Review: The Thread

I ordered Victoria Hislop's new novel, The Thread, (I've read her first two) from the library. Somehow, the copy I received was a signed copy. Um, what? Why was this at the Stowmarket library? Oh, well. In any case, I enjoyed it.

I found it a little bit predictable, but not in a bad way. It's told with a present-day introduction, before flashing back to 1917, where it progresses through history until the 1960s, and then jumps back to the present right at the end.

A few of the characters were flat, but on the whole, it was historically interesting with a good storyline and immersive writing. I hadn't realised how far back the problems in Greece go...it was interesting to have a historical backdrop for the current economic issues.

Also, Downton Abbey is back. Not that I managed to stay up for it on Sunday night, or anything, but ITV-streaming meant that Monday night was rather good. Just had to avoid Twitter for any spoilers...

Wait, didn't you get that from the library today?

After giving up on New York, I decided to treat myself to an Eva Ibbotson book that I noticed in the YA section of the library when James and I were looking for something for him to read last week. I read Journey To the River Sea after a recommendation from Mrs WJ a while ago, and really liked it. Spunky, adventurous heroines all 'round.

The book turned out to be The Dragonfly Pool, about a British girl during World War II who goes to boarding school. I, um, liked it so much I read it in one sitting. All 397 pages of it. James came downstairs after brushing his teeth, and said, "wait, isn't that the book that you picked up from the library this afternoon?"

Why, yes, it is. And I can take it back to the library in the morning!