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The Silk Factory
The story of a young mother who discovers old buried secrets as she goes through her mother's things, all whilst staying in a cottage that centuries before was a silk factory. A beautiful, eerie story of love and memory. If you try to pick up the pieces, sometimes that's when they fall into place Rosie Milford inherits a house in an old silk factory after her mother's death and moves there with her young children. The discovery of a shocking truth about her own childhood, when she is already reeling from the breakup of her marriage, fills her with distrust and fearfulness. Then she starts seeing a strange child, wandering in the garden, who seems as lost as she is. In 1812, silk master Septimus Fowler has grand plans to keep his factory in step with the industrial revolution: he will plant mulberry trees, rear silkworms and import new mechanized looms. Orphan Beulah Fiddement works as a bobbin winder and has secrets that the master would go to any lengths to get. Caught up in a dark adult world of illicit love, rebellion and revenge, Beulah must put away her childhood and draw on all her spirit to protect those she loves. Beulah's story of guilt and bravery will echo down two centuries and change Rosie's life as she struggles to overcome the hand of her own past and find redemption.
388 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
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232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 6, 2022
had to do a last gcse paper with this
April 28, 2017
Set just three miles away from my cottage this compelling tale was recommended to me by someone in my book group. I'm very glad she did, because it was a very enjoyable read that kept me engaged right to the end. I had a couple of late nights not being able to put it down.
If you read it I strongly suggest you look up pictures of the village and garrison online as I could not believe it the first time I saw it, a massive Georgian complex dwarfing the village
If you read it I strongly suggest you look up pictures of the village and garrison online as I could not believe it the first time I saw it, a massive Georgian complex dwarfing the village
October 7, 2015
Moving, Intriguing & Beautifully Written! I Loved It!
June 8, 2015
Brooding and atmospheric , The Silk Factory embraces two life stories set in dual periods of history. With the gentlest of touches, Judith Allnatt has spun her gorgeous threads with care, so they interweave seamlessly.
The divine prose, magnificent scene setting, and energy of the individual personalities that appear throughout, have truly brought this story to life
In the present day we arrive in the parish of Weedon Bec, at the door of a property inherited by Rosie. She’s had her fair share of trials recently; her mother has passed away, she’s not long separated from her husband, plus she has financial burdens to contend with.
Whilst coping with her two young children and the emotional upheaval of their new circumstances, her awkward ex-husband and his new partner, and an elderly Aunt residing in a care home, Rosie still finds herself very much alone. She’s spinning so many plates that most are crashing to the ground.
With all this stress, Rosie begins to believe her mind is playing cruel tricks. Shortly after moving in she experiences some subtly placed, yet disturbing phenomena. She attributes this to anxiety as a result of the bereavement and her current status, and desperately tries to ignore her ‘uninvited house guest’.
Soon she discovers a something that her family had previously laid to rest, something that would draw her back to a traumatic period in her own childhood. But piecing together the fragments of a mystery when your only living relative is stricken with dementia will not be an easy task for this young mum.
Nestling in between Rosie’s story, the location remains, but we take a step back to a time to the 1800’s where another young family are struggling to cope with the harshest of lives and making ends meet.
The cruelty and the blatant spite and greed of their employer, the silk factory owner, are depicted to perfection, until the young family of Effie, Tobias and Beulah would never be the same again.
At the root of both timelines is ordinary life - warts and all: tragedy, endurance, and love, in all its many guises. Although it’s apparent that their paths will never cross directly, they are touched by the unravelling threads of The Silk Factory.
This is a story that should be savoured, not devoured. It's one I felt quite at peace with when I closed the cover. Nicely done.
(My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a hard back copy for review.)
The divine prose, magnificent scene setting, and energy of the individual personalities that appear throughout, have truly brought this story to life
In the present day we arrive in the parish of Weedon Bec, at the door of a property inherited by Rosie. She’s had her fair share of trials recently; her mother has passed away, she’s not long separated from her husband, plus she has financial burdens to contend with.
Whilst coping with her two young children and the emotional upheaval of their new circumstances, her awkward ex-husband and his new partner, and an elderly Aunt residing in a care home, Rosie still finds herself very much alone. She’s spinning so many plates that most are crashing to the ground.
With all this stress, Rosie begins to believe her mind is playing cruel tricks. Shortly after moving in she experiences some subtly placed, yet disturbing phenomena. She attributes this to anxiety as a result of the bereavement and her current status, and desperately tries to ignore her ‘uninvited house guest’.
Soon she discovers a something that her family had previously laid to rest, something that would draw her back to a traumatic period in her own childhood. But piecing together the fragments of a mystery when your only living relative is stricken with dementia will not be an easy task for this young mum.
Nestling in between Rosie’s story, the location remains, but we take a step back to a time to the 1800’s where another young family are struggling to cope with the harshest of lives and making ends meet.
The cruelty and the blatant spite and greed of their employer, the silk factory owner, are depicted to perfection, until the young family of Effie, Tobias and Beulah would never be the same again.
At the root of both timelines is ordinary life - warts and all: tragedy, endurance, and love, in all its many guises. Although it’s apparent that their paths will never cross directly, they are touched by the unravelling threads of The Silk Factory.
This is a story that should be savoured, not devoured. It's one I felt quite at peace with when I closed the cover. Nicely done.
(My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a hard back copy for review.)
June 10, 2015
We are transported back in time to the early 1800’s to an English silk factory. Both the profit driven owner and the poor who work there struggle to make a living. In the present we have Rosie a divorced mother of two whose difficulties increase with the death of her own mother and the move away from London. The link is that Rosie’s new home, inherited from her mother, was once part of the old silk factory and maybe some ghosts from that time still remain…
Author Judith Allnatt treats us to a memorable dual time haunting historical novel. It’s rather well written and captivating in its exquisite descriptions of the past and the harsh realities of a modern day broken family. There are secrets uncovered and touching parts of the story that will leave you moved. I found it an excellent read that left me feeling content when it was finished.
Effie scrapes together a meagre existence while looking after young Beulah and her brother who work at the silk factory. Her life promises to be transformed as romance comes along. But events at the factory are about to change their lives forever and leave them all lost.
Rosie’s money problems and parenting issues threaten to overwhelm her. But another concern is the strange happenings and noises in the old house she has inherited. Is it her tired mind playing tricks on her or is there something more sinister at play.
The two stories linked by the house play out to a satisfactory conclusion. I learned some things along the way about silk making and enjoyed getting lost in the stories of Rosie, Effie and Beulah. This is recommended to lovers of historical fiction who don’t mind some current day issues included. It was an interesting and engaging read from a beautiful hard back edition of the book supplied by the publishers for an honest review.
August 6, 2022
An easy but interesting read. The book is set in two time periods (the modern day and the early 19th century) and focuses on life in a small town once known for its silk manufactory and its army garrison.
The 19th-century narrative is arguably the more fascinating of the two, with detailed descriptions of the lives of countryfolk as well as those who work in the silk trade, some of them children as young as five.
A sad tale with an optimistic ending, that I would recommend.
The 19th-century narrative is arguably the more fascinating of the two, with detailed descriptions of the lives of countryfolk as well as those who work in the silk trade, some of them children as young as five.
A sad tale with an optimistic ending, that I would recommend.
January 1, 2025
My first finish of 2025!
Bought in a local charity shop, would never have found this novel otherwise. Loved that it was by a local author set in Northamptonshire.
Atmospheric and dark, involving dual narratives/ timeframes. Really enjoyed, would recommend.
4 🌟
Bought in a local charity shop, would never have found this novel otherwise. Loved that it was by a local author set in Northamptonshire.
Atmospheric and dark, involving dual narratives/ timeframes. Really enjoyed, would recommend.
4 🌟
May 24, 2015
This is a haunting, historical novel that I would recommend to anybody who is a fan of Barbara Erskine or Pamela Hartshorne. Whilst not a time-slip novel EXACTLY, the two stories run alongside each other, with Rosie in the present day occasionally catching glimpses of Beulah in the past.
The characters are well -written, and I found Rosie really easy to relate to. The thread that runs through both sides of the novel, both past and present, is family and how we do what we can to protect them. I was left with a few questions at the end of the book, particularly in relation to events that happened early in Rosie's life, but an aspect of the novel I did like was the way I was led to believe that something had happened to Beulah, when in actual fact, events turned out differently to how I believed they would.
The writing is clear, and it is not difficult to imagine the conditions Beulah and her colleagues at the Silk Factory were living in. A excellent read, for anyone who likes a little bit of past in their present.
The characters are well -written, and I found Rosie really easy to relate to. The thread that runs through both sides of the novel, both past and present, is family and how we do what we can to protect them. I was left with a few questions at the end of the book, particularly in relation to events that happened early in Rosie's life, but an aspect of the novel I did like was the way I was led to believe that something had happened to Beulah, when in actual fact, events turned out differently to how I believed they would.
The writing is clear, and it is not difficult to imagine the conditions Beulah and her colleagues at the Silk Factory were living in. A excellent read, for anyone who likes a little bit of past in their present.
September 29, 2016
Another book following the (currently) popular past/present/past . . . structure. Essentially a ghost story, but not an in-your-face one. Judith Allnatt's novel is well researched, and brings out the harshness and frailties of working class life in the very early 1800s. It also touches upon, though doesn't dwell upon, the difficulties facing a woman in the present day, who is undergoing a divorce from a bullying husband. The writing itself is well crafted, but I did feel the endings - both to the earlier and current stories - were left hanging. I enjoyed The Moon Field, The Silk Factory not as much.
March 19, 2016
Rosie moves into her mother's house after she dies suddenly, with her two young children. The house seems to have a mysterious presence. Portions of the book are set in the past, with Effie Fiddlement and her two younger siblings. Parts are good, and other parts drag a little. The characters are not really memorable and there is not really much to say, other than the novel was ok.
November 2, 2017
I have to say that I firstly struggled to get to grips with this book moving back and forth between time periods, but that's to be expected when listening to it as an audiobook. Once I got the hang of the characters and being able to instantly transport myself back and forward, I started to really enjoy getting into the story. I was desperately trying to find the connection, maybe family link, between the little ghost girl and Rosie but soon found there to be none, just the fact that the house Rosie was staying in was on the same patch of ground. There was a slight hint in one chapter that maybe they were long lost relatives but no solid evidence, plus who would want to live on the grounds where there was so many bad memories of working there for your ancestors? I don't generally go for ghost stories and was pleased that was not the main focus of this story, rather only a part. I more so concentrated on growing to like the characters and their individual stories. Rosie and her horrible breakup she was having to live through, but then having a light at the end of the tunnel with a new love interest. The lives of all at the Silk Factory including the evil Mr Fowler, Tobias, Beulah and the gypsy boy, and the romance between Jack and Effie. I was there for all the highs and the low moments. This book perfectly encompasses the love and evil that is prevalent in people and makes you feel the way you should towards each character. The only reason this didn't get a 4 star review is because there were a few things I didn't feel were tied up neatly enough, or I felt weren't really in keeping shall we say?
*SPOILER FROM NOW*
Now, I'm far from the ghost expert... but the fact that the ghost is a little girl and that she was supposedly Beulah... yet at the end of the book we see her as a fully grown woman with a family of her own? The ghost gave me the impression that she had died tragically at a young age at the hands of the evil Mr Fowler or something. I was surprised by that ending and quite confused.
I felt like the last few chapters were rushed into an ending that I seemed to have blinked and missed! I think I may have to revisit the last chapters to get into my head what happened as I feel like I've missed some form of vital revealing information, but at the same time I also think that maybe I didn't? Maybe that's just the way it ended? I'm torn between finding out what I missed or finding out I missed nothing and that really was all there was to it.
Maybe that's just me though...
Overall, very well written and a good read... with a tiny slither of room for improvement in my humble opinion.
*SPOILER FROM NOW*
Now, I'm far from the ghost expert... but the fact that the ghost is a little girl and that she was supposedly Beulah... yet at the end of the book we see her as a fully grown woman with a family of her own? The ghost gave me the impression that she had died tragically at a young age at the hands of the evil Mr Fowler or something. I was surprised by that ending and quite confused.
I felt like the last few chapters were rushed into an ending that I seemed to have blinked and missed! I think I may have to revisit the last chapters to get into my head what happened as I feel like I've missed some form of vital revealing information, but at the same time I also think that maybe I didn't? Maybe that's just the way it ended? I'm torn between finding out what I missed or finding out I missed nothing and that really was all there was to it.
Maybe that's just me though...
Overall, very well written and a good read... with a tiny slither of room for improvement in my humble opinion.
November 5, 2019
I loved this novel. I volunteer at a National Trust property close to Weedon Bec and Newnham, where the novel is set. It reminded me of Shirley by Charlotte Bronte, when labour-saving machinery was smashed by desperate, unemployed workers. It, too, explores humanity's efforts to reconcile aspirations with social justice. The novel follows two timelines, the present day when Rosie moves into her late mother's house in Weedon Bec with her two children, and 1812 when the house was a silk factory which employed Beulah and her brother, Tobias. The silk factory owner imports new, more efficient looms which will render some of the factories workers unemployed and therefore reliant on the workhouse or parish to survive. Several of the employees break into the factory in the dead of night to destroy the new looms and this has an impact on the lives of Beulah and her brother, Tobias and sister, Effie who has fallen in love with a soldier at Weedon Royal, the depot and barracks close to the silk factory. Rosie, in the present day, sees ghosts from the past and is also haunted by a family secret and the ghost of her twin sister. Judith Allnatt writes beautifully and evokes the early nineteenth century perfectly. She has created a novel full of atmosphere, wonderful historical detail with excellent characterisation and depth.
February 3, 2018
One of our book club members happened to go the book shop in Weedon Bec and asked if they could recommend anything for her to bring to the club - and this was it. By coincidence Judith was also holding a reading the same month we were due to discuss it, so 8 of us sat spell-bound (and freezing) listening to her read from the book and also tell of her research and how the book came about (a friend bought a new house in Weedon yet could smell smoke which made Judith think about ghosts and what was there before - the silk manufactory).
We all felt the book was very good but might have been even better with just the historic section and not the modern element as we wanted to know so much more about the characters - what happened to Tobias for example? Rosie seemed less of a solid character to us.
It was of particular interest to us living in the area and actually being able to see the ordnance buildings where the military were. We are planning a walk around the area in the summer.
We all felt the book was very good but might have been even better with just the historic section and not the modern element as we wanted to know so much more about the characters - what happened to Tobias for example? Rosie seemed less of a solid character to us.
It was of particular interest to us living in the area and actually being able to see the ordnance buildings where the military were. We are planning a walk around the area in the summer.
June 19, 2018
I really enjoyed the dual narrative of this novel, and the historical detail played out by characters that seemed very real to me.
I bought it whilst holidaying in the area;m we visited Weedon Beck and went to the armoury where some of this book is set. Part of it is now the most wonderful bookshop where you can linger over hundreds of books, from the comfort of the various sofas!
I was recommended it by the lovely lady running the shop, as one of their local authors. I am so glad I took a chance as it was a really good read which really brought the past to life. Especially enjoyable when you are actually in the village as it gives you a real sense of place.
I'll be looking forward to reading more by this author, and I wish the wonderful Weedon Bec bookshop was closer to me as I'd probably spend entire weekends there!!
I bought it whilst holidaying in the area;m we visited Weedon Beck and went to the armoury where some of this book is set. Part of it is now the most wonderful bookshop where you can linger over hundreds of books, from the comfort of the various sofas!
I was recommended it by the lovely lady running the shop, as one of their local authors. I am so glad I took a chance as it was a really good read which really brought the past to life. Especially enjoyable when you are actually in the village as it gives you a real sense of place.
I'll be looking forward to reading more by this author, and I wish the wonderful Weedon Bec bookshop was closer to me as I'd probably spend entire weekends there!!
October 10, 2022
Really nice story where the timelap goes back to the 1800s and that’s where the young impoverished family told their story. The modern day story was good too but the 1800s parts were more interesting. I found some of the descriptions about the machinery and how it all worked quite boring and repetitive but the actual story of each of the characters was really good. There were some very sad parts to the tale a which were really moving. Things that transpired at the end were emotional and difficult to read and imagine without spoilers I can’t say much else. I read this with my book club I wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise but it was a good read.
March 4, 2022
The first chapter got me hooked and so I read on. I enjoyed the two different storylines of Rosie in the modern-day and the Fiddement family in 1812 but some parts were unnecessarily long and did drag on. The silk factory was interesting to learn about. However, I felt the last few chapters felt rushed compared to the overall pace of the book. The endings of both stories felt abrupt and quickly concluded. Overall, I think that the history was the most interesting but also found that Rosie's story could be relatable. I hoped for more mystery and discovery but oh well, not a bad read.
October 30, 2025
Book club: A young, divorced mother who recently lost her mother moves into a house owned by her family for generations in a village in Northamptonshire, near to my home. She feels a presence that is explained by a parallel, dark historical story set around the same house. The writing is good; both stories are sad with hope of redemption. The description of the area makes me want to explore it further. I would recommend the book.
August 9, 2019
Good read
Judith gave a talk at our WI which we all found very interesting. Our village is up the hill from Weedon Bec so the social history of the area was of particular interest to me. The story she conjured up made it a Very enjoyable read and it brought to life all the characters and events. Definitely recommend it.
Judith gave a talk at our WI which we all found very interesting. Our village is up the hill from Weedon Bec so the social history of the area was of particular interest to me. The story she conjured up made it a Very enjoyable read and it brought to life all the characters and events. Definitely recommend it.
May 18, 2025
Set over two timelines this is an emotional and interesting read. As Rosie starts a new life separated from her husband she inherits a house with a past. While renovating the house she discovers a truth about her own childhood. Meanwhile in 1812 another child puts her own childhood away to protect those around her.
December 8, 2017
Easy to read book despite hopping between two different time periods. Had some ghosts in which scared me, but was a good way to join up the two stories. I enjoyed both time periods and their characters. As usual I couldn't decipher the ending :/
October 9, 2023
Hooked from the start. Captured by what I thought was a ghost story but turned into a dual narrative of past and present. Lovely twist at the end bringing all stories together and to a close. Would defo read again.
July 14, 2017
An excellent story with an historical context that was thoroughly engaging. If only there were a 4.5 star button.
September 26, 2018
A charming book. I read it because it had local significance. I live about 10 miles from the location of the Silk Factory and enjoyed the references to places I knew.
November 13, 2018
Excellent. Very haunting. A story I won't forget in a hurry.
October 18, 2019
I am not sure why but I didn’t really enjoy this book. Neither timeline grabbed me or held my interest
March 1, 2021
Omg, I loved this book. Two wonderful stories interlinked with each other. Couldn’t put the book down!
July 20, 2021
Dual time frame centred around a house Northamptonshire, previously used in silk manufacturing.
March 5, 2023
I liked the switching back to 1812 and forward to the present day.
April 27, 2023
Brilliant
May 28, 2025
I had a difficult time putting this book down. The visuals, and era chages are delightful. The story is fantastic and I felt a pang of sadness when I finished the last page. I wanted more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews