Reviews

A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier

naomijade24's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

nickeal1's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

horsley123's review against another edition

5.0

I very much enjoyed this book - as with many of Tracey Chevalier's tales I was educated and entertained. I knew that there was a surplus of women after WW1 but had never really put much thought into the implications of this beyond that it would have been impossible to find a husband. If you had no one to support you then you had to work, and there weren't many 'jobs for women' and those that did exist were underpaid and with no employment rights. All this lead to a rather stifled and joyless existence.

The heroine finds entertainment and support through embroidery. Now if anyone suggested that I read a book on embroidery I would usually give them a strange look. However this was about more than the practicalities of needle and thread, it showed how camaraderie and a sense of purpose can change lives.

A thoughtful and fulfilling read.

cooperca's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars. After attending an author event where Ms. Chevalier spoke about A Single Thread, I guess I felt a little disappointed after reading the novel as I had anticipated the story to lean more towards the volunteers of Winchester and the cushions and kneelers as opposed to all the outside influences in Violet's life.

It was an enjoyable read and the research Ms. Chevalier has done helps to create an authentic world. But really, women were called "surplus women" after the war? Ugh!

___josie's review against another edition

emotional informative lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

susan_e's review

informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.75

easturgeon's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bsmith27's review

3.0

Violet is a spinster (in her 30s) in the 1950s London. She has left her mother's house to live in a city and be a typist. She barely has enough money to live but enjoys her freedom. Her 2 best friends are a lesbian couple. She becomes involved with a church by embroidering kneelers and cushions. She meets an older married man, Arthur who rings the bells at cathedrals. She falls in love with him. His wife is not well. The whole novel is really just this but then the last chapter Violet sleeps with Arthur, purposefully getting pregnant. She has a baby out of wedlock and moves in with her lesbian friends. This is the real story but it was just the ending chapter for the author. Most of the novel was mild but the ending really could have been something.

hall_juliet333's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aerathiel's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5