The Thread Collectors — A Novel book cover by Shaunna J. Edwards, Alyson Richman
Amazon customers: 4.4 out of 5 · 2,900 ratings

The Thread Collectors

Limited-time deal
Paperback $9.52 $18.99 Save 50%
View deal
Adult • Cultural Heritage
A Novel
Stella embroiders escape maps Lily searches for her husband Set against the Civil War backdrop Story unfolds in New Orleans Themes of friendship and courage

In 1863 New Orleans, Stella, a young Black woman living in a Creole cottage, embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Bound to a man who would kill her if he knew of her clandestine activities, she also must hide her love for William, a Black soldier and musician.

In New York City, Lily, a Jewish woman, stitches quilts and rolls bandages for soldiers while waiting for word from her husband stationed in Louisiana. When months pass with no news, Lily resolves to travel south to search for him, and the two women’s paths converge in New Orleans.

In 1863 New Orleans, Stella embroiders escape maps to help enslaved men flee while Lily travels south from New York to find her Union husband.
Choose a book format
Paperback prices by retailer

Pick a format, then compare retailer prices. The main button points to the preferred option for the selected format.

Edition information

Book details

Publisher
Graydon House
Publication date
August 30, 2022
Print length
400 pages
Language
English
ISBN
978-1525899782

Cultural Heritage

Reader guide

What to Know Before Reading The Thread Collectors

Two women connected by sewing and wartime danger. Much of the setup centers on Stella’s covert work making escape maps and Lily’s decision to leave New York to search for her husband. The historical setting is the Civil War and the narrative emphasizes personal risk, clandestine activity, and practical needlework as means of resistance. This may appeal more to readers interested in historical stories about relationships, moral risk, and how ordinary skills intersect with larger events.

Join the Reader List

Join bks.social’s reader list for book recommendations, reader updates, featured titles, and occasional community news. No noise. Just the important things.

About the author

Shaunna J. Edwards, Alyson Richman

Shaunna J. Edwards, Alyson Richman

Shaunna J. Edwards is the debut novelist of THE THREAD COLLECTORS, co-authored with bestselling novelist, Alyson Richman. THE THREAD COLLECTORS will be released in August 2022. A native Louisianian, Shaunna majored in Literature at Harvard College before attending NYU School of Law. A former corporate lawyer, she now works in diversity, equity and inclusion. She lives in Harlem with her husband. Find her on instagram - @shaunnajedwards

Join the book lovers community

Continue the conversation in the Book Hub for The Thread Collectors

Visit bks.social’s Book Hub for reader discussions, reviews, posts, quotes, questions, reading activity, related books, and G-NRIS story intelligence.