pickViolet is a spinster between the wars. Tired of living with her complaining mother, she sets out on on her own and finds out how difficult it is to live on her salary as a typist. Lonely and a little lost she stumbles on a group doing needlework for the local cathedral and joins them, impacting her life. I really liked reading about this period from Violet‘s perspective but it was so hard knowing that WWII was looming just around the corner.
pickI liked the story but thought the ending was too abrupt. I want to know what happened to them all!
A Single Thread was about Violet, a “surplus woman” trying to make a life for herself in 1932 Britain. Books about found families are usually very readable for me, and this was no exception.
‘Shhh!‘ Violet Speedwell frowned.
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pickSet between the great wars,Violet is a "surplus woman", one of many spinsters after WWI.She moved to Winchester to put some distance with her difficult mother, joins a group of broderers making cushions and kneelers for the cathedral and she starts to find her own place in the world. The problems women faced are the centre of the story but it doesn't feel heavy at all,and the embroidery project is a true story which makes it very interesting. ⬇️⬇️
pickSpent a lovely morning snacking and finishing this one. Set between the WWs in England, Violet is determined to be an independent woman. She becomes part of an embroidery circle and develops feelings for an older bell ringer. A slow burn that reminded me a little of Toibin‘s Brroklyn.
pickJust a light pick for me on this one, although on a different day I‘d probably have rated it more highly. A quality historical fiction about Victoria Speedwell, left a spinster by WW1, she gets involved with the “broderers” at Winchester Cathedral. I have read some great #spinsterlit this year and this didn‘t quite live up to others like Barbara Pym, but it did have more plot. Some fascinating historical details and great ambience and setting.
so-soConsider this book if you are a fan of historical fiction & subversive women. Set in 1930s England, Violet is a “surplus woman,” an unmarried woman in her 30s. Despondent at the outlook of her future, she resists social expectations & builds a life of her own design. I am glad I finished the book; a few of the characters grated on my nerves & I was particularly confused at the necessity of including one of the characters. CW: attempted assault.
