Through the Eye of a Needle Stories from Indian Desert (Book Review Sample)

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Book Review
Through the Eye of a Needle Stories from Indian Desert is authored by Charlotte Kwon and published by Maiwa Handprints Limited (First Edition, 2003). It is a fiction work that illuminates the unique Indian embroidery and perhaps culture (Kwon p46). It is a story that shows the hope of Indian women to revive textile industry in India. It is a book that tells the unique account of a set of craftswomen who are determined to showcase the unique Indian embroidery to the rest of the world. They create top-notch needlework reminiscent of those made by their ancestors.
Perhaps the author wanted to show the significance of culture in any community. Lovers of textile and embroidery will find the implausible stories of these women from the Klutch Mahila Vikas co-operative interesting and inspiring (Kwon p17). Hordes of knowledge are transmitted through various captivating embroidery designs. Apart from being valuable trade items, the needlework also provides a platform for the women to congregate and show their story and popular culture. The author vividly captures the outstanding landscape of Western Indian’s Klutch desert; the extraordinary diversity of the people living here and the magnificent colors of their embroideries tell it all. It is a game of survival where the women derive a living and at the same time retain their embroidery culture that has defied time.
The women symbolize the unique nature of Indian culture where women play a great role in the economy (Kwon p72). Textile industry thrives in India, and this group of women took advantage of this fact. The author is able to show the continuity of this culture. They fuse traditional embroidery elements with contemporary styles. Overall, the unique styles and decorations are not lost. The story is fast-paced and narrated in a way that makes the reader to visualize and relate with these women.
In my opinion, I think the women are representative of the role women play in economy. As such, they should be supported through co-operatives such as the one the women joined. This is a story of determination; of hope. It is a preservation of culture. Perhaps the important themes in the story are cultural heritage, economic role of women in the society (Kwon p75). When I read this book, I enjoyed the simple writing style and the fast-paced techniques employed by the author. I also got to understand the unique and extraordinary...