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2023/2 Discussion of The Thread Collectors, by Edwards and Richman--Mod's Choice
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It is always interesting to read about Jews here during the Civil War. This story, told from the points of views of two "outsider" groups - Blacks and Jews - is an interesting snapshot of that time. As truth is stranger than fiction, it would be far less believable if it was not based upon the facts of one of the author's family members. I enjoyed the writing, the story compelled me forward, and I was rooting for the characters.
Mod
Kzar,
Glad you enjoyed this as I did.
It didn't phase me about one of the author's family members. It actually was a plus for me while reading it as it made me feel like an insider. When I heard the authors speak, they included that part. It was one of the reason that precipitated them to write it. I don't know if they found that info in their research or knew it before.
Happy to see your 5*
It's a bit like the PBS Looking for Your Roots program - you never know what you may find in your family tree. I don't want to have any spoilers, but the ending was what was so incredibly implausible to me. I would have never expected it to end that way.
Boy that's hard to write without spoilers!!
Mod
I don't want to have any spoilers, but the ending was what was so incredibly implaus..."
It certainly is Kzar :)
No way I can comment w/o a spoiler either.
I will wait to ask you a question or two.
Mod
Alyson Richman will tell you word of mouth is the best way to share a book.
Shaunna Edwards doesn't disagree and is elated this book is loved by many.
Both are a great a great duo for penning a book, and by the way, the perfect timing of its release couldn't have been predicted by even the best psychic. :)
This particular book spans through the Civil War, highlighting two families. One jewish, one black. Although it is a work of historical fiction, both share some of their own family histories in this book.
This a very different book that reads as though you are included in the their story.
Alyson Richman is a seasoned wonderful author whose other books we know such as "The Lost Wife and "The Velvet Hours".
Shaunna J. Edwards is no stranger as she is a longtime friend of Richmonds. With her BA in literature from Harvard she is an outstanding attorney who now works in the field of diversity. When the two teamed up, out came this incredible book.
Many other reviewers have written great comments that does this book justice.
It so happens this story incorporates many relevant topics regardless of the books timeline.
What will have changed regarding these same topics so many years later.
I truly believe there needs to be a sequel and hope it comes to fruition.
Thank you for this background on the authors.I truly enjoyed the writing of the stories. How people were treated, that is another story. We still see the double standards of "do what I say, not what I do" everywhere, and the lack of regard for human lives is too much in the news. As I have listened to the terrible Alex Murdaugh testimony, it feels like I am listening to Stella's owner - all about their privilege and hardships with no care for others.
I would have liked to hear more about how Jews were treated in the military. I have only read one book - a children's book - on Jews having a seder during the civil war so I was interested in learning more (I have forgotten all the names and it was a library book!)
Mod
I truly enjoyed the writing of the stories. How people were treated, that is another story. We still see the double standards of "do what I say, not w..."
Kszr,
You know, you are right about the AM trial!!! Never put that together. I have been watching as well and will never understand this.
So.. What changes in a lifetime. Not much when you prioritize what's important to you. There has become an updated version of a sense of entitlement that snowballs into ill will.
I would have also liked to know more about what went on in the military. I should have asked. :(
Stories like this help keep the horrors of slavery alive. This is why we need to keep telling those stories, just like the stories of the holocaust. No one should ever forget the depths of pain that those "in power" have inflicted. Power corrupts completely. It is true everywhere and in every conflict that is and ever was. Compassion and empathy are the first things lost in the wars of freedoms, and even in the name of G-d.
Sorry about the soap box.
Mod
Kszr-
Ha, On the contrary- Im right next to you on this.
Glad to have the company!
Mod
I enjoyed this book. I found the characters relatable and compelling. I thought the black characters were especially so. The ending felt a little rushed, but I would definitely recommend it as a read to others and would read a sequel, if there is one!
Mod
Thank you for the comment Melissa.
Always great reading your reviews as well.
For me, a book reads more personal when you have had interaction with the authors.
Great and extremely smart women!
I did a good deal of complaining while listening to this book, but the premise was actually a really fascinating one. To look at the experiences of a Jewish woman and an African American enslaved woman whose lives are intertwined in the North and South during the Civil War. The book is co-authored by two women who wanted to honor their legacies both, and bring some light from darkness. Both women fight for freedom, and to bring home their men. It wasn't an easy listen. Parts of the book were tough and tragic, and this era should not have been "whitewashed". Just the same, it wasn't easy to read, hear, or imagine. Our country's history and behavior has many things to apologize for. The dignity in this book, and the beauty of the music however, were a transcendent harmony and counterpoint to a very dark dark time.
About the listen - I would not recommend the audio. I have long complained these weeks, that the narrator chose to do young Lily's voice as a hag from the Shetl, and was almost as comical with Jacob. To hear them dialogue together, one would think they were hearing Max and Esther at the Deli, rather than a fiery young abolitionist and her gallant musician-soldier husband. Must Lily sound like the old witch who stole Ariel's voice in The Little Mermaid, but with a hankering for tongue and motzah ball soup? No Can Do. That said, the story came through anyway. I liked how it eventually wove together. And waiting for these moments of reunion to occur - well that was the reason for plowing through, when at times I wondered if I would really persevere.
I rather liked it, but more than that, I thought it was important. And important voice about an important time in history. It elevated something dark and gave it some light and music. I am quite glad I persevered.
Mod
That audio version sounds ludicrous, Amy. I didn't try audio on this one; have the library hardback. But, yuck, sounds bad! Why would she think they had an accent? Their parents were the immigrants! (I can't even stand southern accents on TV.)
I have just finished Part 1. My other book group met today; I asked them not to tell me "what happened," and for the most part they didn't.
Mod
Amy and Jan-
I'm so sorry-
I should have said the audio wasn't forgiving; reading was the way to go. I don't know who did the audio version..
So glad that I read this one!!
Amy wrote: "I did a good deal of complaining while listening to this book, but the premise was actually a really fascinating one. To look at the experiences of a Jewish woman and an African American enslaved w..."Thank you for your review it's great. I love your description of the voices, and I'm so glad I read it and didn't listen to it!
Mod
Me too :)
This is especially for those who wanted historical fiction. 🥰
It's okay to jump on in; just hold back for a while on telling too much about "what happens." Enjoy!