The Cotton States and International Exposition sets the backdrop for A Silken Thread. Four lives are interwoven when the Expo comes to Atlanta, and their values are tested. Laurel, Langdon, Willie and Quincy question their viewpoint in different ways, giving us a peek at human nature. Would we respond any different?
Kim Vogel Sawyer wrote A Silken Thread with an underlying theme. “I wanted to use the elements of story to show the injustice and unfairness of treating people differently based on something as inconsequential and out of one’s control as skin color.”
The year was 1985, but inequalities hadn’t been resolved in the 30 years following the Civil War. The war should have lessened the divide. “Rich and poor, black and white, educated and unschooled… There were more chasms holding people apart than bridges bringing them together.”
Could one person make a difference? Willie’s Ma had said, “Set the better example, Willie. Be kind an’ acceptin’. Sometimes all people need is someone to show them another way to be.”
Through Willie’s actions, we learn the importance of elder care and the sanctity of life.
Through Quincy and Willie’s friendship, we learn people need to be more like God, who looks on a person’s heart.
When trouble hit, Laurel mourned the destruction of the Silk Room. “Why would someone destroy things that were so beautiful?”
Miss Warner sighed. “I suppose it happened, Laurel, because some people don’t see the beauty of a thing. They only see a threat. And in their ignorance, they seek to destroy it.”
There are so many reasons why I liked A Silken Thread. Descriptions of the Expo create excitement about the adventure and change it brought to the South and to the city of Atlanta. A look into the lives of those affected helps me to see the impact of my actions on others. And the elements of good storytelling show me how the Bible relates to life in every century. Kim says, “We all have the same desire as Laurel in the story: to love and be loved, to belong, to matter. We can help others feel accepted and valued when we choose to look past their exteriors to their hearts. That’s what God does for us. As His followers, should we not emulate Him?”
Get a copy and settle in for a charming story about what really matters!
Question: Can one person make a difference? Explain. Leave a comment, and you will be entered into the drawing to win my copy on Thursday, May 23. (Must be in the continental United States.) For an extra chance to win the drawing, share this post on social media and let me know in the comments.
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
