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A Paperback Original An epic, beautiful novel from the international bestselling author of The Island , following the intertwining lives of two lovers in a tempestuous Greek city over the course of the turbulent 20th century Thessaloniki, 1917. As Dimitri Komninos is born, a fire sweeps through the thriving multicultural city, where Christians, Jews, and Muslims live side by side. It is the first of many catastrophic events that will change forever this city, as war, fear and persecution begin to divide its people. Five years later, young Katerina escapes to Greece when her home in Asia Minor is destroyed by the Turkish army. Losing her mother in the chaos, she finds herself on a boat to an unknown destination. For the next eighty years, the lives of Dimitri and Katerina become entwined, with each other and with the story of the city itself. Through their eyes, we experience the changing landscape of Thessaloniki, the persecution of its people, Nazi collaboration, civil war, and economic collapse. Thessaloniki, 2007. A young Anglo-Greek hears the life story of his grandparents for the first time and realizes he has a decision to make. For many decades, his grandparents have looked after the memories and treasures of people who have been forcibly driven from their beloved city. Should he become their new custodian? Should he stay or should he go? The Thread is a sweeping, beautiful story of love and friendship, and the choices that we make when loyalties are challenged.