Threads of Life cover art

Threads of Life

A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle

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Threads of Life

By: Clare Hunter
Narrated by: Siobhan Redmond
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About this listen

The Hare with Amber Eyes meets A History of the World in 100 Objects, Threads of Life is a history of sewing and embroidery, told through the stories of the men and women, over centuries and across continents, who have used the language of sewing to make their voices heard, even in the most desperate of circumstances.

A history of sewing and embroidery, told through the stories of the men and women, over centuries and across continents, who have used the language of sewing to make their voices heard, even in the most desperate of circumstances.

From the political storytelling of the Bayeux tapestry's anonymous embroiderers and Mary, Queen of Scots' treasonous stitching, to the sewing of First World War soldiers suffering from PTSD and the banner-makers at Greenham Common, Threads of Life stretches from medieval France to 1980s America, from a Second World War POW camp in Singapore to a family attic in Scotland. It is as much about identity, protest, memory and politics as craft and artistry.

In an eloquent blend of history and memoir with a unique understanding of craft, Clare Hunter's Threads of Life is an evocative and moving book about the need we all have to tell our story.

©2019 Clare Hunter (P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Crafts & Hobbies Political Science Politics & Government World Thought-Provoking Inspiring Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant
This is a sensitive, eloquent and often moving account of the place of needlework in the lives of many people. It records how this art form has be used as a form of artistic expression or a protest against oppression. I found it beautifully written and thought provoking.

Captivating

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Loved all the history, culture and the processes of creating needlework. It is well worth a listen if you are into needlework and textiles.

Beautifully narrated

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A beautifully told story of life through the eye of a needle. A social history of us all. Not just for for women. I wholly recommend this book for anyone interested in our shared social history. The narrators voice is beautiful and perfect to bring a sense of calm.

Not just for those who sew

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Rivetting listen. Hunter has produced a book of extraordinary width, illuminating the many ways embroidery has given 'voice' to people's stories. Feminism, defiance, community, culture, commerce - it's impossible to summarise this exhilarating, thought-provoking book, superbly read by Siobhan Redmond.

Reclaiming embroidery

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I was not prepared for the level of emotional intensity that this audio book demanded. At times I was saddened, made angry and occasionally depressed by the revelations ..at other times I was intrigued, pleased and surprised. All in all a remarkable work of research and a full exploration of the subject. I’m inspired to read more and to continue sewing with even more pride.

Stories of stitching

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