Review of 'The Crimson Thread' by Kate Forsyth

Novel by Kate Forsyth ‘The Crimson Thread’

Release Date: July 5th, 2022

Publisher: Penguin Books

Visit Kate Forsyth’s Website

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REVIEW

I always take a break after reading a novel to let it settle into my soul and with the complexity of The Crimson Thread, I needed to let it simmer awhile. Powerful writing, like this, sometimes renders me mute. When I am overwhelmed by a story’s greatness, it can be hard to find the words to express a reaction. But I always try.

I have loved all of Kate’s novels and The Crimson Thread, as noted, left me speechless and moved on so many levels. It is a heartbreaking tale centred around the effects of World War II and the Nazis Germany invasion of the Greek island of Crete. Kate has written with such force that her words burrowed so deeply into my psyche that I was dreaming about this novel at night. I felt I was there not only watching the horrors but also standing along-side the broken hearted.

Personally, I have always been drawn to historical fiction, for it is a powerful way to visit a time and place that would be impossible to experience otherwise. A story based on history takes us inside the decisions and events of the past that have shaped our present. I knew little of the effects of World War II on Crete before reading this novel and I have no personal connections to the island. But Kate has and this has given her an incredible advantage. The seeds of inspiration were sown by her grandfather who shared of her great-uncle’s narrow escape on the island when the Nazis dropped on Crete from the sky. Having this knowledge is one thing but possessing the skill to weave it into fiction is another. Yet Kate is an accomplished author and has powerfully and beautifully drawn creative sustenance from the stories told to her by her grandfather. Now the gift has become part of a wider circle of readers and listeners through her writing of The Crimson Thread. Those who are fortunate enough to read her book, can be fully immersed in the experiences of the courageous islanders and allies who resisted the Nazis invasion. We can learn of the horrifying events through the characters she has created to champion her story. Through her weaving of the two (real figures from history and those created in Kate’s imagination), we get a complete picture of the bodies, minds and spirits of all those who were either victims or villains on the island at the time.

For a project this massive, the level of research would have been extensive. Kate has utilised the information well, and superbly captured the heart and soul of the people of the island. Though I have not been to Crete, with what I have read about the place, the setting feels authentic, too. Through Kate’s words, it is easy to imagine the atmosphere of fear during these events that hovered over the island like a mist. You can hear, feel, taste and see the warfare and sense the gut wrenching torture these people underwent.

Another thread of this novel beyond the devastating World War II trauma, is a touching love story. Two men, Jack and Teddy, are inseparable childhood friends. They do everything together— including signing up to fight in the war. Once arriving on Crete, they both fall for the beautiful Alenka and this creates some interesting conflicts between them. Who will she choose? In many ways Jack and Teddy are opposites. Jack is quiet, calm and controlled, while Teddy is brassy, boisterous and hot-headed. They each tell their side of the story, along with Alenka, so we get a generous mix of viewpoints. But Alenka is more than a love interest, for she is a key player in protecting and leading those to safety under her care. This determined and brave young woman becomes a resistance fighter and, as a result, finds herself in some very dangerous situations secretly plotting against the Nazis, who try to take over her beloved island home. Even though she experiences devastating loss, her will to continue the fight for freedom remains strong; including when she is up against her own flesh and blood. Axel, her younger half-brother, is a Nazis sympathiser with a dangerous desire to be important. He will stop at nothing to achieve what he wants— even betrayal and puts his family at great risk.

The Crimson Thread is more than just a World War II and love-story. It is also a re-imagining of the Greek myth The Minotaur and The Labyrinth. The novel opens with a memorable quote of Ariadne to Theseus from Ovid that sets the stage for the seven parts of the novel (a significant number to the myth) that follow. The mention of the saving ‘thread’ gives us an immediate clue (reflected also in the book’s title). Each section commences with the labyrinth image, (representing the unconscious mind) a poem and a heading (words from the poem) that reveal sections of the myth. Kate wonderfully utilises this ancient Greek folklore in poetry and prose: a story that involves a monster, an Athens prince, a Cretan princess and a thread that guides the prince to the cavern centre where the monster waits. On Kate’s website, you will find excellent background information of how this tale inspired her. (See here.) Very worthwhile to read her notes as they will provide understanding on the material inserted before each section of her story.

Without question, this reimagined Greek myth woven into the World War II story of Crete is ingenious and sheds pristine light on the setting and culture. The parallels between the Greek hero, heroine and monster and those of Kate’s World War II characters are exquisite and give this novel added depth and timeless appeal. As one would expect of such an expert writer, everything is purposely placed in Kate’s novel to enhance, progress and explain the story. Even the addition of music holds a significance in The Crimson Thread (and to Kate’s family). And then there is the beautiful art and craft of embroidery that ties nicely in with the myth’s guiding thread concept.

It is a stunning complex novel that is creatively told with a Greek myth at its heart. On an earthly level, the atrocities The Crimson Thread explores will leave you undone, racked by sorrow for the loss these people experienced. But all is not grim for there are little threads of hope and light, that spring out of the ashes: a jewelled lifeline that lifts the down-trodden from despair and puts a new song in their hearts. A fabulous read that is powerful, profound and perfect from start to finish. A complete (and tightly executed) masterpiece. 5+ Exceptional Stars  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to the lovely and very talented Kate Forsyth and her generous publisher, Penguin Books Australia, for my review copy.