Today I have a real treat of an historical novel. Georgia Kaufmann's The Dressmaker of Paris was publisher by Hodder and Stoughton on 28th January.
‘Involving, immersive and unputdownable’ – bestselling
author Jill Mansell
The Dressmaker of Paris is a gorgeous, sweeping, historical
women’s fiction debut. Elegant, breath-taking and completely enthralling, this
novel is perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kate Morton and Dinah Jefferies – a
perfect book club read.
I need to tell you a story, ma chère. My story.
Rosa
Kusstatscher has built a global fashion empire upon her ability to find the
perfect outfit for any occasion. But tonight, as she prepares for the most
important meeting of her life, her usual certainty eludes her.
What brought her
to this moment? As she struggles to select her dress and choose the right shade
of lipstick, Rosa begins to tell her incredible story. The story of a poor
country girl from a village high in the mountains of Italy. Of Nazi occupation
and fleeing in the night. Of hope and heartbreak in Switzerland; glamour and
love in Paris. Of ambition and devastation in Rio de Janeiro; success and self-discovery
in New York.
A life spent running, she sees now. But she will run no longer.'
'The
Dressmaker of Paris is a delicious book: elegantly structured, beautifully
written and with a fascinating protagonist. Georgia Kaufmann has created a
beautiful and compelling novel that had me hooked until the very last page. And
that ending: wow!’ Gill Thompson, bestselling author of The Oceans Between
Us
'Sensuous, sweeping and utterly engrossing, The Dressmaker of Paris is as
dazzling and finely crafted as a Dior gown’ Rachel Rhys, bestselling author of
Dangerous Crossing.
My Thoughts
This is an impressive debut novel which spans the second half of the twentieth century and takes you on a journey which spans three continents. Starting in Rosa's homeland in the South Tyrol in 1943, you see a community which has been declared part of Germany, where the locals are forced to choose sides. Up to this point, the choice has been between Mussolini's Italy or Hitler's Germany, so for years, families have been torn apart and national identity has been contentious. Indeed, until the First World War, the area was [part of Austria. Forced to leave her home to escape from the treatment she endured, Rosa seems to carry with her this feeling of not being sure where she belongs. One thing is for sure. She shows a determination to succeed which carries her through her life.
Rosa's story turns out to be an engrossing one. At times, you may not agree with her decisions, but she emerges as a fallible but caring person who is driven to succeed. The men she meets along the way are contrasting and show a different side to her. Some of her relationships seem more tender than others. What remains steadfast is her friendship with Graca. Rosa's reminiscences concern not just her life story, but are also full of detail about the fashion business, couture and perfumes. You get a real sense of Rosa's life.
In short: character driven plotting and historical detail
About the Author
Georgia Kaufmann studied Social Anthropology and Demography
at Cambridge, LSE and Oxford. She currently lives within cycling distance of
central London with her husband, two daughters and a cat. The Dressmaker of
Paris is her debut novel.
You can follow Georgia here: Twitter | Website
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks to Georgia Kaufmann, and Jenny Platt of Hodder and Stoughton for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
Comments
Post a Comment