Mary's little daughter has died and she feels she has nothing left to live for. Her mum, who she has a turbulent relationship with, tells her to go and see Alice at a nearby knitting shop and this is where she joins The Knitting Circle. Alice teaches Mary to knit and she finds that the repetitive action with the needles helps with her anguish and she also meets a group of women each with their own story.
Unlikely friendships are made through The Knitting Circle and secrets are revealed, one much closer to home than she could have imagined.
Though sad, the book is well written, probably because the author has suffered the same grief as Mary herself. I would definitely recommend it, oh, and you don't have to be a knitter yourself to enjoy it, just make sure you have a box of tissues at the ready.
I often see the women in the Library all sitting around the table knitting, I guess they have a knitting circle there. Not sure if I would like a sad book, I'm trying to keep cheerful. lol
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
I'd love to find a knitting circle near me, there doesn't seem to be one. The book didn't really focus on Mary's daughter, it was more about how Mary was handling the bereavement. There were some very sad parts though.
DeleteSounds interesting & the tissues sound like they may come in handy. It was what I needed once when I read a book on the train, when I was still working. These are the ones you read when it's quiet time & at home. Thanks and take care.
ReplyDeleteSad books are definitely not for reading on trains, in fact, I always make sure I'm on my own when I can sense a sad bit coming up.
DeleteOh yes, those 99 cent Kindle offerings!!!!! :-) So glad you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover art!!!! But it sounds too sad, for me to enjoy.
Just me, knowing me. Certainly glad, others enjoy her book though.
A 'Nana'
I've bagged many good deals on Kindle, I always look on the daily and monthly deals. I don't mind a sad book, many of the books I read are sad in one way or another to varying degrees.
DeleteI like tales of unlikely friendships...
ReplyDeleteWhat I really liked was that these women didn't just get on with one another straight away, some of the women didn't really like another at first but it was good to see how opinions changed.
DeleteI've just looked on my Kindle, and it is now £2.99 - I guess I'll wait until it comes round again at 99p!
ReplyDeleteSometimes they stay that price for a while, other times it's just for a day. I'm quite good at checking the deals each day so that I don't miss out, I've managed to pick up a few books which have been on my wish list this way.
DeleteHey Jo, the kniiting circle sounds like a good read I mus look it out!!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have plenty of knitting projects on the go...I currently have four but haven't picked any up for a while...as I get on top of things on the plot I will have more time to pick up the needle again.
I am very envious of your knitting on the round...it's not something I've ever plucked up the courage to try though I do have the needles!!
I enjoyed The Knitting Circle, it's a book I wasn't aware of until it popped up on the Kindle daily deals. I knit most days, even if it's just a row or two, so I like to have a few things on the go to choose from. I love knitting in the round, my preferred way to knit anything these days as it avoids me having to sew up at the end.
DeleteI remember reading this years ago with my (now defunct) book group. I was always the contrarian in that group, so, of course, I was the only one who didn't love this book. But I do love the idea of it.
ReplyDeleteWe all have different opinions on things, especially books. I tend to read in bed before I go to sleep so I like something quite light, nothing that I have to think about too much for the most part. I read this book with no expectations as I didn't know anything about it other than the title and I did enjoy it.
DeleteThe title is one which would catch your eye for sure. Good to hear that the story was one you enjoyed too.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
Knitting was mentioned in the book quite a bit, as you'd expect given the title, but it shouldn't put off any non knitters from reading it. It was a good story.
DeleteIt sounds the sort of book that could help a lot of people in a similar situation.
ReplyDeleteI was sad to read that Ann Hood had suffered a similar experience to the main character, she must have drawn on her own feelings when writing the book.
DeleteHow sad, it sounds an interesting story. I never seem to use my poor kindle, I should really blow the dust off it, but I have a pile of books to read first xx
ReplyDeleteI love my Kindle. I do still enjoy reading proper books but my Kindle enables me to read in the dark when I wake up through the night and can't sleep. I seem to read books faster on it too for some unknown reason.
DeleteI read this one a while ago Jo and yes it is a lovely book as long as you make sure you have plenty of chocolate and a box of tissues to hand.
ReplyDeleteMitzi
I'm glad you enjoyed it too. I've read a few books with a knitting theme and this is one of the better ones.
DeleteThis one sounds a little too sad for me, Jo. I love my Kindle. As a former librarian, I was reluctant to give up books -- and actually felt guilty -- but the Kindle is so much more convenient. Of course, I have not given up books completely. All my many gardening titles are in book form. P. x
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure that a Kindle was for me either as I love the feel of a book in my hands but I'm so glad that I took the plunge. I must admit that I do still prefer reference books in book form though.
DeletePleased to read about this …
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not good with sad stories so may give it a miss.
Enjoy the coming weekend.
All the best Jan
I don't mind a sad story every once in a while, I do read enough of them.
DeleteI've read this one, a enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteYou could always ask at your local library if they think they would be interested in starting a knit and natter group. Ask if a notice could go up on their noticeboard with a day/time and just take along your own knitting, you'd be surprised how many turn up and have been waiting for someone to take the initiative. We have one at our very small community centre library, started by 2 ladies and now there are 18 that come along on Friday mornings. Another one at the bigger library and that has over 25. They are so popular. Even the local Sainsburys has one in their cafeteria on a Monday evening for those that have to work in the daytime. I hope you find one, they are such fun. xx
I haven't come across many books with a knitting theme but of the ones I have, I think this is my favourite. How lovely having a choice of knit and natter groups local to you. I'm not sure about starting one myself, perhaps if I had a friend who knitted it'd be better but probably not something I'd have the confidence to start on my own.
DeleteI read this years ago and really loved it, although I remember it being so sad.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite sad but I enjoyed it, it's a good story line.
DeleteOh, I love knitting fiction. This one I haven't heard of but I've added it to my list...I'll make sure to grab the box of tissues once I get to it :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read very many books with a knitting theme, I enjoyed this one though but it was rather sad.
DeleteJust reading this book now Jo. Sad but very enjoyable. I've recently started a knit & Natter group in the local pub. People were talking about it in the local facebook page but it needed someone to start it. It's in the afternoons once a week. The pub is practically empty then for a few hrs. Peeps can come for a meal at 1:00 first or from 1:30pm until 4:00pm. The beauty of the pub is there's no charge but they do provide drinks, cake or cookies to purchase.
ReplyDeleteWe have the bookclub there already so it was simple to arrange.
The library in town 11 miles away, run knit n natters but conversation can get sad or loud. Library staff told the group off, oops! Also the yarn shop and church in town run groups too. Cx
I'm glad you're enjoying it. Your knit and natter group at the pub sounds great, I'd be there like a shot if I lived nearby. I'd be at the book club too. I wish there were more groups like this close to where I live but I don't know of any.
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