A Single Thread is a historical fiction novel by Tracy Chevalier.
The story follows Violet Speedwell, a young woman in post-World War I Britain. As a “surplus woman,” she grapples with independence and societal expectations while trying to find her place in the world.
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Book Blurb
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.
A Single Thread Book Review: My Opinion
I had high hopes for .this novel based off it’s intriguing premise, but sadly I found it quite disappointing.
The story centres on Violet Speedwell who is classified as a “surplus woman”. I couldn’t believe such an appalling term was commonly used to describe those who were left without partners after WWI. The exploration of societal change and the challenges faced by these women is something that I would usually enjoy, but unfortunately the execution fell flat for me.
I struggled to connect with Violet, even though I admired her desire for change. Her journey as a low-key feminist striving for independence is inspiring, particularly in a society that tries to define women by their circumstances. However, I couldn’t relate to her or her decision-making and it made it difficult to root for her.
I appreciated the inclusion of the real-life character Louise Pessel, which added an interesting layer to the story. However, the pacing was extremely slow, and I found it a bit boring at times. The focus on embroidery and bell ringing was beautifully described but not particularly interesting. Instead, I found it contributed to the sluggish pace.
That said, I did enjoy the themes of friendship and community that ran through the story. Chevalier’s writing is undeniably beautiful and captured the prejudices women faces at that time.
Overall, while A Single Thread had its moments, I just didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped.