OVERVIEW
What a lovely book! It is my sixth read book of Julia's recently published seven historical fiction and mystery historical fiction novels.
Yes, dear blog reader, you may say I previously swore off WWII books FOREVER! Well, exceptions are going to be made for books that interest me and for authors that I love reading. This book met 2 of 2!! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
I was so lucky to receive this book from the library the day it was released!! Don't forget to use your library card - it is good for more than books! Off soapbox, now!
TRIGGER WARNING: Death of a parent, war, infidelity, toxic relationships
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
As always, Julia writes so incredibly beautifully. Her prose is filled with gorgeous descriptions of the beautiful clothing in this novel. The clothing sounded amazing even with the rationing.
Julia researched WWII clothing and clothing rationing as compared to current times. In the Author's Note, the incredible differences in quantity and quality of clothing from the 1940s to now are shocking. On a personal note, my daughter and I are purchasing better-made and sustainable clothing that we can tailor and wear for longer. The fast fashion clothing trend just isn't working for us anymore!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Sylvia (older sister), Izzie (younger sister), Miss Reid (seamstress), and William (barrister and friend of the sisters).
The secondary characters are Hugo (Sylvia's husband), Jack (Izzie's friend), Claire (Sylvia's friend), Maggie (Sylvia/Izzie's mother), and the dressmaker shop, Mrs. Shelton's Fashions.
The tertiary characters are Sylvia's high-society friends, Izzie's WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) friends, and WWII.
I loved that Julia used letters between the characters which was the best way to communicate back then. It also allowed the characters to more fully develop who they were versus what they showed to others. The letters were so touching and perfect.
Many minor characters also helped bring this lovely novel to life.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The basic premise is that Maggie dies leaving her dressmaker shop to her two daughters, Sylvia and Izzie who are estranged. Then Izzie is conscripted into the WAAF leaving Sylvia to run the dressmaker shop. The sisters write letters to one another and other characters which adds such a beautiful touch to this novel.
The main locations were primarily London with some time spent in other cities in England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I knew there was rationing in England and the U.S. during WWII as my dad spoke of ration books and "brownouts". He was around seven at the end of WWII and lived on the West Coast where the threat of attack was real.
But, I had no idea how difficult it was regarding clothing, especially for women. The annual reduction in ration coupons until 1949 must have been incredibly challenging to manage.
I also had no idea how bad the classicism was in England during WWII. But, unfortunately, we have the same type of elitism here in the U.S., unfortunately.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrowed (eBOOK)
The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly
430 pages
Gallery Books
Release date of 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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