“In Klepper’s debut novel, a stay-at-home mom longing for greater purpose returns to work as a pro bono lawyer and finds herself representing a Syrian refugee seeking asylum… A poignant exploration of a timely political topic.” Kirkus Reviews “A terrific debut, and so very timely. With smart writing and compassion, Klepper offers us a look into the hearts of two women: a Syrian immigrant … immigrant hoping to find a home in the USA, and the volunteer lawyer whose work brings a second chance at life not only to her client, but to herself as well.” Julie Lawson Timmer, author of “Mrs. Saint and the Defectives”
Jessica Donnelly’s life is beginning to unravel. When the attorney turned stay-at-home mom tentatively volunteers to represent Amina Hamid, a woman seeking asylum, Jessica must learn an unfamiliar area of the law. Soon, rising opposition to Muslim immigration and unexpected prejudices put her relationships on shaky ground.
Amina fled Syria with little more than memories that now fight against the images splashed on the news. Seeking a secure future and freedom from guilt and grief, she must learn to trust others amidst the reality of fear and hate.
To find stability, Jessica and Amina will both need to harness their own strengths, which may lie in connections that transcend generations, cultures, and continents.
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Jessica Donnelly’s life is about to change. From dedicated lawyer, to stay-at-home Mom, she is approached to take on one more case…..her most challenging case to date, an asylum case of a young Syrian woman/refugee named Amina.
Reluctantly, and of course getting her feet wet for the first time in awhile, Jessica learns just how deep prejudices can grow and fester and what should be and needs to be done in order to bring a young woman’s life full circle.
As Jessica struggles with her own feelings of doubt, and overwhelming edginess over this case, her family life in the midst of it all adds to some eye-opening realizations.
This book is wonderfully written and thought provoking.
It touches on the human condition in a way that leaves you wanting more.
The characters are written very well and are believable, the story; fluid, and weaves beautifully between one woman’s quest and another’s war-torn memories that lead them both to a place neither of them knew they needed. The story is thoughtful, timely and compelling.
A debut novel not to be missed.
Novels & Latte Book Club
Novels N Latte (Book Blog)
Unbroken Threads is a book written at the right time. Current in its theme, it follows the journey of lawyer turned stay at home mom, turned lawyer again- Jessica and Syrian refugee Amina. Jessica, looking to maybe get back into things, takes on a pro bono case to help Amina gain asylum. It is not an easy path, full of roadblocks and prejudices, including from Jessica’s own family and maybe even herself.
As others have reviewed, this is a thought provoking novel that fits in perfectly with today’s current events. Unbroken Threads addresses the refugee crisis, our own biases, and encourages thought and reflection in ourselves. Fans of Small Great Things will enjoy this debut from Klepper.
Unbroken Threads is the story of two women, one a corporate lawyer turned stay-at-home mom, the other a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in a country full of anti-Muslim prejudice. Jessica, the former lawyer, volunteers to help Amina, the Syrian refugee, with her case. Neither trusts the other, but the more they learn about each other, the closer they bond. Great character development; I felt like I was a member of Jessica’s family by the end. Looking forward to the next one!