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Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Quilt of Souls: A Memoir by Phyllis Biffle Elmore is the inspiring, touching story of how young Phyllis was left at her grandmother Lula's house at age four and how her journey went from feelings of loneliness and abandonment to love and fulfillment. While quilting, Lula would share stories with her granddaughter about the quilts she made from the clothing of people that had passed on. These quilts served as a legacy of the lives they had lived and touched. The quilts represent black women who lived before and after the Civil War. Some were slaves, some were teachers, some washed laundry, and others told stories or were creative and helpful to others in their way. Each life was a story waiting to be told, and Lula brought those stories to life in her quilts.
This moving memoir tells the stories of people, culture, racism, sexism, and other social and historical issues; it does this creatively and is memorable. The power and heart that come through the pages make this story stand out. You will feel a connection with the people Lula honors in the quilt, just as young Phyllis eventually does. Lula is the catalyst through which we learn life lessons and African American traditions and history that we can carry with us and even pass on to others. Having a grandmother who occasionally turned her family's clothing into patchwork quilts, I can deeply relate to this story and these characters. Lula is a strong character, full of wisdom and spirit. This book spans a rainbow of emotions, from loss and tragedy to forgiveness and happiness. I especially love how the grandmother helped her granddaughter feel more comfortable as time passed, so there is some great character development here. For a powerful, enlightening journey of unsung heroes that will stay with you a long, long time, I highly recommend Quilt of Souls: A Memoir by Phyllis Biffle Elmore.
