Reviews

Violet Speedwell has lost her brother and her fiancé in WW1 and like many other women finds herself without a role in life. She escapes her domineering mother to live in Winchester and secures a role as a typist. One day she happens across a group of Broderers in Winchester Cathedral who needlepoint kneelers for the church. She is accepted into the group and here her journey into her new found confidence begins. The Cathedral also has a group of male bell ringers who add another interesting facet to her story. Through friendship and community Violet gradually finds her voice in an era of surplus women and eventually overcomes hers grief and loss. This is a heartwarming story, beautifully written by Tracy Chevalier. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book. A favourable review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own.

sweet_sakura's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad

4.75

kblenky's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

el1books's review against another edition

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informative fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

khornstein1's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5
There's a lot to like here: Cathedrals, kneeler cushions, embroidery, bell-ringing, England between the two WW's. It reminded me a bit of the aga sagas I used to read compulsively, but it avoided cliches and a predictable plot.

I wish the book had gone a bit further. There are some deeper issues around family trauma, loneliness, the role of religion in the midst of suffering (surprisingly little actual spirituality in a book about churches though two characters at least find the church has "failed" them) that I would have liked to have seen explored but that's me (I?) and my interests. I think those looking for a sense of place and historical detail will enjoy this book.

I received an advance copy of this book with no expectation that I'd review it fwiw.

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