Loss and Heartbreak
A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy is a heart-wrenching story of loss, prejudice, and fortitude.
Our thanks to the author, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy.
Book Details
Print Length: 432 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 16, 2021)
Language: English
ASIN : B08CJTM8W2
Book Description
Calcutta, 1886.
Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon her skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women.
When a stranger appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett Scott, friend to Ottilie’s English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home.
But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn’t forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.
From the Publisher’s Blurb
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Review
Ottilie was born in India to an Anglo-Indian mother and an English father. Looking like an Indian but educated within the English community, Ottilie lived amidst two different cultures, not being accepted by either.
The story is so sorrowful. My heart went to Ottilie and her endless string of losses and all the pain it brought her. The blatant prejudice she was subjected to was heart-breaking.
She immigrated to England with her brother, and matters became even worse when not even her own family members fully accepted her.
The characters were layered and flawed. Ottilie’s strength and courage despite all her misfortunes were very inspiring. She was always kind and understanding of her family and friend’s many weaknesses.
There was a strong faith element throughout the story. Ottilie’s faith was repeatedly tested, and she did not hide from her doubts.
There was a little romance in the story’s background, although I must confess I resented the hero too much to rejoice in their HEA.
I loved to learn about an embroidering technique that uses iridescent beetle wing cases. I checked online, and they have a lovely blue hue. I could imagine how stunning Ottilie’s creations would have been.
A Tapestry of Light is a moving story to read with a box of tissues at hand.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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About the Author
Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio. When she’s not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of 20 years. He doesn’t mind.
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Lu Reviews Books 
I’ve embroidered a little but not enough to know about that. Sounds like a good book. Nice review!
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Sounds interesting, loved hearing your thoughts on this book. My mom might like this one as she loves historical fiction, so might pass this one off to her.
♥ Mae
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It sounds fascinating, but sad, too.
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Yes, it was quite sad. A very interesting story, but better to have tissues at hand when reading it. Thanks for commenting, Luccia 💕
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