The Thread Collectors: A Novel
Written by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman
Narrated by Robin Miles
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
“A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife
1863: In a small Creole cottage in New Orleans, an ingenious young Black woman named Stella embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Bound to a man who would kill her if he knew of her clandestine activities, Stella has to hide not only her efforts but her love for William, a Black soldier and a brilliant musician.
Meanwhile, in New York City, a Jewish woman stitches a quilt for her husband, who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. Between abolitionist meetings, Lily rolls bandages and crafts quilts with her sewing circle for other soldiers, too, hoping for their safe return home. But when months go by without word from her husband, Lily resolves to make the perilous journey South to search for him.
As these two women risk everything for love and freedom during the brutal Civil War, their paths converge in New Orleans, where an unexpected encounter leads them to discover that even the most delicate threads have the capacity to save us. Loosely inspired by the authors' family histories, this stunning novel will stay with readers for a long time.
Shaunna J. Edwards
SHAUNNA J. EDWARDS has a BA in literature from Harvard College and a JD from NYU School of Law. A former corporate lawyer, she now works in diversity, equity and inclusion. She is a native Louisianian, raised in New Orleans, and currently lives in Harlem with her husband. The Thread Collectors is her first novel. Find her on Instagram, @shaunnajedwards.
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Reviews for The Thread Collectors
40 ratings4 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be an interesting and beautifully written historical fiction novel. It offers a unique perspective on the Civil War through the friendship of two musician soldiers, one Jewish and one African American. The book explores themes of unlikely friendships, life during the war, and sacrifice for loved ones. Readers appreciate the well-thought-out plot and enjoy the book in both written and audio formats.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Loved how this book intertwine the lives of two women on two completely different sides of race and wealth. Showing that love for one another will bring us together no matter what color we are on the outside.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5An interesting view of the Civil War told from the unique perspective of two musician soliders who become friends while serving together. One a jewish solider and one an African American.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Incredible historical fiction novel about unlikely friendships, life during the civil war and sacrifice for loved ones. Beautifully written and wonderful on audio.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Loved it, well thought out.
Liked how read. Historical fiction!