Tracy Chevalier’s novels are absolutely beautiful, and her latest book, A Single Thread, is no exception, with the added distinction that it might be my new favorite title by this author.
A Single Thread reminds you how enjoyable it is to lose yourself in another time period. I savored each and every page of this novel set in 1930s England, which is a time period I don’t often encounter. So much historical fiction focuses on WWII, but few authors write about that gap between the two Great Wars, which holds much more depth, emotion, and possibility than I could have imagined.
The shadow of WWI looms over everything in A Single Thread — every person, every conversation, every interaction. Main character Violet’s life is forever changed when both her fiancé and her brother are killed in WWI. At 38 years old and without a husband to take care of her, Violet is deemed a “surplus” woman, expected to sacrifice any hope of a personal life in order to take care of her elderly relatives.
Violet is the exception to this societal rule, though she’s still figuring out how to rebel against it at the start of A Single Thread. This theme of rebellion runs quietly but strongly through the entire novel. I love that Violet seeks out a life for herself, despite everyone telling her that she doesn’t deserve it, simply because she’s a woman.
Her rebellions start out small, and they become larger as her self-confidence grows: living on her own, asking for a raise at her job (gasp!), and joining an embroidery club when she doesn’t know how to embroider (she learns, don’t worry). By the end of the novel, I jumped up and cheered at Violet’s bravery, tenacity, and her biggest rebellion yet.
Violet is my hero. She’ll be most women’s hero, I think.
Among all this heroism is the wonderful attention to historical and cultural detail that makes up a quintessential Chevalier novel. A Single Thread delves into the intricate but fascinating how-tos of embroidery (a.k.a., needlepoint) and church/cathedral bell-ringing, opening windows into worlds that I never really gave much thought to before. I was enchanted by what I learned, and as Violet takes both these activities into her life and her soul, so does the reader.
I’ll always champion Tracey Chevalier novels, but A Single Thread is by far one of the best. If you’re a lover of historical fiction, please, please read this book.
And be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding!
Ooooo I’ve read several Tracy Chevalier books and loved them, so I’m adding this one to my TBR right meow! Thanks for the recommendation!
hahaha, right meow!!!! I love it. 🙂 I hope you enjoy this Chevalier novel as much as I did!