The Paris Seamstress

by Natasha Lester

When Fabienne Bissette attends the annual Met Gala for an exhibit honoring her grandmother Estella, a famed designer, she begins to learn more about her grandmother's past, uncovering a story of tragedy, heartbreak, and secrets.

• ISBN10: 1538714779
• ISBN13: 9781538714775
• Publish Date: 18 September 2018 (first published 27 March 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Forever
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 464
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

I originally downloaded a free preview of this novel issued by Hatchette from #Netgalley. After enjoying the four chapter taster, I bought and read The Paris Seamstress fully.

Told from a duel point of view, the narrative switches between the two female protagonists; Estella Bissette's life as a seamstress, living in nineteen-forty Paris before she's forced to flee to America to begin a new life. Fabienne Bissette, Estella's granddaughter brings the story to the present time as she delves into her family's past after her father, Xander died.

Filled with heartbreaking intrigue, the shocking discoveries made by Fabienne certainly add darkness to the riveting narrative. Fear not, plenty of high points are included too. With equally fascinating characters who pull everything together in this well-researched page-turner.

'That a piece of clothing could do so much. That it had power beyond the fabric and the thread and the pattern.'
It's always a delight to learn something new when reading a novel and I particularly enjoyed learning the fascinating details and techniques used by seamstresses working on couture designs. The insightful inclusion by the author is a fascinating embellishment for this curious reader. It's always a treat to finish a book knowing more than I did before I began.

My favourite reads for 2018 have mostly been those with a historical theme and The Paris Seamstress is definitely one which leaves a lasting impression.