By Tessa @TessaTalksBooks Posted on

Emma’s Tapestry by Isobel Blackthorn #BlogTour #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #early1900s #20booksofsummer21

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on this blog tour.

At the dawn of World War Two, German-born nurse Emma Taylor sits by the bedside of a Jewish heiress in London as she reminisces over her dear friend, Oscar Wilde.

As the story of Wilde unravels, so does Emma’s past. What really happened to her husband?

She’s taken back to her days in Singapore on the eve of World War One. To her disappointing marriage to a British export agent, her struggle to fit into colonial life and the need to hide her true identity.

Emma is caught up in history, the highs, the lows, the adventures. A deadly mutiny, terrifying rice riots and a confrontation with the Ku Klux Klan bring home, for all migrants, the fragility of belonging.

Purchase Link –  http://mybook.to/emmastapestry

Rating: 5 out of 5.

When I picked up Emma’s Tapestry, I quickly went back in time to an era long forgotten. The time before, during, and after WWI is not often talked about. Still, I found myself quickly immersed in a remarkably and possibly disturbingly time like our current one.

I love that this story is inspired by the author’s family stories. I did not realize this until I read the epilogue. This fact immediately added a whole new poignancy to the tale. I do not have family stories that go that far back, making it even more intriguing.

My favorite character is the main character, Emma. She is strong, a good mother, and unwavering in her determination. She adapts easily to her many settings – China, Japan, England, and various areas of the US and Canada. And is admirable in so many ways. She carries this story like no other character could. I need to know what she will do next and how she will handle obstacles made the pages turn quickly and lovingly.

Part of the story takes place during the Spanish Flu pandemic, and that hits home now. I had no idea how genuinely similar the two pandemics are but seeing it in story form made it much more apparent than any news report. Masks were mandated then, as they are now, particularly caught my attention and had me doing research that I had not even thought to do before. Also, the treatment of Germans in America during this time was horrible. Emma’s experiences made me feel the fear of being threatened and fearing for one’s life just because of something you have absolutely no control over in such a chilling and impactful manner that I will not soon forget.

Emma’s Tapestry will make you think, reflect, and gain insight in ways you never expect. It is a beautifully told tale and holds much for readers to enjoy and ponder.

Isobel Blackthorn was born in Farnborough, Kent, England, and has spent much of her life in Australia. Isobel holds a PhD in Social Ecology from the University of Western Sydney for her ground-breaking study of the texts of theosophist Alice A. Bailey. She is the author of The Unlikely Occultist: A biograph‐ ical novel of Alice A. Bailey and numerous fictional works including the popular Canary Islands Mysteries series. A prolific and award-winning novelist, she is currently working on a trilogy of esoteric thrillers.

Social Media Links – https://isobelblackthorn.com/

11 Replies to “Emma’s Tapestry by Isobel Blackthorn #BlogTour #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #early1900s #20booksofsummer21”

  1. Mischenko says:

    This sounds like a timely one, Tessa. I would’ve never guessed the book was based on the author’s family history either. I’m adding this one! Excellent review as always. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      It’s very compelling! The things Emma had to endure were, unfortunately, so imaginable even though I’m sure we all wish that they were unimaginable. It’s very beautifully told as only a family member could do ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Mae Clair says:

    Great review, Tessa. This one sounds engrossing. I also like the idea of the author utilizing stories from her own family. It sounds like she put amazing research into the story, including from her own lineage.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      I liked that too! I always enjoy family stories – my own and others. I think the fact that they are based on actual people and actual situations makes them even more compelling.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. writerravenclaw says:

    Ooh just my sort of book. I love any book set in the first and second world war. I always enjoy books like this. Most of the books I’ve read in the past are in this genre. I love reading about family drama and strong female characters.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. WendyW says:

    Yes, this one does sound relevant to what’s happening today. Excellent review!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Carla says:

    I had not heard of this book before, Tessa, but it sounds like it is right up my alley. I agree, the time during and after WWI is not written about often. I really like the sounds of this one, especially as it is based on real stories, events and people. Wonderful review.

    Liked by 1 person

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