A very enjoyable listen

I loved this story set in the beautiful city of Winchester and surrounding area. It's a story of loss and love, about Violet and her quest for independence and her gentle rebellion against the strict constraints placed on women in 1930's society. I really enjoyed the details about cathedral embroidery and the history of the building, and it has made me want to visit again. A heartwarming read and a performance that makes you want to listen.

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A great listen

My first ever audio book - the book was chosen by my book club and I had to get through it quickly. I really recommend the listening experience and the story (the outline of which I hadn’t been sure about initially).
Many interesting themes and modern parallels/changes in societal attitudes to discuss. Definitely worth a read.

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another wonderful book by Chevalier

loved it very enjoyable loved the characters and their relationships and the historical back drop.

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A charming story, beautifully read.

This is a gentle book - beautifully narrated by Fenella Woolgar.
It highlights the plight of women after WW1 - a subject largely ignored by authors. A charming read.

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A Rewarding Read by one of Our Very Best Narrators

Take to this audio/book without doubt. I bought the hard back novel and the audiobook on speculation having read several Chevalier novels before. Sad to say I was initially dubious and left them in my library. A very foolish mistake. As soon as I entered the novel it was involving and thoroughly absorbing. Fenella Woolgar is a narrator I simply cannot fault; she could narrate a book of recipes for me. I think it has now come to the point that her commissions largely endorse the book. On the novel, it is a measured progression with interest, challenges, interesting characters, surprises. It is wholly satisfying and the various rebellions seeming just. I resisted looking up the various needlepoint stiches whilst reading (or the bell ringing aspects) but that can come. Both, however, raise the question, "Why didn't I know that?" and spur to taking greater attention on visiting places. I liked the homage to volunteers, and the sense of people finding ways to make a lasting mark. The novel pricks the conscience on what we take for granted. The novel is assured. It is also cinematic and can easily see it being taken up for the screen. Enjoy without the prospect of regret.

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41 people found this helpful

very enjoyable book. Loved the characters and the

Very enjoyable. Loved the characters and the period in history depicted . Praise for Tracey.

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I love her books

And this is no exception! An evocative between the wars story it carries you along on a gentle stream of knowledge about bell ringing and embroidery woven into a wonderful story of love misplaced! Do try it I’m sure you will love it.

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Thoroughly enjoyable listen

Beautiful narration.
Funny and heartwarming.
Splendid.
Would recommend to all.
Now searching for more of Tracy Chevalier’s books and Fenella Woolgar’s readings.

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Very Enjoyable

Beautifully written and read. You really felt that you were back in the Thirties living alongside Violet. The novel must have been well researched. I especially enjoyed the practical details the author included. It was very interesting to delve into the lives of those living after the Great War, to really understand the consequences of ‘the Lost Generation’. The story was told with honesty and sympathy and highlighted the courage of all.

I thought the narrator was excellent; the characters all had different voices which were consistent, some with local accents. She brought the novel to life. Bravo!

Highly recommend this book. I hadn’t read anything by this author before but now I can’t wait to try her others.

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Solace in Lockdown

A beautiful novel, wonderfully read. One of my favourite listens from my time in lockdown. The novel captures life as a single woman perfectly, but without bitterness or self pity. Plenty of humour and felt an accurate portrayal of the time it was set in (except one event towards the end of the novel that other reviewers have commented on. Seemed out of character and perhaps society at the time).

I have zero interest in embroidery and sewing, yet this was so well written my attention was captured the whole way through. I was sad to finish it.

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