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The Braid

By: Laetitia Colombani, Louise Rogers Lalaurie - translator
Narrated by: Tania Rodrigues
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Summary

We truly loved reading this beautiful, simple novel in one sitting.' ELLE

The bestselling phenomenon from France


Smita, Giulia, Sarah: three lives, three continents, three women with nothing in common, but nevertheless bound by a rare expression of courage – like three strands in a braid.

India. Smita is an untouchable, married to a ‘rat-hunter’, her job to clean with her bare hands the village latrines, just like her mother before her. Her dream is to see her daughter escape this same fate, and learn to read. When this hope is shattered, she takes matters into her own hands, despite her husband’s warnings, despite the odds stacked against her . . .

Sicily. Giulia is a worker in her father’s wig workshop, the last of its kind in Palermo. She classifies, washes, bleaches, and dyes the hair provided by the city’s hairdressers. When her father is the victim of a serious accident, she quickly discovers her family have been living a lie . . .

Canada. Sarah is a reputed lawyer. As a twice-divorced mother of three children, she ploughs through cases at breakneck speed. Just as she is about to be promoted, she learns she has breast cancer. Her seemingly perfect existence begins to show its cracks . . .

Laetitia Colombani's The Braid is the powerfully moving story of three women’s courage in the face of adversity.

©2019 Laetitia Colombani (P)2018 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd
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Critic reviews

The Braid is a beautifully written novel of determination, bravery and hope. You will remember Smita, Giulia and Sarah long after you’ve read their stories. (AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs Bird)

What listeners say about The Braid

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Beautiful story

This is a beautiful story of humanity and the strength of women. I loved it.

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Heartgripping

Wonderfully told - beautiful story - important message about global coexistence through value chains. Loved the way the three characters were described, so truthful and vibrant.

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What a lovely story

Took a while to get into to readers tone but it did work. What a lovely uplifting message although a relatively short story. Very different from anything I have read.

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Clever portraits of three women

Intertwined stories of very different lifes. Vivid descriptions of women experiencing profound change. Outstanding reading performance.

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Strong women

I Loved this book , brilliant storyline, the characters were believable and the narrator was excellent.

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A real treat and a page turner - recommended read

As soon as I started reading it I fell in love with Smita's strength and perseverance, Giulia's love and courage and Sarah's determination. Three women that even in the most difficult situations don't give up. I highly recommend this book about women's inner strength and willpower.

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1 person found this helpful