Set in WWII this evocative and engaging story of love and prejudice and secrets is perfect for fans of The Postmistress and Pam Jenoff. Silk went from luxury to necessity in the war as life-saving parachutes were made from it. But Geman’s manning the looms, even if they are refugee Jews, raises prejudices and threatens a burgeoning love. Can it survive? The authors family have been silk weavers for nearly three hundred years - no wonder the book takes you so convincingly to the lives of the weavers.
The war changed everything for Lily Verner. As the Nazis storm Europe, Lily becomes an apprentice at her family's silk weaving factory. When they start to weave parachute silk there is no margin for error: one tiny fault could result in certain death for Allied soldiers. The war also brings Stefan to Lily: a German Jewish refugee who works on the looms. As their love grows, there are suspicions someone is tampering with the silk. Can their love survive the hardships of war? And will the Verner's silk stand the ultimate test?
'A novel about the human spirit - Liz Trenow paints with able prose a picture of the prejudices that bind us and the love that sets us free, and she does so with heartfelt characters and vivid, scenic detail that will not soon be forgotten. Splendid.' Pam Jenoff, author of The Kommandant's Girl
'This absorbing novel delves into the secrets of wartime silk production and makes them totally fascinating. Trenow weaves a poignant love story with a fresh and compelling touch ... Tremendously atmospheric and convincing in its details, with characters that touch the heart. A book to savour.' Kate Furnivall, author of The Russian Concubine
Author
About Liz Trenow
Liz Trenow worked for many years as a journalist for national and regional newspapers, and for BBC radio and television news, and is now a full time writer.
