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A review by irxren
The Last Dress from Paris by Jade Beer
5.0
This historical fiction novel features two engaging timelines that intertwine beautifully. The story begins in London, 2017, where Lucille is sent by her grandmother to Paris to find a specific Dior gown. In Paris, she stumbles upon something in a small apartment that leads her on a frantic search across the city for answers. The second timeline is set in Paris, 1952, a glamorous post-war era. Alice Ainsley, the wife of the British ambassador to France, enjoys luxury gifts like Dior gowns and jewels but feels increasingly isolated as her husband drifts away. Lonely and with only her maid for company, Alice finds herself drawn to someone who makes her question everything she knows about love and consequence.
I was excited to read this novel because it combines historical fiction, Paris, and the intriguing 1950s setting. Although it started a bit slowly for me, once Alice’s story picked up, I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. The mix of mystery, history, and a touch of romance made it a fascinating read. The post-war period is less explored in historical fiction, so it was refreshing to dive into that time frame. The book features a wonderful cast of characters, from Sylvie and Leon to Veronique in the present day, and the heartfelt friendship between Alice and Anne. The author does an excellent job of creating memorable characters.
Moreover, the book is well-researched and imaginative. The descriptions of the Dior gowns, including my personal favorites like Debussy and Cygne Noir, are vivid and detailed. I also found myself looking up photos of Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Claude Monet's murals at the Musée de l'Orangerie to appreciate the setting even more. The author’s attention to detail truly brings the story to life.
I was excited to read this novel because it combines historical fiction, Paris, and the intriguing 1950s setting. Although it started a bit slowly for me, once Alice’s story picked up, I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. The mix of mystery, history, and a touch of romance made it a fascinating read. The post-war period is less explored in historical fiction, so it was refreshing to dive into that time frame. The book features a wonderful cast of characters, from Sylvie and Leon to Veronique in the present day, and the heartfelt friendship between Alice and Anne. The author does an excellent job of creating memorable characters.
Moreover, the book is well-researched and imaginative. The descriptions of the Dior gowns, including my personal favorites like Debussy and Cygne Noir, are vivid and detailed. I also found myself looking up photos of Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Claude Monet's murals at the Musée de l'Orangerie to appreciate the setting even more. The author’s attention to detail truly brings the story to life.