An interesting look at the history of thread and sewing. I enjoy to sew creatively and it was fascinating to learn about the art from as early as the Bayeux Tapestry to modern times. I was particularly interested in how Hunter considers sewing from the female perspective. I had never really considered who was behind such incredible piece of textile art and it is true that the women have been forgotten or missed in the history of sewing.

I would recommend to anyone interested in textile art and sewing in general.

I found this book absolutely riveting. It is beautifully written and well-referenced, and I compiled a long list of other books/works to look up while I was reading it. Hunter tells stories from across history in a way that ties them all together, creating a deeply moving book. I loved it a lot, and will be buying a hardcopy for myself too!

This is an exploration of how embroidery has been used through the ages to illustrate peoples lives, and what is happening around them. It starts with the author visiting the Bayeux Tapestry, and then goes around the globe, backwards and forwards in time finding out the ways people have shown their lives in stitching, to explain, to comfort, to console, and to express their feelings.
I did find it hard to keep up with where the author was taking us, as it moved around in history so much, but it was very interesting to find out what people stitched for, and the reasons why.
Anyone wanting to know the origins of embroidery, stitching and using threads would be interested in this book, and it introduced us to lots of different characters who were well known in their fields.

So, what did I think of Threads of Life? I have to be honest and say I didn’t particularly enjoy the writing style of the author. I can’t put my finger on it but I found parts quite dull. Maybe I just didn’t discover much that was new to me. I have an interest in, and have looked after historical textiles, and was hoping to learn more than I did. The book is a blend of history and personal memoir, and I would recommend it if you like that kind of book.

If I could give this book 6 out of 5 stars, I would. It was a joy from start to finish. I read it at bedtime and found myself retiring for the night earlier and earlier, just so I could read more.

I enjoyed the way that the book was organised, with a theme for each chapter and an expertly selected textile to explore that theme. I learnt so much from this book and am almost maddened by inspiration for techniques to try, avenues to further explore, places to visit and textiles to view. This would not have been sparked if it were not for the author's skill at conveying the intricacies of a visual medium in an easy and relaxed writing style. The research that went into each chapter is evident in the way that context and history were woven through the narrative without turning it into a dry textbook.

I received an advance copy in return for a truthful and unbiased review