
The Paris Seamstress
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Narrated by:
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Anthea Greco
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By:
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Natasha Lester
About this listen
1940. Parisian seamstress Estella Bissette is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She is bound for Manhattan with a few francs, one suitcase, her sewing machine and a dream: to have her own atelier.
2015. Australian curator Fabienne Bissette journeys to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her beloved grandmother's work - one of the world's leading designers of ready-to-wear. But as Fabienne learns more about her grandmother's past, she uncovers a story of tragedy, heartbreak and secrets - and the sacrifices made for love.
Crossing generations, society's boundaries and international turmoil, The Paris Seamstress is the beguiling, transporting story of the special relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter as they attempt to heal the heartache of the past.
©2018 Natasha Lester (P)2018 Hachette AustraliaListeners also enjoyed...
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Overall
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Story
From the best-selling author of The Beekeeper’s Promise comes a gripping story of three young women faced with impossible choices. How will history - and their families - judge them? Paris, 1940. With the city occupied by the Nazis, three young seamstresses go about their normal lives as best they can. But all three are hiding secrets. War-scarred Mireille is fighting with the Resistance; Claire has been seduced by a German officer; and Vivienne’s involvement is something she can’t reveal to either of them.
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Fifty/Fifty
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Critic reviews
Praise for Natasha Lester: "[Lester's] engaging writing style and ability to create characters that connect with readers make her a welcome addition to the historical fiction market." (Herald Sun)
"If you enjoy historical fiction (and even if you don't) you will love this book." (Sally Hepworth)
"I love this book." (Rachael Johns)
"The book came alive in the reading, the era was captured beautifully , and the character just felt like one knew them. (Leyla Johnson)","What an amazing story of love, loss and a determination to never give up. (Lillian Cummings)","I love this style of book, a historical story, switching between past and present characters with a mystery to solve from the past. (Adrienne Best)","I loved the beautifully written story line that shifted from the 1940's to todays date. (Ollie Gamble)","A highly recommended well written book. An engrossing and immersive read with satisfying romance, personal gain and loss and amazing creativity. (Tony Peck)","it's the strong female characters I loved the best and the emotional journey they take the reader on, absolutely loved it. (Leanne Francis)","I admired the way in which Estella had carved a niche for herself, and finished the book hoping that Fabienne would do the same.","Lester deftly darts from Paris in 1941 to New York","Review","This is a worthy and very readable addition to the historical fiction market.","Perth-based author Natasha Lester brings bold, brave women to life in her expanding portfolio of historical fiction","...deftly weaves real characters, events, places and an obvious love of fashion into her captivating tale.","Natasha Lester has captured the timelessness of truly gifted designers and given us a tale of fashion and the building of empires, of war and its ravages, of love and lunacy and strength and resilience. It also tells a beautiful tale of friendship that lasts a lifetime.","It's a nicely told story, exploring relationships between women, especially the bond between mothers, daughters and granddaughters. And it's a treat for fashion lovers.","If ever there was a book that was fated to be an award winning film Natasha Lester's The Paris Seamstress is it."
What listeners say about The Paris Seamstress
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- Mary Jose
- 06-06-18
twisting story of war and families
loved it. gripping story and interesting characters . the war and post war fashion history in America was fascinating
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