“A buoyant tale about the path to acceptance and joy–beginning, like all journeys, with one brave step.”–People“The best-selling novelist has done a masterful job of depicting the circumstances of a generation of women we seldom think about: the mothers, sisters, wives and fiances of men lost in World War I, whose job it was to remember those lost but not forgotten.”–Associated PressA BEST … forgotten.”–Associated Press
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1932. After the Great War took both her beloved brother and her fiancé, Violet Speedwell has become a “surplus woman,” one of a generation doomed to a life of spinsterhood after the war killed so many young men. Yet Violet cannot reconcile herself to a life spent caring for her grieving, embittered mother. After countless meals of boiled eggs and dry toast, she saves enough to move out of her mother’s place and into the town of Winchester, home to one of England’s grandest cathedrals. There, Violet is drawn into a society of broderers–women who embroider kneelers for the Cathedral, carrying on a centuries-long tradition of bringing comfort to worshippers.
Violet finds support and community in the group, fulfillment in the work they create, and even a growing friendship with the vivacious Gilda. But when forces threaten her new independence and another war appears on the horizon, Violet must fight to put down roots in a place where women aren’t expected to grow. Told in Chevalier’s glorious prose, A Single Thread is a timeless story of friendship, love, and a woman crafting her own life.
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Historically accurate. Taught me a lot about something I knew little about.
I’d never read books by this author. I really enjoyed the story and learned history about Winchester Cathedral too. I recommend it!
I very charming look at life in England between the wars. I throughly enjoyed it!
Creates a fascinating picture of rural England and Winchester Cathedral in the years after World War I when there are many “surplus women” due to the millions of men–brothers, fiances, husbands, fathers–who were killed in battle and through other means. What were the women to do to find love and satisfaction? The novel, so skillfully written by Tracey Chevalier [Girl With A Pearl Earring] explores this tender topic with grace and psychological adeptness, providing an in-depth picture of what life was like in those years. The detailed pictures of the borderers [embroiderers and bell-ringers attached to the Cathedral are fascinating as well; who knew what mathematical formulae and precision are required to toll the huge bells atop the medieval cathedrals to this day. The details, characterizations, and interconnected lives are fascinating from beginning to end.
Well done historical fiction
If the highlight of your life is visiting cathedrals and embroidery, this story has plenty of excitement for you. If you expect a little more ….. keep reading. The story line does move along to a satisfying ending. It was an interesting look at the “Surplus Women”of that generation- something that came along after each of the great Wars that took thousands of young men out of society.
I learned about both church bell ringing and kneeler embroidery. Neither of which I thought would interest me, but both did. More importantly. I had a greater appreciation for the huge strides feminism had made since the 1940s.
Great story.
Heart warming novel about a young woman coping with loss after WW2.
She discovers a new life and interest while visiting the Winchester Cathedral.
This story of Violet Speedwell a surplus woman who is unable to marry due to the shortage of men after World War I. Violet is a headstrong, independent woman involved in the guild of needlepoint embroidery kneelers for the Cathedral. I enjoyed reading this historical British fiction novel.