Steph L
Written on May 17, 2019
If you’re looking for a fun tale about Identity and finding who you really are this is the book for you. I enjoyed the characters, story, and of course the fashion.
Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:
Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride--or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia--the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!
Sebastian's secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances--one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone's secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend? Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart.
This title has Common Core connections.
- ISBN13 9781626723634
- Publish Date 13 February 2018
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Roaring Brook Press
- Imprint First Second
- Format Paperback
- Pages 288
- Language English
Reviews
If you’re looking for a fun tale about Identity and finding who you really are this is the book for you. I enjoyed the characters, story, and of course the fashion.
jeannamichel
Written on Jan 13, 2019
nannah
Written on Sep 14, 2018
And I'm not disappointed at all. I can't stop thinking about it.
Book content warnings
forcibly coming out - spoiler within a spoiler: as non binary
In Paris, "at the dawn of the modern age", Prince Sebastian has a secret: he's actually Lady Crystallia by night, the city's rising fashion icon. And his secret? also has a secret: the genius behind his look and beautiful gowns is his talented seamstress and best friend, Frances.
But Frances dreams to be a great and famous seamstress, and being Prince Sebastian's secret is being just that: a secret. Meanwhile, Prince Sebastian's parents are trying to find him a wife and instill in him the importance of becoming the future king. How long can Prince Sebastian and Frances keep Lady Crystallia together?
I LOVED this graphic novel. The characters are so vibrant, and their struggles are so touching and easily felt.
It's also one of the most beautiful graphic novels I've ever seen. Scrolling through a few comments here, I've noticed a few saying the style is too cartoony, but as opposed to what? Realistic, gritty comic-book style or Japanese anime-style? I think this style is LOVELY and fits the story and tone perfectly. Plus every single panel is so lovingly drawn. There isn't a single panel that's scratched out or sketched for lack of time or something. It's beautiful.
Now, as to whether this book is actually LGBT, I think it's plain when Sebastian says,
"Some days I look at myself in the mirror and think, 'That's me, Prince Sebastian! I wear boy clothes and look like my father.' Other days it doesn't feel right at all. Those days I feel like I'm actually ... a princess."
I'm non binary myself (gender fluid - though not ranging to the "two binaries" but women through agender genders), but this? I relate to this feeling exactly. And quick searching tells me a lot of other non binary readers have too.
Though the ending is left rather open-ended and the exact words "non binary/gender fluid/etc." are never actually used, Sebastian's words describing himself are enough for me.
This book is such a beautiful novel describing the experience of someone who's non binary and experiencing it for the first time. Coming to terms with it, and finding support. :')
Plus, near the ending there's a scene that had me smiling so much it hurt. You'll know it when you read it.
Mercy
Written on Jul 14, 2018
luddite
Written on Jun 8, 2018
I really liked the artwork. The drawing style felt like a soft blend of Miyazaki's artwork (hat-tip: Ponyo) and other manga influences, while being a style I haven't seen elsewhere. And the story itself was a wonderful heart-warming tale of friendship, love, and support, told in an deft way that made full use of the medium.
layawaydragon
Written on Jan 9, 2018
The Prince: Adorable. Anxious. Hearts in the right place, he just has to listen to it and get there.
The Dressmaker: Sweet. Fierce. Creative. Love her standing up for herself, other young women, and living her dream.
The story is a roller coaster of family drama, fashion, and finding yourself during turn of the century France. The time period is important as so far as there are royals, the fashion sense, and the opening of the first department store.
Only two points detract from the loveliness of The Prince and The Dressmaker and they are both admittedly on the nitpickey side. The awesome and adorable climax just…a tad unbelievable given the constraints, measurements, and timing.
And it’s never explicit said that The Prince is gender fluid. That’s what it sounds and feels like from his dialogue and actions, but I can’t help but wish something more concrete language was used. I’m all for representation, but you can’t make it wishy-washy maybe-so. Of course, I could just be hypersensitive given the numerous fails of other media.
Like it’s perfect but my mind won’t let the devil in the details go.
After the totes adorbs happily ever after, there’s about 12-15 pages of behind the scenes drawings and information that is fascinating. I love that kind of information!