Review of ‘Dressed By Iris’ by Mary-Anne O’Connor
Release: February 2nd, 2022
What an incredibly powerful, insightful historical masterpiece! Dressed By Iris, in my opinion, is Mary-Anne O’Connor’s best yet. A story about hope and sacrifice. It kept me fixed on its pages with its heart-felt drama, well-defined characters, true-to-the era settings and unsettling social issues. A time when Phar Lap was on the race track (and died), when gambling was rampant, when political and law enforcement corruption proved active, when a woman once married was expected to give up her career to raise a family, when gold panning in Braidwood was still happening and when religious gaps and prejudices between Catholics and Protestants were wide spread and painfully real. But it was also a period of oncoming change and new starts. The bridge at Sydney Harbour was constructed so that both sides of the river were more accessible. When women like Iris pushed for independence and having it all (both marriage and a career). When exciting new fashions designed by women, not just men, took centre stage. Even how the styles were influenced by Hollywood movies and actresses. It was also a time when poverty to riches stories really happened for some. This novel covered so many things and so masterfully that I was moved by its profound depth and topics. It fleshed out an interesting period in time when struggles and obstacles were probably even greater than today.
One main theme abounds. The word ‘hope’ reappears over and over again like a resilient thread woven throughout the entire storyline. Agnes, a highly intuitive woman, the mother of the Mitchell clan, bolsters her family with ‘where there is hope there is happiness.’ Her strong belief has equipped her children and their friends with positive outlooks. Even in the face of death, loss, challenges, hardships, setbacks, fire, abuse, prejudice and poverty, the triumphant power of ‘hope’ buoys this amazing story from start to finish giving this family strength, resistance, determination and the will to never lose sight of their dreams. 'Dressed by Iris' is an amazing story of resilience!
This story is set during the Depression years in NSW—in this case between 1930 and 1932. Iris Mitchell lives with her family in a place called ‘Texas’: a shanty town in Newcastle where dwellings were mere shacks often built from corrugated iron and debris. The issues between Catholics and Protestants were very real in the 1930s. Socialisation, dating or marrying was frowned upon between the two. Yet here is the dilemma: Iris, a Catholic (a Mick) is smitten with a handsome, kind, funny man named John Tucker, a Protestant (a Proddo) but their relationship is forbidden. The undercurrent of division is carefully explored and we see the struggles imposed upon this young couple due to each being on the wrong side of religious tracks. As we watch their love and lives unfold, our hearts are pricked by the thorn of prejudice and senseless feuding. We want them to escape this damaging bondage.
John Tucker sees Iris as ‘resilient and wild, just like the flower she’d been named after’ with ‘an inner beauty,’ She stands up to cruelty…protects and nurtures her sister. But she is also a creative genius. The Mitchells have a chance to move to Sydney to a proper house when work on the Sydney Harbour bridge opens up but just before they go, Iris is given a sewing machine by Mrs Spencer who recognises her amazing talent for designing and making clothes. What will she do with this gift? For Iris, this unexpected treasure offers the opportunity to earn money and escape the poverty nightmare. Her journey next through this novel is unforgettable and uplifting, in spite of the obstacles she faces. When she moves to Sydney she acquires a cleaning job at Caron’s upmarket department store. There she meets and becomes close friends with a vibrant model named Natasha, who believes in her talent and helps her to move towards her goal.
This novel is well-researched and its authenticity is partly attributed to Mary-Anne’s family input (mentioned in the notes) making it a story obviously dear to her heart. This valuable resource provides ample inspiration for the author and fuels the characters’ voices with more authority as Mary-Anne weaves pieces of her family's experiences and impressions from the Depression into the story.
This amazing novel moved me on so many levels for it transported me back to the 1930s in a blink of an eye and allowed me to feel the characters’ dilemmas and victories. In fact, it carried me along so well, I felt I was watching a movie as the settings, characters and plot were so believable and well-delivered. Yes, the Depression history is familiar yet it is refreshingly original in the way it is told and played out. In short: this stunning novel excels in all areas to the point it exceeds the 5 star rating! I highly recommend this masterpiece for lovers of profound historical fiction.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. I sincerely loved it.
