Shining Threads
by Joy Bounds
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Pub Date 28 Aug 2023 | Archive Date 13 Sep 2023
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Description
It is the late nineteenth century and Queen Victoria is on the throne. Upper-class girls are expected to get married and be content with entertaining, embroidery and elementary music-making. But, from an early age, Ethel has other ideas.
She will need to be forceful and persistent if she is to fulfil her dream of becoming a composer and having her music performed. Meeting with the best musicians of the day in England and Europe, she shows how good she is, and begins to make her mark as an opera writer. Yet time and time again, the musical world fails to support her.
Her romantic relationships with both women and men are stormy. Will she find lasting love? As the twentieth century dawns, and the campaign for Votes for Women becomes more militant, her life will take a different turn…
Shining Threads is based on the life of composer Ethel Smyth. An inspiring story of hope and determination in the face of many obstacles, it shines a light on an overlooked, pioneering composer.
A Note From the Publisher
Marketing Plan
A fictionalised account of the life of Ethel Smyth, a composer most known for her 'March of the Women' – the official anthem of the suffragettes.
An inspiring story of an often-overlooked figure in history and music, who fought to have her music performed across Europe and played a prominent role in the fight for the vote.
The author has previously published a historical fiction novel, as well as a local history on an active group of women who campaigned for the vote in Ipswich.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781916668331 |
| PRICE | £4.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 376 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Justin W, Reviewer
This is a meticulously researched insight into the life of Victorian composer Ethel Smyth. It captures both her creative musical process and her intense, complex sexual relationships.
I was most engaged by the insights the story provided into the reality of being part of the Suffragette movement,
I’ve given four rather than five stars only because the novel’s narrative voice didn’t quite connect with me. The perspective veered between omniscient distance (like a Victorian novel) and a more modern third person limited point of view. I found this stylistic shift rather unsettling.
Educator 149497
An interesting and thoughtful take on the life of Ethel Smyth, which brings to life her world, relationships and struggles to achieve equality and recognition for her music.
Robin P, Reviewer
Joy Bounds strips away the cobwebs of the past to bring history to life. At last one can celebrate the achievements of an almost forgotten daughter of Victorian England, Ethel Smyth, in a pitch-perfect composition.
The story of Ethel's fight for recognition in a male dominated world is poignant and littered with heartache and tragedy but she comes through it all with many triumphant moments. Anyone who has listened to The Wreckers will be aware of her extraordinary talent and this novel compliments recent revivals of some of her best known compositions.
This is a beautifully written novel. Ethel is centre stage but there are many other splendidly realised real-life characters both in the world of music and her private life.
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