Underlying The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J Edwards and Alyson Richman is the tapestry of the Civil War. What makes this story unique among others of the same time period is the combination of perspectives - Black and Jewish. It is sad to see how many of the conversation about prejudice and bigotry still exist. At the same time, the book is inspiring in its story about how individuals can make a difference, one action at a time.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/11/the-thread-collectors.html

Reviewed for NetGalley. ( )

Set during the middle of the American Civil War, this novel intertwines between two men and two women: William and Stella, Jacob and Lily. William and Stella are enslaved in New Orleans by a cruel man who takes Stella as his mistress. William, though, has a talent for music and this helps him first as a slave, then when he enrolls in the Union army. Jacob and Lily are Jewish, from a small immigrant community in New York City. War brings together first Jacob and William, who discover a shared love of music. Stella and Lily use their sewing to aid the war effort and eventually, to help each other. A good read, overall, and one that highlights lesser known aspects of the Civil War. ( )

Content Warnings: Rape, slavery, prejudices, use of N word, war-time gore, death, lynching. (moderate)

The Thread Collectors follows two young women who have no choice but to be strong. While their battles are vastly different, both Stella and Lily fight for what they believe in by using their talents and strengths. We also look into the lives of their loved ones and how harsh the times were during the Civil War. Full of passion, joy, sorrow, and suspense, this story is sure to capture your attention. It does so by giving a detailed look into the lives of slaves and those enlisted during the Civil War. Authors Edwards and Richman excel at creating likable and real characters that you want to root for all the way through. I enjoyed the plotline, characters, and settings. Another bonus was the excellent use of music in the novel. Having said that, I think the pacing throughout could have been better applied. Some chapters that should have been longer to create a deep emotion were cut short, or others were longer and harder to engage with. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read. From the gorgeous cover to the charming characters, I recommend this as an entertaining Civil War historical fiction. ( )

I was quickly drawn into this historical fiction story and was captivated to the last page. It is an emotional read as the cruelty of both the war and the life of the slaves is clearly spelled out. My heart broke at such senseless loss of lives. This is a beautifully written story that embodies family and friendship.

Set during the Civil War, the story focuses on two couples. William and Stella are slaves in a small Creole cottage outside New Orleans. Jacob and Lily Kling are a Jewish couple living in New York. William and Jacob, both musicians, join the Union Army, become friends, and bond over their music. Lily, an abolitionist, stitches quilts and packages bandages to send to the Union troops. A talented seamstress, Stella embroidered intricate maps on cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. There are other very memorable characters that round out this amazing story.

This book is a collaboration between a Black author and a Jewish author. They bring pieces of their cultural and family histories to life and show how both Black soldiers and Jewish soldiers were marginalized in the Civil War. Edwards and Richman here give voice to these brave people.

Do not skip reading the Authors’ Notes as they address their real-life ancestors that influenced the characters in the book. ( )

In her debut novel, The Thread Collectors, Shaunna J. Edwards, along with older pro Alyson Richman (who I have read before) together have created an engrossing saga of the civil war. I was most impressed by the authors’ extensive research. The novel is just full of real events from this era. And the characters are loosely based on the ancestors of the authors, both black and Jewish people of that time.

There are two stories that enfold. Stella, a black woman and skilled seamstress in Louisiana, has a particular needlework skill. She sews maps with repurposed thread. Stella is kept by her master, but in love with a black slave, William, who enlists in the Union army. He is a very talented musician and plays the flute for his regiment. There he meets another musician, Jacob, a white Jewish man and they bond and become fast friends. Jacob’s wife Lily is back in New York City and helps the Union cause with various projects. Jacob also has a brother in Mississippi who is a confederate. This creates another point of tension in the story.

Although the novel starts out a bit slow, the pace picks up as the men face devastating problems and the story also captures the issues Stella faces as she is pregnant and those of Lily as she searches for her husband when she stops getting his letters.

Each in their own way show resiliency to survive the harsh realities of their circumstances and use their personal strengths to overcome what they are dealt. And thanks to Stella’s mapmaking skills the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. ( )