A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier
The British press called them "surplus women" - hundreds of thousands of women unlikely to marry due to the vast number of British men of their generation who were killed in World War I (over 2,000,000). Violet Speedwell is one of these women, working to support herself as a typist and create a life for herself in the cathedral town of Winchester. She accidentally comes upon a group of cathedral broderers, women who do needlepoint to cover the kneelers and cushions in Winchester Cathedral and bring comfort to the worshippers. Violet's decision to join the group brings her friendship and the support of community, while ultimately changing the course of her life.
Historical fiction is like mental sorbet for me: in between the heavier works of literary fiction and complex thrillers, historical fiction like this is gentle and understated, soothing in the troubled times we live in. I especially enjoy historical fiction that focuses on largely unknown or hidden facets of history, in this case, the lives of the surplus women and the time between the two world wars. I loved the cover of this book, with the embroidery border that you don't notice at first. While I don't think this title is as strong as Girl With a Pearl Earring, it's a great choice for a rainy or snowy afternoon, to enjoy with a cup of tea and a plate of shortbread cookies (NOT the hated Garibaldi biscuits mentioned in the story, sort of a sticky current sandwich cookie, LOL).
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