Over the years, Ruby holds on to the dream that her family will once again come together, but a tragedy puts an even greater distance between Ruby and her sister and leads Ruby on a journey that helps her to reconcile her future with her past.
Narrated by Ruby, One Long Thread shares the story of three generations of women, particularly focusing on Ruby and her grandmother, Pearl. The engaging story of Ruby, her creative flair with fashion and her eventual connection with her grandmother Pearl is sufficient reason to pick up this book. The story of Pearl’s silkworms and the discussion of the process from caring for the worms to the eventual harvesting of the silk thread is particularly fascinating.
Thoughtful readers will enjoy the greater depth that the story offers with the cycle of the silk worms reflecting Ruby’s own painful journey to discover who she really is away from the dominant personality of her sister and stern influence of her mother.
One Long Thread is a modern family story with fractured relationships, misunderstandings and tragic disconnections. It is also a story of hope and growth and connection, celebrating the resilience of family bonds.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, almost reading it in one sitting. Ruby is complex and a wonderful narrator of the story, observing the strong personalities of the women in her family as she tries to find her own path. This novel is highly recommended for young teens and older readers looking for a reflective, character-driven story.
Title: One Long Thread
Author: Belinda Jeffrey
Publisher: University of Queensland Press, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: March 2012
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702238925
For ages: 12+
Type: Young Adult Fiction