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The Thread Collectors

Review

The Thread Collectors

In THE THREAD COLLECTORS, Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman combine their familial histories to create a fictional Civil War narrative revolving around two women and the men in their lives.

Stella is a light-skinned woman who was bought to be the mistress of a plantation owner and falls in love with one of his slaves. An extremely talented musician, William performs for his owner, Frye, and is desperate to escape his bondage to build a better life for himself and Stella. Lily, a Jewish woman in New York City, is married to Jacob, who also is a musician. She is an ardent abolitionist and fully supports her husband when he enlists to fight for the Union.

"THE THREAD COLLECTORS would be an excellent choice for a book club due to its historical significance, the juxtaposition of race and religion in a war that was steeped in racial prejudice, and the limitations placed upon women in mid-19th-century America."

Upon joining the Union forces, William meets Jacob almost immediately. After seeing William's flute, Jacob expresses to William how important it is for him to let his superior know that he's a musician. That sage advice results in William's survival, and the two become friends over their shared love of music.

William's past is horrific. Along with his mother’s malevolent cruelty, we learn about a young musician, Teddy, whom William has taken under his protection. Teddy's background is also shockingly violent.

Edwards and Richman bring these characters to life, and we come to admire them. Through their eyes, we see how some people can bestow light and generosity upon others. However, there are those --- particularly members of the clergy who certainly should know better --- who pander and change their beliefs when it suits their needs. Stella and Lily must face desperate situations in order to survive and help those they love.

This novel is about our history, and it's about the horrors and the beauty that mankind can inflict or bestow upon those who are considered "others." Even though Jacob is white, he is Jewish; while he has had his freedom, he has not always been viewed as an equal. To complicate matters, his only brother, who married a southerner, fought on the side of the Confederacy.

THE THREAD COLLECTORS would be an excellent choice for a book club due to its historical significance, the juxtaposition of race and religion in a war that was steeped in racial prejudice, and the limitations placed upon women in mid-19th-century America. In short, it is fitting grist for our 21st century's censorship mill. We see women who showed their strength and bravery in spite of society's (and men's) determination to keep them helpless.

Reviewed by Pamela Kramer on September 10, 2022

The Thread Collectors
by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman

  • Publication Date: August 30, 2022
  • Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Graydon House
  • ISBN-10: 1525899783
  • ISBN-13: 9781525899782