, who was all 'woe is me' and not very much 'I'm going to sort myself out'. She drifted, and stuff happened, and lots of people helped her out, but she didn't do very much of helping herself. In fact, she came over to me as one of those people who has huge ambitions but expects them to land on a plate without much effort. She wanted to start up an interior design business, but all she did was make a few phone calls and call in a few favours. She started on a project and gave it up almost the next day. She thought she was fantastic, her friends thought she was fantastic, so why had she been festering away in a city job for so many years (and I don't buy the money thing).
Now, I'm making it sound as if I hated her and I didn't. It was a good story. I finished the book, even though I guessed the connections about half-way through. It held me, but it didn't stay with me. But as I said at the start, I'm very much in the minority here.
It's a good story. It's a very horrible story in a way, with a woman who was locked up in an asylum for being inconveniently pregnant and then pretty much has her life destroyed by experimental procedures. I know this happened, and it's horrific, but somehow in the context of this story I remained - well, dry-eyed. Am I hard? Party I know it was the fact that she got pregnant to the Prince of Wales. I totally had no sympathy for her there, and even though the situation was an enormous abuse of trust, I still couldn't feel sorry for her. Instead, I was repelled and while there is no way I would go so far as to say she deserved all she got, I did find her continued utter lack of resistance really irritating.
And in fact, this was the problem a bit with the modern protagonist, who was all 'woe is me' and not very much 'I'm going to sort myself out'. She drifted, and stuff happened, and lots of people helped her out, but she didn't do very much of helping herself. In fact, she came over to me as one of those people who has huge ambitions but expects them to land on a plate without much effort. She wanted to start up an interior design business, but all she did was make a few phone calls and call in a few favours. She started on a project and gave it up almost the next day. She thought she was fantastic, her friends thought she was fantastic, so why had she been festering away in a city job for so many years (and I don't buy the money thing).
Now, I'm making it sound as if I hated her and I didn't. It was a good story. I finished the book, even though I guessed the connections about half-way through. It held me, but it didn't stay with me. But as I said at the start, I'm very much in the minority here.
March 15, 2017
4.5 Stars.
This was simply an enjoyable read. Totally lost myself in the story. Well written. Two story lines which were seamless and both interesting. The historical aspects of mental institutions and how easily a woman could be placed and detained against her will was very enlightening. How a quilt is put together and the story behind the quilt was well depicted. I loved this book. Will definitely read more by this author.
This was simply an enjoyable read. Totally lost myself in the story. Well written. Two story lines which were seamless and both interesting. The historical aspects of mental institutions and how easily a woman could be placed and detained against her will was very enlightening. How a quilt is put together and the story behind the quilt was well depicted. I loved this book. Will definitely read more by this author.
July 26, 2014
Thank you to Avon Books for the copy via a Goodreads Giveaway.
It is 1910 and Maria, a talented young girl from the East end of London, is employed to work as a seamstress for the royal family. As an attractive girl, she soon catches the eye of the Prince of Wales and she in turn is captivated by his glamour and intensity.
I had heard good things about this one so despite it being slightly out of my reading comfort zone, I was very pleased to receive a copy. And it is indeed a terrific and compelling story.
Multi-layered storytelling at its best we follow Maria, telling her story via cassette tape sometime in the past, alongside Caroline who has discovered a beautiful patchwork quilt in the present - as she investigates its origins, the trail leads her back towards a hidden love story..
Quite haunting in places - especially with a view to the outcome for Maria - hidden away she does indeed become "The Forgotton Seamstress" of the title and there are many intriguing aspects interwoven into the story. The descriptions of sewing and quilting are truly fascinating and now a subject I want to know more about - alongside that we have intriguing soundbites on psychiatric care and the institutions of Maria's time and place.
I loved both the women for different reasons - and the quilt is a whole character in and of itself - the three of them make for an excellent and evocative reading experience. Recommended for those who love Historical fiction and a past/present interwoven narrative with heart.
Happy Reading Folks!
It is 1910 and Maria, a talented young girl from the East end of London, is employed to work as a seamstress for the royal family. As an attractive girl, she soon catches the eye of the Prince of Wales and she in turn is captivated by his glamour and intensity.
I had heard good things about this one so despite it being slightly out of my reading comfort zone, I was very pleased to receive a copy. And it is indeed a terrific and compelling story.
Multi-layered storytelling at its best we follow Maria, telling her story via cassette tape sometime in the past, alongside Caroline who has discovered a beautiful patchwork quilt in the present - as she investigates its origins, the trail leads her back towards a hidden love story..
Quite haunting in places - especially with a view to the outcome for Maria - hidden away she does indeed become "The Forgotton Seamstress" of the title and there are many intriguing aspects interwoven into the story. The descriptions of sewing and quilting are truly fascinating and now a subject I want to know more about - alongside that we have intriguing soundbites on psychiatric care and the institutions of Maria's time and place.
I loved both the women for different reasons - and the quilt is a whole character in and of itself - the three of them make for an excellent and evocative reading experience. Recommended for those who love Historical fiction and a past/present interwoven narrative with heart.
Happy Reading Folks!
December 7, 2013
I was originally introduced to Liz Trenow’s novels when I had the opportunity to read her first book The Last Telegram, which is a truly stunning book, so if you haven’t read it already then please do! Knowing how much I’d enjoyed The Last Telegram, I was very much looking forward to The Forgotten Seamstress.
Caroline Meadows discovers a stunning quilt whilst she is clearing her mother’s attic, and begins a search to find out the origins of this mysterious quilt, who made it? And what is the meaning of the message embroidered into the quilt? Many years earlier – Maria, an extraordinary seamstress, is employed to work for the Royal Family. Maria is young and attractive, and soon catches the attention of the Prince of Wales, and she is equally as intrigued by him. But this connection soon leads to trouble for Maria and her life takes a sudden unexpected turn. Will Caroline be able to find out about the quilt and discover what happened to Maria?
I LOVED this ever so much. The detail in this story is STUNNING. It is rich with description and the historical aspect is so very well written, I felt as though I had been transported back in time with Maria.
The concept of the quilt was fantastic. The descriptions were so beautiful and I could almost feel the textures of the quilt and I could picture it so vividly in my mind. I was so fascinated by the quilt and the history and meaning behind it, and I was hooked to the story wanting to read on to find out how the quilt came to be made, how it came to be in Caroline’s mothers attic – I wanted to know everything about it, and then hold it close to me and never let go!
Maria was such a great character, even though we were reading things in the form of old cassette tapes and taped interviews, I felt very close to Maria and it was like I was sat next to her, hearing her talk about what had happened in her life. There are so many emotions that I went through whilst reading this. Maria’s story is so intriguing, fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. There came a point in the book where I went from shock to tears in my eyes to full-on sobbing in a matter of minutes, my heart ached so much for her.
Liz Trenow is SUCH a talented writer, she effortlessly weaves in many characters and connects their lives together to create a story that is truly exceptional. I would thoroughly recommend this.
Caroline Meadows discovers a stunning quilt whilst she is clearing her mother’s attic, and begins a search to find out the origins of this mysterious quilt, who made it? And what is the meaning of the message embroidered into the quilt? Many years earlier – Maria, an extraordinary seamstress, is employed to work for the Royal Family. Maria is young and attractive, and soon catches the attention of the Prince of Wales, and she is equally as intrigued by him. But this connection soon leads to trouble for Maria and her life takes a sudden unexpected turn. Will Caroline be able to find out about the quilt and discover what happened to Maria?
I LOVED this ever so much. The detail in this story is STUNNING. It is rich with description and the historical aspect is so very well written, I felt as though I had been transported back in time with Maria.
The concept of the quilt was fantastic. The descriptions were so beautiful and I could almost feel the textures of the quilt and I could picture it so vividly in my mind. I was so fascinated by the quilt and the history and meaning behind it, and I was hooked to the story wanting to read on to find out how the quilt came to be made, how it came to be in Caroline’s mothers attic – I wanted to know everything about it, and then hold it close to me and never let go!
Maria was such a great character, even though we were reading things in the form of old cassette tapes and taped interviews, I felt very close to Maria and it was like I was sat next to her, hearing her talk about what had happened in her life. There are so many emotions that I went through whilst reading this. Maria’s story is so intriguing, fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. There came a point in the book where I went from shock to tears in my eyes to full-on sobbing in a matter of minutes, my heart ached so much for her.
Liz Trenow is SUCH a talented writer, she effortlessly weaves in many characters and connects their lives together to create a story that is truly exceptional. I would thoroughly recommend this.
January 21, 2018
Carolyn Meadows is going through her mother's attic when she comes across a quilt she has never seen before. The lining of the quilt has a message embroidered on it, and Carolyn is determined to figure out the mystery. What she finds leads her back many years to a young girl named Maria, an orphan with no family. By a grand stroke of luck, Maria lands in the sewing room of the Royal home. The timeframe for this is on the brink of WWI. The Prince of Wales takes a liking to Maria. However, all is not glamour and riches. The book will draw you in with its dual story line, interwoven lives of two young ladies searching - one to solve a mystery, the other to simply be alive in a time when having no family could mean certain death.
November 19, 2017
I wish I could give a 10 star review for this book it was that good! This is one of the best books I have read in at least the past year. Told by two main narrators, it spans from 1900 up to present day. What an amazing story of hope, despair, love, loss, family' this well written book is so good I did not want it to end. An amazing book that I most highly recommend.
December 8, 2013
'Her history was held in the fabrics she'd used, the designs, and the appliqued figures.'
I read some super reviews of Liz Trenow's first novel, The Last Telegram, which I then bought though sadly have not yet read. I was therefore really pleased to have the chance to read this second novel; it was a very enjoyable, absorbing and well-paced read which I escaped into and became immersed in the lives that were described to me.
Maria Romano has grown up in an orphanage after the death of her mother when she was very young. Close friends with Nora there, the two girls are selected due to their needlework skills to go and live and work in a wonderful, large house for a very wealthy family. This turns out to be none other than Buckingham Palace and the royal family. Maria soon notices the handsome Prince of Wales, and he in turn is attracted by her beauty. He encourages her attentions and there is a passionate affair, then, during his lengthy abscenses, she is left alone and bereft, and it's at this time she begins working on what will become a very special quilt; her needlework skills are her comfort, the thing she turns to in order to escape her situation; as she says, 'it was a way of escaping my loneliness.' She longs for the Prince to return, to rekindle their love, yet there is of course no future for the two of them together; there never could be. Events turn from bad to worse for Maria, and she is sent off and locked away in an asylum, where she experiences great despair and confusion, losing most of her sense of herself, until she again eventually finds solace in her needlework.
We meet Maria and here her story via the text of audio cassette recordings that were made when she was much older, seventy-four, when a lady was researching the history of mental health care. This was a clever device for telling Maria's story and I liked how this was incorporated into the novel, bringing her days back to life through her own voice. I was moved by her story, the intense joys and the terrible lows Maria experienced during her life, and by her mourning the loss of what her life might have been; 'how would my life be now, I wondered, had I never set eyes on him, nor he on me? What could I have made of myself, do you think…?'
Almost in the present day, we meet Caroline Meadows. At thirty-eight, she has just come out of a relationship and wonders whether she will find love again, is at a turning point in her career - working in a well-paid yet soulless job in London, she dreams of using her creative, artistic talents once again - and she cares for her elderly mum whose health is being to fail, sadly she is beginning to forget things. Whilst helping tidy her mum's home, they come across an item that was intended to be passed on to Caroline by her Gran Jean; a beautiful old patchwork quilt. Caroline starts to look in to the background of the quilt, and as she does so, more details emerge as to the provenance of it and the incredible story behind it, and she begins the journey following a fascinating trail into her past.
The past is vividly evoked through Maria's recollections of her memories and her life. It is sad to read how she isn't believed, her true past buried for so many years, her life reduced to being held a virtual prisoner in the hospital. The present day story is engaging too, a woman aware of her age, rethinking her life and looking back at what her amitions were when she was younger, wondering if she can bring them to life before it is too late; the reader wondering if she can find the inspiration to do so.
The novel's title is apt; talented seamstress Maria does indeed seem to have been forgotten by history, until now. Liz Trenow has written an imaginative, touching, romantic, sad historical story and combined it very well with a modern day strand that slowly reveals the connections between past and present.
May 13, 2014
Like patchwork, this novel is a composition of seemingly incongruous parts - via cassette recordings with the first-person narrator, Maria Romano, that weaves a fascinating history of her life as a seamstress for the Royal Family, of her affair with the Prince of Wales (and the later abdicated King Edward VIII). As Maria, now seventy-four, tells her story in an interview book while being confined at a mental hospital, we see into her wistful memories of love and lost, and the sadness perpetrates throughout the book as the second protagonist, Caroline, finds herself confused about her life, and the uncertainty that looms in her future.
What brings these dual plotlines together is a discovered heirloom of a rare silk, one tinged with both the happy and tragic times of Maria's life, and one which propelled Caroline to conduct a research for its origins, all the while learning about her own strength.
While I hold no knowledge of sewing or quilt-making, I was nonetheless impressed and enthralled with the meticulous detail by which the intricacies of Maria's designs and sewing were created, and it was told in such a manner that I could easily visualize the creations through these pages.
Ultimately, while this book has had its share of humorous moments, it is at the core a heartrending historical fiction, a woven account of two women's lives, one tragic and resilient, and one with the capacity for change. Readers will, I hope, find much to take away in this story; perhaps courage, perhaps inspiration, and perhaps a belief in the threads that bind and connect people as a catalyst for great change. Even more, this seamlessly written tale is one that lovers of sewing could enjoy, if you don't find your heart breaking with the story itself.
What brings these dual plotlines together is a discovered heirloom of a rare silk, one tinged with both the happy and tragic times of Maria's life, and one which propelled Caroline to conduct a research for its origins, all the while learning about her own strength.
While I hold no knowledge of sewing or quilt-making, I was nonetheless impressed and enthralled with the meticulous detail by which the intricacies of Maria's designs and sewing were created, and it was told in such a manner that I could easily visualize the creations through these pages.
Ultimately, while this book has had its share of humorous moments, it is at the core a heartrending historical fiction, a woven account of two women's lives, one tragic and resilient, and one with the capacity for change. Readers will, I hope, find much to take away in this story; perhaps courage, perhaps inspiration, and perhaps a belief in the threads that bind and connect people as a catalyst for great change. Even more, this seamlessly written tale is one that lovers of sewing could enjoy, if you don't find your heart breaking with the story itself.
January 25, 2015
Another book club book that I wouldn't have picked up if I wasn't in a book club. It started out quite good, a poor girl from an orphanage learning seamstress work at the orphanage from the nuns...then being employed outside the orphanage at...we later learn is a castle. It only gets worse from there.
The redeeming part of this story to me is the description of the state of the Mental Health System from the early 1900's. When there was no psychotropic drugs for those that were mentally ill. An age of people being committed and judged "insane", because they were poor, were "different", were placed in State hospitals because they could be kept against their will. The strait jackets, hoses used, solitary, injections, probably a whole bunch of experimentation going on. Surprisingly lobotomies weren't discussed.
Anyway, it was a good depiction of how fortunate we are now to have access to drug therapies, and community homes rather than state hospitals.
The rest of the story, particularly the end was way too unbelievable!
Certainly not a favourite of mine!
The redeeming part of this story to me is the description of the state of the Mental Health System from the early 1900's. When there was no psychotropic drugs for those that were mentally ill. An age of people being committed and judged "insane", because they were poor, were "different", were placed in State hospitals because they could be kept against their will. The strait jackets, hoses used, solitary, injections, probably a whole bunch of experimentation going on. Surprisingly lobotomies weren't discussed.
Anyway, it was a good depiction of how fortunate we are now to have access to drug therapies, and community homes rather than state hospitals.
The rest of the story, particularly the end was way too unbelievable!
Certainly not a favourite of mine!
May 22, 2015
Oh wow, I loved this book so so so much. I loved the overall story itself, and the way the two story threads in the book were intertwined and eventually merged. The author also used an interesting way of telling the older story, via cassette tape interview. It really made you feel as if you were listening to Maria tell her tragic tale.
The book is a love story, but also an historical mystery, and the plot is even royal-adjacent! What's not to love. What is interesting is that even though the resolution of the book was obvious from early on, I still enjoyed the journey getting to the end. I hardly wanted to put the book down; I loved every bit of reading this book. Very well done.
Definitely going to check out the author's first novel.
The book is a love story, but also an historical mystery, and the plot is even royal-adjacent! What's not to love. What is interesting is that even though the resolution of the book was obvious from early on, I still enjoyed the journey getting to the end. I hardly wanted to put the book down; I loved every bit of reading this book. Very well done.
Definitely going to check out the author's first novel.
April 25, 2014
You'll certainly want to keep a box of tissues close at hand while reading Liz Trenow's latest novel, The Forgotten Seamstress! Told from the perspective of two very different narrators from two completely different time periods, The Forgotten Seamstress, is a story of love, loss, and self-discovery that immediately captures the reader's heart and marks the beginning of an unforgettable emotional journey. Trenow has certainly proven herself to be a very talented writer of historical fiction and one who has done her research extremely well. Throughout, the novel slips back and forth between the past and present, and is done so with such smoothness and natural grace that it all blends together very well and not once did it feel "choppy" or disconnected from the novel as whole in any way...brilliantly written! The characters are extremely well-developed and I felt as though each were a life-long acquaintance. But ultimately, it's Maria's story that tugged on my heart and left me with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion. As she tells her story from the confines of a mental institution, I questioned her reliability as a narrator. Is she telling the truth or are these just the delusional fantasies of a very unstable woman? Caroline's determination not only unravels the mysteries of Maria's quilt but also of Maria's life; a life that left me heart-broken and reaching for a tissue. The Forgotten Seamstress, would make an amazing book group selection and is accompanied by several questions for discussion as well. An amazing story and one that will not be soon forgotten....FIVE STARS!
May 26, 2019
2019
Невероятен разказвач е авторката. Могат само да се учат от начина по който пише. Да не говорим каква фантазия има. Въпреки , че една част от историята е много драматична, не ме подтисна.
Колкото и несъвършен да е света и независимо , че напоследък ценностите се обезцениха, може би не бих сменила времето в което живея.
2015
Всички ние , дори не можем да си представим какви късметлии сме, че живеем в цивилизовано време и в държави, в които има демокрация. Четейки за съдбата на една от героините в тази книга си дадох сметка затова. Ужасяваща бих я нарекла. Книгата проследява две паралелни истории. Едната се развива в началото на 19 век и ме разтърси, другата в наши дни. Общото между двете са две прекрасни сини очи :)
Невероятен разказвач е авторката. Могат само да се учат от начина по който пише. Да не говорим каква фантазия има. Въпреки , че една част от историята е много драматична, не ме подтисна.
Колкото и несъвършен да е света и независимо , че напоследък ценностите се обезцениха, може би не бих сменила времето в което живея.
2015
Всички ние , дори не можем да си представим какви късметлии сме, че живеем в цивилизовано време и в държави, в които има демокрация. Четейки за съдбата на една от героините в тази книга си дадох сметка затова. Ужасяваща бих я нарекла. Книгата проследява две паралелни истории. Едната се развива в началото на 19 век и ме разтърси, другата в наши дни. Общото между двете са две прекрасни сини очи :)
January 28, 2016
My 5 Question Review
Share a one sentence synopsis, please?
Modern-day characters take so long to solve an inane and obvious historical mystery that they come across as being a bunch of bumbling idiots.
What did you like?
Hmmmmmmm…it was a fast read?
Dislike?
It’s a tie between uninteresting one-dimensional characters and the completely predictable plot-line. Actually, you know what I really hated? A scene in which a woman makes a few assumptions then gets really mad at the love interest and doesn’t allow him an opportunity for explanation. What year is it? Aren’t we over the portrayal of women as irrational hysterics?
Why this book?
It was suggested on a sewing blog I read.
Did anything stick?
I sincerely hope not.
Share a one sentence synopsis, please?
Modern-day characters take so long to solve an inane and obvious historical mystery that they come across as being a bunch of bumbling idiots.
What did you like?
Hmmmmmmm…it was a fast read?
Dislike?
It’s a tie between uninteresting one-dimensional characters and the completely predictable plot-line. Actually, you know what I really hated? A scene in which a woman makes a few assumptions then gets really mad at the love interest and doesn’t allow him an opportunity for explanation. What year is it? Aren’t we over the portrayal of women as irrational hysterics?
Why this book?
It was suggested on a sewing blog I read.
Did anything stick?
I sincerely hope not.
July 6, 2016
Beautifully written and hard to put down. Perfect for fans of Sarah Jio's novels. Felt like it ended too quickly though. I wanted more!
May 26, 2014
2014 is turning out to be a year of kick-ass historicals and I’m happily adding The Forgotten Seamstress by Liz Trenow to that list!
The Forgotten Seamstress is a dual narrative (which I love) set in dual time periods (which I also love). Caroline’s story is set in present time. She’s at a pivotal point in her life, newly single and unemployed, when she finds her beloved grandmother’s quilt. After a friend spots the value of the fabric used in the quilt (royal silk), and Caroline finds a short poem stitched into the lining, she sets out to find the history of the quilt and what royal connection, if any, there is. With the help of a handsome journalist Caroline’s journey leads her to the mental hospital where her grandmother came into possession of it, where a woman named Maria was in residence for decades, against her will.
Maria’s story is told in her own voice via taped interviews and letters. She relates her time in service to the royal family as an accomplished seamstress, where she has a brief romance with the Prince of Wales, and as a consequence is locked up in a mental asylum so as to silence her. Imprisoning women and undesirables in mental asylums was a very common practice back then and I can’t imagine the terror those people must have felt. It actually affected me so much so that I had nightmares!
As the novel unfolds we learn more about Maria and what each panel of the quilt represents. I don’t want to say too much more, you really should read it for yourself. It’s an incredible novel that I will never forget. It was a heart wrenching read that will completely captivate you. I definitely see it making my Top Reads list of 2014! I can’t wait to pick up her other novel, The Last Telegram, and will be anxiously waiting for the publication of her upcoming release, The Poppy Factory.
http://www.passagestothepast.com/2014...
The Forgotten Seamstress is a dual narrative (which I love) set in dual time periods (which I also love). Caroline’s story is set in present time. She’s at a pivotal point in her life, newly single and unemployed, when she finds her beloved grandmother’s quilt. After a friend spots the value of the fabric used in the quilt (royal silk), and Caroline finds a short poem stitched into the lining, she sets out to find the history of the quilt and what royal connection, if any, there is. With the help of a handsome journalist Caroline’s journey leads her to the mental hospital where her grandmother came into possession of it, where a woman named Maria was in residence for decades, against her will.
Maria’s story is told in her own voice via taped interviews and letters. She relates her time in service to the royal family as an accomplished seamstress, where she has a brief romance with the Prince of Wales, and as a consequence is locked up in a mental asylum so as to silence her. Imprisoning women and undesirables in mental asylums was a very common practice back then and I can’t imagine the terror those people must have felt. It actually affected me so much so that I had nightmares!
As the novel unfolds we learn more about Maria and what each panel of the quilt represents. I don’t want to say too much more, you really should read it for yourself. It’s an incredible novel that I will never forget. It was a heart wrenching read that will completely captivate you. I definitely see it making my Top Reads list of 2014! I can’t wait to pick up her other novel, The Last Telegram, and will be anxiously waiting for the publication of her upcoming release, The Poppy Factory.
http://www.passagestothepast.com/2014...
May 21, 2014
A sweet poem was embroidered into the stunning patchwork quilt that Caroline Meadows inherited from her grandmother. The fine silk for the center piece, woven through with silver thread, was a clue that this quilt was something extraordinary. Each section seems to have a special meaning, a story the seamstress held dear. But who was she? With few leads to go on, Caroline sets out to unravel the mystery of the quilt’s origin, and what she finds is shocking.
Entwined with Caroline’s story is an interview with a woman named Maria, taken from cassette tapes recorded in 1970. Maria’s tale was heartbreaking as she recounted her decades in an asylum called Helena Hall. She claims to have been a seamstress for the royal family during the 1910s, but was unjustly diagnosed as crazy and locked away when she caused problems. It was despicable the way Maria was treated, and hers was an eye-opening account of what happened to many “troublesome” women who were committed to mental institutions to be silenced.
This is the first book by Liz Trenow I’ve read, and I absolutely loved it! She has an engaging writing style that flowed smoothly and was a joy to read. I enjoyed how the past and present were threaded together until finally the truth behind the quilt is revealed. This book was sad in parts, but at the same time there was hopefulness and humor. Both Caroline and Maria were compelling characters, and Maria especially had a huge personality in spite of everything she went through. THE FORGOTTEN SEAMSTRESS was a wonderful book with memorable characters and brilliant descriptions of quilts and quilt-making. Highly recommended!
Source: Review copy from the publisher
Entwined with Caroline’s story is an interview with a woman named Maria, taken from cassette tapes recorded in 1970. Maria’s tale was heartbreaking as she recounted her decades in an asylum called Helena Hall. She claims to have been a seamstress for the royal family during the 1910s, but was unjustly diagnosed as crazy and locked away when she caused problems. It was despicable the way Maria was treated, and hers was an eye-opening account of what happened to many “troublesome” women who were committed to mental institutions to be silenced.
This is the first book by Liz Trenow I’ve read, and I absolutely loved it! She has an engaging writing style that flowed smoothly and was a joy to read. I enjoyed how the past and present were threaded together until finally the truth behind the quilt is revealed. This book was sad in parts, but at the same time there was hopefulness and humor. Both Caroline and Maria were compelling characters, and Maria especially had a huge personality in spite of everything she went through. THE FORGOTTEN SEAMSTRESS was a wonderful book with memorable characters and brilliant descriptions of quilts and quilt-making. Highly recommended!
Source: Review copy from the publisher
Read
May 3, 2015I'd forgotten I had this one, so bumped it to the top of my list.
This is a very compelling read where we find and meet Caroline, she has found a quilt belonging to her mother. She tries to find out who made this.
We go back in time from then on.
Its a fascinating read.
Maria is talented in her sewing craft and is taken on by the Royal Family, she also pretty, this leads to some complications with the Prince of Wales.
We later get to see why the author chose this title.
I enjoyed this read a lot, took me back in time with the kind of books I used to select, they will never go out of date.
My thanks to HarperCollins UK, Avon for my copy
Read
August 26, 2024Different timelines and narratives reveal the story of Maria Romano, a young orphan. She and her friend Nora, both adept at sewing, are called in one day after a grand lady visits and admires their work. The house they moved to, they discover is royal.
An academic doing a PhD interviews patients in an institution, recording their stories, of voices or fantasies, as the medical establishment puts it. Like Maria who imagined she worked for royalty and knew a prince.
In the modern day, a woman is left a quilt by her grandmother, she is at a crossroads in her life, a relationship ends, a job list, a mother with onset dementia who is becoming a danger to herself. And a journalist Ben, who she's unsure about when she contacts him, is his interest in her about the story, or is it something else.
An enjoyable read of twists and turns, revelations and class punishment, the incarceration of women to maintain the reputations of others, and always the expendability of children.
An academic doing a PhD interviews patients in an institution, recording their stories, of voices or fantasies, as the medical establishment puts it. Like Maria who imagined she worked for royalty and knew a prince.
In the modern day, a woman is left a quilt by her grandmother, she is at a crossroads in her life, a relationship ends, a job list, a mother with onset dementia who is becoming a danger to herself. And a journalist Ben, who she's unsure about when she contacts him, is his interest in her about the story, or is it something else.
An enjoyable read of twists and turns, revelations and class punishment, the incarceration of women to maintain the reputations of others, and always the expendability of children.
March 31, 2024
A very predictable and therefore boring book. Lots of cliches.
August 9, 2016
Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Source Landmark via Edelweiss in
exchange for an honest review. The expected release date is May 6, 2014.
I will begin by saying that I love stories that take place in the past with a present day story intertwined. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book fit the bill for me with two female main characters that I was invested in from the very beginning.
Starting with Maria her story was simply tragic and I was glued to the pages to find out what happened to her. I liked how her story was told in the form of recorded interviews so that there was tangible evidence of her portrayal of her life events. I also found it interesting that due to the fact that she was diagnosed with a mental disorder which describe her as having delusions and making up stories that you were left wondering if her stories were indeed truthful or part of an elaborate imagination. I will not disclose which was what however I will say that the story could have successfully progressed with either outcome.
The story of Caroline came with modern day issues however her journey in some way mirrored the one
Maria. They both had to deal with a similar loss and learn how to move on. I enjoyed that her journey and growth was closely linked to the quilt and it provided her the inspiration to make some choices that she had been unable to make previously.
I'm not going to lie, I was able to figure out some of the twists of the story before they were disclosed within the pages however this did not ruin the story for me. I was still interested to find out how the storyline would play out and how the secrets would be exposed. The only difficult part of the read for me was when the story delved in to the intricacies of quilting as I have no knowledge of the process
Overall I really enjoyed this read. The writing style made it easy to follow and the storyline was
very interesting. I would recommend this to novel to fans of historical fiction. Also peaking at
Trenow's profile on Goodreads it looks like she may have another publication out later this year. I will anxiously be awaiting it's release so that I can once again get lost in her words
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Source Landmark via Edelweiss in
exchange for an honest review. The expected release date is May 6, 2014.
I will begin by saying that I love stories that take place in the past with a present day story intertwined. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book fit the bill for me with two female main characters that I was invested in from the very beginning.
Starting with Maria her story was simply tragic and I was glued to the pages to find out what happened to her. I liked how her story was told in the form of recorded interviews so that there was tangible evidence of her portrayal of her life events. I also found it interesting that due to the fact that she was diagnosed with a mental disorder which describe her as having delusions and making up stories that you were left wondering if her stories were indeed truthful or part of an elaborate imagination. I will not disclose which was what however I will say that the story could have successfully progressed with either outcome.
The story of Caroline came with modern day issues however her journey in some way mirrored the one
Maria. They both had to deal with a similar loss and learn how to move on. I enjoyed that her journey and growth was closely linked to the quilt and it provided her the inspiration to make some choices that she had been unable to make previously.
I'm not going to lie, I was able to figure out some of the twists of the story before they were disclosed within the pages however this did not ruin the story for me. I was still interested to find out how the storyline would play out and how the secrets would be exposed. The only difficult part of the read for me was when the story delved in to the intricacies of quilting as I have no knowledge of the process
Overall I really enjoyed this read. The writing style made it easy to follow and the storyline was
very interesting. I would recommend this to novel to fans of historical fiction. Also peaking at
Trenow's profile on Goodreads it looks like she may have another publication out later this year. I will anxiously be awaiting it's release so that I can once again get lost in her words
January 17, 2014
This is a time-slip novel, going back and forth between a modern-day heroine in 2008 and the years from 1910 through the Great War and beyond. First, I'd like to say, the back and forth was seamless, well done, and non-jarring.
The modern-day heroine is dealing with so many things. She is easy to relate to as she faces problems we all face every day. She's overwhelmed and finds solace in a quilt left to her by her granny. She's facing job loss, a mother with Alzheimer's--really appreciated this story line as she battles guilt and confusion over whether to take care of her herself...but can she?-- the end of a relationship, the start of a new one, a business venture..etc.
Through an interview, we learn about Maria, the woman who made the quilt, and the story behind each one of the panels...how she came by that material, what the stitches say. It's very fascinating and makes a great story, though I confess I was put off by the interview narrative at first. It took me a while to get into this one.
But once I adjusted, I was hooked. I could not wait to find out what happened to both heroines, though the telling of the modern-day one was more interesting. I think Maria's story could have been better had a different narrative been chosen.
And--oh, how very it was to discredit a woman in them days, to throw her away in order to hide the truth. It truly is a heart-breaking tale and in the end I came to admire Maria for going strong after all she'd been through. A lesser woman would have broken long before.
I can't say this is a novel you read for any type of historical perspective. There is some time spent in the palace and all that and the Great War comes and goes, but this is mostly about entertainment, about getting lost in someone else's story and problems, one in which hopefully good triumphs evil and people try to correct their wrongs in the end.
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
The modern-day heroine is dealing with so many things. She is easy to relate to as she faces problems we all face every day. She's overwhelmed and finds solace in a quilt left to her by her granny. She's facing job loss, a mother with Alzheimer's--really appreciated this story line as she battles guilt and confusion over whether to take care of her herself...but can she?-- the end of a relationship, the start of a new one, a business venture..etc.
Through an interview, we learn about Maria, the woman who made the quilt, and the story behind each one of the panels...how she came by that material, what the stitches say. It's very fascinating and makes a great story, though I confess I was put off by the interview narrative at first. It took me a while to get into this one.
But once I adjusted, I was hooked. I could not wait to find out what happened to both heroines, though the telling of the modern-day one was more interesting. I think Maria's story could have been better had a different narrative been chosen.
And--oh, how very it was to discredit a woman in them days, to throw her away in order to hide the truth. It truly is a heart-breaking tale and in the end I came to admire Maria for going strong after all she'd been through. A lesser woman would have broken long before.
I can't say this is a novel you read for any type of historical perspective. There is some time spent in the palace and all that and the Great War comes and goes, but this is mostly about entertainment, about getting lost in someone else's story and problems, one in which hopefully good triumphs evil and people try to correct their wrongs in the end.
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
January 12, 2014
This book had everything that I love in a book. I was totally entranced by the story of Maria Romano – her friendship with Nora, her time at the orphanage, her life at Buckingham Palace, the heartbreaking experience that led to her being in the asylum at Helena Hall, and her making of the quilt. I loved the way her story was told through the audio-taped interviews, a device that really worked – she was a real character, and her story really came to life by being told in her own words. The quilt was almost a character in its own right, with all the stories, memories and secrets it held. And in the modern story, I agonised along with Caroline as she attempted to recover it after its loss. And this was one of the real strengths of the book for me – I found the modern story just as interesting as the historical one that was unfolding, with Caroline trying to make her mark as a furniture designer while struggling with her mother’s dementia and her developing new relationship. The threads of the two stories came together effortlessly and quite perfectly at the end, and I put the book down at the end with a satisfied sigh, having thoroughly enjoyed every single page.
I’m gushing a bit, aren’t I? But I really loved this book, and would recommend it to just about anyone who likes the same books that I do. The author’s first book, The Last Telegram, has been sitting unread on my Kindle for ages – it won’t be unread for much longer. Liz Trenow is an author I’ll most definitely be adding to my favourites list.
I’m gushing a bit, aren’t I? But I really loved this book, and would recommend it to just about anyone who likes the same books that I do. The author’s first book, The Last Telegram, has been sitting unread on my Kindle for ages – it won’t be unread for much longer. Liz Trenow is an author I’ll most definitely be adding to my favourites list.
March 22, 2023
I was really surprised by The Forgotten Seamstress. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book. I loved it. I was totally engaged and sped through Maria and Caroline’s stories. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot because there are a few surprises in this book. But the story waffles between two stories. Through recorded interviews from the 1970s, Maria Romano tells of her time as a seamstress in Buckingham palace, a secret affair with the Prince of Wales, and her forced commitment to a mental institution for over 20 years. Maria’s story was so heartbreaking, yet very bittersweet in the end. My heart just broke for her as she told her story.
Caroline, in the present, discovers a gorgeous quilt with exquisite embroidery hidden in her grandmother’s things. She embarks on a hunt for clues to the maker of the quilt as she also navigates what she wants to do with her life and how to care for her mother as her mother’s memory fades with Alzheimer’s. Her decision in the end regarding the quilt was just so perfect and right! Being an avid embroiderer, I loved the description of the quilt. The fabrics and delicate stitches were described with such vivid detail that I had a perfect image in my mind as to what it looked like. I only wish that the quilt was real so that I could see it in real life.
I definitely recommend this wonderful story. The ending alone left me with such a good feeling. I know that this will make it into my top 10 of 2014. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Trenow.
Caroline, in the present, discovers a gorgeous quilt with exquisite embroidery hidden in her grandmother’s things. She embarks on a hunt for clues to the maker of the quilt as she also navigates what she wants to do with her life and how to care for her mother as her mother’s memory fades with Alzheimer’s. Her decision in the end regarding the quilt was just so perfect and right! Being an avid embroiderer, I loved the description of the quilt. The fabrics and delicate stitches were described with such vivid detail that I had a perfect image in my mind as to what it looked like. I only wish that the quilt was real so that I could see it in real life.
I definitely recommend this wonderful story. The ending alone left me with such a good feeling. I know that this will make it into my top 10 of 2014. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Trenow.
July 21, 2016
They say you should never judge a book by its cover; and I'm glad I didn't with this one! Despite its old fashioned cover art, this was an enjoyable read about the entwining lives of two women from very different backgrounds. I had enjoyed the authors previous book, The Last Telegram, so was pleasantly surprised to find I liked this one just as much.
It is the turn of the twentieth century, and Maria comes from a poverty-stricken background, until she and her best friend Nora find solace being raised by stern but kindly nuns at what they called The Castle. Their combined talents in needlework soon catch the eye of a visiting duchess, and they are quickly summoned to a mysterious new home to work for a very important family.
This novel jumps between the early 1900's to the present day, when recently separated aspiring designer Caroline discovers a beautiful quilt made from rare materials. She begins a mission to find out who made the quilt, and what secrets it holds within its delicate stitching.
The author is passionate about fabrics, and this shows in her writing. Whilst this topic specifically doesn't interest me much, I was able to appreciate the dedication and skill it takes to create such intricate work.
A recommended read for lovers of historical fiction with an edge of mystery. I am looking forward to reading the authors latest book and hope she continues to write such novels for a long time coming.
It is the turn of the twentieth century, and Maria comes from a poverty-stricken background, until she and her best friend Nora find solace being raised by stern but kindly nuns at what they called The Castle. Their combined talents in needlework soon catch the eye of a visiting duchess, and they are quickly summoned to a mysterious new home to work for a very important family.
This novel jumps between the early 1900's to the present day, when recently separated aspiring designer Caroline discovers a beautiful quilt made from rare materials. She begins a mission to find out who made the quilt, and what secrets it holds within its delicate stitching.
The author is passionate about fabrics, and this shows in her writing. Whilst this topic specifically doesn't interest me much, I was able to appreciate the dedication and skill it takes to create such intricate work.
A recommended read for lovers of historical fiction with an edge of mystery. I am looking forward to reading the authors latest book and hope she continues to write such novels for a long time coming.
January 8, 2020
Not since reading "A Fall of Marigolds" by Susan Meissner has my heart been so touched as a story of the past dovetails with the present into one very meaningful novel. In "A Fall of Marigolds" the link in both time periods being a beautiful scarf and in "The Forgotten Seamstress" there is an exquisite quilt.
I am not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination but over the course of my lifetime I have been blessed to have received lovely hand-sewn quilted pieces from dear and talented friends. One is a quilted patchwork lap throw and one suggested as a centerpiece table covering that I instead use as a wall hanging from Christmas to spring due to the snowman theme. In knowing the seamstresses of the two (2) treasures I have received it was easy for me to imagine the extraordinary giftedness of Maria Romano (Queenie).
An extraordinary read especially after reading "A Conversation with the Author" at the end of the novel and learning Liz Trenow's inspiration for the novel. A breathtaking experience.
I am not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination but over the course of my lifetime I have been blessed to have received lovely hand-sewn quilted pieces from dear and talented friends. One is a quilted patchwork lap throw and one suggested as a centerpiece table covering that I instead use as a wall hanging from Christmas to spring due to the snowman theme. In knowing the seamstresses of the two (2) treasures I have received it was easy for me to imagine the extraordinary giftedness of Maria Romano (Queenie).
“I stitched my love into this quilt, sewn it neatly, proud and true. Though you have gone, I must live on, and this will hold me close to you.”At the point in the novel that I as a reader learned of Maria's message hidden in her quilt I knew who she had in her heart when she wrote the words but I never imagined the true poignancy for the character in the novel that would discover the message.
An extraordinary read especially after reading "A Conversation with the Author" at the end of the novel and learning Liz Trenow's inspiration for the novel. A breathtaking experience.
August 26, 2016
This book I found to be one of the worst pieces of utter tripe that I have read in a long time. Did I finish it? Yes. Why, you ask? Because I wanted to find out if it continued to be awful throughout the book. And was it? YES!
The characters were unbelievable. The plot was facile and full of holes. Really, I was laughing in many parts of the book and it is not a comedy. It was just so bad. I'd laugh and my husband would ask "what now?" And I'd tell him and we would both laugh. Then I would predict the next plot development and laugh again as it unfolded.
Then, towards the end, I shook my head and said, "No, she can't be planning to do this to the story line" as I predicted how it was going to end. But sadly, she did.
The only good thing about it was that it didn't take me long to read, since I skimmed it to get it over with.
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
The characters were unbelievable. The plot was facile and full of holes. Really, I was laughing in many parts of the book and it is not a comedy. It was just so bad. I'd laugh and my husband would ask "what now?" And I'd tell him and we would both laugh. Then I would predict the next plot development and laugh again as it unfolded.
Then, towards the end, I shook my head and said, "No, she can't be planning to do this to the story line" as I predicted how it was going to end. But sadly, she did.
The only good thing about it was that it didn't take me long to read, since I skimmed it to get it over with.
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
February 14, 2016
recensione completa su: http://mypageslapage.blogspot.it/2016...
Una dedica, una trapunta e la storia di due donne, Caroline e Maria.
Un sottile filo collega queste due figure vissute in epoche diverse, una dedica che Maria con amore ricama:
"In questa trapunta ho cucito il mio amore, con cura, orgoglio e sincerità" e Caroline che, a distanza di decenni, è l'unica pronta ad ascoltare la storia di quella sartina che così
amorevolmente l'ha cucita.
Una voce che è piena di tristezza, di malinconia, di rabbia gridata al mondo e che nessuno è mai riuscito a zittire.
Una dedica, una trapunta e la storia di due donne, Caroline e Maria.
Un sottile filo collega queste due figure vissute in epoche diverse, una dedica che Maria con amore ricama:
"In questa trapunta ho cucito il mio amore, con cura, orgoglio e sincerità" e Caroline che, a distanza di decenni, è l'unica pronta ad ascoltare la storia di quella sartina che così
amorevolmente l'ha cucita.
Una voce che è piena di tristezza, di malinconia, di rabbia gridata al mondo e che nessuno è mai riuscito a zittire.
September 8, 2014
I had been through a very dry spell where no book was grabbing my attention. This book broke that dry spell. I really enjoyed how it was written and the characters. To me it was a book of hope and never giving up. A book that reinforced that while we never know where the road we are traveling will take us, you can find joy in the journey and be sure that at the end of the road you will be where you are suppose to be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 962 reviews