• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peeking Between the Pages

Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

  • HOME
  • ARCHIVES
  • PAST READS
  • REVIEW POLICY
  • ABOUT ME
  • CONTACT ME

Book Review: The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony & Giveaway (US/Canada)

October 23, 2012 by Darlene

The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony is not a story I will soon forget and it is one that I really enjoyed. There isn’t a lot of historical fiction  that has to do with lace and when I saw this one I was automatically drawn to it just as I am to lace itself. For me lace is intricate, delicate, and beautiful and I find its patterns as fascinating as I did this story. The Ruins of Lace is a tale wrought with obsession, treachery, greed, and loyalty in seventeenth century France with lace smuggling at it’s center and it’s effects on the people.

Lisette is a young girl when she accidentally sets fire to a lace cuff of a nobleman visiting at her home.  Unfortunately he doesn’t make allowances for young children’s mistakes and as her family didn’t have the money to reimburse the Count for the lace they ended up paying dearly for it in other ways in the years to follow.  Alexandre is a young man that came to live with Lisette’s family and has always harbored a fierce love for her even though Lisette herself feels unworthy of anyone’s love after all the trouble she’s caused.  Ultimately the Count demands as payment for keeping the families secrets that they smuggle him lace and this sets Alexandre off on a journey that will change not only his life but others as well.

On the other side is Katharina who has been making lace since she was a young girl.  She is the best lace maker at the convent but after all the years of needlework her eyesight is pretty much gone.  If you can not see, you can not make lace.  So far she’s been able to hide it as she’s been working on the same pattern for a long time and can do it by memory and feel.  Her sister Heilwich has been trying to get enough money together to buy her sister back because she knows what happens to the girls who are still young by the time they can no longer see anymore or are crippled up from the position they keep all day.  They are thrown out from the convent and left to fend for themselves and for the most part are picked up by very undesirable men and used for unmentionable purposes.  Heilwich will go to almost any extent to protect her sister from this fate.

This story is told from seven points of view, including even a dog (which at first was not a part of the story I liked), which can be a bit confusing in the beginning but quickly manages to weave itself together.  All of these people, in one way or another, are involved in lace smuggling or the desire to have lace.  I found it amazing that lace was ever even forbidden and have to admit to not knowing this as truth until reading this novel so I most definitely learned quite a bit reading this book.  That brings me to the part of the story that I was most drawn to and that was Katharina’s life.  I was horrified at the treatment of the young girls who were from poorer families that were forced into making the lace as they were essentially robbed of their lives.  By the time Katharina was thirty she was blind and so hunched over that she seemed to be an old woman.  I was fascinated though with the making of lace and the descriptions that the author uses were so vivid that I felt I could see and feel the delicate pieces of lace slipping through my fingers.

The Ruins of Lace is a fantastic story which is somewhat dark at times and yet funny in a few places as well.  Iris Anthony has a beautiful writing style that simply flows from the page and I found myself being lifted away with this tale.  I really hope to see more from this author because I wouldn’t hesitate to read another of her books which of course means I also wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this one!

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, November 10/12.  Good luck!

Source:  Review copy provided by Sourcebooks via NetGalley.  No compensation was received for this review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Share this post!
Share

Filed Under: 2012 - 100+ Books, 2012 ARC's, 2012 Book Reviews, 2012 eBooks, NetGalley, Sourcebooks Blog Tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hattie (Topazshell) says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:30 am

    For some reason I love any novel about lace or a seamstress. I would love to read this one.

    1dozenstars@gmail.com

  2. Hattie (Topazshell) says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:31 am

    I already follow your blog.:)

  3. Hattie (Topazshell) says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:32 am

    I tweeted the giveaway @ http://twitter.com Tea20122.

    Thanks for entering me.

  4. Margaret says

    October 23, 2012 at 1:33 am

    I just love the cover for this book. I am a follower/

    Thanks

  5. Kristin T. says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:51 am

    I’ve had my eye on this book – I love historical fiction and I love reading about the trades that seem to be a lost art today.

    I’m a GFC follower – Kristin T.

    Thanks for this giveaway!!!
    k2reader(at)gmail(dot)com

  6. Linda B says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:17 am

    This sounds fascinating. I had no idea that lace had such a history. Thanks for the giveaway.

    GFC follower

  7. Sandra K321 says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:34 am

    I really want to read this one. Historical fiction from this time period is my favorite.

  8. Sandra K321 says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:34 am

    I follow your blog via GFC as Sandra K321.

  9. Marie says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:58 am

    I love historical fiction. Sounds great. I’d love to win. I’m a follower.

  10. ellie says

    October 23, 2012 at 8:13 am

    this novel sounds fascinating. thanks. I subscribe via e-mail.

  11. Rebecca Boardman says

    October 23, 2012 at 8:24 am

    Love historical fiction. This books sounds wonderful and the kind of book I would enjoy reading.
    Thanks for a great contest…

  12. Anne says

    October 23, 2012 at 8:44 am

    Thanks for this great review and historical. I am an e-mail subscriber.

  13. Patty says

    October 23, 2012 at 9:22 am

    This book fascinates. Thanks for the opportunity to win

  14. Patty says

    October 23, 2012 at 9:23 am

    I follow by gfc
    thank you

  15. Patty says

    October 23, 2012 at 9:23 am

    https://twitter.com/BrokenTeepee/status/260763008937107456

    Thank you

  16. zibilee says

    October 23, 2012 at 9:35 am

    I have read books about lace makers before, and I really am excited about this one. The fact that the story is told from so many points of view is also very interesting. It sounds rather fast paced and intriguing. I would love to read this one at some point, so I will go ahead and enter! Thanks, Dar!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  17. MonieG says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:03 am

    You don’t have to enter me to win but I just wanted to say that I also loved this one.

  18. nan says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Obsession, treachery, greed, and loyalty…what more could you want? Thanks for the chance to win. I’m a follower.

  19. Mary Ward says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:10 am

    I want to be lifted away too!

  20. Mary Ward says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:10 am

    I follow on GFC and by email.

  21. Connie Fischer says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:11 am

    I have always been fascinated by the ancient art of lace making. When I lived in Europe, I love to meander the Grand Place in Brussels peering into the windows of the lace shops. The beautiful and intricate work that goes into handmade lace is mind-boggling. Some is as delicate as a spider’s web and just as fragile.

    I’m looking forward to reading “The Ruins of Lace” and have heard some very good things about the novel.

  22. Connie Fischer says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Oops! Forgot to add:

    conniecape@aol.com

    Follower on GFC
    Follower on FB
    Will tweet Giveaway

  23. rhonda says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:13 am

    Historical. Book about lace please enter me.I am follower will tweet at rhondareads.

  24. Carol Wong says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:31 am

    I love historical fiction but because this story that involves lace, I really want to read this book. I have some of the lace that my grandmother made and really treasure it. I would to find out more about this part of history that involves it.

    +2 Follower on GFC as Carol N Wong

    +3 http://t.co/IuvcJIw9 I tweeted.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  25. Emma @ Words And Peace says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Thanks for the giveaway! Getting really intrigued by this title that I keep bumping into.
    I’m a follower, and here s my tweet:
    https://twitter.com/wordsandpeace/status/260781071262691330
    Emma @ Words And Peace
    ehc16e at yahoo dot com

  26. MonaG says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I have never read historical fiction but this one sounds fascinating. Also, I enjoy books written from different POV’s.

    Thanks 🙂
    monagargATyahooDOTcom

  27. MonaG says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:42 am

    I follow via :
    GFC(Mona)
    Email

    monagargATyahooDOTcom

  28. MonaG says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:44 am

    Tweeted
    https://mobile.twitter.com/Kulmona/status/260783292519956480

    monagargATyahooDOTcom

  29. Denise says

    October 23, 2012 at 11:06 am

    I too have never read anything about lace in historical fiction, sounds very interesting, I would like to read this book!

    I follow your blog via email, FB and twitter

  30. Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic says

    October 23, 2012 at 11:07 am

    What an intriguing book! I’m not excited about the many points of views but I like the sound of this story. I know very little about lace. Well, aside from the fact that it is beautiful.

    I’m a follower 🙂

    Reflectionsofabookahlic[at]gmail[dot]com

  31. Margie says

    October 23, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Sounds very intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway!
    -GFC follower
    -Facebook follower

  32. bermudaonion(Kathy) says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    I don’t read much historical fiction but have to say this book sounds fascinating. Of course, the French setting helps things.

    I subscribe in Google Reader.

    kathy(at)bermudaonion.net

  33. Beth says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I am so excited to read this book! Would love to win it, thank you for the chance! It’s crazy how such a delicate, beautiful thing could be the root of so much chaos.

    I follow via GFC.

    I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/bbulow12/status/260811866845089792

    Thanks!
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

  34. blodeuedd says

    October 23, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    Sounds like another good one 😀

  35. Lisa Garrett says

    October 23, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    I have this one on my wishlist!

  36. Lisa Garrett says

    October 23, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    I follow via gfc and email.

  37. Lisa Garrett says

    October 23, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/lag32583/status/260835248693194752

  38. Brenda Rupp says

    October 23, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    I’m a follower through gfc and an email subscriber. I also posted this on my blog:
    http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/

    dancealert at aol dot com

  39. Serena says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    This one has been on my wish list for some time, so I hope I win! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway and for the great review. I’m a follower, and I’ve shared on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sagustocox/posts/485428788156920

  40. Nancy Luebke says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I love lace. Why would they ban lace like that.
    I already follow by email.

  41. teabird says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    Oh, I’d love to read this – thank you for the giveaway!

  42. Lara Frame says

    October 23, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    I’m a google follower! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Really excited to read this book!

    Google follower

    lafra86 at gmail dot com

  43. Carl says

    October 23, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Just a wonderful sounding book. An interesting topic, a great setting. I’m very excited about The Ruins of Lace. Thanks for the giveaway.

    I follow this blog by email: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

    I tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/260880024104755201

  44. Margaret says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    Sounds very good!

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  45. Margaret says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    blog follower

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  46. Margaret says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    tweeted

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  47. Nise' says

    October 23, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    I enjoyed this one too! I love the books she writes under her own name as well. Don’t enter me.

  48. ABB says

    October 24, 2012 at 2:49 am

    Good Blog sir… your blog is very helpful… I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing.

    ABB

  49. mamabunny13 says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:46 am

    I’m intrigued by this story.
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  50. mamabunny13 says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:47 am

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/mamabunny13/status/261101185199640576
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  51. mamabunny13 says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:47 am

    I follow via gfc mamabunny13
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  52. Karen Wapinski says

    October 24, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I love historicals and anything to do with things I’m bad at, like seamstress
    Thanks for the giveaway

    I am a GFC follower

  53. Terry Martini says

    October 24, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Please enter me. I have had this one on my TBR list since I first heard about it. I follow by email.

    tmrtini at gmail dot com

  54. Cyn209 says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    sounds like a MUST-READ to be added to my WishList!!
    also a follower of your blog as Cyn209

  55. Suz Reads says

    October 25, 2012 at 11:09 am

    Thanks for this amazing giveaway! This book sounds great and I would love to win it!

    klaxon63350 (at) mypacks (dot) net

  56. Suz Reads says

    October 25, 2012 at 11:10 am

    I follow you by e-mail!

    klaxon63350 (at) mypacks (dot) net

  57. Suz Reads says

    October 25, 2012 at 11:11 am

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/SuzReads/status/261514733314793473

    klaxon63350 (at) mypacks (dot) net

  58. Wendy Newcomb says

    October 26, 2012 at 6:13 pm

    I’m entering this for my daughter, she loves these books. Thank you for hosting the giveaway.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

  59. Wendy Newcomb says

    October 26, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    I follow your blog on GFC, wfnren.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

  60. Wendy Newcomb says

    October 26, 2012 at 6:15 pm

    I tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/WendyNewcomb/status/261983317769998336

    and blogged:
    http://wrensthoughts.blogspot.com/p/contests-and-giveaways-good-luck.html

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

  61. Leslie says

    October 27, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    I’ve had this on my wish list for a while. With seven points of view I plan on reading rather than listening.

    I’m a follower and I tweeted the giveaway.
    https://twitter.com/UnderMyAppleTre/status/262290518036336642

  62. Staci says

    October 28, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    This one sounds amazing and like you, I think lace is beautiful!!

  63. CherylS22 says

    October 28, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    This looks like an interesting book & I’ve been looking for a good historical fiction book to read.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  64. CherylS22 says

    October 28, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    GFC follower – CherylS22

  65. LilMissMolly says

    October 28, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    I love historical stories so this is perfect!
    GFC follower LilMissMolly
    Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/LtlMissMolly/status/262756694268989442

  66. Anna (Diary of an Eccentric) says

    October 29, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    I really enjoyed this book, too, though I didn’t care for the dog as narrator so much. I found this history of lace to be fascinating. No need to enter me.

  67. In the Hammock says

    November 5, 2012 at 8:00 am

    awesome review, i really want to read this now!

  68. In the Hammock says

    November 5, 2012 at 8:01 am

    i’m a follower

  69. Maureen says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    I have read about this book and was unaware of how sought after lace was.

  70. Maureen says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    I follow on GFC

  71. Maureen says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    tweet: https://twitter.com/MaureenCE/status/265587573433462784

  72. Rachel W. says

    November 6, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I’ve been waiting for this one! I’m a follower and thanks for the giveaway!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

  73. Tia says

    November 7, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    This one sounds really good. I am following on GFC

    videoclimber(at)yahoo(dot)com

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me!

 

Enter your email address to get my latest reviews sent to your inbox!

Recently Shared

  • These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall (Audiobook)
  • The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda (Audiobook)
  • All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers (Audiobook)
  • Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton (Audiobook)
  • Upgrade by Blake Crouch (Audiobook)

Archives

Categories

Currently Reading

Orhan's Inheritance
Dear Carolina
The Mapmaker's Children
   

My Reading Pal Sammy

Remembering Buddy

Buddy
• May 25, 2002 - Oct 22, 2010 •
Forever in my heart