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HomeShop at BookSurgeBody, Mind & SpiritUnexplained PhenomenaCity of Looms and Spindles: The Adventures of the Textile Mill Girls 1836 |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 3 customer reviews )
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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
City of Looms----a review Nov 22, 2009
By Duane W. Hall
"City of Looms and Spindles---" was an easy read even though the vernacular of the
1830's was obviously different from our current way of speaking. It was apparent that the author had done much research on that aspect of her story. I also noted,
being a student of U.S. history, that her research took in the economy, current
events, and culture of that part of the U.S. She did show her empathy and connection that the workers and Blacks endured in the North at this time.
The "story" itself was interesting in that I was anxious to see what was coming next. I could not detect, while reading, any foreshadowing that indicated a sad
or happy ending.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
The life and times of the pre Civil War textile mill girls of Lowell, Mass. Apr 07, 2010
By B. Foster
This book takes you on a marvelous journey back to the textile mills of pre-Civil War Lowell, Massachusetts and the lives of the young men and women who worked in the mills. Seen primarily through the eyes of two young farm girls, this book tells of their trials and tribulations as they make their transformation to city dwellers, learn about young men, and become involved in the abolition movement. The author has done her homework, referencing periodicals of the time as well as using words and phrases from that time. (I can't remember the last time I heard an outhouse referred to as a "necessary room"). The author reminds us of the living conditions of the time as one young lady shares her surprise at having to take full and regular (weekly) baths, and the purpose and proper use of a tooth brush, with a friend. The author involves us in the development of the young people, men and women, into adults as they confront the injustices of slavery and their small part in its perpetuation, as well as their difficulties and the consequences of joining the abolitionist movement. This is a fine piece of historical fiction suitable as a supplement to a high school or college history or women's studies class.
City of Looms and Spindles Mar 30, 2011
By D Y Carey
City of Looms and Spindles is a captivating read. In the space of a hundred years or so our world has changed dramatically. Ms. Arndt has captured the long standing mores and attitudes of the early 1800's with her in depth and detailed study of the times. Her sensitive portrayal of life in these times is vividly brought to life through her two main characters. Prudence is very socially aware of her humble place as a farm girl in a large family and how this effects her desires and expectations for her future. She is a shy girl eager to please her family within the confines of their boundaries of conformity. There are many unwritten family traditions of lifestyle expectations that must not be compromised to cause the family embarrassment or disgrace. Filomena her neighboring best friend shares the same family confines and expectations. However, she longs for more excitement and freedom and has a strong desire to explore and reach beyond the boundaries of her family's farm. She is strong willed, determined and a a bit reckless by nature.
The girl's journey to the "big city" and work in the mills is a fascinating and event filled trip for the reader as well as the girls. Their different personalities explore life in the city; dating; women's lib; slavery and personal freedoms they never knew existed beyond their farms. How they respond to these changes and how their reactions affect their friendship is an exciting revelation to the reader.
I wanted the story to continue! I wanted more of the quick-paced, life-changing, history-making events to continue beyond their young womanhood. City of Looms and Spindles is a revealing, heart-warming and historical account of life and expectations for women of the early 1800's.
I am a New Hampshire farm girl of the 1940's. I know of the unspoken traditions and expectations of the times and also of the consequences when the boundaries are challenged by eager young women.
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