Indies Introduce

Non-Fiction

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  Threads of Life, Clare Hunter
  Abrams Press, 9781419739538, October 1, 2019 (Non-Fiction)
  

   

  “Far more than an entertaining survey of needlework, this debut work from Clare Hunter weaves the history of the human race through its stitches. From the author’s early descriptions of the Bayeux tapestry to Mary, Queen of Scots to British soldiers and prisoners of war, it’s a story told in panels both large and small, but all utterly captivating. Do not miss this one.”

  Anne Holman, The King’s English, Salt Lake City, UT
  
  

  “I am blown away by how moving, eye-opening, and engaging this book about sewing is. Hunter’s writing is bewitching and her tales of war, protest, imprisonment, healing, and empowerment are deeply human. I found myself moved to tears multiple times and I can’t help but tell all my friends and colleagues anecdotes from this amazing book. I don’t sew, but I’ll never look at the craft the same way again.”

  Hillary Smith, Copperfield’s Books, Calistoga, CA
  

   

  “I come from a long line of needleworkers. Collectively, we sew, embroider, crochet, knit, darn, and quilt. We ply our needles to clothe ourselves and our children, to cover our beds, to decorate our homes, for charity, and to support the war effort. We do so because we must; we do so because the creative outlet nourishes our souls. I always thought this activity was just what we did. And then I read Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle and discovered a much broader context for these experiences. You don’t have to be a needleworker or even care a whit about sewing to be fascinated by this book. Hunter roams the world, with her topics including WWI soldiers dealing with PSTD; the AIDS quilt; Mary, Queen of Scots; the way the invention of string ‘changed the history of humanity’; story quilts of the Hmong people; and much more. Hunter’s writing is as beautiful as her needlework. Pull up a chair, put down your needle, and prepare to be entertained and educated by what she has stitched together.”

  Sally Wizik Wills, Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, Park Rapids, MN