I am delighted to be able to tell you that Liz Trenow is returning to Felixstowe Library on Saturday 8thFebruary 2014 to talk about her second book, The Forgotten Seamstress. I know several of you will have read Liz’s first novel, The Last Telegram. You may have been to one of her talks, perhaps here at the library or at the Felixstowe Book Festival. If so, I’m sure you will agree that she is an excellent speaker.
Here is Liz’s synopsis of the new story…
“London, 1910: Maria, a remarkable young seamstress, is noticed by Queen Mary, patron of the London Needlework Guild, who gives her a job in the royal household. A century later, when turning out her mother’s loft, Caroline discovers an old patchwork quilt left to her by her grandmother, and becomes intrigued by the curious verse embroidered into its lining. When her best friend, a fabric conservator, notices that some of the fabrics are almost certainly unique and rare royal wedding silks, Caroline becomes determined to discover more about the quilt and its mysterious origins.
Through the fading memories of her mother, some family letters and photographs, some old cassette tapes and the help of a local journalist, she uncovers an extraordinary story involving a royal affair, a life of incarceration, an illegal adoption and two women whose lives collided with devastating consequences.
Finally, Caroline comes to understand what her Granny wanted her to know – the truth about herself and how she wants to live her own life.”
Through the fading memories of her mother, some family letters and photographs, some old cassette tapes and the help of a local journalist, she uncovers an extraordinary story involving a royal affair, a life of incarceration, an illegal adoption and two women whose lives collided with devastating consequences.
Finally, Caroline comes to understand what her Granny wanted her to know – the truth about herself and how she wants to live her own life.”
I found this an enthralling story, not least because I have dabbled in patchwork myself, and the quilt does play a starring role, but around it Liz has skilfully told a very human and quite poignant story highlighting the changing attitudes over the last century towards women in troubled circumstances. I certainly recommend it.
The Forgotten Seamstress is due to be published this month. Liz will sell and sign copies at the talk scheduled to start at 2pm. Tickets cost £3, including refreshments. Please phone or email me to reserve a place. Feel free to invite friends and familyand help us to mark National Libraries Day.
Debra Rowe
Felixstowe Library
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