Happy Monday, Happy New Year’s Eve, and Happy Publication Day to The Gown! Today I have a review of this brilliant work of historical fiction written by Jennifer Robson and publishing via William Morrow.
My Thoughts:
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.
Synopsis:
From the internationally bestselling author of Somewhere in France comes an enthralling historical novel about one of the most famous wedding dresses of the twentieth century—Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown—and the fascinating women who made it.
“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.
Have you read The Gown, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Oh, this actually sounds quite intriguing!
Great review 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Norrie! It was wonderful and it wasn’t really a “royal watcher” kind of read- it was so much more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review I love the sound of this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki! It was a wonderful read!
LikeLike
Lovely picture and lovely review. I have not read this one and added it to my tbr list. Happy New Year’s Eve ! 🎊😍📚🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Virginia! I loved this brilliant story, and I think you will too! Happy New Year! 🎆🎊🎈 🥂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent review, Jennifer. Glad that this book impressed you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chrissi! It was a terrific read!
LikeLike
I’m definitely interested in this one, Jen! I look books around this time period as well. I’ll add it and thanks for your lovely review! ❤❤❤ Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
*like* 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, favorite M! It was a fantastic read- about so much more than the dress! Happy New Year to you too! 🥳 ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this idea! Who doesn’t love a story about princesses and queens? And wedding dresses, ahhhhhh! Thanks for bringing this to my attention😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tammy! So true, and it ends up being an endearing story of friendship.
LikeLike
Sounds like a lovely book, thanks for the review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was a lovely story, Lisa! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful cover Jen! Awesome review my friend! Happy New Year! Heres to 2019 being filled with wonderful books for both of us!💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sus! I love that cover, too! Yes, I hope the same for us and 2019, my friend! ♥️ xoxo
LikeLike
I am so excited about this one! I love historical fiction and dual timeline stories, and the royal aspect is an added bonus!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are going to love it, Angela! It’s so well-done! Enjoy!
LikeLike
Beautiful review for what sounds like a beautiful book!💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Berit! I loved it! ♥️
LikeLike
I’m so glad you loved this book as much as I did! I knew you would!! ❤❤ You’re review was lovely! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, my friend! Happy New Year! I hope you’re year is fantastic! 😘😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Stephanie! It was amazing! Happy New Year, and I hope your 2019 is full of wonderful health for you and your family! ♥️ 🎇
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really should have made my favorite reads of 2018 list-it was on there and I took it off for Becoming. I knew I needed a bigger list! You too, Jen! Have the best year ever! xoxo ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve toyed with this one for a while now so I’m glad to see your review! I love it when an historical fiction novel has me Googling often. Thanks for a wonderful review, Jennifer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jonetta! This book is so fantastic, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy it, too, if you are able to fit it in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never heard of this, but I’m a sucker for anything to do with the royals. I’ve been watching the Crown lately so this sounds particularly interesting. Happy NYE!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, LP! I still need to watch The Crown- I just know I’ll love it! Happy New Year! 🎇
LikeLike
I have just started to read this one and am excited! Thanks for the review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joyce! I can’t wait to see your review and hear what you think!
LikeLike
Putting this on my TBR 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect choice, Carol! Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds interesting. I was obsessed with Grace Kelly’s wedding gown when I was a kid so I think I’d really like this one 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, I think this would really fascinate you. It ends up being about much more than the dress, but the dress has its place.
LikeLike
This really does sound like a beautiful read and that it has a lot more depth to it than I was expecting based on my first glance. I’m so glad I read your review because I think I might have skipped over this book otherwise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Suzanne! It really was, and it went to so many other places than just the royals, or just the dress. I hope you get a chance to read it.
LikeLike
Sounds lovely! I love embroidery and admire the skill of people who can do it at the highest levels. Did you know that the Royal School of Needlework runs courses in embroidery in Hampton Court Palace? Somehow embroidery and royalty go together well… 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was lovely, FF! I didn’t know that about the Royal School of Needlework, but I’ve been to Hampton Court Palace, and the gardens were my favorite!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely gorgeous review Jenni! Sounds great! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Beth! I loved this book! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to read this! Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lisa!
LikeLike
Got goosebumps reading this review! Your site is a dangerous place for my TBR! Lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry, Nina! 😂 🌺 I could see you loving this book though. It’s definitely a standout among my recent reviews.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Downloaded the sample 🙄😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just read this book and stumbled onto your blog by way of Goodreads. I loved this story so much! I wanted to say hi because your blog name stuck out to me. I’m a UNC alum, a Jennifer, and am living in Chapel Hill. 😉 happy reading from another Tar Heel Reader Jenn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jenn! I love that! I wish I still lived in CH! I’m so happy you enjoyed this book, too! Thank you SO much for stopping by my blog to tell me!
LikeLike
Sometimes I forget to check saved reviews I want to go back after reading the book. Wasn’t it fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Shell! I am happy you loved it too!
LikeLike