Reviews

Le Fil Des Souvenirs by Victoria Hislop

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teadrinker90's review against another edition

2.0

I was looking forward to reading this book after enjoying Hislop's first two novels. I have never considered her an amazing writer, but I sometimes enjoy a nice easy read and 'The Thread' satisfied me in my need for this; however a few things bothered me. I found the relationship between Dimitri and Katerina unsatisfying and lacking in depth as there seemed to be no real development of their love for one another. I also found the ending to be a bit too ‘happy’ and potentially unrealistic, given the circumstances, for example the ideal timing of the death of Katerina’s husband, just as she realises she is pregnant with Dimitri’s baby. Furthermore I found the beginning and end of the novel regarding Mitsos, their grandchild, unnecessary and irrelevant to the whole story. I recommend this book but only as a light summer read, don’t expect anything spectacular.

kyliew52's review against another edition

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4.0

Having read a few other reviews, I have to agree that perhaps it is a little bit wooden at times, and for what is at times a very tragic tale, I didn't cry (and I cry easily at books). However, I did finish it in about 2 1/2 days and definitely enjoyed it and found the history very interesting - not something I knew much about. I'd recommend Victoria Hislop's other books, and also Captain Corelli's Mandolin - different author, but similar subject matter and much more emotionally told.

joangittel's review against another edition

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4.0

I just returned from a trip to Thessaloniki and wanted to learn more about the history of this city, particularly the Jewish history.
This book certainly filled that need, with an epic that started with the 1917 fire that razed large parts of the city, through the deportation of the Jews during WWII and through the start of the new century.
Interesting characters, compelling story, even if at the end it was a little too contrived, and definitely a worthwhile, memorable read.

lenouch's review

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emotional informative 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? No

4.5

ecclescake's review against another edition

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4.0

As with her previous books, Victoria Hislop has written a cracking good story that educates as well as entertains, this time telling the story of the Greek people between the wars, during the German occupation and the dictatorship that followed. Her well-written characters really bring history to life.

As the story begins at the end and is told in retrospect, we already know that Katerina and Dimitri marry and have a family, so it's not so much a case of "will they, won't they?" as "how on earth did they manage to?".

How long do we have to wait for VH's next book??!!