The Thread

This is a wonderful, epic story set in the historically turbulent first half of the 20th century in Greece. It spans the two World Wars with all the sorrows and uncertainty that war causes. The aftermath of which led to displacement of people who had formerly lived in happily inter-mixed racial/religious groups but following political change are moved about in a variant of ethnic cleansing. There is a lot of historical material, that I found interesting and informative, that is the backdrop to the fictional characters who bring the book to life. They seem so real that I couldn't stop listening to find out what happened to them next. It's a truly moving book carried along by the 'thread' of a love-story interrupted by war and political upheaval read by an excellent narrator.

I really enjoyed this story,so well written I couldn't put this down. Finished it in two days. Would definately recommend this book and Victoria Hislop is one of my favourite authors,can't wait for her next book. Only negative comment I have is the pronounciation of some of the Greek names and places were not too authentic but didn't take away the magic of this story. Loved it !!

Set in Thessaloniki in northern Greece this book paints a vivid picture of life for the resident of the city during a very turbulent time in its history.

the people and the location also the historical background

For two reasons:
1) the beginning confused me and when I got to the end I wanted to listen to the start again to make sense of it all
2) it was a good book

Very few books make me cry, this one did. It took some time to get into it, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down.

feelgood history lesson

The characters are so real, you forget you are reading fiction

she is perfect in the way she brings the story alife

This is a wonderful family saga that brings to life Greec's trubulant history. I have learned lots of new things about Greece as well as being entertained by a very skilled story teller.

One of the best books I have listened to. Beautifully written and it transports the listener into the lives of the characters.

I did this book was very well written. I realise a lot was based on history which was very useful as I learnt a lot. I realise that historically the most awful series of events happened historically however The issue I have is that if pretty much anything could go wrong in the characters lives it did, it became predictable in the end. I felt fed up in the end listening to it. There were lots of occasions I could mention but I don't want to ruin it for others. I just found it very depressing, I really wish just sometimes something good could have happened to one of them.
That being said I think this lady narrator is fantastic, I have listened to her before. Her voices were excellent. I would recommend her thoroughly.
I really wish I could give it all five stars as the storyline was good, but as I say I found it very very negative.,

Another superb book by Victoria Hislop in which one not only becomes deeply involved with the characters but learns so much history. I love her books but my favourite is The Island.

This book gave me a very thought provoking history of 20th century Thessalonica, with its traumas,natural and political, while involving me in a very moving story of a refugee family. It was carefully researched and well written. I did however find the poor pronunciatian of Greek names and places very irritating.

Victoria Hislop must spend a lot of time researching her background even before she starts writing. She has a wonderful way of getting across the background of an area without boring. I loved this book; as an embroiderer myself I was able to relate to Katarina and her life and was mesmerised by the swap over of Greeks and Turks and then the removal of Jews from Greece. I had no idea Thessaloniki had such a tragic history. Very highly recommended.