The Thread
by Victoria Hislop
Harper
Pub. Date: July 10, 2012
Book received from: Publisher via TLC Book Tours
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Genre: Historical Fiction/ Contemporary Fiction
Cover: Captures the story, but not particularly memorable
Characters: Pretty dry
Worth the read? Yes, for the historical detail
Favorite quote:
“There was a beauty in the stillness and the darkness that he had never seen before and it almost overcame him with its power.”
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Hislop gives us the story of an older couple who have lived through major historical changes in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 1917 until the present. It is told through stories that they are telling to their grandson, who does not know much about the past of his family or the city. With an in-depth look at the cultural and histrocial significance of the city, this is as much the story of the Dimitri and Katerina as it is that of the city they have grown to love.
The Thread is a very dry, stilted read, to say the least. It makes it difficult to really connect with the characters and the personal stories being told, but the history of Thessaloniki is amazingly detailed. It is not a history that is generally focused on, and it serves to shed light on the impact of major events on a city known by few outside of Greece. Although it reads a bit like a nonfiction documented account, the importance of the story still is evident.
Although I would have liked to feel more connected to what was going on, and to the characters themselves, it is impossible to come away from this book with nothing. I did not know anything about Greek history during the 20th Century, and honestly have never really thought about it. After reading this, I have gained so much information as to the impact of major historical events on, and the significance of, such an overlooked city. It is worth the read for the story itself, but do not expect to make new friends with the characters within the pages.
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‘The Thread’ can be purchased at Amazon.com, as well as your local independent bookseller.
For more about Victoria Hislop, go to her website here.
It sounds like an interesting read with the history alone – I realized reading your review that I have no clue about any more recent history of Greece. My knowledge of Greek history ends back in Ancient times!
Darn, I’m sorry to see that you weren’t able to connect with the characters, but thanks for your honest review for the tour.