Quilt of Souls

by Phyllis Lawson

Like many Black Americans of the mid-twentieth century, Phyllis Lawson’s parents moved from their hometown of Livingston, Alabama to the big city in search of a better life. It wasn’t long before hardships left them unable to provide.

Soon, four-year-old Phyllis is plucked off her front porch, ripped away from the only family she knows, and sent to live with her grandmother Lula on an Alabama farm with no electricity, plumbing, or running water.

Heartbroken by her mother’s abandonment, Phyllis struggles to acclimate to her new surroundings. Thanks to the unconditional love of Grandma Lula and the healing powers of an old, tattered quilt, she is finally able to adjust to her new life.

In Quilt of Souls, Lawson documents her childhood growing up with the incredible woman who raised her and the powerful family heirloom that served as the cloth that would forever stitch their lives together.

With its tales of family, despair, freedom and hope, the true story behind this deeply personal memoir serves as the inspiration for http://www.quiltofsouls.com, where individuals share relics and stories from their own family histories.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Book Club, Biography Memoir

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2015

Reviews

[Stephanie K. Nead · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will either eat Quilt of Souls like an ice cream cone on an August afternoon, or you will savor it (as I did) like home-made caramel melting in your mouth. Grandma Lulu will vibrate in your child-soul; you will wish she was yours. And she will be. She will return to you when you least expect her, like a new Angel or an adopted aunt whose wisdom and loving kindness lives on in your heart like an unexpected beauty waking you on a sour day. Phyllis’ honesty and clarity in sharing her stories is breathtaking. I am longing for more Grandma Lulu stories, filled with the many gorgeous characters of Phyllis’ childhood. I am also longing to hear more of how Grandma Lulu has lived on, through this granddaughter she seeded with strength and goodness, in a time when more has been possible. The stories continue, I have no doubt, the blessed and the painful. I long to sit at your feet, Phyllis, and listen.

[Réal Laplaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quilt of Souls, by Phyllis Lawson, is a beautifully rendered biographical narrative about the true-life experiences of the author, growing up in the deep south, a story about the anchor in her life, her grandma Lula. Much of the story covers the early years growing up with her grandma on a farm, in a pastoral setting that seems like a distant time in history, with water wells, candlelit nights, cropping food, homemade goods – rarely store-bought, where poverty and want were turned, by necessity and the will of the spirit alone, into survival and the very threads that formed the weave of a difficult time in the history of the African-Americans who endured this culture. The author, through her own eyes growing up in these times, and through the tales told by grandma Lula, takes us back to a time when inequality, prejudice and racism were the order of the day, when people were treated as less than citizens and beaten and even killed for nothing more than the color of their skin. Grandma Lula tells her grand-daughter touching and even brutal stories of her family, people who endured abuse and oppression, of their courage and their perseverance in the face of intolerable conditions, of their hope and inspiration, and how, even if they spilled their blood in standing up for what they believed, their stories went on to tell the tale. As the years go by, grandma Lula, known for her hand-woven quilts, weaves a quilt for her grand-daughter, using the shreds of clothing from those dead and gone – to keep alive their history, their stories and their very souls in the tapestry of this engaging true story which will move you. Grandma Lulu is not only the anchor in the author’s growing years leading up to her late teens, but she is the icon of both love and undying inspiration that everyone needs, and as shown in this story, was not always there for those who desperately wanted it – or needed it. This is a story that is well worth reading – it depicts the reality of a world that was, that maybe still is, but certainly a world that was made brighter and better by the spirit of one woman and how she touched the lives of those around her; and who never judged anyone for who they were – a quality that transcended the bias and hatred of her time then, and even today.
This review also available at International Writers Inspiring Change

[Nancy Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilt of Souls was recommended to me by a friend who had it come up in her Facebook newsfeed, just the way so many do. Knowing I was a quilter and historical fiction lover, she thought of me the minute she saw the posting. I am so indebted to her, because this book has become one of the favorites of my lifetime. It made me laugh, cry, get angry and remind me what forgiveness means. It is said that a “quilt is a blanket of love” and the love stitched together in this book shines through the incredibly touching story it tells. Miss Lula is exactly the kind of grandmother I want to be to my own grandchildren, and in some ways she is much like my own grandma. I only wish mine had told me the kind of family stories Miss Lula told her granddaughter, Phyllis. Another reviewer mentioned she saw connections to Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, and Ralph Emerson. For me it brought back memories of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chaverini, The Last Runaway by Tracy Chelvalier, and Natchez Burning by Greg Isles. There are so many reasons to read this book. If you are a lover of American History, a quilter, a Detroiter, a grandma, a teacher, a storyteller, a writer or someone who just enjoys a marvelous book. This is the one for you.

[Kerfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another biography that holds more than just the life of one woman. By relating her family's stories, through the quilt she repaired with her grandmother over many childhood years, Lawson highlights not only the lives passed on by her grandmother's memories of those who wore the fabric pieces she stitched, but gives faces to the lives of all African Americans in the years after slavery.

There is love and anger, resentment and forgiveness. Although the author overcomes her inner and outer demons with luck and the support of people and places that reached out to give her a hand, the daily lives of those who inherited the legacy of slavery were and too often continue to be hard, relentless, and grim. Survival is sometimes the only victory.

The skills and stories and songs that Lawson's grandmother gave to her remain as a living legacy, a bulwark against a still-harsh world.

[Mary Ann Gallis Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met the author at the Mission Viejo Library lecture series. She is truly a strong woman who overcame so many obstacles in life. She did not let her race stop her from being a high achieving African American woman. She was inspired by her grandmother who raised her in the Deep South when life was very discriminatory and unfair. She loved her life there and the hardships made her stronger. I loved how her grandmother made quilts out of the clothes of deceased family members. These quilts carried the spirits of their loved ones. This is a beautiful memoir.

[Karen Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilt of Souls

Lula was so much like one of my own grandmothers ... Hulda, the child from Swain County in the North Carolina mountains, who married so young but became the backbone of her family. I remember the long drives from Arkansas and Oklahoma, arriving late to be welcomed by Grandma Hulda and her quilts. And there were her family stories, inspiration for my sister and me when we began to carve out our own family's stories. Lula, like our Hulda, is pure love and inspiration.

[Virginia Allain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm recommending this book to all my friends who are in book clubs. It's a marvelous memoir and reminded me of Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

If you are a quilter, if you are African-American, if you are interested in social issues, if you are interested in genealogy, then this book will speak to you.

I've posted the full review on my blog: https://vallain.wordpress.com/2016/05...

This book is a marvelous read and great for discussing in a book group.

[Janet Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly amazing book. Brings the horrors of slavery and the Jim Crow south down to a personal level. But the stories of the people whose clothing was incorporated into the quilt of souls sewn by the author’s grandmother are also filled with love, healing and forgiveness. We can all learn much from Ma Lula.

[Tatiana Leija · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite book in the history of books!

[Lorna Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phyllis Lawson has written a touching and meaningful memoir. A friend recommended it because I have several heirloom quilts. Like Phyllis (and her grandmother, Lula) I believe the energy of those who wore the fabrics used to make these treasures imbues the finished product. Phyllis's story is one of hardship and much sadness, but also of love and family. I hope the cover image is of her actual quilt because it is beautiful. Her quilts, and my own as well, are full of memories and love.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best friend told me about this book and I simply loved it. If life didn't get in the way, I would have read it all night and all day. So many of the characters in this book, reminded me of the characters I was told about in my own family.
I would recommend this to everyone I know. Perfect summer reading.

[Amy T. - Book lover! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful memoir

This is such a heartfelt and beautiful story that honors Phyllis Lawson’s grandma with every word. While there was so much hardship, love truly conquered. Thank you for sharing your family’s stories with us!

[Kimberly Rumbarger Talboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book and the sequel is about ready to be released. It is currently on Oprah's read list and I believe she will love it and give it wonderful reviews.

[Jeanne Charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book IS about quilting, but it's primarily a treatise on unconditional love, family, and preserving the precious memories of those who's lives have touched our own. It is also a philosophical dissertation on not allowing negativity, gossip, hatred or the ugly elements of the world to color your view of people. When little Philistine (the author, who now goes by Phyllis) is driven from Detroit and delivered to rural Alabama to be dropped off with the grandparents she'd never met, she was only 4 and completely terrified. In Detroit, she had friends and playmates and indoor plumbing. In rural Alabama, she had chores, no electricity, an outhouse and grandparents who welcomed her and loved her. Grandma Lulu created unique quilts to capture the lives of those who's stories were never recorded and were apt to be forgotten; people who were never asked about their daily bravery and heroism. The oral history is woven together with the quilt, created under the shade tree in the yard. I, too, was eagerly waiting for chores to be done so the quilting and storytelling could begin. The tales of bravery, love, loss, sorrow, struggle, hope, and recovery are all represented in a piece of cloth from a wedding dress never blessed at the alter, or overalls worn ragged, or bright blue, orange or yellow dresses, converted from clothing to forever histories. How can you not cry for Ella, marvel at Cooter, admire Miss Sugar, Miss Jubilee and come to understand the horrors of Sheriff Sugg?

[erl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not great art. I don’t care, I liked it anyway. The style is not polished and professional. Rather, Mrs. Lawson invites us into her heart. I felt like I was drinking coffee with her at her kitchen table as she told these stories. Phyllis Lawson is leading one heck of a life. She could easily have told a story about her abusive mother, her negligent father, her years spent as a young runaway, the sexism she experienced in the Air Force. Instead, she tells a story of her years spent with her grandparents in Alabama. Her grandfather, a sweet, gentle man who struggled most of his life against a plethora of ailments, was a loving presence in her life. But her grandmother was a powerhouse. Granda Lula was strong as an ox, both mentally— she was born just after the civil war and spent all her life in the Deep South— and physically— she had her own farm, which she worked herself, until she was well into her 80s. She also had an uncommon generosity of spirit and deep faith that helped right a disoriented young soul. She taught her granddaughter to see the good in everyone and every situation. One of her oft repeated sayings is that trouble won’t last. In the time it took me to read this book, I learned of the deaths of three loved ones. So to read Grandma Lula’s words at this low point in my life was truly a gift. Thank you, Mrs. Lawson, for sharing her with me.

[Annique Mcgregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A gem of a book. Such a nice tribute to her grandmother and preservation of lost stories of a community. The cultural tradition of orally passing down stories of African Americans in the small town South is (I fear) a lost art. The symbolism of weaving in her quilt the clothing of individuals of these stories is especially poignant. Towards the end, with her abrupt return to her family, the story was more jerky and seemed to fast forward too quickly. It was autobiographical, so I guess it was a necessary part of the story, but the tone and story was so different from the rest of the book. The author is an excellent writer and a pretty remarkable individual considering what she’s been through. And she seems pretty extraordinary to be so forgiving of her own mother. I’m glad she had a rock solid, loving, guiding force during her formative years which allowed her talents to develop so we can reap the benefits. We would all benefit to have a Grandma Lulu in our lives. What a remarkable individual! I’m sorry I missed the author’s visit to our library a few years ago. It’s what first made me aware of this book.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE:
2024 listened to the new audiobook version, narrated by the author - added another hit to my heart with this book, and would give it far more stars than 5, if I could! (thank you NetGalley!)

2023 READ:
As a quilter, this title is what landed it on my TBR shelf. As a reader, it was the depth and breadth of the story Phyllis Biffle Elmore tells that kept it in my days, to read a little at a time over months this year. The combined wisdom, tragedy, courage and fierceness that comes back to us in all these chapters, and those within each memory. . . all caught up in the bits of clothes - worn over a long life and gathered in a bag, to be thoughtfully chosen for just the right spot in a quilt of souls for some particular person to treasure.

Quilting now is very different, boutique-y, arty, for walls and shows - a very different animal. My favorite quilts are the ones of scraps, bits from someone's stash to piece in a similarly thoughtful way, but still is so far removed from the true quilts of the past and the beauties made by Lula Horn.

Five pointed stars, quilted and bound up with gratitude for sharing this deeply rooted family tree and its many resilient leaves.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells an important story, about the crushing heartbreaks and difficulties of African-American migration to the industrial northern states, and what it meant for children in those families. But the story is far from grim. The author recounts her childhood where she was dropped off at her loving grandparents' home in rural Alabama, from Detroit where her overworked parents juggled multiple jobs and children. Her grandmother is vividly drawn, and a wonderful source of love, kindness, art, and remembrance. The farm, the friends, the relatives, the quilting--all lovingly evoked. Love is indeed the major theme of this book.

The author has other books coming, so I am looking forward to reading those as well. Ms. Lawson is an example of an author whose story and personality really works well for success at indie publishing. She draws in her readers, and cherishes them.

[MaryLee Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

I loved this book!!! The story was captivating and so very real to me. I loved the relationship between grandmother and grandchild. I could totally relate as I, too, was raised by my grandmother who also made quilts. There were so many similarities in my life. I was brought to tears several times while reading.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book out of one of those tiny library boxes, and when I realized it was self-published, I wasn’t expecting much. But it was really good. It’s a look inside a life that’s nothing like my own, which I always love. It’s told well, and I came to really like and care about the characters. I enjoyed watching the main character grow up and come into her own. Well worth a read.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this memoir to anyone and everyone. A black lady, born in the early 50’s is shipped off at age 4 from Detroit where her family is finding life harder than they thought it would be to elderly Southern grandparents in rural AL. As a young teen she is abruptly returned to the Detroit family where she knows and remembers no one. But it’s a story of love and redemption.

[MadreMachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable memoir of a place and time not so long ago. Enjoyed the stories of her life she shared. After listening to her on Bernina's "So and Sew" podcast ,had to find the book. Phyllis has lived a remarkable life. What a survivor and pioneer! Glad she wrote these stories down and shared them. Her Grandmother like many grandmothers are the unsung heroes of our communities.

[Xu He · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible book. The writing is dry and the story is dry. There isn’t even a clear storyline, just snippets of stories of so many random people. Took me more than half a year to finish. Not interesting at all. I recommend that you don’t bother reading the book.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart song

A gentle remembrance of the growing up of a young Black woman in the South in the '50's and '60's. A history lesson of where she came from and a vision of where she was going to end up!

[Rhoda Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilt of Souls

Whatever race or ethnicity we are from, we can learn the lessons Miss Lula taught. We need to become strong women for ourselves, our families and our country. I was fortunate to be raised by a strong woman.
This book is a keeper!

[Christi Hawk Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of life and love

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a deeply felt, heartwarming story of family and love. The stories that quilts can tell are so detailed and intimate! Love how this book surrounds the idea of the quilts and stories!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy straight forward memoir focused around the stories Lawson’s grandmother told her while making quilts from relatives’ clothing. It gave me insight into the lives of African Americans after the Civil War through early Civil Rights era.

[Julia Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this well written book. As a quilter, I appreciated the stories and family history woven into the quilt and how much the quilt meant to the author as well as the influence Grandmother Lula had on the author.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilt of Life

This story of a grandmother’s love and tender guiding hand brings the past generations to life with the making of a quilt. Each scrap of fabric lovingly tells of their heritage and helps the next person grow into what they can become.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Another testimony to the sheer will to Survive the Diaspora of the African American people no matter which generation we find ourselves in.
It seems to be coded in our DNA; giving up is Never an option.