Book Review: These Tangled Threads: A Novel of Biltmore by Rachael A. Dehning
When I first stumbled upon These Tangled Threads: A Novel of Biltmore by Rachael A. Dehning, I knew I was in for a treat simply because the Biltmore Estate has long held a fascination for me. I’ve wandered its grand halls, soaked in the exquisite beauty of its gardens, and been captivated by the stories of the Vanderbilts. The premise of weaving together lives intertwined within this historic estate intrigued me even further, and I couldn’t resist delving into a tale set in Asheville, NC, during the early 20th century.
This novel introduces us to three captivating voices: Arthur, Lorna, and Gentry. Each character navigates a web of ambition, betrayal, and longing, all within the rich tapestry of the Biltmore Estate Industries. Arthur’s journey tugs at our hearts as we witness a tender soul shaped by a troubled upbringing and an unrequited love for Lorna. The contrasts in their characters—his kindness and her cunning—set up a dynamic fraught with tension. As a reader, I found myself rooting for Arthur, longing for his innate goodness to be reciprocated, while feeling exasperated by Lorna’s morally questionable choices.
Lorna’s character, a gifted but ambitious weaver, embarks on a path where she ultimately sacrifices integrity for success. Her actions are a troubling reminder of how the pursuit of recognition can lead one astray. It’s a theme I found both relevant and reflective of the pressures many face in creative fields today. Gentry, the young, aspiring musician with a dulcimer, adds a bittersweet layer to this story, representing innocence and the desire for connection, especially in her search for her long-lost mother. I was particularly drawn to her youthful spirit and the emotional depth her music brings to the narrative.
While the story’s pacing had its moments of confusion, with shifts through time that left me a bit muddled, the depth of the characters made the effort worthwhile. One notable aspect was the duality of the tangible and intangible threads woven into each character’s life—a brilliant metaphor for the complexity of human relationships.
However, there was a point near the end where I felt Dehning attempted to redeem Lorna, and honestly, I struggled to feel any sympathy for her. She had tangled herself too deeply in deceit for me to warm up to her again. Arthur, with all his shortcomings, felt like the character with whom I personally resonated the most, and I couldn’t help but wish he’d find a happier ending without Lorna’s lingering shadow.
As for the audiobook experience, while the dual narration by Libby McKnight and Nick Mills brought some balance, I must admit that Pilar Witherspoon’s portrayal of Lorna was a challenge for me. Her unique inflections, while perhaps intended to bring character, occasionally pulled me out of the story. It became a distraction, making me wish for a smoother listening experience.
Overall, These Tangled Threads offers a blend of heartfelt storytelling, historical intrigue, and themes of forgiveness and ambition. While I don’t see myself picking it up for a second read, I believe it will resonate with those who appreciate character-driven narratives and moral complexities. If you enjoy exploring historical fiction coupled with the intricacies of human relationships, this novel might just find a place on your reading list. For me, it served as a poignant reminder of how tangled our lives can become—both in art and in the relationships we forge.
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