Review - - A Silken Thread

A SILKEN THREAD

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Publisher: WaterBrook (Random House)

April 2, 2019

Reviewed by Hellie

18 year old Laurel Millard is struggling between her duty and her desire. Her siblings require her to “take care of their mother” and not marry until she is gone, but Laurel hopes to find a husband who is willing to marry her AND take in her mother. Laurel’s mother shows her a want ad about the Atlanta Cotton Exposition of 1895, hiring loom weavers. Laurel applies for the job as a chance for her to meet new suitors, preferably a rich one who can care for her mother and allow her the life she dreams of. She soon falls for the handsome Langdon Rochester, a dashing rich playboy with the world at his feet, and it seems she may have the answer to her prayers.

However, when disaster strikes the exhibit she works at, Laurel meets Willie Sharp, the security guard posted to protect the display and workers. She gets to know Willie and his friend, Quincy Tate--a black groundskeeper--and she witnesses firsthand the destructive behaviors based on race, education, and social class. In the end, Laurel must make the choice of what kind of love will truly fulfill her.

The story flows between several viewpoints: Laurel, Langdon, Willie, and Quincy. Langdon--it soon becomes apparent to everyone but Laurel--is a complete prat. He’s spoiled, vicious, and manipulating. I feared for Laurel not paying attention to the red flags he presented as a suitor, torn as she was about having a husband who was wealthy enough to provide for her. Willie is Langdon’s polar opposite, not just in education and social status, but in what it means to be a man. He is the sole caretaker of his father who has suffered a stroke. He applies for the job as security guard in order to make more money (than his job at the steam engine manufacturing, which Langdon’s father owns) in order to send his father to rehab. Willie is childhood friends with Quincy, living in a neighborhood that at least on the surface seemed to not notice skin color, but lived with the shared experiences of poverty and social class.

Quincy’s story of being thrilled to work at the Exposition, but soon finding conflict in the everyday racism as well as conflict in his friendship with Willie. Quincy also struggles with himself and how best to present himself to society so they will respect him. His story was the most touching, I thought, of the group, and I thought it was handled deftly while still offering a character with little upward mobility dignity and triumph. I also noticed some wonderful plot braiding and foil mirroring in the story arcs that was a delight to read (as a writer) and marvel at how easy Ms. Sawyer made it look.

Ms. Sawyer includes an author’s note and disclaimer at the beginning of her story, talking about how she was nervous to include a story thread about racism (even though historically correct) and shared a story of growing up in similar way as Willie Sharp and Quincy, friends first before they ever realized what being black or white means. I think Ms. Sawyer handled what most anyone could term a “difficult dialogue” in her story in a genuine, open, and sensitive way. I hope more writers take the opportunity to address relationships of “other” in their books, in hopes of presenting new and valid historical truths that show how alike we all are and how we’re all worthy of love and success. (I also hope to read more historical romances that feature successful and powerful heroes of color--there are some millionaires to be found before Jay-Z, way before Jay-Z. Or maybe a cowboy story along the lines of Bass Reeves? Just putting that out in the Universe.)

*****SPOILER ALERT*****

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The romance between Willie and Laurel is a long time coming but well worth it. Willie is an outstanding hero and well-deserving of the title. Laurel is loving, kind, and generous--and it’s no wonder I panicked when I thought she might choose Langdon. It’s a sweet and thoughtful romance about what it means to love--and I recommend it without reservation.