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A Single Thread, Tracy Chevalier
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Set in 1932 Winchester, A Single Thread follows Violet Speedwell, one of the so‑called “surplus women” left unmarriageable in the wake of the Great War. Seeking solace beyond her mother’s oppressive home, she discovers purpose and kinship among the Winchester Cathedral broderers—an embroidery circle reviving ancient kneeler‑making traditions. Tracy Chevalier weaves grief, love, and craft into a moving tapestry: Violet’s meticulous stitching echoes her emotional mending, while the looming spectre of another world war threads through the narrative.
Quiet yet richly textured, the novel blends historical detail—bell‑ringing rituals, medieval embroidery techniques—with intimate scenes of female solidarity and unexpected romance. Chevalier captures the rhythm of communal stitching as a metaphor for rebuilding life: each thread linking past to future, ritual to resilience, and solitude to shared purpose.
About the Author
Tracy Chevalier (b. 1962, Washington DC) is an American‑British novelist celebrated for historical fiction infused with artistic nuance—best known for Girl with a Pearl Earring (adapted into the acclaimed 2003 film) . A BA graduate of Oberlin and MA in Creative Writing from UEA, she transitioned from publishing into fiction and now lives in London, balancing family life with her literary career.
Publication date: 2019
Publisher: Viking / Amulet UK
Pages: 335
ISBN: 9780008153816
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1 review
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Sue B. A lovely book that tells of a loving relationship. It also tells the story of the embroideries in Winchester Cathedral and how and why they were made. I now want to go and see them. It's both entertaining and informative, with a perfect blend of fact and fiction. I love all of Tracy Chevalier's books for the intelligent and gentle way she blends true history with imaginative contributions to that history.
Thank you for sharing such a lovely review with us Sue. We’re delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the book and Tracy Chevalier’s beautiful blend of history and imagination. It’s wonderful that the story has inspired you to visit the embroideries in Winchester Cathedral, we hope you have a lovely visit.
Thank you for your support in the Selvedge Community, it is very much appreciated.
Jane Laverty
Customer Service Manager
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