Review of 'The Lost Dressmaker of Paris' by Suzanne Fortin
Review of 'The Lost Dressmaker of Paris' by Suzanne Fortin
Release date: July 11th, 2023
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REVIEW
This is one of the most exhilarating dual time line stories I have read this year! I cannot remember when I was so captivated by a plot that I was constantly on the edge of my seat. Practically every page had me filled with such tension I thought I would burst with anticipation! I kept wondering what would happen next. There were a few things I expected but there were also incredible surprises along the way that kept my interest at frantic levels. This is one fascinating World War II story brimming with courage, determination, love, mystery, fashion and finesse.
The Lost Dressmaker of Paris is set during WWII and modern day. In the present timeline, we meet Darcie, a keen business owner. She attends auctions to find collectables for her Vintaged and Loved shop. She enjoys the thrill of bidding but even more in finding treasures. She has sourced quite an admirable number of items for her store stock. And on this particular day, she finds herself in a frantic bidding war but manages to acquire Lot 176: the ‘left-luggage lockers recently removed from the now disused West Sussex train station.’ After paying for her win, excitedly she opens a suitcase to see what it unveils. These purchases can be a gamble but this time it has paid off. What she finds inside absolutely stuns her. A dress that looks just like one worn by the famous Coco Chanel and a designer’s sketch book. Immediately her interest is sparked and she feels a connection to the past owner. It seems as though fate has brought these special items to her. She wants to know more about this Nathalie Leroux (name inside the suitcase) and begins an amazing journey that takes her to Paris where she meets, by chance, a photographer attending an important fashion show. They first become fast friends and then their relationship blossoms further. He also becomes intrigued with Darcie’s drive to uncover the story behind the dress and sketch book. And whether there is a connection to Coco Chanel. Together they utilise their skills and contacts to solve this fascinating, though heartbreaking mystery. Wonderful characters materialise—including a special lady from the past who has the answers to their questions.
In another timeline, we see Nathalie live out all the things Darcie is trying to uncover. We learn this talented dress designer led a dangerous and dedicated life once the Nazis occupied Paris. Edgar, Nathalie’s brother, becomes involved in some dangerous operations of the Resistance. Although she is proud of him taking a stand to protect his country, she secretly worries about his safety. And rightfully so, as what later happens sets Nathalie on a path of revenge and into the lion’s den.
The suspense in the historical timeline is off the charts while we follow Nathalie through some very dangerous operations and manoeuvres. But this carries over into the present day when Darcie gets closer to the truth of what happened to this dressmaker from the past (during World War II). She runs into some pretty nasty interference, too. There are others after this dress and sketchbook for they hold more value than anyone could have imagined. As mentioned, you get this feeling that the past is sliding into the present—especially in the area of enemies. There is so much to untangle in this complicated plot, but it keeps this story buzzing along at break neck speed.
There is no question that this novel is skilfully written. It contains exceptional setting descriptions and highly detailed events. It is obvious Suzanne has done her research well. It made me feel as though I was there with the characters: seeing what they saw, feeling their fears, experiencing their tears and gasping for moments of joy.
I am dying now to read more of Suzanne Fortin’s novels and actually have her previous one waiting on my Kindle App. I am delighted to have read this magnificent story that truly made me feel, think and weep at times. I wholeheartedly recommend The Lost Dressmaker of Paris and give it 5 Brave Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to publisher Embla Books and Netgalley for my review copy.
