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The Thread Collectors
🎧Run Time = 10 hours and 43 minutes
1863: In a small Creole cottage in New Orleans, an ingenious young Black woman named Stella embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Bound to a man who would kill her if he knew of her clandestine activities, Stella has to hide not only her efforts but her love for William, a Black soldier and a brilliant musician.
Meanwhile, in New York City, a Jewish woman stitches a quilt for her husband, who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. Between abolitionist meetings, Lily rolls bandages and crafts quilts with her sewing circle for other soldiers, too, hoping for their safe return home. But when months go by without word from her husband, Lily resolves to make the perilous journey South to search for him.
As these two women risk everything for love and freedom during the brutal Civil War, their paths converge in New Orleans, where an unexpected encounter leads them to discover that even the most delicate threads have the capacity to save us. Loosely inspired by the authors' family histories, this stunning novel will stay with readers for a long time.
⭐“An unforgettable story of female strength, hope and friendship. This collaborative work is magnificent—a true revelation!” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star
⭐“A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife
“Magnificent” ( Pam Jenoff ) and “transfixing” ( Fiona Davis ): This Earphones Award winner follows Stella — a Black woman in New Orleans who stitches maps for enslaved men — and Jewish New Yorker Lily as their paths cross during the Civil War, changing their lives forever. An AudioFile Golden Voice’s “mesmerizing performance” and “flawless narration” make for “a must-listen” (AudioFile).
1863: In a small Creole cottage in New Orleans, an ingenious young Black woman named Stella embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Bound to a man who would kill her if he knew of her clandestine activities, Stella has to hide not only her efforts but her love for William, a Black soldier and a brilliant musician.
Meanwhile, in New York City, a Jewish woman stitches a quilt for her husband, who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. Between abolitionist meetings, Lily rolls bandages and crafts quilts with her sewing circle for other soldiers, too, hoping for their safe return home. But when months go by without word from her husband, Lily resolves to make the perilous journey South to search for him.
As these two women risk everything for love and freedom during the brutal Civil War, their paths converge in New Orleans, where an unexpected encounter leads them to discover that even the most delicate threads have the capacity to save us. Loosely inspired by the authors' family histories, this stunning novel will stay with readers for a long time.
⭐“An unforgettable story of female strength, hope and friendship. This collaborative work is magnificent—a true revelation!” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star
⭐“A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife
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First published August 30, 2022
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September 4, 2022
In a Nutshell: Not a typical historical fiction set during the Civil War. This one covers perspectives not commonly seen – that of Jews and Blacks. The #OwnVoices factor adds to the charm of the story. Expected something a little different, but still enjoyed what I got.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
👏 The unusual perspective is the highlight of the story. We rarely see historical fiction exploring the war from the perspective of Jewish or Black soldiers, or of the women in their lives.
👏 An equal novelty was in the way sewing is used throughout the story, and how it stitches the narrative of all four characters into one colourful quilt. Whether it is through the maps that Stella makes for the escaping slaves with the limited material she has at her disposal, or through the sewing circle which Lily is a part of, making helpful items to keep the soldiers warmer and safer, or even through the way their efforts help the Union soldiers, the ‘thread collectors’ is a title that works for this book in multifarious ways.
👏 The storyline is quite complex, but the authors manage to pull it off to a great extent.
👏 The characters are sketched quite realistically. The title might make you feel that this is a women's story all the way, that the male characters have only limited secondary roles. But this isn’t true, especially in the first half.
👏 The plot explores many impactful themes such as racial discrimination, gender discrimination, disparity in the fortunes of family members due to either their beliefs or their status, and the impact of war. It also explores how determination and drive can change supposed destiny.
👏 Alyson Richman is the USA Today bestselling and #1 international bestselling author of several historical novels. Shaunna J. Edwards makes her debut with this book. These two are friends in real life, and are of the same racial background as the characters they created (A Jew and a Black respectively.) Their collaboration on this work is thus filled with a strong flavour of authenticity. I especially loved the insight into the Creole belief system as seen from Stella’s part of the story.
👏 The authors’ note indicates how the two authors used their own background to make the story authentic. There are many historical events and persons woven into this fictional narrative, and their note elaborates on this.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
⚠ Though the narrative is set mainly in 1863, there are quite a few flashbacks to establish the backstories of the key characters. This will be a real test of your memory. To me, some of the backstories worked, but some were superfluous.
⚠ A couple of the events in the second half were too coincidental to be believable. Yeah okay, fiction is fiction, but when the overall tone is so realistic and spot-on, such anomalies stand out.
⚠ The blurb reveals one event that happens much later in the book. It also makes the story seem like that of Stella and Lisa, rather than of all four characters.
⚠ The pacing is a bit topsy-turvy. The ending seems very rushed, though I must give it credit for being bittersweet than an OTT HEA.
All in all, the book has a lot going for it. As an #OwnVoices story inspired by the two authors’ own backgrounds and their friendship, this historical fiction has a lot to offer to its readers. Though the pacing and the backstories could have been better structured, the book still offers tremendous content and is definitely recommended.
Trigger Note: As a slave and war narrative, the book contains several gruesome scenes. Not for the faint-hearted, though whatever happened is definitely based in the truth.
4 stars.
My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House, and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Thread Collectors”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
1863.
In New Orleans, Stella, a Creole of mixed heritage, uses her skill with the needle to stitch ingenious maps to help enslaved men run from their hopeless destiny. Her lover William – a Black slave and an expert musician - is one such man, hoping to be freed of his shackles by fighting in the Civil War from the Union side.
In New York City, Lily, a Jewish woman with strong ideas on abolition, does her best to ensure that the Union soldiers get adequate supplies. Her husband Jacob, who has enlisted with the Union Army as a musician, is an unhappy soldier as his own brother believes in the Confederacy.
How the tracks of these two couples come together is what you need to read and find out.
The story comes to us in a limited third person narration of these four characters.
Where the book worked for me:
👏 The unusual perspective is the highlight of the story. We rarely see historical fiction exploring the war from the perspective of Jewish or Black soldiers, or of the women in their lives.
👏 An equal novelty was in the way sewing is used throughout the story, and how it stitches the narrative of all four characters into one colourful quilt. Whether it is through the maps that Stella makes for the escaping slaves with the limited material she has at her disposal, or through the sewing circle which Lily is a part of, making helpful items to keep the soldiers warmer and safer, or even through the way their efforts help the Union soldiers, the ‘thread collectors’ is a title that works for this book in multifarious ways.
👏 The storyline is quite complex, but the authors manage to pull it off to a great extent.
👏 The characters are sketched quite realistically. The title might make you feel that this is a women's story all the way, that the male characters have only limited secondary roles. But this isn’t true, especially in the first half.
👏 The plot explores many impactful themes such as racial discrimination, gender discrimination, disparity in the fortunes of family members due to either their beliefs or their status, and the impact of war. It also explores how determination and drive can change supposed destiny.
👏 Alyson Richman is the USA Today bestselling and #1 international bestselling author of several historical novels. Shaunna J. Edwards makes her debut with this book. These two are friends in real life, and are of the same racial background as the characters they created (A Jew and a Black respectively.) Their collaboration on this work is thus filled with a strong flavour of authenticity. I especially loved the insight into the Creole belief system as seen from Stella’s part of the story.
👏 The authors’ note indicates how the two authors used their own background to make the story authentic. There are many historical events and persons woven into this fictional narrative, and their note elaborates on this.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
⚠ Though the narrative is set mainly in 1863, there are quite a few flashbacks to establish the backstories of the key characters. This will be a real test of your memory. To me, some of the backstories worked, but some were superfluous.
⚠ A couple of the events in the second half were too coincidental to be believable. Yeah okay, fiction is fiction, but when the overall tone is so realistic and spot-on, such anomalies stand out.
⚠ The blurb reveals one event that happens much later in the book. It also makes the story seem like that of Stella and Lisa, rather than of all four characters.
⚠ The pacing is a bit topsy-turvy. The ending seems very rushed, though I must give it credit for being bittersweet than an OTT HEA.
All in all, the book has a lot going for it. As an #OwnVoices story inspired by the two authors’ own backgrounds and their friendship, this historical fiction has a lot to offer to its readers. Though the pacing and the backstories could have been better structured, the book still offers tremendous content and is definitely recommended.
Trigger Note: As a slave and war narrative, the book contains several gruesome scenes. Not for the faint-hearted, though whatever happened is definitely based in the truth.
4 stars.
My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House, and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Thread Collectors”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
September 6, 2022
I am a long time fan of Alyson Richman and a brand new fan of Shaunna J. Edwards and their collaborated endeavor to write The Thread Collectors. This well written and impeccably researched historical novel was written about The Civil War. I hadn’t read a novel centered around The Civil War in a very long time so it was a welcomed change of setting. It was not the typical Civil War novel either. The focus for The Thread Collectors was on the women in this book..
One of the women, Stella, was in love with a Black slave, William. When Stella came of age her mother and sister sent her to the Market to meet her fate. William’s master took a fancy toward Stella and bought her for himself. Stella was a light skin beauty. William’s master purchased a small home for her to live in. Stella lived in the small typical Creole cottage in New Orleans with her sister. She had been bought by William’s master and kept in the cottage so she could satisfy his pleasures whenever he desired them. William, who was determined to escape from his bondage and join the Union Army had an innate musical talent. He played the flute like no one else. He had played his flute the night Stella was sent to the Market. The two had fallen in love and secretly met whenever they could without William’s master’s knowledge. Stella learned from the ramblings of William’s master when he had a little too much to drink the safest routes to take to ensure the safety of the escaping slaves. Stella began making maps for the escaping slaves on old repurposed cloth. She used her expertise in embroidery to stitch the maps in different colored threads for the escaping slaves. The night William ran to begin his escape, Stella worried for his safety but William arrived safely at the Union’s regiment due to Stella’s map. It brought him there safely. His musical talent would secure his placement and acceptance into the Union army.
The second woman, Lily, lived in New York City. She was a huge supporter of abolitionist’s rights. Lily was a White Jewish woman who had lost her mother when she was quite young. She had been raised by her loving father. Her father owned a music store and supported Lily’s involvement with the abolitionist movement. He even allowed his printing press to be used to print the material the abolitionist members wanted distributed. Lily had met Jacob, her husband, in her father’s store. Both Lily and Jacob were White and Jewish. Jacob was a man who also possessed musical talent. He signed up and enlisted in the army supporting the Union. At the time of William’s arrival, Jacob was assisting the doctor who was examining the new Black soldiers that were enlisting in the Union army. When William entered the medical tent Jacob encouraged William to let the army officers know that he could play the fife. That encouragement helped William stay safe and kindled the beginning of William and Jacob’s friendship.
These two women, Stella and Lily, who were separated by hundreds of miles and were as different from one another as could be were connected by their use of thread and the friendship their men would form. Both women in their own way would fight for freedom and a Union victory. Stella would accomplish this by embroidering maps on scraps of repurposed cloth and Lily by stitching quilts and rolling bandages for the Union soldiers. The lives of these two very different women eventually would converge and when that happens the end result will warm your heart.
The authors of The Thread Collectors, Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman shared in their author’s notes that the two of them share a special friendship In real life. They admitted that The Thread Collectors was partially inspired by their own backgrounds and family heritages, one being Black and the other White and Jewish. I found it quite upsetting how the Black soldiers were treated and the jobs they were meant to do during the Civil War. The Black soldiers who enlisted wanted to fight against those that favored slavery. Instead of being allowed to fight, the Black Soldiers were instructed to dig graves for the dead White soldiers. This was often backbreaking work and humiliating. Union officers treated the Black soldiers in their regiments marginally better than the slave owners. The Black soldiers were paid less than their fellow White soldiers and were given less and often inferIor food allotments. I had no knowledge of the Battle of Port Hudson prior to reading The Thread Collectors. It was so sad to learn how the soldiers of the Louisiana Native Guards were used as targets and were unmercifully massacred during that battle to save the lives of their fellow White soldiers. Their bodies were just left in the open fields to decompose. It was a disgraceful time in our country’s history. I also had no knowledge of the assault on the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City where angry and unjust White men torched and burnt the building. What a despicable time in the history of our country! The other fact that bothered me was the widespread antisemitism that existed in this country even back then. Many of the Jewish soldiers during the Civil War had escaped religious persecution from countries like Germany and Hungry. They were faced with ridicule and mistrust even as they enlisted to fight against slavery. Some of the characters in The Thread Collectors were actually based on long ago family members of the two authors.
The Thread Collectors focused on strong female characters, hope, ingenuity, determination, struggles, war, loss, friendship, family, hardships survival and love. The collaboration and resourcefulness of these two masterful authors exhibited in writing The Thread Collectors was flawless. I hope they decide to write more books together, perhaps even a sequel to The Thread Collectors. I really enjoyed reading The Thread Collectors and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Graydon House Publishers for allowing me to read The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Publication was August 30, 2022.
One of the women, Stella, was in love with a Black slave, William. When Stella came of age her mother and sister sent her to the Market to meet her fate. William’s master took a fancy toward Stella and bought her for himself. Stella was a light skin beauty. William’s master purchased a small home for her to live in. Stella lived in the small typical Creole cottage in New Orleans with her sister. She had been bought by William’s master and kept in the cottage so she could satisfy his pleasures whenever he desired them. William, who was determined to escape from his bondage and join the Union Army had an innate musical talent. He played the flute like no one else. He had played his flute the night Stella was sent to the Market. The two had fallen in love and secretly met whenever they could without William’s master’s knowledge. Stella learned from the ramblings of William’s master when he had a little too much to drink the safest routes to take to ensure the safety of the escaping slaves. Stella began making maps for the escaping slaves on old repurposed cloth. She used her expertise in embroidery to stitch the maps in different colored threads for the escaping slaves. The night William ran to begin his escape, Stella worried for his safety but William arrived safely at the Union’s regiment due to Stella’s map. It brought him there safely. His musical talent would secure his placement and acceptance into the Union army.
The second woman, Lily, lived in New York City. She was a huge supporter of abolitionist’s rights. Lily was a White Jewish woman who had lost her mother when she was quite young. She had been raised by her loving father. Her father owned a music store and supported Lily’s involvement with the abolitionist movement. He even allowed his printing press to be used to print the material the abolitionist members wanted distributed. Lily had met Jacob, her husband, in her father’s store. Both Lily and Jacob were White and Jewish. Jacob was a man who also possessed musical talent. He signed up and enlisted in the army supporting the Union. At the time of William’s arrival, Jacob was assisting the doctor who was examining the new Black soldiers that were enlisting in the Union army. When William entered the medical tent Jacob encouraged William to let the army officers know that he could play the fife. That encouragement helped William stay safe and kindled the beginning of William and Jacob’s friendship.
These two women, Stella and Lily, who were separated by hundreds of miles and were as different from one another as could be were connected by their use of thread and the friendship their men would form. Both women in their own way would fight for freedom and a Union victory. Stella would accomplish this by embroidering maps on scraps of repurposed cloth and Lily by stitching quilts and rolling bandages for the Union soldiers. The lives of these two very different women eventually would converge and when that happens the end result will warm your heart.
The authors of The Thread Collectors, Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman shared in their author’s notes that the two of them share a special friendship In real life. They admitted that The Thread Collectors was partially inspired by their own backgrounds and family heritages, one being Black and the other White and Jewish. I found it quite upsetting how the Black soldiers were treated and the jobs they were meant to do during the Civil War. The Black soldiers who enlisted wanted to fight against those that favored slavery. Instead of being allowed to fight, the Black Soldiers were instructed to dig graves for the dead White soldiers. This was often backbreaking work and humiliating. Union officers treated the Black soldiers in their regiments marginally better than the slave owners. The Black soldiers were paid less than their fellow White soldiers and were given less and often inferIor food allotments. I had no knowledge of the Battle of Port Hudson prior to reading The Thread Collectors. It was so sad to learn how the soldiers of the Louisiana Native Guards were used as targets and were unmercifully massacred during that battle to save the lives of their fellow White soldiers. Their bodies were just left in the open fields to decompose. It was a disgraceful time in our country’s history. I also had no knowledge of the assault on the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City where angry and unjust White men torched and burnt the building. What a despicable time in the history of our country! The other fact that bothered me was the widespread antisemitism that existed in this country even back then. Many of the Jewish soldiers during the Civil War had escaped religious persecution from countries like Germany and Hungry. They were faced with ridicule and mistrust even as they enlisted to fight against slavery. Some of the characters in The Thread Collectors were actually based on long ago family members of the two authors.
The Thread Collectors focused on strong female characters, hope, ingenuity, determination, struggles, war, loss, friendship, family, hardships survival and love. The collaboration and resourcefulness of these two masterful authors exhibited in writing The Thread Collectors was flawless. I hope they decide to write more books together, perhaps even a sequel to The Thread Collectors. I really enjoyed reading The Thread Collectors and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Graydon House Publishers for allowing me to read The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Publication was August 30, 2022.
August 9, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing( Graydon House) for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
How much did I love this historical fiction set during the American Civil War?? No, fellow readers I ADORED IT! This doesn't surprise me really. Sometimes when I am requesting to read an ARC on the platform, I know instantly that it is a MUST READ and I will cry a RIVER OF TEARS, if I do not get it!
Authors Shaunna J Edwards and Alyson Richman have written an absolutely delicious historical fiction which offers underrepresented voices from the American Civil. That of, a Stella, a slave whose beloved William has escaped slavery and enlisted with the Union Army. William befriends Jacob, a Jewish musician and together they bond over music. Then there is Lily, the wife of Jacob, a passionate abolitionist who is waiting in New York for her husband to return. We follow all four of these characters while also encountering so many memorable other characters.
Honestly, I just couldn't put this beautiful book down. In their author's note, it is explained that the authors as longtime friends who are African-American( Edwards) and Jewish( Richman), they wanted to write a historical novel giving voices to women and men from those groups in the Civil War period. Something which I feel that they have done quite beautifully. Adding the sewing and cloth aspect and threading that into their narrative made the story even more heartbreakingly memorable.
Personally, this novel is one of my favorites of 2022
Goodreads review published 26/07/22
Expected Publication Date 30/08/22
#TheThreadCollectors #NetGalley.
How much did I love this historical fiction set during the American Civil War?? No, fellow readers I ADORED IT! This doesn't surprise me really. Sometimes when I am requesting to read an ARC on the platform, I know instantly that it is a MUST READ and I will cry a RIVER OF TEARS, if I do not get it!
Authors Shaunna J Edwards and Alyson Richman have written an absolutely delicious historical fiction which offers underrepresented voices from the American Civil. That of, a Stella, a slave whose beloved William has escaped slavery and enlisted with the Union Army. William befriends Jacob, a Jewish musician and together they bond over music. Then there is Lily, the wife of Jacob, a passionate abolitionist who is waiting in New York for her husband to return. We follow all four of these characters while also encountering so many memorable other characters.
Honestly, I just couldn't put this beautiful book down. In their author's note, it is explained that the authors as longtime friends who are African-American( Edwards) and Jewish( Richman), they wanted to write a historical novel giving voices to women and men from those groups in the Civil War period. Something which I feel that they have done quite beautifully. Adding the sewing and cloth aspect and threading that into their narrative made the story even more heartbreakingly memorable.
Personally, this novel is one of my favorites of 2022
Goodreads review published 26/07/22
Expected Publication Date 30/08/22
#TheThreadCollectors #NetGalley.
February 7, 2023
Alyson Richman will tell you word of mouth is the best way to share a book.
Shaunna Edwards doesn't disagree and is elated this book is loved by many.
Both are a great a great duo for penning a book, and by the way, the perfect timing of its release couldn't have been predicted by even the best psychic. :)
This particular book spans through the Civil War, highlighting two families. One jewish, one black. Although it is a work of historical fiction, both share some of their own family histories in this book.
This a very different book that reads as though you are included in the their story. It is unlike other novels we have read on this subject.
Alyson Richman is a seasoned wonderful author whose other books we know such as "The Lost Wife and "The Velvet Hours".
Shaunna J. Edwards is no stranger as she is a longtime friend of Richmonds. With her BA in literature from Harvard she is an outstanding attorney who now works in the field of diversity. When the two teamed up, out came this incredible book.
Many other reviewers have written great comments that does this book justice.
The story incorporates many relevant topics regardless of the books timeline.
What will have changed regarding these same topics so many years later.
I truly believe there needs to be a sequel and hope it comes to fruition.
Shaunna Edwards doesn't disagree and is elated this book is loved by many.
Both are a great a great duo for penning a book, and by the way, the perfect timing of its release couldn't have been predicted by even the best psychic. :)
This particular book spans through the Civil War, highlighting two families. One jewish, one black. Although it is a work of historical fiction, both share some of their own family histories in this book.
This a very different book that reads as though you are included in the their story. It is unlike other novels we have read on this subject.
Alyson Richman is a seasoned wonderful author whose other books we know such as "The Lost Wife and "The Velvet Hours".
Shaunna J. Edwards is no stranger as she is a longtime friend of Richmonds. With her BA in literature from Harvard she is an outstanding attorney who now works in the field of diversity. When the two teamed up, out came this incredible book.
Many other reviewers have written great comments that does this book justice.
The story incorporates many relevant topics regardless of the books timeline.
What will have changed regarding these same topics so many years later.
I truly believe there needs to be a sequel and hope it comes to fruition.
October 8, 2022
I love it when authors collaborate on books together, especially when it’s an author whose books I adore, and through that collaboration, I find a new author to love. In this instance, I am a huge fan of Alyson Richman (hist fic fans, you simply must read her entire backlist), and now I am thrilled to meet Shaunna J. Edwards’ writing and cannot wait for her next writing endeavor.
Check out this blurb: “A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife.
Set during the 1860s is the story of Stella, a young Black woman living in New Orleans who embroiders maps to help enslaved men flee the south in order to join the Union Army, and Lily, a Jewish woman, whose husband is in Louisiana in the Union Army. When Lily’s husband goes missing, she travels to Louisiana to find him, and there, her paths cross with Stella.
What a powerful story inspired by both authors’ families! I can hardly write this review without tears. The authors themselves are long time friends, and the story they’ve written together is nothing short of stunning, amplifying lesser heard perspectives during this dark and oppressive time, the brutality of which it also addresses head-on. It also shines a light on the goodness in people, and those who were willing to sacrifice for humanity’s sake. The story is woven together seamlessly much like the threads and sewing featured in the narrative.
I don’t want to give anything else away, but just know this is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and it receives my highest recommendation. The authors’ friendship and how their family histories intertwine in this story; it’s remarkable.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Check out this blurb: “A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife.
Set during the 1860s is the story of Stella, a young Black woman living in New Orleans who embroiders maps to help enslaved men flee the south in order to join the Union Army, and Lily, a Jewish woman, whose husband is in Louisiana in the Union Army. When Lily’s husband goes missing, she travels to Louisiana to find him, and there, her paths cross with Stella.
What a powerful story inspired by both authors’ families! I can hardly write this review without tears. The authors themselves are long time friends, and the story they’ve written together is nothing short of stunning, amplifying lesser heard perspectives during this dark and oppressive time, the brutality of which it also addresses head-on. It also shines a light on the goodness in people, and those who were willing to sacrifice for humanity’s sake. The story is woven together seamlessly much like the threads and sewing featured in the narrative.
I don’t want to give anything else away, but just know this is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and it receives my highest recommendation. The authors’ friendship and how their family histories intertwine in this story; it’s remarkable.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 26, 2022
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J Edwards and Alyson Richman. What a wonderful book.1863 a black woman makes maps with thread on cloth to help those enslaved run from the Union Army. As she is forced into sex with one of the Union men’s baby but in love with another man. She has a lot to hid in order to stay alive. Including her pregnancy with her beloved. A white woman in NYC misses her husband who she has not heard from in many months. In her search for him, she meets William, the black man that was once with her husband. A stitch map sets her on the path she seeks.
The biggest take I took from this book. No matter what side a white person was on. Both sides were racist af. One side only want to abolish slavery. But neither side respect the African American race. I guess I truly never realized this before. That breaks my heart.
The biggest take I took from this book. No matter what side a white person was on. Both sides were racist af. One side only want to abolish slavery. But neither side respect the African American race. I guess I truly never realized this before. That breaks my heart.
August 16, 2022
This evocative piece of historical fiction set during the Civil War centers around two women and the men they love. One, the slave Stella who lives in New Orleans and is kept in a Creole cottage on Rampart St by her master Frye. Her true love is William who escapes to Camp Parapet to join the Union army, aided by a map that Stella stitches on a piece of fabric.
The other main character is a young Jewish woman named Lily who lives in NYC and is a staunch abolitionist. Her group of volunteers are busy sewing quilts and rolling fabric bandages to send to the Union soldiers. Her husband, Private Jacob Kling, also happens to be stationed at the camp in Louisiana and meets William as he joins their company. Both men are musicians and Jacob makes sure that William is given the opportunity to play his flute with the other musicians. The two become friends of sorts, joined by a 10-year-old boy who plays the drum. When Christmas comes and goes and Lily doesn't hear from Jacob for several weeks, she becomes determined to go south to find him.
This story is cowritten by Shaunna Edwards and Alyson Richman and they say it is loosely inspired by their own backgrounds and their friendship. The characterizations are rich and the story very dramatic. Racism against both Jews and blacks is examined. It is always interesting to learn more details about what the people went through during the Civil War. But the driving force of the novel is love and determination, bravery and the courage to carry on in the face of the horrors of war.
I received an arc of this novel from the authors and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
The other main character is a young Jewish woman named Lily who lives in NYC and is a staunch abolitionist. Her group of volunteers are busy sewing quilts and rolling fabric bandages to send to the Union soldiers. Her husband, Private Jacob Kling, also happens to be stationed at the camp in Louisiana and meets William as he joins their company. Both men are musicians and Jacob makes sure that William is given the opportunity to play his flute with the other musicians. The two become friends of sorts, joined by a 10-year-old boy who plays the drum. When Christmas comes and goes and Lily doesn't hear from Jacob for several weeks, she becomes determined to go south to find him.
This story is cowritten by Shaunna Edwards and Alyson Richman and they say it is loosely inspired by their own backgrounds and their friendship. The characterizations are rich and the story very dramatic. Racism against both Jews and blacks is examined. It is always interesting to learn more details about what the people went through during the Civil War. But the driving force of the novel is love and determination, bravery and the courage to carry on in the face of the horrors of war.
I received an arc of this novel from the authors and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
March 13, 2023
1863 New Orleans, Louisiana. Stella was a young black woman who was born into slavery. She is in love with William also a slave. Stella helps William escape to join the Union Army. She embroiders maps on pieces of cloth to help other men to freedom.
Meanwhile in New York City we meet Lily a white Jewish woman who is married to Jacob a musician.
Lily is an abolitionist. She rolls bandages and make quilts for the cause.
This is a unique novel a collaboration of two authors based on their family history. We learn so much of the perspective of the Jewish and black soldiers and how they were treated because of who they were. The discrimination and disparity even though there were fighting on the same side. We find Jacob and his bother torn apart as they they fight on different sides of the war.
This is a powerful story. Very well written and researched.
The authors notes in the end of the book were very interesting into the how and why this book was written.
A must read
Meanwhile in New York City we meet Lily a white Jewish woman who is married to Jacob a musician.
Lily is an abolitionist. She rolls bandages and make quilts for the cause.
This is a unique novel a collaboration of two authors based on their family history. We learn so much of the perspective of the Jewish and black soldiers and how they were treated because of who they were. The discrimination and disparity even though there were fighting on the same side. We find Jacob and his bother torn apart as they they fight on different sides of the war.
This is a powerful story. Very well written and researched.
The authors notes in the end of the book were very interesting into the how and why this book was written.
A must read
October 13, 2022
This is an entertaining, well-written, Civil War historical fiction novel, which is based on actual persons and events. It describes the horrors and tragedy of slavery, the bonds of marriage and friendship, and the resilience and hope of its likable, courageous, and strong female protagonists. The authors' notes are interesting and informative, and their personal insight is truly appreciated. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Robin Miles, does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
November 10, 2022
A few years ago my husband and I went to a Civil War dinner theater in Whitwell, Tennessee. A story of a Southern man fighting for the North who happens to be fighting in the woods of his home. While there he meets up with his sister, who tells him about the family fighting for the South, how things are going at home and the differences of what each is hearing in the news. It was very good, I don't think it is there anymore, but it was very interesting.
This was an interesting story of soldiers in the Civil War. One black and fighting with a Northern regiment and one Jewish. Both men are musicians, have smart women who make quilts, and how their love for them will not deter them from bringing them back home safe. While Jacob fought for the North, we did find out his brother was living and fighting in the South. Not too far from where Jacob was fighting. But it was the love of music that brought Jacob and William together, and bonded a friendship.
I listened to this one, though I am not a very good listener, but this one did keep my interest. I enjoyed hearing of William and Jacob's life in the Army, their heartbreak, and struggles. But the life of their women back home, hoping and praying for their safe return, and the bond they had through their sewing. It was a very interesting read. The only criticism I had was the pronunciation of some of the towns here in Mississippi and Louisiana, but those are minor.
In all I enjoyed this story very much.
This was an interesting story of soldiers in the Civil War. One black and fighting with a Northern regiment and one Jewish. Both men are musicians, have smart women who make quilts, and how their love for them will not deter them from bringing them back home safe. While Jacob fought for the North, we did find out his brother was living and fighting in the South. Not too far from where Jacob was fighting. But it was the love of music that brought Jacob and William together, and bonded a friendship.
I listened to this one, though I am not a very good listener, but this one did keep my interest. I enjoyed hearing of William and Jacob's life in the Army, their heartbreak, and struggles. But the life of their women back home, hoping and praying for their safe return, and the bond they had through their sewing. It was a very interesting read. The only criticism I had was the pronunciation of some of the towns here in Mississippi and Louisiana, but those are minor.
In all I enjoyed this story very much.
March 14, 2023
I did a good deal of complaining while listening to this book, but the premise was actually a really fascinating one. To look at the experiences of a Jewish woman and an African American enslaved woman whose lives are intertwined in the North and South during the Civil War. The book is co-authored by two women who wanted to honor their legacies both, and bring some light from darkness. Both women fight for freedom, and to bring home their men.
It wasn't an easy listen. Parts of the book were tough and tragic, and this era should not have been "whitewashed". Just the same, it wasn't easy to read, hear, or imagine. Our country's history and behavior has many things to apologize for. The dignity in this book, and the beauty of the music however, were a transcendent harmony and counterpoint to a very dark dark time.
About the listen - I would not recommend the audio. I have long complained these weeks, that the narrator chose to do young Lily's voice as a hag from the Shetl, and was almost as comical with Jacob. To hear them dialogue together, one would think they were hearing Max and Esther at the Deli, rather than a fiery young abolitionist and her gallant musician-soldier husband. Must Lily sound like the old witch who stole Ariel's voice in The Little Mermaid, but with a hankering for tongue and motzah ball soup? No Can Do. That said, the story came through anyway. I liked how it eventually wove together. And waiting for these moments of reunion to occur - well that was the reason for plowing through, when at times I wondered if I would really persevere.
I rather liked it, but more than that, I thought it was important. And important voice about an important time in history. It elevated something dark and gave it some light and music. I am quite glad I persevered.
It wasn't an easy listen. Parts of the book were tough and tragic, and this era should not have been "whitewashed". Just the same, it wasn't easy to read, hear, or imagine. Our country's history and behavior has many things to apologize for. The dignity in this book, and the beauty of the music however, were a transcendent harmony and counterpoint to a very dark dark time.
About the listen - I would not recommend the audio. I have long complained these weeks, that the narrator chose to do young Lily's voice as a hag from the Shetl, and was almost as comical with Jacob. To hear them dialogue together, one would think they were hearing Max and Esther at the Deli, rather than a fiery young abolitionist and her gallant musician-soldier husband. Must Lily sound like the old witch who stole Ariel's voice in The Little Mermaid, but with a hankering for tongue and motzah ball soup? No Can Do. That said, the story came through anyway. I liked how it eventually wove together. And waiting for these moments of reunion to occur - well that was the reason for plowing through, when at times I wondered if I would really persevere.
I rather liked it, but more than that, I thought it was important. And important voice about an important time in history. It elevated something dark and gave it some light and music. I am quite glad I persevered.
February 3, 2022
In this stunning and evocative collaboration, Alyson Richman and Shaunna Edwards have combined their unique insights, their family histories, and a shared passion for storytelling to create an enlightening, complex, and profound Civil War novel. The Thread Collectors is a gift – not only for lovers of historical fiction – but for readers everywhere who search for hidden truths behind the facts we think we know. Like the fearless, sensitive, and resourceful women they write about, Richman and Edwards have stitched together a glorious tapestry of resilience, survival, friendship, and love. This is a Civil War story unlike any other – a story readers will treasure from the very first page.
July 9, 2024
Novela histórica ambientada en la Guerra Civil estadounidense, una novela vista desde otro punto de vista y que iremos conociendo gracias a cuatro personajes muy diferentes.
Por un lado, Stella y Will son esclavos de un rico propietario de una plantación, Will huye para alistarse en el ejercito de la Unión para ayudar a huir a otros esclavos, y Stella mientras tanto se dedica a bordar mapas en trozos de tela para ayudar a los demás.
Por otro lado, tenemos a Lily que espera a Jacob su marido a que vuelva de la guerra, un soldado raso del ejército de la Unión y un musico, una pasión que coparte con Will y por lo que entablaran una amistad inquebrantable.
Es un libro que aborda una historia desde diferentes puntos diferentes, analizada desde el punto de vista de una pareja judía bastante rica en Nueva York y una pareja negra que intenta liberarse de la esclavitud en Nueva Orleans, ambas están del lado de la Unión, pero de entornos muy diferentes. Personajes fuertes, valientes y muy convincentes.
Una novela donde también nos muestra las horribles condiciones de la esclavitud, la diferencia de trato a los esclavos, y sobre todo el trato a las niñas y mujeres.
Un libro escrito por una mujer negra y una judía al igual que los personajes, y como dicen en la nota final, con partes que son biográficas, inspiradas en su historia familiar, una historia de valentía y amistad.
Una novela que recomiendo para conocer parte de la historia desde otro punto de vista, que te entretendrá, aprenderás y que disfutarás.
Por un lado, Stella y Will son esclavos de un rico propietario de una plantación, Will huye para alistarse en el ejercito de la Unión para ayudar a huir a otros esclavos, y Stella mientras tanto se dedica a bordar mapas en trozos de tela para ayudar a los demás.
Por otro lado, tenemos a Lily que espera a Jacob su marido a que vuelva de la guerra, un soldado raso del ejército de la Unión y un musico, una pasión que coparte con Will y por lo que entablaran una amistad inquebrantable.
Es un libro que aborda una historia desde diferentes puntos diferentes, analizada desde el punto de vista de una pareja judía bastante rica en Nueva York y una pareja negra que intenta liberarse de la esclavitud en Nueva Orleans, ambas están del lado de la Unión, pero de entornos muy diferentes. Personajes fuertes, valientes y muy convincentes.
Una novela donde también nos muestra las horribles condiciones de la esclavitud, la diferencia de trato a los esclavos, y sobre todo el trato a las niñas y mujeres.
Un libro escrito por una mujer negra y una judía al igual que los personajes, y como dicen en la nota final, con partes que son biográficas, inspiradas en su historia familiar, una historia de valentía y amistad.
Una novela que recomiendo para conocer parte de la historia desde otro punto de vista, que te entretendrá, aprenderás y que disfutarás.
October 13, 2022
In 1863, Stella is a beautiful Black woman born into slavery. Her current owner Frye is so taken with her that he has set her up to live in a Creole cottage in New Orleans as his mistress. William is one of Frye's slaves and is a gifted flutist. He has recently escaped to join the Union Army with the help of Stella, his love, who has a talent for sewing escape maps. While part of the Louisiana Native Guard at Camp Parapet, William is befriended by Jacob, a Jewish man from New York City. They bond over their mutual love of music. Back at home, Jacob's wife Lily attends abolitionist meetings and has her own sewing skills, creating a quilt for her husband and other soldiers. The lives of these four characters become intertwined as the war rages on.
The Thread Collectors is a unique Civil War story. It was written by two friends, Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman, who bring their Black and Jewish heritages and perspectives to their characters. Richman is a seasoned author, and this is an impressive debut novel for Edwards. The two couples in this impactful book have touching love stories but the yearning of Stella and William to one day have the opportunity to love one another freely is the heart of the book. I enjoyed this story of resilience and love very much.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Thread Collectors is a unique Civil War story. It was written by two friends, Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman, who bring their Black and Jewish heritages and perspectives to their characters. Richman is a seasoned author, and this is an impressive debut novel for Edwards. The two couples in this impactful book have touching love stories but the yearning of Stella and William to one day have the opportunity to love one another freely is the heart of the book. I enjoyed this story of resilience and love very much.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
September 6, 2022
***Link to video***
Thank you to the publisher, Graydon House and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of The Thread Collectors in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
It is written by a black and Jewish woman about a black and jewish woman during the Civil war. Gripping, captivating and it will not leave you for a long time.
It is vivid and personal. There is no escape once you have started reading this novel.
The Details
I have to admit that those two women and even the side characters followed me into my dreams, and at times I needed a break.
It's hard to explain why I felt not only connected to the characters, but I actually felt them.
I felt their anxiety, hope, desperation, but also the acceptance of the situation they had to deal with and still not surrender to it.
The characters become alive. There is no other way to describe it.
If a reader can make you feel, smell, and taste a story, then I don’t need to say anything more.
The writing is excellent to the point that it might become painful to be so deeply intertwined with the story, but still, you cannot stop.
Yes, this is how you might experience this book.
The story is somewhat inspired by their family history and the wish to present the drama of the Civil War from a different perspective, a black and jewish woman.
It is a story of bravery, strong friendship and strength in unexpected places. It describes the experiences of the men belonging to those women and how they connect.
In a very subtle but still direct way, it brings light to all the tragedies which are often lost below the blanket of war, weapons and casualties.
The Verdict
Overall, The Thread Collectors is as expertly written as the quilts are threaded we are introduced to in the story.
This is a novel you can still enjoy, even if you are not a fan of historical fiction.
But if you are interested in historical fiction, then be assured that you will not only be amazingly entertained, but also gain new insights into the tragedies which shaped us as humans.
I highly recommend this novel to everybody.
August 30, 2022
The Thread Collectors is an immersive and compelling novel set during the Civil War, told from several unique and underrepresented points of view. We view the war through they eyes of four main characters: Stella, a slave, whose love has escaped the bonds of slavery to enlist with the Union army, and who uses her skill with needlework to bring others to safety; William, who befriends Jacob, a white man who also happens to be Jewish—musicians who bond over the music that they create; and Lily, Jacob’s wife, an abolitionist and outspoken young woman, who waits bravely for Jacob to return. All of their lives are changed forever by the war, and all of them have been shaped by loss, bigotry, and cruelty that preceded the war. The writing is lyrical and emotional, and it is also honest, raw, and heartrending. I thank these authors for bringing these stories to life, shedding light on a horrific time in our history. I also thank them for the humanity of this book, for giving us characters that are talented and intelligent, who use their gifts to save themselves and to help others. There is a lot of historical fiction on bookshelves everywhere, but I think the Civil War is a time in history that is woefully ignored; I thank these two writers for filling that void with this stunning novel. This brilliant collaboration between two gifted writers, who brought their own family history into the creation of this book, makes me wish for much more from the two of them.
November 1, 2022
Set during the Civil War, THE THREAD COLLECTORS takes the reader on a deeply moving, intimate, and perilous journey of reunion. Inspired by the family histories of each of the authors, the novel has inspired me to read more about this dark time in American history. Highly recommended, especially for book clubs.
August 28, 2022
This touching historical fiction takes place in two locations, slowly drawing four principal characters - two couples - together amidst impossible conditions. We have 1863 New Orleans and also New York. In New Orleans, Stella is a remarkable young black woman who uses incredible skills while embroidering maps on old cloth. These maps help enslaved Black men flee and join the Union Army. This includes a man near and dear to her heart named William.
In New York City, we have young Lily, a Jewish woman focusing on stitching a quilt for her husband Jacob. He is stationed in Louisiana while stationed with the Union Library. Also she fiercely misses Jacob, Lily keeps herself rolling bandages creating quilts. Not only is she stitching a quilt for her husband, but for other soldiers taken away by the war. Her regular communication from Jacob by means of letters has trickled off, to the point when she no longer knows where he is and whether or not he is safe.
Lily makes the difficult decision to head to Louisiana to try and find Jacob. Thus begins the path for when she will eventually meet Stella. Meanwhile, while the war is going on, the two men, William and Jacob cross paths. While William is Black and Jacob is a Jewish man, their friendship is something mostly unheard of. What draws the two men together is their talent and love of music.
What a touching story that brings both William and Jacob together, while also bringing Stella and Lily together. Although the world was greatly divided at that time, even in the way Black and White soldiers were treated during the Civil War, none of these strong characters saw color. If they did see color, it was only for the purpose of avoiding color lines.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, the authors tell of their decades-long friendship, with Shaunna being black and Alyson being Jewish. About how this world is still dealing with race on so many levels, but seeking for beauty in this dark world nonetheless. Much more is said, which makes this Note very worthy reading. Lastly, Reader's Guide at the very end of the book raises excellent questions, thus making The Thread Collectors the perfect book for introspective discussions.
Many thanks to Graydon House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well - https://youtu.be/HNcLku8W_os
In New York City, we have young Lily, a Jewish woman focusing on stitching a quilt for her husband Jacob. He is stationed in Louisiana while stationed with the Union Library. Also she fiercely misses Jacob, Lily keeps herself rolling bandages creating quilts. Not only is she stitching a quilt for her husband, but for other soldiers taken away by the war. Her regular communication from Jacob by means of letters has trickled off, to the point when she no longer knows where he is and whether or not he is safe.
Lily makes the difficult decision to head to Louisiana to try and find Jacob. Thus begins the path for when she will eventually meet Stella. Meanwhile, while the war is going on, the two men, William and Jacob cross paths. While William is Black and Jacob is a Jewish man, their friendship is something mostly unheard of. What draws the two men together is their talent and love of music.
What a touching story that brings both William and Jacob together, while also bringing Stella and Lily together. Although the world was greatly divided at that time, even in the way Black and White soldiers were treated during the Civil War, none of these strong characters saw color. If they did see color, it was only for the purpose of avoiding color lines.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, the authors tell of their decades-long friendship, with Shaunna being black and Alyson being Jewish. About how this world is still dealing with race on so many levels, but seeking for beauty in this dark world nonetheless. Much more is said, which makes this Note very worthy reading. Lastly, Reader's Guide at the very end of the book raises excellent questions, thus making The Thread Collectors the perfect book for introspective discussions.
Many thanks to Graydon House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well - https://youtu.be/HNcLku8W_os
September 8, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards; Alyson Richman is a historical novel set in the American Civil War time period and follows two very different couples and how they managed during the war.
Stella is the slave mistress of a rich plantation owner in New Orleans, as the daughter of a slave and a white man, she’s able to live on her own in a small shack amongst other slave mistresses. But, her true love is a Will, also a slave, with the same awful master. When Will runs away to join the Union Army, Stella knows she has to do everything she can to help other slaves run away too. Stella embroiders maps on bits of cloth to help her neighbors find the Union army camp and escape a life of bondage.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Lily is doing everything she can for the war effort and is waiting for her husband, Jacob, to come home from the war. Jacob is a private in the union army, and also a gifted musician. Jacob and Will strike up an unlikely friendship as two musicians who bring music and joy to the troops. But, when Jacob doesn’t write home for weeks, Lily knows she has to go and find him.
I loved this book as it looks at four very different perspectives of the war. Instead of looking at the north/south perspectives, it looks at the perspective of a fairly wealthy Jewish couple from New York, and a black couple trying to free themselves from slavery in New Orleans. Both couples are on the side of the Union but come from very different backgrounds. Stella, Will, Lily, and Jacob are strong, courageous, and very compelling characters.
The book also revealed some of the ravages of war, both from the north perspective and the south's. It also reveals some of the horrific conditions of slavery and especially the different ways slave owners treated the girls and women they owned.
The Thread Collectors is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards; Alyson Richman is a historical novel set in the American Civil War time period and follows two very different couples and how they managed during the war.
Stella is the slave mistress of a rich plantation owner in New Orleans, as the daughter of a slave and a white man, she’s able to live on her own in a small shack amongst other slave mistresses. But, her true love is a Will, also a slave, with the same awful master. When Will runs away to join the Union Army, Stella knows she has to do everything she can to help other slaves run away too. Stella embroiders maps on bits of cloth to help her neighbors find the Union army camp and escape a life of bondage.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Lily is doing everything she can for the war effort and is waiting for her husband, Jacob, to come home from the war. Jacob is a private in the union army, and also a gifted musician. Jacob and Will strike up an unlikely friendship as two musicians who bring music and joy to the troops. But, when Jacob doesn’t write home for weeks, Lily knows she has to go and find him.
I loved this book as it looks at four very different perspectives of the war. Instead of looking at the north/south perspectives, it looks at the perspective of a fairly wealthy Jewish couple from New York, and a black couple trying to free themselves from slavery in New Orleans. Both couples are on the side of the Union but come from very different backgrounds. Stella, Will, Lily, and Jacob are strong, courageous, and very compelling characters.
The book also revealed some of the ravages of war, both from the north perspective and the south's. It also reveals some of the horrific conditions of slavery and especially the different ways slave owners treated the girls and women they owned.
The Thread Collectors is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
dnf
August 2, 2022I had a hard time getting into this and staying interested. I can tell that so many people loved it. I can see why it is well loved because it is well written and has a great story. There was just so much information and details on every character, which for many is a positive but at this point I think I needed a lighter read.
Read
March 20, 2024Black and white/north and south. Black man from the South, who enlists to fight for the Union army and a Jewish man from the north, bond through their music. Story of their friendship and the women each left behind.
February 20, 2022
In their author's note, debut novelist Shaunna Edwards and popular historical fiction novelist Allyson Richman explain how this story is loosely inspired by their own backgrounds and how they "wanted to explore the Civil War experience through two underrepresented lenses and illuminate the important and often overlooked tragedies of this era." They accomplish this through two intertwined stories: Jacob Kling, a Jewish Union soldier and trumpet player, and his wife Lily, active in the abolitionist movement in New York City, and William, a gifted flute player who escapes slavery to join the Union Army and his wife Stella, who embroiders intricate secret maps that help enslaved men in New Orleans flee north. Rich with historical details and well developed characters, plus a strong sense of time and place, I learned so much from this very compelling page-turner that covers aspects of the Jewish experience in America not typically included in historical fiction. And, I love how the dual narrative is truly #OwnVoices, co-authored by both a Black writer and a Jewish writer. Due out on August 30, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy through Edelweiss. A strong possibility for my book groups in the fall.
August 9, 2022
An eye opening novel written from two points of view and melded beautifully.
We are gifted with a read about the Civil War, not the usual read, and I really didn't know of the small Jewish population in this country and their involvement, and then then how the black soldiers, on both sides were treated.
This is a story of family, and survival, and a gift of music. So many sad happenings, and again brother against brother, but the olive branch of forgiveness resonates.
This is a book that will linger long after the last page is turned, and be sure to read about the authors in the notes at the end of this read.
I loved how the title of this book plays out in a way I didn't expect, but so beautifully!
I received this book through the Publisher Harlequin Trades, and was not required to give a positive review.
We are gifted with a read about the Civil War, not the usual read, and I really didn't know of the small Jewish population in this country and their involvement, and then then how the black soldiers, on both sides were treated.
This is a story of family, and survival, and a gift of music. So many sad happenings, and again brother against brother, but the olive branch of forgiveness resonates.
This is a book that will linger long after the last page is turned, and be sure to read about the authors in the notes at the end of this read.
I loved how the title of this book plays out in a way I didn't expect, but so beautifully!
I received this book through the Publisher Harlequin Trades, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 11, 2022
This was a beautifully written historical fiction book set during the Civil War. It is told by 2 different perspectives. Jacob who is in the Union army and his wife Lily who is an abolitionist. William is a slave who runs away to join the Union army and his love Stella who embroiders maps on fabric for slaves to escape and join the army too. I loved how it told different points of view and shows how the war affected different people. This would make an excellent book club book! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.
July 2, 2023
I really really wanted to like this book. And it’s for my book club, which usually has a good pick. I just couldn’t get involved in the characters. The story is told too impassively — a history type narrative, where none of the characters pulled me in more than just somewhat abstractedly. The cover says “brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships”, but I didn’t really see that. Yeah there were some friendships but none of them are particularly unexpected. And none made me care about any of the characters.
December 12, 2024
Una historia cruda, triste y necesaria, pero a la vez esperanzadora, y que invita a la reflexión.
Con éste ya leí todos los libros de la autora hasta hoy traducidos al español y ha sido uno de los libros que más me han gustado junto con Las horas de terciopelo.
Muy recomendado.
Con éste ya leí todos los libros de la autora hasta hoy traducidos al español y ha sido uno de los libros que más me han gustado junto con Las horas de terciopelo.
Muy recomendado.
September 8, 2022
Original review can be found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This book came across my email in a bulk email for review requests. I was excited to read it because Historical Fiction is my jam but Civil War Historical Fiction is even more in my wheelhouse. I love it more than I love WW2. I couldn’t wait to start reading it.
Honestly, before I go any further with the review. I have to say that I couldn’t even get past 10% in this book. I was so upset and desperate to like this book. I see there are rave reviews about it. I just couldn’t get past it. I honestly don’t know what it was about this book. I don’t know if I am in a reading slump and just can’t get into books or if it was the book itself. Stella is a creole woman who is sold. William is a black man running away to the Union Army. Stella sews William a map and they are in love with each other. That is as far as I got.
Honestly, the writing seemed heavy and took me far too long to get just 10% in the book. There was just something about it. Try and read the book for yourself before you take what I say and run with it. I will certainly be trying to read this book again and who knows maybe at that time I will give it rave review with 5-stars.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This book came across my email in a bulk email for review requests. I was excited to read it because Historical Fiction is my jam but Civil War Historical Fiction is even more in my wheelhouse. I love it more than I love WW2. I couldn’t wait to start reading it.
Honestly, before I go any further with the review. I have to say that I couldn’t even get past 10% in this book. I was so upset and desperate to like this book. I see there are rave reviews about it. I just couldn’t get past it. I honestly don’t know what it was about this book. I don’t know if I am in a reading slump and just can’t get into books or if it was the book itself. Stella is a creole woman who is sold. William is a black man running away to the Union Army. Stella sews William a map and they are in love with each other. That is as far as I got.
Honestly, the writing seemed heavy and took me far too long to get just 10% in the book. There was just something about it. Try and read the book for yourself before you take what I say and run with it. I will certainly be trying to read this book again and who knows maybe at that time I will give it rave review with 5-stars.
April 26, 2023
The Thread Collectors
In 1863, during the Civil War, Stella a black slave, repurposes bits of colorful thread and uses her embroidery skills to make maps on scraps of cloth in an effort to help enslaved men flee the South and join the Union Army. Stella is also in love with William, a Black soldier and brilliant musician. She lives in fear that her “owner” will discover her secretive and dangerous activities.
Lily, a Jewish woman who lives in New York, creates a quilt for her husband who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. She attends abolitionist meetings, rolls bandages, makes quilts for other soldiers, and prays for their safe return. When Lily doesn’t hear from her husband for some time, she travels south in search of him.
Stella and Lily’s paths cross in a dramatic conclusion.
Although this is a work of historical fiction, many of the characters are actually inspired by the authors’ family histories. Edwards modeled the character of Stella, a multiracial enslaved person, after the life of her distant aunt. Richman’s ancestors include two Jewish brothers who fought on opposite sides of the war, just like Jacob and Samuel in the novel. The authors’ emphasis on these two groups of traditional outsiders — Jews and Blacks — fuels the story with a welcome degree of personal resonance
In 1863, during the Civil War, Stella a black slave, repurposes bits of colorful thread and uses her embroidery skills to make maps on scraps of cloth in an effort to help enslaved men flee the South and join the Union Army. Stella is also in love with William, a Black soldier and brilliant musician. She lives in fear that her “owner” will discover her secretive and dangerous activities.
Lily, a Jewish woman who lives in New York, creates a quilt for her husband who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. She attends abolitionist meetings, rolls bandages, makes quilts for other soldiers, and prays for their safe return. When Lily doesn’t hear from her husband for some time, she travels south in search of him.
Stella and Lily’s paths cross in a dramatic conclusion.
Although this is a work of historical fiction, many of the characters are actually inspired by the authors’ family histories. Edwards modeled the character of Stella, a multiracial enslaved person, after the life of her distant aunt. Richman’s ancestors include two Jewish brothers who fought on opposite sides of the war, just like Jacob and Samuel in the novel. The authors’ emphasis on these two groups of traditional outsiders — Jews and Blacks — fuels the story with a welcome degree of personal resonance
August 28, 2022
Content Warnings: Rape, slavery, prejudices, use of N word, war-time gore, death, lynching. (moderate)
The Thread Collectors follows two young women who have no choice but to be strong. While their battles are vastly different, both Stella and Lily fight for what they believe in by using their talents and strengths. We also look into the lives of their loved ones and how harsh the times were during the Civil War. Full of passion, joy, sorrow, and suspense, this story is sure to capture your attention. It does so by giving a detailed look into the lives of slaves and those enlisted during the Civil War. Authors Edwards and Richman excel at creating likable and real characters that you want to root for all the way through. I enjoyed the plotline, characters, and settings. Another bonus was the excellent use of music in the novel. Having said that, I think the pacing throughout could have been better applied. Some chapters that should have been longer to create a deep emotion were cut short, or others were longer and harder to engage with. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read. From the gorgeous cover to the charming characters, I recommend this as an entertaining Civil War historical fiction.
The Thread Collectors follows two young women who have no choice but to be strong. While their battles are vastly different, both Stella and Lily fight for what they believe in by using their talents and strengths. We also look into the lives of their loved ones and how harsh the times were during the Civil War. Full of passion, joy, sorrow, and suspense, this story is sure to capture your attention. It does so by giving a detailed look into the lives of slaves and those enlisted during the Civil War. Authors Edwards and Richman excel at creating likable and real characters that you want to root for all the way through. I enjoyed the plotline, characters, and settings. Another bonus was the excellent use of music in the novel. Having said that, I think the pacing throughout could have been better applied. Some chapters that should have been longer to create a deep emotion were cut short, or others were longer and harder to engage with. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read. From the gorgeous cover to the charming characters, I recommend this as an entertaining Civil War historical fiction.
February 17, 2025
Nuevamente Alyson Richman nos regala pequeños fragmentos de historias reales ficcionadas y representadas por personajes inolvidables. En esta ocasión escrita con otra autora de quien es amiga y en la que ambas reflejan sus propios bagaje cultural.
La novela está ambientada durante la Guerra de la Secesión en Estados Unidos (1863) y sigue la historia de dos mujeres y dos hombres cuyas vidas se entrelazan en medio del conflicto. Stella, una esclava en Nueva Orleans, borda mapas cifrados en trozos de ropa para ayudar a sus compañeros a escapar. William, su pareja y también esclavo, escapa para unirse a la lucha abolicionista. En Nueva York, Lily, esposa de un soldado destacado en Luisiana, confecciona vendajes para el frente y decide viajar al sur cuando deja de recibir noticias de su marido. Los caminos de Stella y Lily se cruzan, revelando cómo la amistad puede salvar vidas.
El estilo narrativo destaca por su sencillez y precisión. Emplea una narración en tercera persona omnisciente, donde las descripciones detalladas permiten ambientar las escenas y percibir el contraste entre la vida de blancos y esclavos.
A través de las experiencias de los personajes, se exploran las injusticias y crueldades de la esclavitud, así como el poder de la amistad y la solidaridad en tiempos de adversidad. William y Jacob son capaces de demostrar que la amistad va más allá de las clases sociales o del simple color de la piel.
Me ha gustado que es una novela corta pero que transmite, sin necesidad de regodearse, el horror que vivieron miles de esclavos, tanto por el trato durante su tiempo en las plantaciones como durante la guerra. Es una novela histórica que toca el alma, invitándonos a contemplar y reflexionar sobre la igualdad de derechos sin distinción. Así como nos ilustra que detrás de cada conflicto bélico, hay historias personales que, con demasiada frecuencia, quedan interrumpidas.
“...a veces el talento -y un instrumento con que usarlo- podían alterar el destino de un hombre para siempre”.
La novela está ambientada durante la Guerra de la Secesión en Estados Unidos (1863) y sigue la historia de dos mujeres y dos hombres cuyas vidas se entrelazan en medio del conflicto. Stella, una esclava en Nueva Orleans, borda mapas cifrados en trozos de ropa para ayudar a sus compañeros a escapar. William, su pareja y también esclavo, escapa para unirse a la lucha abolicionista. En Nueva York, Lily, esposa de un soldado destacado en Luisiana, confecciona vendajes para el frente y decide viajar al sur cuando deja de recibir noticias de su marido. Los caminos de Stella y Lily se cruzan, revelando cómo la amistad puede salvar vidas.
El estilo narrativo destaca por su sencillez y precisión. Emplea una narración en tercera persona omnisciente, donde las descripciones detalladas permiten ambientar las escenas y percibir el contraste entre la vida de blancos y esclavos.
A través de las experiencias de los personajes, se exploran las injusticias y crueldades de la esclavitud, así como el poder de la amistad y la solidaridad en tiempos de adversidad. William y Jacob son capaces de demostrar que la amistad va más allá de las clases sociales o del simple color de la piel.
Me ha gustado que es una novela corta pero que transmite, sin necesidad de regodearse, el horror que vivieron miles de esclavos, tanto por el trato durante su tiempo en las plantaciones como durante la guerra. Es una novela histórica que toca el alma, invitándonos a contemplar y reflexionar sobre la igualdad de derechos sin distinción. Así como nos ilustra que detrás de cada conflicto bélico, hay historias personales que, con demasiada frecuencia, quedan interrumpidas.
“...a veces el talento -y un instrumento con que usarlo- podían alterar el destino de un hombre para siempre”.
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