I love the fact my 8 year old son bought this book for me because he thought it was a pretty cover which I would like. He was right, I love the cover and as importantly to Mr 8, I loved the story.
The Paris Seamstress follows the lives of two woman. First, there is the Parisian seamstress, Estella Bissette who flees France in 1940 as the German army approaches. The parting gift from her mother is an old sewing machine and a love of design. On the sea voyage to her new home, Manhattan, she meets Sam who will become a lifelong friend and business partner. Estelle has a single minded dream, which she confides in Sam, of owing her own atelier one day.
Fast forward to 2015 and we meet Australian curator, Fabienne Bissette. Fabienne is the granddaughter of Estelle who visits her grandmother once a year in America. By the time we are introduced to Fabienne her grandmother has become a world famous designer. As Estella’s life comes to a close Fabienne uncovers secrets, tragedy and heartache surrounding her grandmother’s past. The unearthing of past events, leads Fabienne to reassess her own decisions.
The story crosses generational and international boundaries and keeps you entertained as it does so. Whilst reading chapters about Estella you want to keep immersed in her life struggle, but when the author takes you back to Fabienne’s time, you are equally as enthralled.
Lester has ensured that her two leading ladies are feisty and charming at the same time. Yet it is the other strong characters she injects into the story line which makes the reading captivating. These characters play an integral role in the women’s lives and their own love and sacrifice make for a strong plot.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is one which will stay on the bookshelf for me to read again sometime.
