Colette Book Club Discussion: The Forgotten Seamstress

1) I liked the overall story, but the parts that took place in the palace seemed to be stilted, especially the dialogue between the lovers. The modern part of the story and the interview parts ran smoothly and the dialogue felt natural, but the old parts seemed less polished – more like the best sellers that are written to get a new book on the shelf rather than focusing on good writing.

The most interesting part to me was the changing mores around mental health and what to do with people we don’t want to acknowledge. It breaks my heart to think of all those people who were essentially abused because they were inconvenient for the people around them. Even if the methods have changed, I don’t think the basic premise that people who are different need to be separated from the rest of society or medicated to become less different has changed. I’ll admit things have changed for the better since the nineteenth century, but I think we still have a long, long way to go.

2) I would keep it a secret. I have enough restraints on my life; I don’t need more or to worry about stalkers or groupies. Ok, I’m human. I might try to get the perks without the responsibility. Maybe go for years without saying anything, but then whipping out my “royalty card” when I need to smooth the way.

3) Last year I took a risk by accepting a promotion. If it turned out I was miserable as a library director, I think it would be very difficult for me to be hired in a subordinate position because people would be worried that I wouldn’t take direction well after having a taste of being the final power. Accepting the promotion felt like I was potentially risking my entire career and might have to find a different field of work where I wouldn’t be as fulfilled. Thankfully, year in, and all is well.

4) The quilt pattern looks less busy than I imagined. The pattern looks more cohesive than I envisioned. I would not make a quilt because quilting doesn’t appeal to me – too many little pieces and it doesn’t fit my decorative style.

5) I haven’t read Ms. Trenow’s other book, but wouldn’t object. The
Forgotten Seamstress might not be at the top of the list for quality, but it kept me turning the pages and I never had to take a break because the method of delivery was so painful it got in the way of the story. I would give this book a 7 out of 10, but I can only think of a handful of books that I would give a 10.

1) I enjoyed the book though I agree with the previous comment that said the Maria dialogue seemed a bit less polished. I would have loved more historical details. I was not a big fan of Caroline but she grew on me. I found myself relating to her in terms of her career choices.
2) If I found out I may be descended from royalty I would try to discreetly claim my place. I would not keep it a secret but I also would not advertise it.
3) The topic of risk and security really made me think. Caroline started her risky but fulfilling business after she became unemployed. Although this is a difficult decision, it was made easier by the fact that she was unemployed. The more difficult decision would be to choose to quit your unfulfilling job to pursue a more fulfilling career. That requires a certain level of bravery not every one has. I personally struggle with this. I would love to one day quit my day job and have a sewing business. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to do it.
4) The quilt did not look at all like I pictured. I would not make a quilt since I am more interested in garment construction.
5) I have not read any other of Liz Trenow’s books but some sound interesting. I would be willing to check them out.

I thought the story in “The Forgotten Seamstress” was interesting but the execution lacking. I would have liked more details, more descriptions and less cliches. It seemed so “easy reader”. Was there any thing in the story you didn’t see coming a mile away? And yet, what potential this idea had.

I didn’t pick up on the theme of risk and security. In Caroline’s case the author made her transition from unemployed to independent interior designer seem so easy. There’s no money problems, she drew one sketch and her one contact loved it and, ta-da, it had serious interest. What a lucky gal to hit such a pay off with seemingly little work. Maria had a life changing consequence for her risk; a risk she didn’t give too much thought to other than “I knew I shouldn’t”. Here was a perfect place for the author to expand on what Maria was thinking. What she was feeling. How she weighed the risk she was about to take against her love/desire for the prince. Oh well.

I’m still glad to have read the book just to join this discussion and read something I wouldn’t have otherwise. And although the story just touches on textile conservation it send me off down rabbit holes learning more so I did get that out of the reading. I liked the story, I just wanted more quality in the writing.

Hello,

1. I really enjoyed the book, it was easy reading and I couldn’t put it down. I wasn’t sure I would like the format of the book with regards to each chapter being a different era but I think that Li Tretower did a good job of making each chapter flow into the next. I found the story very relatable and possibly more enjoyable for those reasons; the industry I work in is currently going through redundancies and I have been doing a lot of soul searching with regards to what would make me happy and also my gran has recently moved to a nursing home and is suffering from alzheimers.

2.Family trees are always interesting so it would be nice to know, however I don’t think I would do much about it, it would probably just be a novel fact I would mention to people if we were discussing history or something.

3. I am open to risk taking and am quite adventurous, if I was to take a life changing risk at the moment, I would quite my job and do something that makes me happy.

4.I agree with most of the comments above, I pictured that quilt to be more intricate and delicate. I have never made a quilt before but if I was to make one I probably would base it on all the loves of my life.

5.I have not read Liz Trenow’s other book, however will keep it in mind for future.

1/ I really enjoyed the book although we all agree it’s not a masterpiece of literature in terms of writing. I also found that was a bit predictable, except for a couple of things, the letter sewn into the quilt and the fact that Granny Jane had “adopted” Maria’s son. I found very touching how both Maria and Jane went through so much in their lives but what really sent them crazy was related to their motherly love towards their son.
I also really enjoyed how this tiny, anonymous person that Maria was, has such an amazing, if terrible, story behind her back and how no one believed her. It makes me think of all the stories that ordinary people have and that they’ll go lost just because no one bothered to ask. With this thought in mind, I got chatting to and old chap today when I was having a snack in a cafe and it turned out that we had more in common than I could have ever imagined.
I also liked how the London life is depicted on this book, because that’s pretty much it for many people. Stuck in an ok job for fear of not being able to pay the bills. I am just so glad I escaped the city…

2/ If I learnt I descended from royalty I would totally keep it a secret. To be honest, they may have all the fame and stuff, but I wouldn’t change my life for theirs in a million years. Definitely not a life I envy at all.

3/ I’m happy to say that I’ve already taken my risk! I quit my job in London and moved overseas. And then I had a baby. Motherhood has changed the way I say life and I’ve finally managed to gather the courage to follow my real passion and start up my own business. It definitely feels uncertain but for me it’d be much worse if 15 years down the line I’d ask myself, what if you had actually given it a go? I want to be able to answer that question.

4/ I checked the quilt design when I was halfway through the book and I also imagined it more elaborated. What I’d really love to see (and touch) are those royal silks, they just sound so utterly delicate and beautiful that have had my head spinning trying to imagine every pattern and every fibre of them. I’m not a quilter so probably won’t attempt to make it, but I did like the idea of the little embroidery characters spelling both David’s and Maria’s names. That’s something I’d like to make for my little baby boy.

5/ I haven’t read any other books by this author but I would give a go to her other book should I be in the mood for an easy read, maybe for the summer holidays?

This was a fun read. I love to read sewing related books and it’s even better to find other people to discuss them with! I found Maria’s story very engaging and i felt the author was a little more authentic with her. Caroline’s story was a little self-pitying to me and the author took so many shortcuts with her. Having the whole history of the quilt handed to her in the audio tapes and having a miscarriage on the eve of an abortion (for the record I’m NOT implying that miscarriages are easy, but it felt like an easy way out for the author not to make her make any real decisions. Whereas Maria has to face the consequences of her actions every day of her life, Caroline never had to).

I think I was the most impacted by the mom though. Her dementia felt very real and heartbreaking. I would read another of the author’s books but I would get it from the library instead of buying it (I got impatient and wasn’t able to get it for a while so I just bought it).

I enjoyed the book for all it attempted, and less so for literary merit. It was very predictable and a bit too chick lit (forgive me) for my tastes, but so ambitious and delightful that I am glad it was chosen, as I would not have picked it up on my own. I enjoyed the realism re Caroline’s life and choices. I agree with the assessment of others that Maria would have been hard pressed to deny a prince, and would have likely felt very coerced. The author did a great job sharing the desires of others particularly in the present day.

I would pursue my royal heritage, although privately and tactfully. There is the risk that my efforts would bring some disbelief, even with the proof, however, I think it would be best in the interest of revealing actual historical and for the record.

I took a risk in my job by being honest. It resulted in some good changes for me, but then I was laid off, and even though on one hand I strongly believe there was no connection, there is still doubt in my mind. I have taken risks in the past that worked out very well, but as I get older, I would like more security. Moving to another country would be a risk I would like to take, but honestly at this point I am so happy with my life, I just can’t be bothered. I have had great careers, lived in Honolulu many years (that was a risk), and travelled the world, so staying home to sew and read is a pleasure.

I have no desire to quilt, and the designs did not match up with my imagination at all, but that’s ok. I would read another book by this author, but with different expectations, because I now know pretty much what kind of read it will be.

I read the book in a day while on a (luxury for a mom of a toddler) business trip via train. It was an entertaining read, and didn’t push me into any depth full literary analysis. I did like the themes of risk, decisions and forfeited control. (The literary reason for the biological clock/pregnancy/miscarriage was clearly to allow Caroline to sympathize with her foremothers…)

I’m quite sure I would keep mum on my royal link, let them find me if they need me.

I am not a huge risk taker, but when my kids have grown I’ll probably take a lifestyle leap.

This was my first quilting themed book, and when I finished it I immediately recommended it to my quilter aunt. I may pursue the silk road book (s) . I loved the easy flow of this novel.

It was a very easy read. I enjoyed it although I found it predictable. It is the first story I have read where a textile piece plays a central role in the story.
I would just ignore the fact if I had any links to royalty. I grew up in the far north of Australia and I knew at least one member of royalty living there. I don’t think you would have much of a say as to whether or not any claims would come to light or even be accepted – the politics of lineage and inheritance are dark and dirty as this novel illustrates.

1) What did you think of the book?
I was really glad to be a part of this on-line book club so I kept going with the relatively lightweight romantic style even though it is not something I would normally choose. It paid off for me. The story was more engaging than I had expected and the soft focus less cloying. I found myself galloping through it waiting for the mystery to resolve itself. I found the psychiatric institution particularly well handled. It rang true to me given the knowledge in this area from my work days. And the quilt details were fascinating. Liz Trenow had really done her homework. Moreover, I read the sewing story with, in the back of my mind, the sense that I was reading along with many other Collette fans who love sewing and enjoy her eclectic approach to it. It pleases that the next book for the club is quite different. Next time around it is one I have been planning to read anyway. I wonder if it will be as unexpectedly enjoyable as this little book has been.
2) If you found out that you might be descended from royalty, how would you react?
I think I would be disinclined to make a connection to these people who do not know me (or want to) and who are not likely to be comfortable for me to be with given our massively different backgrounds. I would be aware of the potentially negative implications for all my own descendents if I opened this Pandora’s box. Would they be inundated with invites to be on low grade reality TV shows hungry for quasi celebrities? Tee hee 
3) This book deals with risk and security.
I like taking risks. I have moved family and job through several non-English speaking countries with no mishap to my profound personal and professional satisfaction. Even after retiring I sold up my home and went walkabout for 5 years mostly in the Australian Outback. I am on to another adventure now. My maxim has always been “I won’t die wondering”. I applaud Collette’s risk in setting up her fascinating business. I guess the sewing part was probably the easiest learning curve she had (has) to traverse.
4) Would you like to make a quilt based on this book?
I really enjoyed the research element that had gone into this quilt in the back notes section but I would not choose to make one. It is attractive but not the kind of sewing I do. If someone would like to make me one as a birthday present I know I would love it…… LOL
5) Have you read Liz Trenow’s other book about silk?
I haven’t read any other Liz Trenow. I probably won’t. I might recommend her to some of my sewing friends who tend to read this type of book. It is very good of its kind.

1. I read this book last year, and what really struck me about it was how a woman of great talent, like Maria, lost everything because of society’s rules about women in the era she lived. I was horrified for her when she got pregnant, because that alone was career ending if it couldn’t be covered up. When she went to the asylum, I was appalled. Those places were cruel, and if you weren’t crazy when you went in (and many women weren’t) the conditions could wreak havoc on your psyche enough you might be after some time there. It was shockingly easy to have a woman committed then. You just needed a man with an interest in getting you out of his way, and bingo, you’re in. And it was near impossible to get out.
But I was glad when her story was unravelled, and her quilt surrendered it’s mysteries. Though I was again appalled at what happened to the quilt. In my head, behind the scenes, there’s a very dedicated conservationist working to save it as we speak! Such a treasure could not be left in that state. : )
2. I am descended from royalty, or at least, aristocrats. I have Medieval Norman connections. It’s not particularly useful, but fun to imagine what their lives were like. Did they wear silks? Write poetry, commission artwork, live in a castle? What did they love, eat, think about?
3. I loved how both Caroline and Maria were big risk takers, in their own ways: Maria by working in such a high position, then engaging in a love affair with a prince, Caroline by losing her job, then jumping into self-employment. Sometimes life leaves you no other option but to jump off the cliff into what scares you. In the end, both ladies triumph over adversity, in very different ways, and not unscathed, but they discover something wonderful at the end of their journeys.
I am something of a daredevil, once in a while. I majored in art in college, which most people consider a very risky choice, but I’ve made it work so far. I love to try new things; there is a risk I will fail, but I just don’t think about it much. It’s more important to DO. The attitude about the risk is what matters. : )
4. I am not a quilter, but I appreciate it as an art form. I think it’s marvelous that someone would recreate a quilt from a story that moved them. There is space for embroidery in the tiniest of squares! Imagine doing it by hand, like our great grandmothers did! Sometimes, I have quilt envy.
5.I hope you all read The Last Telegram. I loved it even more than The Forgotten Seamstress; if I may say so, I felt it was a more polished novel, and well researched. I was enchanted by the silk, and found it hard to put down. The theme of women finding their strength in adversity is more thoroughly explored, as well, and I was very intrigued by the main character and her choices as she grows into a woman.

1) I liked the premise of the book but I felt that it was undeveloped and that some parts were not believable. As a former academic, I had trouble believing that Caroline would be given access to the research notes, given regulations about human subjects and privacy. But overall I enjoyed the story and I loved the role of sewing and textiles. My grandmother and her sisters grew up doing sewing and needlework and by the time they were adults they were masters. I thought of them a lot as I read.

The side story of Caroline and her mom hit home for me, as my mom was in the hospital waiting for a spot in a nursing home while I was reading the book. She was moved yesterday, and now I am getting ready to sell her house. The whole experience is heartbreaking.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the different types of institutional care. I recently read Grace Williams Says It Loud, about a woman who is put in a mental institution as a young girl because of seizures and other health problems. It’s scary to think about how many people were placed in care inappropriately and how much has been lost as a result. At the same time, I work with homeless people and know that there are many, many people living in dire circumstances because they really need some kind of long-term residential care for mental health issues; institutions have been closed, but haven’t been replaced with effective alternatives. And recently I’ve been spending so much time looking at different seniors’ homes where, despite the best of intentions, life becomes institutional. I believe that as a society we need to find better ways to take care of people who need help.

2) If the circumstances were similar to those in the book, I’d keep it secret because I think it would be difficult to prove and the ordeal wouldn’t be worth it.

3) I agree with earlier comments that Maria didn’t have much choice in what happened to her, so she wasn’t really _choosing_ to take a risk. Caroline could have looked for another job, but did take risks in her career and relationships. As a self-employed person, I do think things worked out too easily for her and this part of the story could have been developed more.

I took a risk by working freelance to have flexibility for my kids and my mom. Now that my youngest is finishing high school and my mom is no longer in her house, I face the question of where to go from here. Should I build my business into a full-time job or pursue something else?

4) The quilt didn’t look much like I had imagined. I wouldn’t make this particular quilt, but I love the idea of making a quilt that contains fabric and symbols from your life.

5) I haven’t read Liz Trenow’s other books, but I probably will in the future.

I enjoyed listening to the Audible rendition – while starting my first Alabama Chanin project. The best part of the book was how the layers of the story unfolded and became a full circle of the relationship of the characters. The value of the characters wasn’t so much a relation to royalty in my opinion as how much they affected each other. Any claim to a family of royalty or power on that level would be a fool’s journey. In this time of history and in our society we have been blessed with the ability to take risks and walk an unknown path. I have lived all over the US and travelled in other parts of the world. Feeling the spirit of freedom we enjoy as a result of others determined lives is something I don’t take for granted. We don’t have to make huge leaps of faith in taking risks in life, but we all should strive to at least stretch ourselves, learn and not leave a list of regrets at the end of our life. I am launching another phase of my life after closing up a retail shop and interior design business (however my “launches” are slower than they used to be). I do love reading about seamstresses and seem to have been guided to reading quite a few. Kat – if we have some recommendations, can we email them to you?

1) I really enjoyed the book. Based on the cover I probably wouldn’t have picked it up to read. I read this as an e-book. I enjoyed the tape recordings — that was a great way to share Maria’s story and have her be a reliable narrator (potential mental health issue aside). I did not like the present day story — it felt forced to me, and a little too formulaic, as well. I really appreciated that not everything was wrapped into a tidy little bow at the end. So often authors feel like they need to tie everything into a nice little bow.

I think the big take a way for me, was the difference in class structure and how mental health issue was a dumping grounds to dispose of “problematic” people/situation — and the extreme disservice it did for those who truly had mental health issues. On the other hand, I was horrified at the lack of documentation of babies born/given up for adoption.

2) If you found out that you might be descended from royalty, how would you react? It would be a bit of a shock to find out there might be some connection to royal blood. I probably would not try to claim anything. It would become one of the pieces of the family folklore. But in reality, I am a private person and I would not want to “out” myself and draw attention to me and my family.

3) If you took a risk, what would it be?
I’m a grant writer, so my work is very much risk oriented — You’re considered an excellent granter if you have a 50 percent success rate (aka fail half of the work you do). I’m not a super risk oriented person and I’ve never been in a position where I’ve truly felt a need to take a risk.

4) You can see a pattern for Maria’s quilt and different versions that people have made on Liz Trenow’s website. Did it look the way you imagined? Would you like to make a quilt based on this book? It was far more organized and geometric. At first I was thinking it was a crazy quilt with the random scraps and lots of embroidery. Later in the book, there was an actual design with the different fabrics. Based on the book, I decided to take a quilting class. I have discovered I am NOT a quilter so the thought of making a quilt based on the one in the book is really distasteful. As I’ve worked on my quilt for my class, I’ve realized I could have made a dress (or two or more!) with the amount of time its taking.

5) I’ve never read a book by Liz Trenow, but after reading this, I’ve discovered all of her books has some interesting tie to the fiber arts — because it’s what she knows from her own background. Her other books are now on my to read list.

I loved the book. Once I got past the two stories, I had a hard time putting it down. I would love to make the quilt, even downloaded the pattern. Can’t wait to see what the next book is.