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The Gown
“Millions will welcome this joyous event as a flash of color on the long road we have to travel.”—Sir Winston Churchill on the news of Princess Elizabeth’s forthcoming wedding
London, 1947: Besieged by the harshest winter in living memory, burdened by onerous shortages and rationing, the people of postwar Britain are enduring lives of quiet desperation despite their nation’s recent victory. Among them are Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell. Together they forge an unlikely friendship, but their nascent hopes for a brighter future are tested when they are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honor: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.
Toronto, 2016: More than half a century later, Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a set of embroidered flowers, a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved Nan, a woman who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess the priceless embroideries that so closely resemble the motifs on the stunning gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding almost seventy years before? And what was her Nan’s connection to the celebrated textile artist and holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin?
With The Gown, Jennifer Robson takes us inside the workrooms where one of the most famous wedding gowns in history was created. Balancing behind-the-scenes details with a sweeping portrait of a society left reeling by the calamitous costs of victory, she introduces readers to three unforgettable heroines, their points of view alternating and intersecting throughout its pages, whose lives are woven together by the pain of survival, the bonds of friendship, and the redemptive power of love.
London, 1947: Besieged by the harshest winter in living memory, burdened by onerous shortages and rationing, the people of postwar Britain are enduring lives of quiet desperation despite their nation’s recent victory. Among them are Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell. Together they forge an unlikely friendship, but their nascent hopes for a brighter future are tested when they are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honor: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.
Toronto, 2016: More than half a century later, Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a set of embroidered flowers, a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved Nan, a woman who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess the priceless embroideries that so closely resemble the motifs on the stunning gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding almost seventy years before? And what was her Nan’s connection to the celebrated textile artist and holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin?
With The Gown, Jennifer Robson takes us inside the workrooms where one of the most famous wedding gowns in history was created. Balancing behind-the-scenes details with a sweeping portrait of a society left reeling by the calamitous costs of victory, she introduces readers to three unforgettable heroines, their points of view alternating and intersecting throughout its pages, whose lives are woven together by the pain of survival, the bonds of friendship, and the redemptive power of love.
371 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2018
About the author
Jennifer Robson
12 books3,036 followersJennifer Robson first learned about the Great War from her father, acclaimed historian Stuart Robson, and later served as an official guide at the Canadian National War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. A former copy editor, she holds a doctorate in British economic and social history from the University of Oxford. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,530 reviews
October 23, 2018
I won The Gown in a Goodreads giveaway.
4.5 Stars
I'm going to be perfectly honest with you. The Gown is a great book and I loved it for its entertainment value. Its a beautifully written story and the characters are so alive that they just suck you in.
But I also loved this book because it was my first time winning a giveaway. So that definitely did get factored into my rating. I'm just being honest. It felt good to win a free book that I was actually really interested in reading.
I, like a lot of Americans woke up at an unreasonable hour (4AM) to watch The Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I'm not a huge fan of the Royal family but I have become way more interest in them this year between the wedding and the tv show The Crown. So when I saw this was up for a giveaway I immediately entered to win it, never actually expecting to win it.
But I Did Haters!!!!!
The Gown is my favorite kind of Historical Fiction, the kind that mixes real people with fictional characters. The Gown reminded me a lot of a Beatriz Williams novels in that it took place in two separate time periods. The first time period is 1947 and features 2 young women who become friends while working on future Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown. The other time period is the present and features the granddaughter of one of the women and her quest to learn more about her beloved late grandmother.
This book covers a lot of important issues like rape, the Holocaust, anti semitism, feminism, first love, grief and PTSD. I loved this book and I had fun reading it. I also spent a lot of time Googling people and events mentioned in this book.
This book doesn't come out until January but I suggest you guys preorder it now because I think its gonna be a very popular book.
Also its once again being featured as a Giveaway, so enter to possibly win it.
Read This Book!!!
4.5 Stars
I'm going to be perfectly honest with you. The Gown is a great book and I loved it for its entertainment value. Its a beautifully written story and the characters are so alive that they just suck you in.
But I also loved this book because it was my first time winning a giveaway. So that definitely did get factored into my rating. I'm just being honest. It felt good to win a free book that I was actually really interested in reading.
I, like a lot of Americans woke up at an unreasonable hour (4AM) to watch The Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I'm not a huge fan of the Royal family but I have become way more interest in them this year between the wedding and the tv show The Crown. So when I saw this was up for a giveaway I immediately entered to win it, never actually expecting to win it.
But I Did Haters!!!!!
The Gown is my favorite kind of Historical Fiction, the kind that mixes real people with fictional characters. The Gown reminded me a lot of a Beatriz Williams novels in that it took place in two separate time periods. The first time period is 1947 and features 2 young women who become friends while working on future Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown. The other time period is the present and features the granddaughter of one of the women and her quest to learn more about her beloved late grandmother.
This book covers a lot of important issues like rape, the Holocaust, anti semitism, feminism, first love, grief and PTSD. I loved this book and I had fun reading it. I also spent a lot of time Googling people and events mentioned in this book.
This book doesn't come out until January but I suggest you guys preorder it now because I think its gonna be a very popular book.
Also its once again being featured as a Giveaway, so enter to possibly win it.
Read This Book!!!
January 8, 2019
Even though this historical fiction book revolves around the making of Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown, there surprisingly is a fair amount of depth to the story. I actually picked this one up because I thought it would be a nice escape from some stressful life events and while it certainly provided a welcome distraction, I did find myself feeling more emotionally invested in some of the characters than I initially had predicted. Sometimes a book finds a way into your hands at the perfect time and that certainly was the case here.
While World War 2 was over, life in London in 1947 was pretty bleak but the country did have the upcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth to look forward to. Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin are part of a team of embroiderers and seamstresses that have been tasked with the making of the wedding gown. Fast forward to 2016 where Heather has found a set of embroidered flowers in her late grandmother's possessions. Not knowing why her grandmother, Nan, had them to begin with, Heather embarks on a quest to find out more about Nan's mysterious life when she lived in London decades ago as it was a topic that always seemed to be off-limits in the family.
In regards to the historical accuracy of the book, this is a case of the author taking some known facts about the making of the wedding gown but also largely using her imagination in regards to the story. The main characters in the book do not exist in real life which might disappoint some historical fiction fans but I thought what the author came up with in terms of a story still makes for a compelling read. I highly recommend reading the author's note at the end as it provides a good context into her writing process.
I like how the novel touched on what life was like in London a few years after the war as it's not a topic explored nearly as much as it could be in books. Miriam's backstory brought a lot of depth to her character. But for me the most meaningful part of the story was the special relationship between Heather and her grandmother and how fortunate I was to have that same connection with my grandmother.
I don't think you necessarily have to be a fan of fashion or the royals to enjoy this book. It's just a good, solid read with strong female characters and I don't hesitate to recommend giving it a chance.
While World War 2 was over, life in London in 1947 was pretty bleak but the country did have the upcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth to look forward to. Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin are part of a team of embroiderers and seamstresses that have been tasked with the making of the wedding gown. Fast forward to 2016 where Heather has found a set of embroidered flowers in her late grandmother's possessions. Not knowing why her grandmother, Nan, had them to begin with, Heather embarks on a quest to find out more about Nan's mysterious life when she lived in London decades ago as it was a topic that always seemed to be off-limits in the family.
In regards to the historical accuracy of the book, this is a case of the author taking some known facts about the making of the wedding gown but also largely using her imagination in regards to the story. The main characters in the book do not exist in real life which might disappoint some historical fiction fans but I thought what the author came up with in terms of a story still makes for a compelling read. I highly recommend reading the author's note at the end as it provides a good context into her writing process.
I like how the novel touched on what life was like in London a few years after the war as it's not a topic explored nearly as much as it could be in books. Miriam's backstory brought a lot of depth to her character. But for me the most meaningful part of the story was the special relationship between Heather and her grandmother and how fortunate I was to have that same connection with my grandmother.
I don't think you necessarily have to be a fan of fashion or the royals to enjoy this book. It's just a good, solid read with strong female characters and I don't hesitate to recommend giving it a chance.
January 1, 2019
5 stars to this story of strength and friendship! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Happy New Year to all my Goodreads friends! 🥳 🎉 🥂
Told in three voices over two time periods, The Gown is a stunning story.
In 1947 London, knee deep in a harsh winter with heavy rationing, the war has left its indelible mark. Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin are embroiderers working at the famous Mayfair owned by Norman Hartnell. Why is Hartnell famous? For designing clothing for the princesses. And what is the assignment of the 20th century that has befallen them? Making none other than future Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown.
In Toronto present day, Heather Mackenzie has found a set of embroidered flowers passed down from her beloved late grandmother. Heather discovers the flowers look much like those on Queen Elizabeth’s gown, and she wants to know why. She also uncovers a connection between her grandmother and Norman Hartnell who was known to have designed the Queen’s wedding dress.
The Gown is a well-researched work of historical fiction. The detail kept me entranced and also had me googling and yearning to know more. The friendship that forms between Anne and Miriam is tenderly drawn, and the emotional bonds and healing that resulted from that relationship is awe-inspiring.
I didn’t expect to be as absorbed in The Gown as I was. It can be hard to focus during the holidays, and my mind was in so many places. It served as a wonderful reminder of why I read historical fiction; to be transported to a different time and place and to learn. The Gown is an exquisite story of strength and friendship from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Happy New Year to all my Goodreads friends! 🥳 🎉 🥂
Told in three voices over two time periods, The Gown is a stunning story.
In 1947 London, knee deep in a harsh winter with heavy rationing, the war has left its indelible mark. Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin are embroiderers working at the famous Mayfair owned by Norman Hartnell. Why is Hartnell famous? For designing clothing for the princesses. And what is the assignment of the 20th century that has befallen them? Making none other than future Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown.
In Toronto present day, Heather Mackenzie has found a set of embroidered flowers passed down from her beloved late grandmother. Heather discovers the flowers look much like those on Queen Elizabeth’s gown, and she wants to know why. She also uncovers a connection between her grandmother and Norman Hartnell who was known to have designed the Queen’s wedding dress.
The Gown is a well-researched work of historical fiction. The detail kept me entranced and also had me googling and yearning to know more. The friendship that forms between Anne and Miriam is tenderly drawn, and the emotional bonds and healing that resulted from that relationship is awe-inspiring.
I didn’t expect to be as absorbed in The Gown as I was. It can be hard to focus during the holidays, and my mind was in so many places. It served as a wonderful reminder of why I read historical fiction; to be transported to a different time and place and to learn. The Gown is an exquisite story of strength and friendship from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
February 10, 2019
FIVE GLOWING STARS!! *****
Let me start by saying I'm a devoted,"Royal Watcher." It all started when I was 11 years old and saw Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles. Watching it felt like a fairytale coming true. The beautiful, young, bride with the long flowing "Princess" gown displayed in its full glory along the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral took my breath away. That started my interest and it grew into the whole British Royal Family and then eventually to all European Royal Families. (Princess Grace and the Monaco Royals were another favourite of mine too!) So, when I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway you can imagine how ecstatic I was! Well, this book did not disappoint me! I did not know that much about Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown but the cover was beautiful. Her gown was exquisite!
First off I loved the writing style! The words just flowed beautifully and I was immersed fully into another time. Jennifer Robson has a way with words.
The story is told in Post World War II time (1947) and present day.
The 1947 story revolves around 2 characters. Ann Hughes, and Miriam Dassin. They are fictional characters who work for the famous Norman Hartnell Fashion Design House in London. They are embroiderers who are working on the wedding gown of the then Princess Elizabeth. The wedding brings an excitement to England after the War. As the women work on the famous wedding gown their own stories start to enfold. The third story of the journalist named Heather begins in Canada in present time. She begins to unravel the story of Ann and Miriam in England.
This book was written and researched very well. I so loved that part of the story took place in Toronto, Canada. It was a pleasure to read about local areas and attractions. The stories of all 3 women were equally enjoyable. I was captivated from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book for Historical-Fiction fans!
Let me start by saying I'm a devoted,"Royal Watcher." It all started when I was 11 years old and saw Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles. Watching it felt like a fairytale coming true. The beautiful, young, bride with the long flowing "Princess" gown displayed in its full glory along the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral took my breath away. That started my interest and it grew into the whole British Royal Family and then eventually to all European Royal Families. (Princess Grace and the Monaco Royals were another favourite of mine too!) So, when I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway you can imagine how ecstatic I was! Well, this book did not disappoint me! I did not know that much about Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown but the cover was beautiful. Her gown was exquisite!
First off I loved the writing style! The words just flowed beautifully and I was immersed fully into another time. Jennifer Robson has a way with words.
The story is told in Post World War II time (1947) and present day.
The 1947 story revolves around 2 characters. Ann Hughes, and Miriam Dassin. They are fictional characters who work for the famous Norman Hartnell Fashion Design House in London. They are embroiderers who are working on the wedding gown of the then Princess Elizabeth. The wedding brings an excitement to England after the War. As the women work on the famous wedding gown their own stories start to enfold. The third story of the journalist named Heather begins in Canada in present time. She begins to unravel the story of Ann and Miriam in England.
This book was written and researched very well. I so loved that part of the story took place in Toronto, Canada. It was a pleasure to read about local areas and attractions. The stories of all 3 women were equally enjoyable. I was captivated from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book for Historical-Fiction fans!
February 3, 2019
Jennifer Robson appeals to those who love all things ‘British Royals’ as well as fans of historical fiction with her latest piece. How something like the wedding gown worn by Princess Elizabeth could garner so much attention may confound some, but it all becomes clear by the end of this novel. Ann Hughes is employed by Norman Hartnell , a high-end couturier that has recently been asked to make some dresses for the Royal Family. So busy is the shop that when Miriam Dassin arrives from France, her skills make her a wonderful addition to the group of embroiderers. While the group gets to know a little more about Miriam, they learn that she is quite tight-lipped about her life before coming to England, as though it is all a major secret. Soon thereafter, Hartnell is told that his shop will be making Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown, creating a buzz amongst the embroiderers. As Ann and Miriam work, they grow closer to one another, slowly divulging secrets about their respective pasts. When not working on the gown—a top-secret project—they find themselves discovering the allure of the opposite sex. As both Miriam and Ann are young and unmarried, it only makes sense that they turn a few heads. The story tells how both women discover love amidst the backdrop of the most sought after social event of 1947. Speed ahead to Toronto in 2016, Ann’s granddaughter, Heather, makes a discover she will not soon forget. Learning that her grandmother worked on the current Queen’s wedding gown, Heather rushes to England to discover a little more, knowing little about her grandmother’s past before arriving in Canada. It is there that she learns that the famous designer, Miriam Dassin, not only knew her grandmother, but worked alongside her. As Heather makes meaningful connections in England to better understand the life her grandmother left behind, she is touched beyond belief to better understand the life Miriam lived before making it to England to work on the project of a lifetime. Uplifting and heartwarming, as well as full of historical anecdotes, Robson dazzles readers with this piece that is sure to create quite the fanfare! Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, as well as the reader whose interest is piqued by talk of royal events.
While I tend not to read stories with strong romantic undertones, I could not help but want to read this piece. I noticed its premise—the wedding gown to the current Queen of Canada—and could not help but wonder if the threads of historical fiction would counterbalance the amorous themes. Robson not only details the characters, but creates a persona of the gown as it is being created. Ann Hughes is a young woman whose life has centred around her sketches and ability to embroider Given this chance to work on the gown, she puts her all into it, perhaps blinded by the world around her and those seeking an early peek at this most talked about piece of fabric. Miriam Dassin has been through so much even before she graces the pages of this book, showing how her backstory helps push her into a world of excitement and secrets, all of which are slowly revealed. Heather’s revelations about her grandmother exemplify for the reader just how little was know about Ann before she arrived in Canada, leaving her family in the dark. As these three women grow in their respective storylines, the one thing tying them all together is the wedding gown, whose importance pales in comparison to the life lessons discovered, but seems to be something about which all three women can use to grow in their own way. The story proves strong and lasts, keeping the reader hooked through the various shifts in time. While there is a regal theme throughout, this does not drown out some of the other narratives that blossom as the story gets more intense. Robson has a way of keeping the narrative flowing without the need to spin the reader in circles. While this is the first piece of Jennifer Robson’s that I have read, I hope it will not be the last.
Kudos, Madam Robson, for a piece that entertained me throughout, while keeping me wondering what awaited around the next corner. You deserve all the praise you receive and I am eager to explore what else you’ve written in your career.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
While I tend not to read stories with strong romantic undertones, I could not help but want to read this piece. I noticed its premise—the wedding gown to the current Queen of Canada—and could not help but wonder if the threads of historical fiction would counterbalance the amorous themes. Robson not only details the characters, but creates a persona of the gown as it is being created. Ann Hughes is a young woman whose life has centred around her sketches and ability to embroider Given this chance to work on the gown, she puts her all into it, perhaps blinded by the world around her and those seeking an early peek at this most talked about piece of fabric. Miriam Dassin has been through so much even before she graces the pages of this book, showing how her backstory helps push her into a world of excitement and secrets, all of which are slowly revealed. Heather’s revelations about her grandmother exemplify for the reader just how little was know about Ann before she arrived in Canada, leaving her family in the dark. As these three women grow in their respective storylines, the one thing tying them all together is the wedding gown, whose importance pales in comparison to the life lessons discovered, but seems to be something about which all three women can use to grow in their own way. The story proves strong and lasts, keeping the reader hooked through the various shifts in time. While there is a regal theme throughout, this does not drown out some of the other narratives that blossom as the story gets more intense. Robson has a way of keeping the narrative flowing without the need to spin the reader in circles. While this is the first piece of Jennifer Robson’s that I have read, I hope it will not be the last.
Kudos, Madam Robson, for a piece that entertained me throughout, while keeping me wondering what awaited around the next corner. You deserve all the praise you receive and I am eager to explore what else you’ve written in your career.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 14, 2023
4.25 stars
This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that is primarily about the lives of two women who were the lead embroiderers on Princess (later Queen) Elizabeth's wedding gown. Their stories take place in post-war England in 1947. The two women, Ann and Miriam, become roommates and good friends during the work on the gown.
This is a dual-timeline story with the modern timeline involving Ann's granddaughter, Heather, who is mystified when Ann dies and leaves her a box of intricately embroidered samples with no explanation of where they came from. Heather is very surprised to learn that Ann was involved in the making of the gown. She travels to London in hopes of finding answers.
This is a story of love, friendship, artistry, survival, and loyalty. I would have rated it 5 stars, but I am tired of the dual-timeline plot device. While this is one of the better ones I have read, it wasn't really necessary for Ann and Miriam's stories.
I highly recommend the Audible. The narrator does a fantastic job.
This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that is primarily about the lives of two women who were the lead embroiderers on Princess (later Queen) Elizabeth's wedding gown. Their stories take place in post-war England in 1947. The two women, Ann and Miriam, become roommates and good friends during the work on the gown.
This is a dual-timeline story with the modern timeline involving Ann's granddaughter, Heather, who is mystified when Ann dies and leaves her a box of intricately embroidered samples with no explanation of where they came from. Heather is very surprised to learn that Ann was involved in the making of the gown. She travels to London in hopes of finding answers.
This is a story of love, friendship, artistry, survival, and loyalty. I would have rated it 5 stars, but I am tired of the dual-timeline plot device. While this is one of the better ones I have read, it wasn't really necessary for Ann and Miriam's stories.
I highly recommend the Audible. The narrator does a fantastic job.
August 24, 2018
I had a chance to read this for a cover quote, and devoured it! My quote:
"Jennifer Robson embroiders life, friendship, and hope into the somber gray world of post-war London every bit as skillfully as her seamstress heroines embroider crystal flowers into the folds of a royal wedding dress. Miriam and Ann are both battling inner demons when they meet in the backroom of England's most famous couture house, but the chance of a lifetime--the task of embroidering Princess Elizabeth's gown for the wedding of the century--will open new doors for both women, and lay the foundations of a mystery to be unraveled seventy years later by their grandchildren. THE GOWN is marvelous and moving, a vivid portrait of female self-reliance in a world racked by the cost of war."
"Jennifer Robson embroiders life, friendship, and hope into the somber gray world of post-war London every bit as skillfully as her seamstress heroines embroider crystal flowers into the folds of a royal wedding dress. Miriam and Ann are both battling inner demons when they meet in the backroom of England's most famous couture house, but the chance of a lifetime--the task of embroidering Princess Elizabeth's gown for the wedding of the century--will open new doors for both women, and lay the foundations of a mystery to be unraveled seventy years later by their grandchildren. THE GOWN is marvelous and moving, a vivid portrait of female self-reliance in a world racked by the cost of war."
October 9, 2019
Jennifer Robson’s novel is rich in details about the society and culture of England post WW11 and the country’s efforts to regain its footing in a tough new economic and political era. The people are just getting by and many things such as sugar, butter, bacon, meat, and tea are being rationed. Hardships and the grief of loss abound, but Robson will focus on the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Philip Mountbatten, an exciting event that helps to lift the country from its despair. She does so through the lives of two seamstresses that will work on the royal wedding dress; Ann Hughes, a young lady who first come to work at Hartnell’s at age 14 as an apprentice, and Miriam Dassin, a young Jewish woman recently come to England from France. It is a long time before Miriam can speak of the horrors she experienced under the Nazi occupation. Both these women work for Norman Hartnell, the designer of the famed wedding gown. Both will meet young men but only one will find true love.
What I appreciate most about Robson’s novel is her commitment to bringing to life the work of ordinary women engaged in an extraordinary task. These seamstresses and embroiderers are everyday people, but as they are caught up in creating this beautiful gown, a work of artistry and imagination, they become something more, a symbol of the rewards of perseverance. Robson elevates them and uses them to make us think of what the lives of other common folks might have been like after this horrible war.
My mother worked as a seamstress in textile mills close to where we live most of my growing up years, so this novel really spoke to me, especially the lush descriptions of the fabric and the work of creating the embroidery. The fabric obtained was “duchesse satin from Winterthur in Dunfermline for the gown, as well as a heavier satin for the appliqués from Lullingstone Castle.” The embroidered star flowers and blossoms along with crystals and thousands of seed pearls made this gown exquisitely beautiful and unique. The silk tulle train also embroidered was fifteen feet long. The life of a seamstress is long hours with little recognition, so it was fun to see how the work of these women was acknowledged. When one of the characters becomes a renowned fabric artist, I couldn’t help but think of some of the quilt artistry I’ve seen over the years. I admire the people who create these fascinating and imaginative works of art.
A 2016 storyline finds Heather Mackenzie inheriting some embroidery handiwork from her grandmother. Nan never said much about her life in England after the war. When Heather finds that the embroidered pieces match that of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown, she becomes determined to find out just how her grandmother came to have them. That means a flight from her homeland in Toronto to England. A journalist, who’s just been ‘let go,’ Heather is ripe for the adventure.
I love how Robson unspools the threads of Heather’s search, a deconstruction that will lead her to the essential ingredients of her Grandmother’s life in 1947. I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Marisa Calin. She has a clear, easily understandable voice that added to a pleasant listening experience. I read the last third, simply because I got the book from the library and can read a little faster than I listen. The wedding gown symbolized rebirth and growth for Great Britain. While this book gave me an excellent perch to watch England’s post WW11 history unfolding, and I learned a little about England’s austerity measures, the deep and abiding pain of austerity is perhaps not fully acknowledged here. I enjoyed the book for what it was, a genuine and intimate look into the lives of seamstresses who labored to create the elaborately embroidered wedding gown of Princess Elizabeth. I'm happy to see these women gain some much-deserved attention.
What I appreciate most about Robson’s novel is her commitment to bringing to life the work of ordinary women engaged in an extraordinary task. These seamstresses and embroiderers are everyday people, but as they are caught up in creating this beautiful gown, a work of artistry and imagination, they become something more, a symbol of the rewards of perseverance. Robson elevates them and uses them to make us think of what the lives of other common folks might have been like after this horrible war.
My mother worked as a seamstress in textile mills close to where we live most of my growing up years, so this novel really spoke to me, especially the lush descriptions of the fabric and the work of creating the embroidery. The fabric obtained was “duchesse satin from Winterthur in Dunfermline for the gown, as well as a heavier satin for the appliqués from Lullingstone Castle.” The embroidered star flowers and blossoms along with crystals and thousands of seed pearls made this gown exquisitely beautiful and unique. The silk tulle train also embroidered was fifteen feet long. The life of a seamstress is long hours with little recognition, so it was fun to see how the work of these women was acknowledged. When one of the characters becomes a renowned fabric artist, I couldn’t help but think of some of the quilt artistry I’ve seen over the years. I admire the people who create these fascinating and imaginative works of art.
A 2016 storyline finds Heather Mackenzie inheriting some embroidery handiwork from her grandmother. Nan never said much about her life in England after the war. When Heather finds that the embroidered pieces match that of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown, she becomes determined to find out just how her grandmother came to have them. That means a flight from her homeland in Toronto to England. A journalist, who’s just been ‘let go,’ Heather is ripe for the adventure.
I love how Robson unspools the threads of Heather’s search, a deconstruction that will lead her to the essential ingredients of her Grandmother’s life in 1947. I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Marisa Calin. She has a clear, easily understandable voice that added to a pleasant listening experience. I read the last third, simply because I got the book from the library and can read a little faster than I listen. The wedding gown symbolized rebirth and growth for Great Britain. While this book gave me an excellent perch to watch England’s post WW11 history unfolding, and I learned a little about England’s austerity measures, the deep and abiding pain of austerity is perhaps not fully acknowledged here. I enjoyed the book for what it was, a genuine and intimate look into the lives of seamstresses who labored to create the elaborately embroidered wedding gown of Princess Elizabeth. I'm happy to see these women gain some much-deserved attention.
November 29, 2024
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaway, author Jennifer Robson, and HarperCollins Publishers for a print copy of this book
Jennifer Robson rarely disappoints me and I always look forward to seeing where she will take her readers next. The Gown refers to the wedding dress of the young Princess Elizabeth that she wore when she wed Philip Mountbatten in 1947. But this is not told from Elizabeth's point of view, rather, Robson, decides to focus on the women who worked on the young royal's dress. So we are introduced to Ann, an English woman working for Couturier Norman Hartnell and a new employee, Miriam, a Frenchwoman who survived the horrors of the Ravensbruck concentration camp. Robson also inserts the 2016 storyline of Canadian Heather Mackenzie, who is left something by her Nan that sets her on a course to uncover this little-known wedding story.
I absolutely adored all three of Robson's characters and she presents her readers with a vivid depiction of post-war London, still on ration cards and rebuilding after the war. It stands to reason that a royal wedding would have so much excitement around it and we certainly can feel that especially from Ann's perspective. Given that Netflix's < i> The Crown has fascinated a new generation of people with the life of Queen Elizabeth II, this book serves as a temptation that is difficult to resist. Just an absolutely beautiful story that is certainly going to be on my favorites list for 2019.
Goodreads review published 05/03/19
Revisions made on 29/11/24
Jennifer Robson rarely disappoints me and I always look forward to seeing where she will take her readers next. The Gown refers to the wedding dress of the young Princess Elizabeth that she wore when she wed Philip Mountbatten in 1947. But this is not told from Elizabeth's point of view, rather, Robson, decides to focus on the women who worked on the young royal's dress. So we are introduced to Ann, an English woman working for Couturier Norman Hartnell and a new employee, Miriam, a Frenchwoman who survived the horrors of the Ravensbruck concentration camp. Robson also inserts the 2016 storyline of Canadian Heather Mackenzie, who is left something by her Nan that sets her on a course to uncover this little-known wedding story.
I absolutely adored all three of Robson's characters and she presents her readers with a vivid depiction of post-war London, still on ration cards and rebuilding after the war. It stands to reason that a royal wedding would have so much excitement around it and we certainly can feel that especially from Ann's perspective. Given that Netflix's < i> The Crown has fascinated a new generation of people with the life of Queen Elizabeth II, this book serves as a temptation that is difficult to resist. Just an absolutely beautiful story that is certainly going to be on my favorites list for 2019.
Goodreads review published 05/03/19
Revisions made on 29/11/24
September 13, 2021
4 lovely historical stars
It was England in 1947, and the world longed for a bit of time when they could forget their troubles and revel in the beautiful fairly tale wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Philip Mountbatten. Englanders was ready for some happiness, some joy in their lives, and this wedding, this dress, this occasion would be just the ticket for some hours of gaiety after the long hard won war.
Told with a well thought out, well researched background, we are led into the world of the designer Norman Hartnell, the man who made and designed clothes for royalty and of course the wealthy. We are given an in depth look into the lives of two fictional women who were embroiderers and worked on Elizabeth's gown. It was a monumental effort and all the ladies involved were ever so honored to be chosen for this task.
The main protagonists are ones who were deeply affected by the war. One of them, Miriam Dassin, a French Jewish girl, lost family and everything during the Nazi occupation. She immigrates to England and starts her job at Hartnell's. The other girl, Ann Hughes, has also suffered the hardships of war, losing her much loved family member, and having her sister in law immigrated to Canada. Working at Hartnells, Miriam and Ann form a deep friendship. They share their woes and their dreams and memories of the past with hope for the future. This job of being embroiderers was indeed, for them, a dream job.
The author does a fine job capturing the sentiment of the time and the utter enthusiasm of the British populace for this glimpse of wedding happiness. She has the book flip back and forth between time periods, one now in the present and one in the past of the late 1940s. She introduces Ann's granddaughter who through an inheritance of embroidered flowers, seeks to find the story of her grandmother that she never knew.
Interspersed between the stories of these two girls, is the making of the gown. The detail, the design, the hours spent working on this dress made one know so well how dutifully these women and Mr Hartnell took their job of making a dress fit for a Princess.
I so enjoy historical fiction and this book managed to educate me on many things I was never aware of, such as the ration books used by the people as well as by the Royal Family, even after the war was over, as well as the lovely story behind how each girl working at Hartnell's were able to sew a stitch on Elizabeth's dress thus ensuring their part in its making. When you learn something from a book, it is ever so fascinating. To all of us who so enjoy historical fiction book, this is one I recommend.
My reviews can also be seen here: http://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpress...
It was England in 1947, and the world longed for a bit of time when they could forget their troubles and revel in the beautiful fairly tale wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Philip Mountbatten. Englanders was ready for some happiness, some joy in their lives, and this wedding, this dress, this occasion would be just the ticket for some hours of gaiety after the long hard won war.
Told with a well thought out, well researched background, we are led into the world of the designer Norman Hartnell, the man who made and designed clothes for royalty and of course the wealthy. We are given an in depth look into the lives of two fictional women who were embroiderers and worked on Elizabeth's gown. It was a monumental effort and all the ladies involved were ever so honored to be chosen for this task.
The main protagonists are ones who were deeply affected by the war. One of them, Miriam Dassin, a French Jewish girl, lost family and everything during the Nazi occupation. She immigrates to England and starts her job at Hartnell's. The other girl, Ann Hughes, has also suffered the hardships of war, losing her much loved family member, and having her sister in law immigrated to Canada. Working at Hartnells, Miriam and Ann form a deep friendship. They share their woes and their dreams and memories of the past with hope for the future. This job of being embroiderers was indeed, for them, a dream job.
The author does a fine job capturing the sentiment of the time and the utter enthusiasm of the British populace for this glimpse of wedding happiness. She has the book flip back and forth between time periods, one now in the present and one in the past of the late 1940s. She introduces Ann's granddaughter who through an inheritance of embroidered flowers, seeks to find the story of her grandmother that she never knew.
Interspersed between the stories of these two girls, is the making of the gown. The detail, the design, the hours spent working on this dress made one know so well how dutifully these women and Mr Hartnell took their job of making a dress fit for a Princess.
I so enjoy historical fiction and this book managed to educate me on many things I was never aware of, such as the ration books used by the people as well as by the Royal Family, even after the war was over, as well as the lovely story behind how each girl working at Hartnell's were able to sew a stitch on Elizabeth's dress thus ensuring their part in its making. When you learn something from a book, it is ever so fascinating. To all of us who so enjoy historical fiction book, this is one I recommend.
My reviews can also be seen here: http://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpress...
Read
April 17, 2019The Hook I was going to skip this as I thought it was a story about the younger generation of the royal family but when I realized it was historical fiction about Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown, I decided to try it.
The Line - ”The Queen gave you a pot of heather?”
The Sinker - The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding is told in dual timelines, 2006 in Canada, and 1947 in Great Britain as the Princess readies to marry.
In 2016, Heather Mackenzie's grandmother dies, leaving her a box of embroidered pieces of cloth which leads her to England and secrets in her Grandmother's past. A realistic blend of fact and fiction build as we join the excitement of the British public as the wedding approaches in these hard times with the ravishes of the war being felt.
Isn't it interesting how historical fiction comes to root? In this case, Robson's last book ended on VE Day and she was looking for something new to write about. In her words
"I was really interested in delving into the contrast between the very grim reality of ordinary life and the glamour and stardust of this royal wedding. It was the contrast between the two I was interested in, but I also wanted to get as close to the royal wedding as possible — to go behind-the-scenes. We love going behind-the-scenes of these things. I think everyone does."
The dress, designed and sewed by Hartnell became the focus yet Mr. Hartnell had died in 1979 and his archives were not public. Robson finally found a woman who had worked on and shared her memories of the embroidery on the royal gown. It speaks to the love, patience and craftsmanship of the women who worked on this beautiful gown, each stitch, each pearl done by hand.
Highly recommended and well loved by this reader.
The Line - ”The Queen gave you a pot of heather?”
The Sinker - The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding is told in dual timelines, 2006 in Canada, and 1947 in Great Britain as the Princess readies to marry.
In 2016, Heather Mackenzie's grandmother dies, leaving her a box of embroidered pieces of cloth which leads her to England and secrets in her Grandmother's past. A realistic blend of fact and fiction build as we join the excitement of the British public as the wedding approaches in these hard times with the ravishes of the war being felt.
Isn't it interesting how historical fiction comes to root? In this case, Robson's last book ended on VE Day and she was looking for something new to write about. In her words
"I was really interested in delving into the contrast between the very grim reality of ordinary life and the glamour and stardust of this royal wedding. It was the contrast between the two I was interested in, but I also wanted to get as close to the royal wedding as possible — to go behind-the-scenes. We love going behind-the-scenes of these things. I think everyone does."
The dress, designed and sewed by Hartnell became the focus yet Mr. Hartnell had died in 1979 and his archives were not public. Robson finally found a woman who had worked on and shared her memories of the embroidery on the royal gown. It speaks to the love, patience and craftsmanship of the women who worked on this beautiful gown, each stitch, each pearl done by hand.
Highly recommended and well loved by this reader.
March 18, 2019
Overall: An engaging story focused on the embroiders who created Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress. Told from three perspectives (one current and two post WWII), this story is interesting and offers some insight onto those who are often overlooked at the time of the Royal Wedding. I would have enjoyed less romance, not so much drama added for the sake of increasing depth, and more focus on the history of these women who created the dress. All in all though, an interesting and positive story I would recommend to fans of historical fiction and anything involving the royal wedding. 3.5/5 or 6.5/10
The good: This story has three interesting female characters who each offer a different perspective throughout the story. Their characters are developed and I liked all three of them and felt they all fit together well. This story is fun and engaging throughout, who doesn't love something about a royal wedding? But it also offers more depth by exploring some different themes such as resilience, friendship, and hope. I really liked learning more about embroidery and could really picture the lives of these women through the author's prose. I particularly enjoyed Miriam's perspective and liked the way that everything was tied together in the end.
The bad: The plot is quite predictable. I did not like the "drama" added to Ann's story and felt that it was added just in an attempt to increase the depth of the storyline and it was not necessary. Something was needed but it was a bit over the top and the character's subsequent response to the incident was a bit unbelievable. And though romance is always a nice addition to a storyline, having all three simultaneous romances was not too believable and made the story a bit more superficial in my eyes.
The good: This story has three interesting female characters who each offer a different perspective throughout the story. Their characters are developed and I liked all three of them and felt they all fit together well. This story is fun and engaging throughout, who doesn't love something about a royal wedding? But it also offers more depth by exploring some different themes such as resilience, friendship, and hope. I really liked learning more about embroidery and could really picture the lives of these women through the author's prose. I particularly enjoyed Miriam's perspective and liked the way that everything was tied together in the end.
The bad: The plot is quite predictable. I did not like the "drama" added to Ann's story and felt that it was added just in an attempt to increase the depth of the storyline and it was not necessary. Something was needed but it was a bit over the top and the character's subsequent response to the incident was a bit unbelievable. And though romance is always a nice addition to a storyline, having all three simultaneous romances was not too believable and made the story a bit more superficial in my eyes.
December 15, 2018
I admit that I requested The Gown because I was struck by that stunning cover and the title! I'm admittedly an enormous anglophile and lover of the British monarchy so when I saw the picture of the then Princess Elizabeth in her gorgeous wedding gown, I knew this book would blow me away. Did it ever! But not for any of the reasons that I thought it would! I expected to mostly read about the young lovestruck princess and her handsome soon to be husband but instead, Jennifer Robson has carefully crafted a very accurate, detailed, engrossing, and often poignant novel about the lives of three fascinating women--one living in 2016 and the other two living post-World War II in 1947.
The novel is told from the different viewpoints of the three very incredible young women and Robson skillfully intertwines their stories together into one beautifully depicted and outstanding story of family, love, loss, pain, but most of all the importance of friendships and the amazing power of resilience during difficult times.
In 2016, Heather Mackenzie's beloved Nan, Ann, has just died and left her a box filled with lovely, embroidered flower motifs. As far as she knows, her Nan couldn't sew, so how did she have such gorgeous embroideries in her possession? Heather, a journalist, knows there is a mystery behind the embroidered flowers and about her Nan's past which she knows so very little, so she begins to research both.
As Heather begins to unravel her grandmother's secrets, she is shocked to discover the embroidered motifs match the ones on Queen Elizabeth II's wedding gown from 1947. Not only that, she finds old pictures that suggest her Nan worked for Norman Hartnell, Britain's leading couturier and designer of the Queen's wedding dress, and that she was friends with famous artist and Holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin. Heather's discoveries take her on a journey from Toronto to London where she learns about her Nan's past with the help of a new friend who helps her connect with someone special from Ann's old life.
In 1947, London is still reeling and recovering from WWII. Ann Hughes has lost everyone she's loved to either the war or sickness and is completely alone in the world. She's a proud, smart, kind young woman and has been working as an embroiderer at Norman Hartnell's Mayfair fashion house since she was a very young girl. She's extremely talented and now one of the top embroiderers at the shop. Still, she's lonely with no family or close friends, and money is very tight since rationing is still a part of British life even two years after the war, yet Ann doesn't complain and makes do with what she has.
Miriam Dassin newly immigrates to London in 1947 from Paris where she lost her entire family to Nazi persecution during the war. She's a brilliant artist and embroiderer with references from Christian Dior, so its no wonder that Mr. Hartnell immediately hires her and she's put to work alongside Ann, who she becomes good friends with and soon becomes Ann's roommate. However, Miriam is still haunted by what she endured during her imprisonment at Ravensbrück and is terrified to tell anyone, even Ann, because she is frightened of anyone knowing she is a Jew.
The announcement of the Princess' engagement and Hartnell's commission to design and create her wedding dress is very exciting for all the seamstresses and embroiderers at Hartnell's! Both Ann and Miriam are given the job to embroider the most important and delicate parts of the dress and the train, not only an honor but a job they must never talk about with anyone since the dress design must remain secret until the Princess' wedding day!
The meticulous research and attention to detail in The Gown makes this book well worth the read. Any historical fiction worth reading should be well researched, and Robson raised the bar here. I love how real characters and facts are interwoven with her fictional ones, and it was amazing to read about how the dressmakers worked so hard to create the Queen's famous and oh, so gorgeous wedding dress! I go gaga over these gowns, but I don't think that I've ever once stopped to think about the work that has gone into making one of them! It's amazing how hard the work was and how dedicated these women were in not only making this gown but keeping the gown's design secret from spies and journalists who were offering bribes in exchange for the dress' pattern-I didn't realize they had crazed paparazzi types back then! Very crazy!
I love historical fiction, and The Gown is truly an excellent work of historical fiction. It captured me from the very first page and never let go. As I already said, it wasn't what I expected and for that, I'm so very glad because it was so much more. I loved the friendships that Robson depicts in the novel because they are meaningful and true. For me, she shows how women's friendships are meant to be trustworthy, healing, nurturing, and to lift each other up instead of using and hurting one another, and I loved that so much.
Obviously, I'm highly recommending this book! You don't have to love the royal family to enjoy this one since they only play a very minor role. If you like historical fiction, then this is a beautiful novel that will sweep you away with its affecting story of courage and friendship. It publishes December 31, 2018!
**Thank you Edelweiss and William Morrow for an ARC to read in exchange for my fair and honest review. **
The novel is told from the different viewpoints of the three very incredible young women and Robson skillfully intertwines their stories together into one beautifully depicted and outstanding story of family, love, loss, pain, but most of all the importance of friendships and the amazing power of resilience during difficult times.
In 2016, Heather Mackenzie's beloved Nan, Ann, has just died and left her a box filled with lovely, embroidered flower motifs. As far as she knows, her Nan couldn't sew, so how did she have such gorgeous embroideries in her possession? Heather, a journalist, knows there is a mystery behind the embroidered flowers and about her Nan's past which she knows so very little, so she begins to research both.
As Heather begins to unravel her grandmother's secrets, she is shocked to discover the embroidered motifs match the ones on Queen Elizabeth II's wedding gown from 1947. Not only that, she finds old pictures that suggest her Nan worked for Norman Hartnell, Britain's leading couturier and designer of the Queen's wedding dress, and that she was friends with famous artist and Holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin. Heather's discoveries take her on a journey from Toronto to London where she learns about her Nan's past with the help of a new friend who helps her connect with someone special from Ann's old life.
In 1947, London is still reeling and recovering from WWII. Ann Hughes has lost everyone she's loved to either the war or sickness and is completely alone in the world. She's a proud, smart, kind young woman and has been working as an embroiderer at Norman Hartnell's Mayfair fashion house since she was a very young girl. She's extremely talented and now one of the top embroiderers at the shop. Still, she's lonely with no family or close friends, and money is very tight since rationing is still a part of British life even two years after the war, yet Ann doesn't complain and makes do with what she has.
Miriam Dassin newly immigrates to London in 1947 from Paris where she lost her entire family to Nazi persecution during the war. She's a brilliant artist and embroiderer with references from Christian Dior, so its no wonder that Mr. Hartnell immediately hires her and she's put to work alongside Ann, who she becomes good friends with and soon becomes Ann's roommate. However, Miriam is still haunted by what she endured during her imprisonment at Ravensbrück and is terrified to tell anyone, even Ann, because she is frightened of anyone knowing she is a Jew.
The announcement of the Princess' engagement and Hartnell's commission to design and create her wedding dress is very exciting for all the seamstresses and embroiderers at Hartnell's! Both Ann and Miriam are given the job to embroider the most important and delicate parts of the dress and the train, not only an honor but a job they must never talk about with anyone since the dress design must remain secret until the Princess' wedding day!
The meticulous research and attention to detail in The Gown makes this book well worth the read. Any historical fiction worth reading should be well researched, and Robson raised the bar here. I love how real characters and facts are interwoven with her fictional ones, and it was amazing to read about how the dressmakers worked so hard to create the Queen's famous and oh, so gorgeous wedding dress! I go gaga over these gowns, but I don't think that I've ever once stopped to think about the work that has gone into making one of them! It's amazing how hard the work was and how dedicated these women were in not only making this gown but keeping the gown's design secret from spies and journalists who were offering bribes in exchange for the dress' pattern-I didn't realize they had crazed paparazzi types back then! Very crazy!
I love historical fiction, and The Gown is truly an excellent work of historical fiction. It captured me from the very first page and never let go. As I already said, it wasn't what I expected and for that, I'm so very glad because it was so much more. I loved the friendships that Robson depicts in the novel because they are meaningful and true. For me, she shows how women's friendships are meant to be trustworthy, healing, nurturing, and to lift each other up instead of using and hurting one another, and I loved that so much.
Obviously, I'm highly recommending this book! You don't have to love the royal family to enjoy this one since they only play a very minor role. If you like historical fiction, then this is a beautiful novel that will sweep you away with its affecting story of courage and friendship. It publishes December 31, 2018!
**Thank you Edelweiss and William Morrow for an ARC to read in exchange for my fair and honest review. **
April 5, 2023
If there were ever a wedding dress to base a book upon, this is the one. What an incredible triumph of artistry. With plot threads from the past and the present, we have a front row seat to the incredible detail work that went into embellishing Princess Elizabeth's gown in 1947. The present day POV shows us the granddaughter(Heather) of one of the embroiderers (Ann) discovering her grandmother's work and connecting with another artist(Miriam) who worked on the dress. Miriam is a Jew who emigrated to London from France after the war and her suffering is worked out in beautiful ways beyond the gown. Now I need to watch the wedding episode of "The Crown" again to really appreciate the expertise highlighted in this novel.
This was my first Robson read and will forever have a special place in my heart. If you enjoyed this one, be sure to check out her new title: Coronation Year. 👰
This was my first Robson read and will forever have a special place in my heart. If you enjoyed this one, be sure to check out her new title: Coronation Year. 👰
August 29, 2019
Lucky me got to read this all in one day while sitting poolside on a mini getaway. I love a good dual time periods tale, where the melding of past and present is believable and refined. This is that kind of book. And oh, that cover...
November 16, 2019
While The Gown is a heartfelt tale about the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown, it is also ultimately the story of three women who strive to find their place in the world and how each deals with love, loss, and family. The book is told in a dual timeline format with Miriam’s and Ann’s stories taking place in 1947, and Heather’s in 2016. In the midst of the harshest winter in memory and shortages still resulting from the war, England welcomes the engagement of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. Norman Hartnell is chosen to design her gown, and Miriam and Ann are chosen to help embroider the creation. Years later following her grandmother’s death, Heather uncovers a box with her name on containing some beautifully embroidered flowers. As the women’s tales unfold, the connection between them all is slowly unveiled in a touching and realistic manner.
While I am a lover of history and particularly tales about woman who have made a positive impact on our world, I have never really had much interest in England’s modern day royal family so I have to say I was not totally sure whether this book would appeal to me. I am so glad I decided to read it anyway because it is a fascinating and beautiful tale which touches briefly on then Princess Elizabeth and her family but mainly details the creation of the wedding gown and the despondency of London following the end of World War 2. It is a true page turner, and I finished it in under 24 hours. Robson exhaustively researched the time period resulting in a descriptive and compelling tale of courage and triumph in the face of horrible shortages and grim weather conditions. I was surprised to learn that the end of the war was not the end of wartime rationing in London and how harsh living conditions were for London residents long after the war had ended.
I highly recommend The Gown. As only wonderfully written historical fiction can do, The Gown transports the reader to war-torn London and allows the reader a glimpse into a bygone era and events that are not commonly known today.
For more reviews, check out my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
While I am a lover of history and particularly tales about woman who have made a positive impact on our world, I have never really had much interest in England’s modern day royal family so I have to say I was not totally sure whether this book would appeal to me. I am so glad I decided to read it anyway because it is a fascinating and beautiful tale which touches briefly on then Princess Elizabeth and her family but mainly details the creation of the wedding gown and the despondency of London following the end of World War 2. It is a true page turner, and I finished it in under 24 hours. Robson exhaustively researched the time period resulting in a descriptive and compelling tale of courage and triumph in the face of horrible shortages and grim weather conditions. I was surprised to learn that the end of the war was not the end of wartime rationing in London and how harsh living conditions were for London residents long after the war had ended.
I highly recommend The Gown. As only wonderfully written historical fiction can do, The Gown transports the reader to war-torn London and allows the reader a glimpse into a bygone era and events that are not commonly known today.
For more reviews, check out my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
January 31, 2023
This is a lovely historical fiction rendering of two young women who were embroiderers for royal dress designer Norman Hartnell. He designed the future Queen Elizabeth II's wedding gown when she married Prince Philip. I was keenly interested in the working process of how this iconic bridal gown came to fruition. The author took us right into this dress factory and into the talented hands of these young embroiderers. They described in minute detail how the beads, pearls, sequins, tulle, silk and satin were manipulated into the sparkling flowery wonders that adorned the princess's gown.
The run up to this royal wedding was 1947 during a time of austerity where food and clothing was rationed as a result of WWII. I particularly enjoy reading about this time when people made due with what they had without waste. The British were just coming out of the war and this wedding was a cause for excitement and joy after bleak times. In their genuine affection for this beautiful princess, many British citizens sent in their clothing ration tickets to assist her in acquiring The Gown.
The story also benefited by the truly endearing and good main characters of Ann and Miriam who both worked at the Normal Hartnell factory and shared a government council house. There was also a dual timeline element involving their decendants with a mystery to solve. A swatch of embroidery involving Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown was left to a granddaughter named Heather prompting her trip to England to find out more.
I read extensively about the British Royal Family, so this was a unique perspective on the subject. It was very interesting to read about the behind the scenes workings of a high end clothing factory serving the royals. Some of their work protocols were to wash their hands often and not wear makeup. It was also a delight to read about Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mum, Queen Mary (grandmother), and Princess Margaret visiting the factory to check on the status of the bridal and bridesmaid gowns. The book also took you into Buckingham Palace as the bride and her bridesmaids got dressed for the Royal Wedding with all of its last minute trevails- like Princess Elizabeth's tiara splitting apart at the middle and needing a repair, and the pearl necklace her parents gifted her having to be fetched from another palace location where wedding gifts had been on display.
This was a pleasant "quiet read" for me that I popped in and out of while reading other things, but was prompted to stick with during its last 30%, carried away by the history and warm nostalgia of a golden era gone by.
August 15, 2019
BEAUTIFUL BOOK THAT JUST DIDN'T DO IT FOR ME
✨ Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019✨
✨✨A book by an author whose first and last name start with the samme letter✨✨
I have been sitting on this review for a while because I was waiting for lightning to strike, for me to suddenly figure out what this book was all about and how I felt about it. But, in all honesty, it just didn't happen. Yes, it was a nice book and all. The story was decent, the characters likable and the setting was interesting. And yet, it just didn't captivate me in the way that I thought it would. Perhaps that the problem. High expectations. Too bad.
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✨ Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019✨
✨✨A book by an author whose first and last name start with the samme letter✨✨
I have been sitting on this review for a while because I was waiting for lightning to strike, for me to suddenly figure out what this book was all about and how I felt about it. But, in all honesty, it just didn't happen. Yes, it was a nice book and all. The story was decent, the characters likable and the setting was interesting. And yet, it just didn't captivate me in the way that I thought it would. Perhaps that the problem. High expectations. Too bad.
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
September 18, 2019
1947 London. Ann Hughes has been working for Mr. Hartnell, the most famous dress designer in Britain, for the past 11 years.
Miriam Dassin arrives from France in London seeking a job as an embroiderer. She gets hired by Mr. Hartnell as her portfolio is full of impressive designs learned at Maison Lesage and Maison Rebe.
Present time. Heather. After the death of her grandma, her mom finds a box with Heather’s name on it. It contains some pieces of beaded fabric. When she loses her job, she goes to London in search for some answers in regards to her grandma.
All three women find men very quickly, Ann and Miriam move in together very quickly, Heather losing a job and going to a place in search for some answers – that’s nothing new in stories, it actually gets old.
All characters are underdeveloped, the prose is very simple. At some points the author tries to inject some ‘original’ dialogue, but it doesn’t work, it’s actually painful to read. It doesn’t make her writing look skillful, rather dull.
As I started reading the story, despite the simple prose, I was enjoying it as the world of embroidery was getting revealed. But half way through, I realized that actually not that much was revealed from the world of design in embroidery. Also, as it is set right after WWII, the painful story of Miriam Dassin is very shallow. It doesn't skillfully reflect the wounds of the war as she was Jewish and taken to Ravensbruck concentration camp. At that point, I lost interest and wasn’t even able to finish this rosy peachy story.
@Facebook/BestHistoricalFiction
Miriam Dassin arrives from France in London seeking a job as an embroiderer. She gets hired by Mr. Hartnell as her portfolio is full of impressive designs learned at Maison Lesage and Maison Rebe.
Present time. Heather. After the death of her grandma, her mom finds a box with Heather’s name on it. It contains some pieces of beaded fabric. When she loses her job, she goes to London in search for some answers in regards to her grandma.
All three women find men very quickly, Ann and Miriam move in together very quickly, Heather losing a job and going to a place in search for some answers – that’s nothing new in stories, it actually gets old.
All characters are underdeveloped, the prose is very simple. At some points the author tries to inject some ‘original’ dialogue, but it doesn’t work, it’s actually painful to read. It doesn’t make her writing look skillful, rather dull.
As I started reading the story, despite the simple prose, I was enjoying it as the world of embroidery was getting revealed. But half way through, I realized that actually not that much was revealed from the world of design in embroidery. Also, as it is set right after WWII, the painful story of Miriam Dassin is very shallow. It doesn't skillfully reflect the wounds of the war as she was Jewish and taken to Ravensbruck concentration camp. At that point, I lost interest and wasn’t even able to finish this rosy peachy story.
@Facebook/BestHistoricalFiction
February 11, 2019
Evocative, enchanting, and beautifully written!
The Gown is a captivating, sentimental tale predominantly set in London post-WWII, as well as present day, that follows the lives of three main characters. Ann, a young talented embroider employed by the esteemed Norman Hartnell; Miriam, a Holocaust survivor and émigré from France who becomes Ann's coworker and close friend; and Heather, Ann's granddaughter who after discovering embroidered flowers in her grandmother's possessions after her passing embarks on a journey to determine their significance.
The prose is eloquent and well turned. The characters are flawed, multifaceted, hardworking, and brave. And the plot, along with all the seamlessly intertwined subplots, is an impressive mix of drama, familial dynamics, emotion, secrets, love, loss, duty, heartbreak, passion, and courage; as well as an insightful look at life in postwar London and the importance of female friendships.
Overall, The Gown is a wonderful blend of historical facts and compelling fiction that's mesmerizing, gripping, nostalgic and perfect for those who love anything royal.
Thank you to William Morrow and Goodreads Giveaways for my copy!
The Gown is a captivating, sentimental tale predominantly set in London post-WWII, as well as present day, that follows the lives of three main characters. Ann, a young talented embroider employed by the esteemed Norman Hartnell; Miriam, a Holocaust survivor and émigré from France who becomes Ann's coworker and close friend; and Heather, Ann's granddaughter who after discovering embroidered flowers in her grandmother's possessions after her passing embarks on a journey to determine their significance.
The prose is eloquent and well turned. The characters are flawed, multifaceted, hardworking, and brave. And the plot, along with all the seamlessly intertwined subplots, is an impressive mix of drama, familial dynamics, emotion, secrets, love, loss, duty, heartbreak, passion, and courage; as well as an insightful look at life in postwar London and the importance of female friendships.
Overall, The Gown is a wonderful blend of historical facts and compelling fiction that's mesmerizing, gripping, nostalgic and perfect for those who love anything royal.
Thank you to William Morrow and Goodreads Giveaways for my copy!
February 10, 2019
This isn’t really what I thought, and I loved it right up until I didn’t. This could have been great. The “dead grandma leaves a secret” trope and the rape were both unnecessary distractions in a book I otherwise loved. With better editing I would have been screaming about this book from the rooftops. The setting! The real details about post-war British life. The embroidery details! It was fun and real and unusual.
But honestly, the rape. The graphic nature felt wholly at odds with both the rest of the book AND her reaction to it didn’t work. Or make sense. She was so traumatized (OF COURSE SHE WAS) and then on the way out she throws him this “you will never own me I am taking back my life” line?! I almost threw the book. It was such a fake, fantasy power move that is completely at odds with typical trauma, and perpetuates the hero-survivor trope that minimizes real trauma and its effects and it made me so mad. I mean, on the one hand we have Miriam and her trauma handled fairly well (the dogs!). Then we get this nonsense with the rape? No.
And again, the rape wasn’t even necessary. I admit rape-as-plot-device is a pet peeve of mine, but still.
And seriously, Heather and her mom NEVER questioned Ann about her husband? They were so close but didn’t even know their mom/grabdma’s maiden name? They never wanted a picture? Or a name? It was not believable. Which is a shame because everything else was! I did really enjoy it. Until I didn’t.
But honestly, the rape. The graphic nature felt wholly at odds with both the rest of the book AND her reaction to it didn’t work. Or make sense. She was so traumatized (OF COURSE SHE WAS) and then on the way out she throws him this “you will never own me I am taking back my life” line?! I almost threw the book. It was such a fake, fantasy power move that is completely at odds with typical trauma, and perpetuates the hero-survivor trope that minimizes real trauma and its effects and it made me so mad. I mean, on the one hand we have Miriam and her trauma handled fairly well (the dogs!). Then we get this nonsense with the rape? No.
And again, the rape wasn’t even necessary. I admit rape-as-plot-device is a pet peeve of mine, but still.
And seriously, Heather and her mom NEVER questioned Ann about her husband? They were so close but didn’t even know their mom/grabdma’s maiden name? They never wanted a picture? Or a name? It was not believable. Which is a shame because everything else was! I did really enjoy it. Until I didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2018
Thank you TLC Book Tours for gifting me a copy of The Gown in exchange for an honest review.
It is no secret that Historical Fiction is my favorite genre to read and The Royal Family are my favorite people to obsess over. So, of course, I would have to read The Gown, a fictionalized account of the Norman Hartwell's fashion house as they created Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown in 1947. The story focuses on Ann Hughes and Miriam Dessin, two young girls working for Mr. Hartwell. The story jumps ahead in time to Heather MacKenzie and her quest to understand more about the beloved woman she called "Nan." Her journey takes her to London and discover more about her grandmother.
I absolutely loved this book. Loved the history, loved the fashion, loved the characters. It was the perfect read for HF lovers.
It is no secret that Historical Fiction is my favorite genre to read and The Royal Family are my favorite people to obsess over. So, of course, I would have to read The Gown, a fictionalized account of the Norman Hartwell's fashion house as they created Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown in 1947. The story focuses on Ann Hughes and Miriam Dessin, two young girls working for Mr. Hartwell. The story jumps ahead in time to Heather MacKenzie and her quest to understand more about the beloved woman she called "Nan." Her journey takes her to London and discover more about her grandmother.
I absolutely loved this book. Loved the history, loved the fashion, loved the characters. It was the perfect read for HF lovers.
October 30, 2018
This is the second book I've read by this author, and I won't be fooled again. She has a talent for drawing me into a story and then,having spent an hour or two reading 200+ pages, I am left wanting that time back to read someone else's books.
Aside from the Nazis in France, no one here is mean, petty, or developed in any other way, they are all nice-nice and bland. Everything in the plot fits as neatly together as a jigsaw puzzle--too neatly.
In sum, a fascinating subject and great materials that in another author's hands would have been a terrific book is turned into a bad soap opera.
Aside from the Nazis in France, no one here is mean, petty, or developed in any other way, they are all nice-nice and bland. Everything in the plot fits as neatly together as a jigsaw puzzle--too neatly.
In sum, a fascinating subject and great materials that in another author's hands would have been a terrific book is turned into a bad soap opera.
July 23, 2020
Three compelling women, two timelines and a delightful historical fiction story of friendship, dedication and survival.
SUMMARY
London 1947 - Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin are talented embroiderers who work for fashion designer Norman Hartnell and have be chosen to create the intricate stitching that will adorn Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for a working class English girl and a French émigré who survived the Nazis.
Toronto 2016 - Heather Mackenzie has inherited a silk set of exquisitely embroidered flowers samples from her recently deceased grandmother, Nan. Heather learns that the flower samples actually matched Queen Elizabeth’s 1947 wedding gown. She also finds an old photo of her grandmother standing next to Miriam Dassin, a celebrated London artist.
How did Nan, a yarn shop owner, come to possess these treasures and what is her connection to Miriam Dassin? To unlock the secrets about her Grandmother’s connection to the embroidered flowers and Miriam Dassin, Heather travels to London, a journey leading her to her discovery of her grandmothers past and her own destiny
“Just keep your chin up, Ann, and you can face anything,” Mum had said. “And don’t look back, no matter what you do.” Her mom had never been one for hugs or soft words, but she had been honest, and most of the time she’s been right, too. So chin up it was, and no looking back..
“Swirls of tiny gold beads, translucent crystals, and matte copper sequins would cover nearly all the bodice by the time she was finished, the design continuing onto the skirt in irregular waves.”
REVIEW
The Gown is captivating from the very first stitch. It’s a beautiful woven story of dedication, friendship and survival told through the eyes of three compelling women.
Author Jennifer Robson’s writing is seamless and her descriptions made me feel as if I was sitting next to Ann and Miriam in the stress-filled Hartnell workroom creating a masterpiece and sharing secrets. Robson effortlessly blends the timelines and stories of 1947 and present day, making the read most enjoyable. This delightful read is recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally engaging historical fiction. Despite being a work of fiction the story is as rich as the satin embroidered wedding gown.
Author Jennifer Robson lives in Toronto with her husband and young children. She is the best-selling author of Somewhere in France, After the War is Over, Moonlight Over Paris Goodnight from London. She holds a doctorate from Saint Anthony’s College, University of Oxford.
“Worrying about what would become of her work once it was a finished was a waste of time, she told herself. The act of creation was what mattered.”
Publisher William Morrow/Harper Collins
Published December 31, 2018
Narrated Marisa Calin
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
London 1947 - Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin are talented embroiderers who work for fashion designer Norman Hartnell and have be chosen to create the intricate stitching that will adorn Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for a working class English girl and a French émigré who survived the Nazis.
Toronto 2016 - Heather Mackenzie has inherited a silk set of exquisitely embroidered flowers samples from her recently deceased grandmother, Nan. Heather learns that the flower samples actually matched Queen Elizabeth’s 1947 wedding gown. She also finds an old photo of her grandmother standing next to Miriam Dassin, a celebrated London artist.
How did Nan, a yarn shop owner, come to possess these treasures and what is her connection to Miriam Dassin? To unlock the secrets about her Grandmother’s connection to the embroidered flowers and Miriam Dassin, Heather travels to London, a journey leading her to her discovery of her grandmothers past and her own destiny
“Just keep your chin up, Ann, and you can face anything,” Mum had said. “And don’t look back, no matter what you do.” Her mom had never been one for hugs or soft words, but she had been honest, and most of the time she’s been right, too. So chin up it was, and no looking back..
“Swirls of tiny gold beads, translucent crystals, and matte copper sequins would cover nearly all the bodice by the time she was finished, the design continuing onto the skirt in irregular waves.”
REVIEW
The Gown is captivating from the very first stitch. It’s a beautiful woven story of dedication, friendship and survival told through the eyes of three compelling women.
Author Jennifer Robson’s writing is seamless and her descriptions made me feel as if I was sitting next to Ann and Miriam in the stress-filled Hartnell workroom creating a masterpiece and sharing secrets. Robson effortlessly blends the timelines and stories of 1947 and present day, making the read most enjoyable. This delightful read is recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally engaging historical fiction. Despite being a work of fiction the story is as rich as the satin embroidered wedding gown.
Author Jennifer Robson lives in Toronto with her husband and young children. She is the best-selling author of Somewhere in France, After the War is Over, Moonlight Over Paris Goodnight from London. She holds a doctorate from Saint Anthony’s College, University of Oxford.
“Worrying about what would become of her work once it was a finished was a waste of time, she told herself. The act of creation was what mattered.”
Publisher William Morrow/Harper Collins
Published December 31, 2018
Narrated Marisa Calin
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
November 20, 2019
3.5 🧵🧵🧵
This was an entertaining audio book, very well done with the narration, getting me out of my own headspace for much needed breaks. I was a seamstress and embroiderer back in the day and that was the appeal. It paired nicely with the launch of season three of The Crown on Netflix.
This was an entertaining audio book, very well done with the narration, getting me out of my own headspace for much needed breaks. I was a seamstress and embroiderer back in the day and that was the appeal. It paired nicely with the launch of season three of The Crown on Netflix.
December 13, 2024
I admit that I requested The Gown because I was struck by that stunning cover and the title!
And...I'm admittedly an enormous fan and lover of the British monarchy...
So...When I saw the picture of the then Princess Elizabeth in her gorgeous wedding gown, I knew I had to read this book.
The novel is told from the viewpoints of three very incredible young women over two time periods (post war London 1947 and modern time 2016).
And...The author skillfully intertwines their stories together into one beautifully depicted and outstanding picture of family, love, loss, pain…
But...Most of all the importance of friendships and the amazing power of resilience during difficult times comes through in this story.
The Gown is a stunning story. The meticulous research and attention to detail in The Gown makes this book well worth the read.
Plus...I love how real characters and facts are interwoven with her fictional ones.
Which means...You don't have to love the royal family to enjoy this one since they only play a very minor role.
If you like historical fiction, then this is a beautiful novel that will sweep you away with its affecting story of courage and friendship.
And...I'm admittedly an enormous fan and lover of the British monarchy...
So...When I saw the picture of the then Princess Elizabeth in her gorgeous wedding gown, I knew I had to read this book.
The novel is told from the viewpoints of three very incredible young women over two time periods (post war London 1947 and modern time 2016).
And...The author skillfully intertwines their stories together into one beautifully depicted and outstanding picture of family, love, loss, pain…
But...Most of all the importance of friendships and the amazing power of resilience during difficult times comes through in this story.
The Gown is a stunning story. The meticulous research and attention to detail in The Gown makes this book well worth the read.
Plus...I love how real characters and facts are interwoven with her fictional ones.
Which means...You don't have to love the royal family to enjoy this one since they only play a very minor role.
If you like historical fiction, then this is a beautiful novel that will sweep you away with its affecting story of courage and friendship.
August 13, 2019
I enjoyed listening to THE GOWN written by Jennifer Robson and read by Marisa Calin. This novel is about one of the most famous wedding dresses of the twentieth century, Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown, and the fascinating women who made it.
This historical fiction is told from three points of view, and two time periods. In some books one time period or point of view is much better developed than another, but that is not the case here.
THE GOWN held my attention and I was equally immersed in each of the stories and time periods. The author has expertly woven the threads together. The lives of Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin in 1947, postwar London, Britain are equally as enthralling as that of Heather Mackenzie in 2016, Toronto, Canada.
The epilogue was the perfect ending in my opinion. The reader learns or (in my case) is reassured about Ann's intentions and thoughts, but leaves Heather's future open to interpretation.
If you are a fan of historical fiction or royalty, I recommend you listen to the audio or read THE GOWN by this talented Canadian author, Jennifer Robson.
4.4 exquisitely embroidered stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
This historical fiction is told from three points of view, and two time periods. In some books one time period or point of view is much better developed than another, but that is not the case here.
THE GOWN held my attention and I was equally immersed in each of the stories and time periods. The author has expertly woven the threads together. The lives of Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin in 1947, postwar London, Britain are equally as enthralling as that of Heather Mackenzie in 2016, Toronto, Canada.
The epilogue was the perfect ending in my opinion. The reader learns or (in my case) is reassured about Ann's intentions and thoughts, but leaves Heather's future open to interpretation.
If you are a fan of historical fiction or royalty, I recommend you listen to the audio or read THE GOWN by this talented Canadian author, Jennifer Robson.
4.4 exquisitely embroidered stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
January 15, 2019
The Gown takes place in two time periods: 1947 in post war London where people are trying to deal with the war’s brutal aftermath and the embroiderers of the Norman Hartnell fashion house, particularly Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, are tasked with making the wedding gown for then Princess Elizabeth; and Toronto, 2016, where Heather Mackenzie finds a box marked with her name with embroidery samples that match Princess Elizabeth’s gown and photos from an earlier time, left to her by her beloved “Nan”, who had recently passed away. Heather has no idea who made the embroidery pieces and who else besides her Nan are in the photos and why her grandmother left them to her, but she is determined to find out. So she heads to London to discover her grandmother’s past.
The lives of these three women make up the bulk of the story. Each character is wonderfully portrayed, as are the supporting characters. You really get invested in them all. The author develops an incredible sense of place in post-war London. You can feel the biting cold of the horrible winter, you become hungry right along with Ann and Miriam as they try to make their meager rations last. (Sardines on toast for dinner? Yuck!) You feel the outrage of the division of the classes: the haves and have nots in society. But most of all, you marvel at all the work and skill went into the making of this dress and others like it.
The Gown is ostensibly an historical fiction account of the making of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947. But it is much more than that. It touches on many issues: friendship, loyalty, The Holocaust, rape, class division, shame, the realities of living in a past-war city and more. These issues are all dealt with in a very sensitive way.
The writing is good, but not great. At times it devolves into “chic-lit” like prose, which makes it a fairly light read. But it is good enough to make you keep turning the pages. I could not stop reading this book, maybe except when I was googling pictures of THE gown and other dresses by Norman Hartnell. The author did a lot of research on the gown and the time period and it shows in this book.
I absolutely recommend this book with the caveat that it won’t challenge you, but you will enjoy it anyway.
The lives of these three women make up the bulk of the story. Each character is wonderfully portrayed, as are the supporting characters. You really get invested in them all. The author develops an incredible sense of place in post-war London. You can feel the biting cold of the horrible winter, you become hungry right along with Ann and Miriam as they try to make their meager rations last. (Sardines on toast for dinner? Yuck!) You feel the outrage of the division of the classes: the haves and have nots in society. But most of all, you marvel at all the work and skill went into the making of this dress and others like it.
The Gown is ostensibly an historical fiction account of the making of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947. But it is much more than that. It touches on many issues: friendship, loyalty, The Holocaust, rape, class division, shame, the realities of living in a past-war city and more. These issues are all dealt with in a very sensitive way.
The writing is good, but not great. At times it devolves into “chic-lit” like prose, which makes it a fairly light read. But it is good enough to make you keep turning the pages. I could not stop reading this book, maybe except when I was googling pictures of THE gown and other dresses by Norman Hartnell. The author did a lot of research on the gown and the time period and it shows in this book.
I absolutely recommend this book with the caveat that it won’t challenge you, but you will enjoy it anyway.
February 2, 2021
I wanted to love this book, and I was moved by small parts of it. But it was so simplistically written that it was offputting. I liked the characters, I liked the plot— I just didn’t like how Robson dumbed things down. For example, I don’t think readers need to be told that when a teapot arrives with a small silver strainer, it means loose tea leaves have been used. Really, Jennifer Robson? Next, you’ll be telling us that there are seatbelts on airplanes.
Not really recommended, even with novelty points for the fact that part of the plot is set in Toronto, where I live, and the author is a Western University graduate, as am I.
Not really recommended, even with novelty points for the fact that part of the plot is set in Toronto, where I live, and the author is a Western University graduate, as am I.
June 30, 2022
2.5
Mr. Hartnell smiled, his grin stretching quite as wide as a Cheshire cat's. "I have some splendid news. The queen and Princess Elizabeth have graciously accepted my design for the princess's wedding down. I shall also be designing gowns for the queen herself, Queen Mary, Princess Margaret Rose, and the princess's bridesmaids." (PG. 138)
This could've been a better book had it not been for Heather's chapter and the guise of the book being "A novel of the royal wedding." The chapters that pertained to Miriam and Ann (London, 1947) were very intriguing and I would have loved to get to know them better but once Heather of the future (Toronto, 2016) rolled around I felt annoyed. I wanted none of her chapter. She wasn't needed to complete the story. Heather was "super close" to her grandma but didn't know her maiden name or why she immigrated to Canada in the first place? She fell flat for me and a star went down in her honor.
The book is also tagged on the cover as "a novel of the royal wedding." I would like to ask the author why she let the publishers lie. This was nothing to do with the gown of the future queen. Yes, Ann and Miriam embroidered the dress in the name of (real person) Mr. Norman Hartnell but that was it. It was a story of friendship and moving on from the past. It would have been a good Downton Abbey type story had it not been for the false advertising and Heather.
I don't think I would seek out this author for historical fiction in the future. I wanted juicy 1940's royal drama and got a commonplace ho-hum story.
(Personal Note: Buddy read with @Maegan)
Mr. Hartnell smiled, his grin stretching quite as wide as a Cheshire cat's. "I have some splendid news. The queen and Princess Elizabeth have graciously accepted my design for the princess's wedding down. I shall also be designing gowns for the queen herself, Queen Mary, Princess Margaret Rose, and the princess's bridesmaids." (PG. 138)
This could've been a better book had it not been for Heather's chapter and the guise of the book being "A novel of the royal wedding." The chapters that pertained to Miriam and Ann (London, 1947) were very intriguing and I would have loved to get to know them better but once Heather of the future (Toronto, 2016) rolled around I felt annoyed. I wanted none of her chapter. She wasn't needed to complete the story. Heather was "super close" to her grandma but didn't know her maiden name or why she immigrated to Canada in the first place? She fell flat for me and a star went down in her honor.
The book is also tagged on the cover as "a novel of the royal wedding." I would like to ask the author why she let the publishers lie. This was nothing to do with the gown of the future queen. Yes, Ann and Miriam embroidered the dress in the name of (real person) Mr. Norman Hartnell but that was it. It was a story of friendship and moving on from the past. It would have been a good Downton Abbey type story had it not been for the false advertising and Heather.
I don't think I would seek out this author for historical fiction in the future. I wanted juicy 1940's royal drama and got a commonplace ho-hum story.
(Personal Note: Buddy read with @Maegan)
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