The Thread, Victoria Hislop (4.5 stars)

About The Thread
(From the Blog Tour Home Page)


• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (July 10, 2012)

From the internationally acclaimed author of The Island and The Return comes a sweeping and unforgettable story of love and friendship and the choices that must be made when loyalties are challenged.

Thessaloniki, Greece, 1917: As Dimitri Komninos is born, a fire sweeps through the thriving multicultural city where Christians, Jews, and Muslims live side by side. It is the first of many catastrophic events that will forever change this place and its people. Five years later, as the Turkish army pushes west through Asia Minor, young Katerina loses her mother in the crowd of refugees clambering for boats to Greece. Landing in Thessaloniki’s harbor, she is at the mercy of strangers in an unknown city. For the next eighty years, the lives of Dimitri and Katerina will be entwined with each other and—through Nazi occupation, civil war, persecution, and economic collapse—with the story of their homeland.

Thessaloniki, Greece, 2007: A young Anglo-Greek hears his grandparents’ remarkable story for the first time and understands he has a decision to make. For decades, Dimitri and Katerina have looked after the treasures of those who have been forced from their beloved city. Should he become their new custodian? Should he stay or should he go?

Review

Like each thread in a gorgeous gown, this story weaves  several elements into a beautiful tale. Fate, as seamstress, plays an important role in bringing together Katerina and Dimitri against all odds.

At a young age, Katerina relies on the kindness of strangers when she is separated from her mother. Dimitri is born into wealth and privilege, but he follows his heart and what he knows is right... even when his own father denies him.

Their love story is a winding, long road. One that is worth traveling. The sweetness is that the reader knows all along they will be together, as the story is being told by them to their grandson. It's all about the journey.

Memorable characters are what make a story great for me. I found myself wanting to know each character's story past the page, especially the strong female characters: Dimitri's mother, Olga; her maid, Pavlina; Katerina's adoptive mom, Eugenia; Eugenia's twin daughters... the list goes on and on.

But beyond the characters and great story, the sweeping historical tale seals the deal. The city and the tragic events there are as much a character in the story as Katerina or Dimitri. Whether you are looking for a love story or good historical fiction, take a chance and get caught up in The Thread.

Rating: 4.5 stars

About Victoria Hislop

Victoria Hislop is the internationally bestselling author of The Island and The Return. She writes travel features for the Sunday Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday, House & Garden, and Woman & Home. She divides her time among rural Kent, London, and Crete. She is married and has two children.

For more information on the author: Website | Twitter

Thanks to TLC Tours for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

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