The Sewing Machine

My imagination is always captured by books where inanimate objects are a big part of the story and also books about hobbies such as knitting, sewing, gardening and such like. So as soon as I heard about a book called The Sewing Machine my interest was piqued, as you can imagine.

The sewing machine of the title is one that comes out of the Singer factory in Clydebank in 1911 and we then follow it on its journey right up to the present day. We meet Jean and Donald, both of whom were workers at the factory until a strike changed everything. We also meet Kathleen Baxter and her daughter, Connie, and then later on we meet Fred in the present day. Each set of characters' stories are told in alternating chapters and I enjoyed each thread show more (ahem!) of this lovely book.

What I particularly liked was the unravelling of the family histories and the way everything was interlinked. There were times when I couldn't see the links and when they were revealed I thought how clever they were. I also found the social history aspects fascinating.

I must admit a little tear did come into the corner of my eye towards the end. I had really come to care about the characters and I found a quite unexpected plot development quite moving.

The Sewing Machine is a really lovely debut novel with well-drawn characters and skilful plotting. I do hope that Natalie Fergie is planning book 2! show less

Interesting novel centered around a Singer sewing machine made in Scotland in the early 20th century and then as it makes its way into the hands of succeeding generations. An inadequate description, but close enough without giving too much away. I enjoyed the intricate story lines coming together, but I found the characters somewhat flat, and one of the main characters, Fred, was not a very believable man, i.e., it was clear that a woman wrote his character. Overall, an enjoyable, easy read.

I received this e-arc for an honest review from publisher, thank you!

Absolutely enjoyed this historical mystery fiction, for most of the book I was creating my theories how will it end and what's going to happen next! Interesting and beautifully written, there was something that reminded me of another book about the time the story took place in the past and at that moment I though, did they know...but of course, this is a historical fiction! All, I am trying to say - this story swallows you to the plot.

The book is about finding discoveries which you were not looking for, how one thing leads to another and how destiny may play a trick, a good one, how many heartbreaks one may have and complete disaster in life, but the main character show more lifts up and faces coincidences, which, with a little help, finds a way to grand you new reality of secrets that never were meant to be the secrets. I could see the character growth, it slowly builds up for Fred and other characters in each of the time gaps - Jean and Ruth.

This book speaks about Fred finding story behind his family roots, finding himself and what he enjoys the most. Jean finding her home and building life with ongoing belief and investment in her family life, as well, as a character Ruth - the story takes place in Scotland for each of the time gap. I was a little confused over the time stories and characters, but eventually it clears. show less

This debut work is historical fiction told in three or more timelines, following a single sewing machine, the Singer 99K, first produced in 1911. The premise had me from the beginning, but I was uninspired by the writing and the storytelling until at least the halfway point. Having finished on a surprising upbeat, I may go back to reread the first half.
I am always a sucker for the author’s backstory and this one didn’t disappoint. In addition to being a maker in the textile trade, she collects old sewing machines. For others who do the same, this will scratch that itch. I am not a collector, but having just donated my mother’s old Singer last year, I did feel a bit of donator’s remorse. All in all, I would recommend this book show more as a worthwhile read for those who find a story with a sewing backdrop an intriguing premise. show less

One sewing machine. Two families. A story that is told across four generations.

This was a fun story! For the most part, we follow three characters: Fred in 2016, Jean beginning in 1911, and Connie in the 1950s. (A fourth character appears in the last third of the book and really brings everything together.) For each person, we see them at their lowest and how sewing affected their lives.

While I enjoyed each character, it was a bit jarring jumping back and forth between them. I'd have to pause and remind myself of who I was currently reading about, who was closest to them, and what they were dealing with. It is also written in the present tense, which I don't like (as I'm sure I've mentioned frequently).

Still, it was a heartwarming show more tale, and I loved seeing how things entwined throughout the years. show less

This is one of the best books that I, a seamster, crafter, and my husband, a geneologist with Scottish roots have read recently. Despite the title, it will charm readers with various interests, and how the story line evolves through time and how connections are made in present time document the evolution of social and industrial history in Scotland. A wonderful read, and we can't wait for Ms. Fergie's next book!

A lovely tale over four generations and two families, tied by a humble Singer sewing machine. As it happens, my mum used to have an old Singer, the type incorporated in a wooden cabinet, and with the threading pedal to let it work. That is the machine I learnt to sew, followed by my mum, when I was 11. So, when I read that the book was about to come out, it was a no brainer: I needed to read it, and it did not disappoint.
What did I like most? The author's prosa, absolutely on the spot - there is not a word out of place, you just read the story and it flows.
I hope now to see another publication in the near future, for more lovely reading material that is does not make the mistake to become too sugary sweet.