Review of 'The Lost Dresses of Italy' by M. A. McLaughlin
Review of ‘The Lost Dresses of Italy’ by M.A. McLaughlun
Publish date: February 6th, 2024
Publisher: Alcove Press
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What the Story is about: (Publisher Notes):
Verona, 1947. Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses, once by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne’s expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses.
Verona, 1864. Christina Rossetti returns to her family’s homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her: a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request.
The letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina—and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, The Lost Dresses transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion.
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REVIEW
‘To live in the world of imagination is to touch the divine.’
As a poet, I can say this was one of the most inspiring and fascinating stories I have ever read on a literary figure I admire. I love Victorian (and Romantic) era literature and this novel is a feast for those who also share this same interest. M.A. McLaughlin has made Poetess Christina Rossetti come alive in such a unique way on the page that this story will never be forgotten. The author’s passion for the topic is obvious and her meticulous research is astounding. Along with these important elements is her exceptional writing ability. With such winning ingredients, this story could not help but shine! I say this with an honest heart: this is a profound and poetic masterpiece. The mystery that permeates the plot keeps this story rolling along. There are numerous goosebump moments and lots of hair raising action. All the while being dotted with beautiful poetic lines that made me want to linger on the page. Many phrases from Christina’s poems are utilised throughout the story. No stone is left unturned in finding information to help resolve the dilemmas faced by Marianne and Christina in both timelines.
I will not recap the story here except to say this is a dual timeline set in 1865 (told by Christina) and 1945 (told by Marianne) and we are smoothly transported back and forth between the two realms with ease and care. Set in London, England and Verona, Italy, the descriptions are so vivid you feel you are there. As for the plot: it is utilised brilliantly in unveiling the events of these two women many years apart. Yet there are some common denominators. When one world slides into the other, the past enters the present in a powerful revelation. Once the many pieces of the puzzle come together, the full picture is breath-taking. And what an unpredictable turn of events they are! There’s betrayal, denial, deception and disgrace but also growth, determination, persistence and passion. The characters are well drawn and intriguing and some like Senora Pecora are not what they appear. There is a lot here to keep you guessing in trying to decide who is on whose side.
I love that the nightingale, the bird of poets and passion, is mentioned especially in relation to Christina and her potential love interest at Lake Como. These birds have a mythic status as they have been written about so many times in poetry. So, it is only right that Christina would mention them. In her own words, she writes: ‘I met him here and first heard the nightingale sing…’ And as Rufina explains: ‘The nightingale is the bird of the night that lovers hear together…until the sun rises…’ When Romeo and Juliet spent one night together, they heard a bird and debated whether it was a Nightingale or a Lark (the former is associated with night and the latter with morning). And like these two tragic lovers, tragedy follows in this story.
I found Marianne’s profession as a textile historian fascinating. Every antique dress has a unique story to tell. She is moved by the fabric, the styles, the stories behind the clothing and the person who wore them. Her work truly is her passion. She knows that creativity and commitment can make a clothing exhibition successful. In her moments of self-doubt, she remembers encouraging words from her husband (who died in the war). ‘You have to believe in yourself and the importance of your work.’ This kind of affirmation builds confidence in an artist’s heart and she needs these positive words. Even though she is exceptional at what she does—her parents never appreciated her choice of study or its value in the art and history world.
For Christina, the advice from her loved one is similar. She must realise ‘the importance of the words’ she composes. There are strong parallels between the two women—each losing someone they love who believed in them and their talent.
Christina’s necklace left to her by her father, symbolises ‘something once lost, could be found and should always be treasured.’ This, in many ways, could be said of all antique gifts of importance. They are items to be appreciated. So many of us find ourselves standing in a museum looking at artefacts and imagining the lives of those attached to the pieces. It gives us both a thrill and a chill. It is part of the human story—a never ending one that continues throughout the centuries. To remember the past generations is a beautiful thing. For in doing so, we honour the persons—the trials they may have faced, endured and survived through. These remnants of history give us hope and courage so that when we are facing our darkest and most challenging moments, we know that if they survived, we will, too.
Christina and Dante were called the ‘stormy’ ones by their father Gabriele, whereas Maria and Willian were the two ‘calms’. It is an intriguing concept and we wonder if they ever changed as they got older. (From research, it appears Christina certainly did.) In The Lost Dresses of Italy the focus is on poet Christina and brother poet-painter Dante. We get to see the two stormy ones in action as Dante is with Christina in a number of scenes. It is interesting to listen in on their conversations and to see their dynamics as siblings but also as creative figures. (Plus, to hear about their romantic interests and the affects on their artistic endeavours.)
One of the most moving passages for me with Marianne was when she expresses her strong connection to Christina Rossetti. She meets her in the clothes left behind that she must evaluate and showcase. I could feel the weight of Marianne’s grief in her words: ‘…I had come to Italy to repair my broken heart. Maybe that’s why I had felt a connection with Christina from the moment I saw her dresses; we were both women who had experienced such wreckage in our personal lives that we almost drowned from sorrow. I could feel it in every stitch of her clothing. Every hem. Every piece of trim. It all breathed from her spirit to mine.’
I could fill this review with numerous quotes from the novel but I won’t. As the story progresses, there are many more exceptional passages. A book could be written about this book! Instead, I will share a small sample of my own poetry: what might have been Marianne’s thoughts when she learns of Christina’s condemned love affair.
Imagine the flesh held by this loyal garment
That sun and moon have touched and kissed
The passion concealed by roaming shadows
Falls prey to light behind cold steps
Beyond the darkness and secret message
The nightingale sings on of wild desire
As fervent hearts are torn by precepts
And left to smoke and dust and sky.
There is a lot here to dine upon (and be inspired by) in this beautifully written story that brings the Rossetti past into the present for those who have a passion for English literature. This remarkable historical mystery novel will forever be one of my all-time favourites. The Lost Dresses of Italy is way beyond 5 Stars. It’s a creative celestial masterpiece. ✨
Many thanks to Alcove Press, the author and Netgalley for a review copy.
