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Dropped Threads #2
Dropped Threads 2: More of What We Aren't Told
Dropped Threads 2 The idea for Dropped What We Aren't Told came up between Carol Shields and longtime friend Marjorie Anderson over lunch. It appeared that after decades of feminism, the "women's network" still wasn't able to prevent women being caught off-guard by life. There remained subjects women just didn't talk about, or felt they couldn't talk about. Holes existed in the fabric of women's discourse,... Full description
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2003
15 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Carol Shields
74 books671 followersCarol Ann Shields was an American-born Canadian author. She is best known for her successful 1993 novel The Stone Diaries, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction as well as the Governor General's Award. Her novel Swann won the Best Novel Arthur Ellis Award in 1988.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 25, 2018
Readers will again experience the shock of recognition that comes from bumping up against thoughts and feelings that mirror their own. Other writers expose us to unfamiliar terrain, dark patches of brutality or misfortune that many of us may never experience personally. What is common to each of these accounts, though, is a journey to the heart of one woman's private experience that she wants – and needs – to tell others.
Editor Marjorie Anderson wrote the above in the Introduction to Dropped Threads 2 and it pretty much captures what makes this collection of essays different from the first volume in this series (Dropped Threads): while the first attempted to capture some underdiscussed but universal women's experiences, this volume is darker; more focussed on the negative. Writers outline sudden widowhood, divorce, domestic abuse and rape, failing to bond with a newborn, the heartbreak of infertility (and the helplessness of overfertility and requiring several abortions while your best friend remains barren). More than one woman rides the crest of second-wave feminism into lesbianism; more than one confronts a breast cancer diagnosis. Compared to the first collection, I had very few moments of personal connection to these experiences, but ultimately, I still felt privileged to read these women's truths; it's still a remarkable thing for the editors to have assembled all these stories in one volume.
It wouldn't feel appropriate to “evaluate” the narratives that were forged in these writers' most painful experiences, but I will note that I was interested by the number of them who fought to carve out a space in which to record their own truths (from Alison Wearing, who allowed herself to be overshadowed by her more famous author boyfriend until she broke free; to Carole Sabiston, who sold off everything to move with her toddler son to Spain and concentrate on her fibre art); so many of these women describe waiting for a few quiet hours while their children slept in order to work on their novels and art. A few random quotes that asked to be noted:
• What's incredible is that it almost bores me to write this. I have lived these thoughts so long that everything seems tedious. Redundant. Difficult to imagine as something you would even care to read. I don't want your pity. Everything I need to be here writing this is already mine; otherwise I would be dead. It's that simple. Pamela Mala Sinha in Hiding
• Now I stare at these words and wonder how I managed to pull them out without breaking apart. Recalled one by one, the scattered memories had always been manageable. Combined, they felt heavier and more lethal. Lisa Gregoire in Northern Lights and Darkness
•I was a spoiled, immature twenty-year-old and scared stiff something awful would happen to my child and everyone would blame me. Motherhood was the final exam; I hadn't studied and got caught cheating. C. J. Papoutsis in They Didn't Come With Instructions
• Anti-Semitism was the shard of glass in the pale custard of Toronto society. Michele Landsberg in Don't Say Anything
I would also like to note that many of these contributors are from generations before me, writing about “the patriarchy” in a way that feels dated (but as a time capsule of thought, still valuable). And I knew that I would find kneejerk anti-Americanism in Maude Barlow's contribution on travelling with an NGO to Iraq in 1991 (they have endured horrible deprivation under the U.S. embargo that has killed so many children and crippled the economy of their country) and was unsurprised to find it again in Sandra Beardsall's piece on travelling to the poorest corner of India (even as the West rained terror just over the northwestern horizon in the opening volleys of the Gulf War); contributions from only one political point-of-view seems to undermine the aim of universality. But, I suppose, that's the nature of collecting personal stories from thirty-five different women: there's an unevenness to the pieces that led to an unevenness in my enjoyment, but the experience was overwhelmingly positive; I'm not certain this is aimed at my enjoyment. There's truth here and I am a grateful witness.
August 1, 2019
This is the follow-up to a similar book of brief (10-page) memoirs by Canadian women about their relationship with literature/writing. It is edited by Carol Shields and Marjory Anderson. I missed reading Dropped Threads 1, but I intend to get hold of it.
I have to say that I related to every piece of work, on some level. First, these women grew up in Canada, and many of them are my age or older. Second, I love language and that is the theme for each of these women's stories. Third, even if I didn't have the actual experience that they spoke of, I could relate to it because a friend had that experience or someone else that I know-- or I have read about the experience so often that it is familiar to me. This was a cuddly, woman-friendly book. I read about 3-5 of the stories each day and felt inspired.
I have to say that I related to every piece of work, on some level. First, these women grew up in Canada, and many of them are my age or older. Second, I love language and that is the theme for each of these women's stories. Third, even if I didn't have the actual experience that they spoke of, I could relate to it because a friend had that experience or someone else that I know-- or I have read about the experience so often that it is familiar to me. This was a cuddly, woman-friendly book. I read about 3-5 of the stories each day and felt inspired.
June 26, 2015
Reading these stories feels something like peeking into a room I wasn't actually invited into, not as if I was barred from entry, just that I wasn't invited into. Although, it did seem a little more welcoming than the first.
Some of the stories were absolutely wrenching and sad, a few were funny in touchy way and most held a nugget of information I'd never considered. Another wonderfully informative and intriguing collection of stories. Very worthwhile read.
Some of the stories were absolutely wrenching and sad, a few were funny in touchy way and most held a nugget of information I'd never considered. Another wonderfully informative and intriguing collection of stories. Very worthwhile read.
December 6, 2011
Thirty-five stories as a follow-up to book 1! I was so happy when this volume came out and that so many of the women authors I had been reading had stories there. The theme - life's defining moments of surprise and silence.
So good to have these collections to return to often.
So good to have these collections to return to often.
April 21, 2021
This anthology is like a cross between ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ and ‘Lilith Fair’. The brand of feminism feels out of date for 2021, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
November 16, 2023
There were a few stories that bored me and a few that i enjoyed.
I would love to read a version of this book written in 2023.
I would love to read a version of this book written in 2023.
July 23, 2022
A great summer read! Some strong writing especially in the first section "End Notes".
Loved this line by Lisa Gregoire in her essay "Northern Lights and Darkness" - "Walking on the land became my favourite pastime. No trees. No people. No power lines. Just crunchy snow and the green shimmy of the northern lights like silent, magic wind." (p. 96)
Loved this line by Lisa Gregoire in her essay "Northern Lights and Darkness" - "Walking on the land became my favourite pastime. No trees. No people. No power lines. Just crunchy snow and the green shimmy of the northern lights like silent, magic wind." (p. 96)
May 15, 2018
Interesting reflections about how being a Canadian woman affected women's perception of who they have become over the years and often explains why. Short, heartfelt stories that will infiltrate every woman's soul.
June 25, 2018
A real diverse selection of stories - motherhood, cancer, aging, loss, love and more. Some stories were very engaging and brought me to tears, others I couldn’t get into and skipped through. Good if you only have short bits of time to read. I read while breast pumping for my baby. Each story was about a 15 minute read.
May 6, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed reading these women's reflections. It's amazing how our experiences as women are different and yet the same.
I will be rereading this anthology from time to time to remind myself of why I take pride in being a woman ❤️
4.5 🌟
I will be rereading this anthology from time to time to remind myself of why I take pride in being a woman ❤️
4.5 🌟
September 29, 2017
The first few stories were good but then it just got repetitious.
May 3, 2018
Amazing compilation of short stories by incredibly brave, honest women.
April 18, 2022
Friends Carol Shields and Marjory Anderson lament the fact that despite all the progress women have made in the past few years, there are still many subjects they do not feel comfortable discussing openly. They decided to co-author a book addressing the issue and asked women to submit those kinds of stories which they planned to compile in a book. The result was “Dropped Threads: What We Aren’t Told” which was so popular, Shields and Anderson continued the work, ultimately producing a three-part anthology. Unlike my now established pattern of reading almost everything in order, I started with the second volume “Dropped Threads 2: More of What We Aren’t Told”. It was excellent. So in later years I went back to the first volume and read it as well.
The book is divided into four sections: End Notes, Variations, Glimpses and Nourishment. I am not sure how it separates the content but it does provide an overarching framework for the various essays.
There are many interesting and intimate stories, some by novelists such as Jane Urquhart and Susan Swann, one by politician Flora MacDonald and another by broadcaster Shelagh Rogers. But there are also entries by a number of unknown writers who penned pieces on everything from widowhood and violence, to disease and death. Each author reveals how their experience has changed them, how they have tried to understand and accept it and how some (but not all), have moved on.
In this wide variety of themes every woman will find something that feels familiar. In one, a lesbian takes on the role of parenthood while in another a woman makes a conscious decision to avoid marriage and parenthood altogether. One recounts the problem of managing friendships which are supposed to be supportive and satisfying but lack that something that makes them so. Another questions how to handle quarrels or thoughtless, unkind comments (sometimes intentional, sometimes not), that may be hurled their way. Each writer speaks of trying to learn from the event they describe, as they navigate their life through what may be troubled times.
Women readers may not have had some of the same experiences as these writers but will still recognize much of the subject matter presented here, whether it be the woman who buries her needs beneath those of her partner, a description of abuse at the hands of an alcoholic mother, a harried mother so distraught and sleep deprived it brings her to the brink of an unspeakable act or a rape that results in self-hatred and an undying need for revenge. And there is that other connecting story, one of a moment many women will remember: the absolute stillness that came when a doctor told her she had breast cancer and everything that happened after was framed as a “before or after” moment. There is another common experience of someone trying to fit into her new family connected by marriage but one so very unlike the one she grew up in.
Among these important, intimate and intense moments, Shields and Anderson have been careful to include some humour, knowing that it is important to relieve the tension that naturally arises in a volume filled with such honest, difficult stories. One, about how unprepared most mothers are to raise children, presents many comical moments in a piece on how smelly, sticky and loud children, appear abruptly in our lives, arriving “without instructions”.
The importance of the events presented is revealed through each writer’s clear memories. They still lie buried in their consciousness and their willingness to admit to and share them, even though they have never spoken of them openly, gives this volume the power that lies on its pages.
The submissions by writers are very different from those of the others. Certainly, they are better written but those by the others have a tone and a depth not present in the writers' essays. It's as if the skill of the experienced writers has shaved off the emotional edge of their stories while the others have let their intense feelings fall unencumbered on the page.
Each reader will react to the various submissions in their own unique way based on their life experiences, beliefs and values. Reading about intensely emotional experiences is not easy so they are best enjoyed a few at a time rather than in one sit down to go through the entire book. It would be too much taken in one fell swoop.
The book is divided into four sections: End Notes, Variations, Glimpses and Nourishment. I am not sure how it separates the content but it does provide an overarching framework for the various essays.
There are many interesting and intimate stories, some by novelists such as Jane Urquhart and Susan Swann, one by politician Flora MacDonald and another by broadcaster Shelagh Rogers. But there are also entries by a number of unknown writers who penned pieces on everything from widowhood and violence, to disease and death. Each author reveals how their experience has changed them, how they have tried to understand and accept it and how some (but not all), have moved on.
In this wide variety of themes every woman will find something that feels familiar. In one, a lesbian takes on the role of parenthood while in another a woman makes a conscious decision to avoid marriage and parenthood altogether. One recounts the problem of managing friendships which are supposed to be supportive and satisfying but lack that something that makes them so. Another questions how to handle quarrels or thoughtless, unkind comments (sometimes intentional, sometimes not), that may be hurled their way. Each writer speaks of trying to learn from the event they describe, as they navigate their life through what may be troubled times.
Women readers may not have had some of the same experiences as these writers but will still recognize much of the subject matter presented here, whether it be the woman who buries her needs beneath those of her partner, a description of abuse at the hands of an alcoholic mother, a harried mother so distraught and sleep deprived it brings her to the brink of an unspeakable act or a rape that results in self-hatred and an undying need for revenge. And there is that other connecting story, one of a moment many women will remember: the absolute stillness that came when a doctor told her she had breast cancer and everything that happened after was framed as a “before or after” moment. There is another common experience of someone trying to fit into her new family connected by marriage but one so very unlike the one she grew up in.
Among these important, intimate and intense moments, Shields and Anderson have been careful to include some humour, knowing that it is important to relieve the tension that naturally arises in a volume filled with such honest, difficult stories. One, about how unprepared most mothers are to raise children, presents many comical moments in a piece on how smelly, sticky and loud children, appear abruptly in our lives, arriving “without instructions”.
The importance of the events presented is revealed through each writer’s clear memories. They still lie buried in their consciousness and their willingness to admit to and share them, even though they have never spoken of them openly, gives this volume the power that lies on its pages.
The submissions by writers are very different from those of the others. Certainly, they are better written but those by the others have a tone and a depth not present in the writers' essays. It's as if the skill of the experienced writers has shaved off the emotional edge of their stories while the others have let their intense feelings fall unencumbered on the page.
Each reader will react to the various submissions in their own unique way based on their life experiences, beliefs and values. Reading about intensely emotional experiences is not easy so they are best enjoyed a few at a time rather than in one sit down to go through the entire book. It would be too much taken in one fell swoop.
April 9, 2020
Happy to have this book on the shelf, and truly enjoyed revisiting this anthology. It is so well curated. Intimate details bravely shared but seldom spoken. Such a valuable read that makes me appreciate all the women in my life, and those I pass on the street or sit with on public transportation. There is power in sharing our stories, and strength gained by deep listening.
July 12, 2016
I had forgotten how much I liked Dropped Threads, the original! This 2nd look at what women aren't told again is a collection of essays by Canadian women writers, some famous like Maud Barlow and Jane Urquhart and others not so famous. All but 2 or 3 of the stories were incredibly moving. Some sad like Urquhart's opening essay 'Losing Paul', or terrifying as Pamela Mala Sinha's 'Hiding' or funny like Elizabeth Hay's 'Ten Beauty Tips You Never Asked For'. I would be hard pressed to pick a favourite. Most are truly inspiring. A must read for not just women but for men that might want to understand us just a titch more!
November 5, 2013
Similar to the first collection this compendium of works by female Canadian authors sheds light into the shadowy crevices where intimate knowledge is left because it is, for some strange reason, unspeakable. Tales in this collection run the gamut from surviving sexual assault, to surviving six siblings. Everyone makes it through, one step at a time. Like it's predecessor, the collection is a good way to get a sense of the voices of some of these key figures in Canadian literature, and to decide if you'd like to plunge into their full length works.
August 17, 2015
This book played out exactly as expected. Many women tell their stories about life, death, illness, pregnancy, motherhood and love. There were some memorable tales but most just felt like boring family dinner conversation.
February 25, 2007
First book of compilations was better than this sequel (but did not appear in goodreads' list of books) : DROPPED THREADS - What We Aren't Told: Carol Shiels, Marjorie Anderson et all.
January 3, 2008
A bit depressing for me to read..
June 9, 2011
Loved everyone of the Dropped Threads
June 30, 2011
This month's book club pick. I need to get started on it.
August 31, 2007
An amazing and candid look into the thoughts and lives of women and their lived experiences!
May 18, 2012
Some stories broke my heart, others were just OK.
April 18, 2018
I really enjoyed these stories of women’s lives. They covered a range of topics like loss, death and abuse with gentle insight - what we aren’t told. And that is the subtitle - What We Aren’t Told. It’s a little dated, being published in 2003. It would be wonderful if someone compiled a current anthology. I’m on the lookout …
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews