Tracy Chevalier

A book by Tracy Chevalier is always good value. She tells a good yarn, and while her subject matter is well-researched, she wears her learning lightly. This book got off on the wrong foot however. The tale of the over-sexed miniature painter, Nicholas des Innnocents, and his first foray into tapestry design struck a false note with me from the earliest pages. I simply didn't believe that the 14 year old daughter of nobleman Jean le Viste would all but give herself, on the slightest of acquaintance, and under the table at that, to this artist.

Things improved. I was interested in the weavers of Bruges who have to interpret Nicholas' design. The difficulties they encountered and the personalities involved got me interested. I wanted to know how the story would play out. It was a pity that at the end of the book, there was more scarcely credible under-the-table action.

The tapestries exists to this day. The story that Chevalier weaves is in no sense an account of its history. But it's an involving story, with just a few incredible plot details that somewhat spoilt the book for me.… (more)

I normally like Chevalier's writing, but this was a disappointment. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the book looks at the lives of two contrasting families, using the various voices of those family members - and a gravedigger's son, too. I didn't believe in the voices of any of them, and I found the story stretched credibilty. I really couldn't believe in any of the sexual adventures that were hinted at more than described. Chevalier writes well, and carries the reader along with ease, so I finished the book, but was glad to do so quickly, to get on to something more rewarding.… (more)

An extremely readable novel, bringing alive the role of Quakers in assisting, or failing to assist slaves in 1850s America running to safety, often to Canada. Honor Bright is herself in a sense a runaway, a young English Quaker who unexpectedly chooses to leave for America with her sister,after being jilted. She lives a quiet unassuming life and finds adapting to America difficult.

Her struggles, and her unwitting involvement with helping runaway slaves is the subject of this book. As is quilting. I'd nver have imagined anyone could present needlework to me in a positive light, but quilting is the unsung heroine of the story too: the quiet satisfactions that sitting working with cloth and thread brings to craftswoman and user alike.

A satisfying, believable book, with characters who bring an understanding of the times and culture to the reader.… (more)