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Odette Rising
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 17:09:59
25 copies available
U.S. only
“Moving and fiercely clever. . . a triumph of storytelling.”
—Clare Leslie Hall, New York Times bestselling author of Broken Country
A mesmerizing coming-of-age story of an extraordinary young woman in turn-of-the-century France as she rises to find a life she’d never dreamed possible
She had always felt that she must stay in the shadows, that if she asked for little, she could not feel loss. But here was life and joy.
It’s 1897 in Sèvres, France and, from her bedroom window, Odette Huré watches a funeral procession carry her father’s coffin away. She is twenty-one and she has not left the house for ten years.
Odette has long spent her days reading and soothing herself with food. With the sudden death of her father, the walls she has built around herself begin to crumble. Forced into society, she discovers she is responsible for her father’s considerable fortune and his celebrated stockings factory—renowned for its exquisite designs that adorn the slender ankles of Parisian femmes célèbres.
Now Odette must try and navigate the world she has hidden from for so long. In doing so, she will excavate the secrets left behind by her father and in turn, accept the shocking truth of her own identity. With the help of an unorthodox found family, she will discover all that she is capable of. Odette is a heroine for the ages—complex and flawed, but compelling and full of warmth—and we share her joy as she begins to soar.
—Clare Leslie Hall, New York Times bestselling author of Broken Country
A mesmerizing coming-of-age story of an extraordinary young woman in turn-of-the-century France as she rises to find a life she’d never dreamed possible
She had always felt that she must stay in the shadows, that if she asked for little, she could not feel loss. But here was life and joy.
It’s 1897 in Sèvres, France and, from her bedroom window, Odette Huré watches a funeral procession carry her father’s coffin away. She is twenty-one and she has not left the house for ten years.
Odette has long spent her days reading and soothing herself with food. With the sudden death of her father, the walls she has built around herself begin to crumble. Forced into society, she discovers she is responsible for her father’s considerable fortune and his celebrated stockings factory—renowned for its exquisite designs that adorn the slender ankles of Parisian femmes célèbres.
Now Odette must try and navigate the world she has hidden from for so long. In doing so, she will excavate the secrets left behind by her father and in turn, accept the shocking truth of her own identity. With the help of an unorthodox found family, she will discover all that she is capable of. Odette is a heroine for the ages—complex and flawed, but compelling and full of warmth—and we share her joy as she begins to soar.
- GenresFiction
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. The characters were so strongly written and real that I actually found myself not only caring about them, but also getting angry and frustrated, to the point that I had to put the book down for two days because I was so mad at some choices made by Odette. The plot was interesting and rich. At times I felt that the author packed in too many challenges and obstacles, but, ultimately, I liked how those events moved the story along. And the writing was beautiful. The author captured so many real, raw emotions: grief and loss, shame, despair, hope, friendship, love. This deeply-damaged character's growth arc was real and her strength was well-earned. I look forward to recommending Odette Rising to my friends.
I loved this book. The characters were so strongly written and real that I actually found myself not only caring about them, but also getting angry and frustrated, to the point that I had to put the book down for two days because I was so mad at some choices made by Odette. The plot was interesting and rich. At times I felt that the author packed in too many challenges and obstacles, but, ultimately, I liked how those events moved the story along. And the writing was beautiful. The author captured so many real, raw emotions: grief and loss, shame, despair, hope, friendship, love. This deeply-damaged character's growth arc was real and her strength was well-earned. I look forward to recommending Odette Rising to my friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Odette Rising by Julianne Edwards
Thank you Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
The young Odette, just twenty-one years old and entirely walled off from society, has spent the bulk of her life in isolation. After the death of her father, a man who was more a stranger than a parent, she takes the first step in her journey to finding her footing in turn-of-the-century France: leaving the comfort of her home. Odette’s lifelong struggle with self love accompanies a slew of new hardships as she takes on responsibilities that even society deems unfathomable, like taking over her father’s hosiery factory as a woman. Throughout the story, she slowly and courageously branches out, making new friends (and enemies), all while discovering where she fits.
Edwards manages to hone in on the lives of a multitude of characters, not just our protagonist, giving readers a necessary glimpse into the motivations behind their actions and a wide breadth to the overall story. It is a strong utilization of third person. Because of how much Edwards delves into other characters, readers also better understand how Odette is being received as both she and the story progress. We witness change in some of the most raw ways, especially for people who were living in a time period in which the year itself was so much an obstacle that people–women–never thought able to challenge it.
I found Odette’s view of society particularly enthralling, as she thought it was almost shameful, something not to care about at all. Rather than succumbing to the world that shunned her and kept her locked away, Odette manages to challenge society while simultaneously overcoming its stone-set limitations. She incurs a plethora of unique perspectives that stem from her upbringing–wealthy, but ostracized due primarily to her weight. It makes for a gripping story. With surprising turns and a brilliant conclusion, Odette Rising will linger, a reminder that everyone is capable of bravery and self love. This story is Odette’s, and it is one worth reading.
Thank you Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
The young Odette, just twenty-one years old and entirely walled off from society, has spent the bulk of her life in isolation. After the death of her father, a man who was more a stranger than a parent, she takes the first step in her journey to finding her footing in turn-of-the-century France: leaving the comfort of her home. Odette’s lifelong struggle with self love accompanies a slew of new hardships as she takes on responsibilities that even society deems unfathomable, like taking over her father’s hosiery factory as a woman. Throughout the story, she slowly and courageously branches out, making new friends (and enemies), all while discovering where she fits.
Edwards manages to hone in on the lives of a multitude of characters, not just our protagonist, giving readers a necessary glimpse into the motivations behind their actions and a wide breadth to the overall story. It is a strong utilization of third person. Because of how much Edwards delves into other characters, readers also better understand how Odette is being received as both she and the story progress. We witness change in some of the most raw ways, especially for people who were living in a time period in which the year itself was so much an obstacle that people–women–never thought able to challenge it.
I found Odette’s view of society particularly enthralling, as she thought it was almost shameful, something not to care about at all. Rather than succumbing to the world that shunned her and kept her locked away, Odette manages to challenge society while simultaneously overcoming its stone-set limitations. She incurs a plethora of unique perspectives that stem from her upbringing–wealthy, but ostracized due primarily to her weight. It makes for a gripping story. With surprising turns and a brilliant conclusion, Odette Rising will linger, a reminder that everyone is capable of bravery and self love. This story is Odette’s, and it is one worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—my honest thoughts, as always, are my own.
Now let’s descend into the shadows...
There’s something especially unsettling about beauty when it starts to fracture—and Odette Rising leans into that discomfort in the most haunting way.
I’ve always had a soft spot for stories that take something delicate and elegant—like ballet, like transformation, like identity—and slowly twist it into something darker, something sharper. This book does exactly that. It takes the familiar bones of Swan Lake 🦢 and breathes something far more eerie and emotionally raw into them.
The atmosphere is thick with tension, almost dreamlike at times, but never safe. There’s a constant sense that something is slipping just out of reach… or maybe unraveling entirely. The transformation elements (both physical and psychological) felt especially well done—there’s a quiet body horror here that creeps in rather than overwhelms, and it lingers.
And that’s what really got me—the way this story lingers. It’s not just about what’s happening on the surface, but what it costs.
Identity, control, autonomy… all of it feels fragile, like it could splinter at any moment.
This isn’t a loud or brutal kind of dark—it’s more refined, more insidious. The kind that pulls you in with something beautiful and leaves you with something just a little bit broken.
**Content Warning:** Body horror elements, psychological distress, themes of identity loss and transformation.
If you’re drawn to dark, atmospheric retellings with a slow, creeping sense of unease—and a touch of something almost grotesquely beautiful—this one is absolutely worth your time.
🕸️I’m that weird girl who reads the shadows—and you’ll follow willingly.🕸️
Now let’s descend into the shadows...
There’s something especially unsettling about beauty when it starts to fracture—and Odette Rising leans into that discomfort in the most haunting way.
I’ve always had a soft spot for stories that take something delicate and elegant—like ballet, like transformation, like identity—and slowly twist it into something darker, something sharper. This book does exactly that. It takes the familiar bones of Swan Lake 🦢 and breathes something far more eerie and emotionally raw into them.
The atmosphere is thick with tension, almost dreamlike at times, but never safe. There’s a constant sense that something is slipping just out of reach… or maybe unraveling entirely. The transformation elements (both physical and psychological) felt especially well done—there’s a quiet body horror here that creeps in rather than overwhelms, and it lingers.
And that’s what really got me—the way this story lingers. It’s not just about what’s happening on the surface, but what it costs.
Identity, control, autonomy… all of it feels fragile, like it could splinter at any moment.
This isn’t a loud or brutal kind of dark—it’s more refined, more insidious. The kind that pulls you in with something beautiful and leaves you with something just a little bit broken.
**Content Warning:** Body horror elements, psychological distress, themes of identity loss and transformation.
If you’re drawn to dark, atmospheric retellings with a slow, creeping sense of unease—and a touch of something almost grotesquely beautiful—this one is absolutely worth your time.
🕸️I’m that weird girl who reads the shadows—and you’ll follow willingly.🕸️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Odette Rising is a beautifully written, character-driven coming-of-age story set in turn-of-the-century France. Odette has spent the last ten years as a shut-in, living a very small and isolated life. When her father dies, she’s suddenly forced out into the world—and at just 21, she finds herself responsible for his entire estate, including a successful hosiery business.
What stood out to me most was her transformation. Odette struggles with her sense of self, including her relationship with her body, and you really feel how unprepared she is for the life she’s been thrust into. Watching her slowly step into that role, while also uncovering secrets about her father and her own identity, was both emotional and rewarding.
The pacing is slower, but it works for this type of story. It allows her growth to feel realistic as she navigates grief, responsibility, and a world she’s avoided for so long. I also loved the found family aspect—it added warmth and balance to her journey.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and heartfelt read about identity, resilience, and stepping into a life you never imagined for yourself. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction.
Odette Rising is a beautifully written, character-driven coming-of-age story set in turn-of-the-century France. Odette has spent the last ten years as a shut-in, living a very small and isolated life. When her father dies, she’s suddenly forced out into the world—and at just 21, she finds herself responsible for his entire estate, including a successful hosiery business.
What stood out to me most was her transformation. Odette struggles with her sense of self, including her relationship with her body, and you really feel how unprepared she is for the life she’s been thrust into. Watching her slowly step into that role, while also uncovering secrets about her father and her own identity, was both emotional and rewarding.
The pacing is slower, but it works for this type of story. It allows her growth to feel realistic as she navigates grief, responsibility, and a world she’s avoided for so long. I also loved the found family aspect—it added warmth and balance to her journey.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and heartfelt read about identity, resilience, and stepping into a life you never imagined for yourself. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Odette is a young woman who lives in seclusion. When her father dies and she inherits his hosiery factory, curiosity leads her to explore the world around her. She starts challenging her own self-limiting beliefs, becoming more aware of her surroundings, and taking on more responsibility. This process is not linear, and Odette makes some puzzling choices. She is overweight and socially awkward, and the novel is strongest when focusing on her internal struggles to overcome her shame and feelings of inadequacy.
Having said that, the novel doesn’t maintain this focus. It gets distracted with several subplots involving consumption, antisemitism, gender, the management of factory workers, a potential blackmailer — all of which are treated superficially. In addition, the narrative moves at a very slow pace.
In the end, I found the novel long and exhausting. While it was not a good fit for me, readers of historical fiction who enjoy an immersive reading experience may appreciate the descriptive writing, particularly when it comes to food and fashion, and the overall atmosphere of Sèvres, France, at the end of the 19th century.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
Having said that, the novel doesn’t maintain this focus. It gets distracted with several subplots involving consumption, antisemitism, gender, the management of factory workers, a potential blackmailer — all of which are treated superficially. In addition, the narrative moves at a very slow pace.
In the end, I found the novel long and exhausting. While it was not a good fit for me, readers of historical fiction who enjoy an immersive reading experience may appreciate the descriptive writing, particularly when it comes to food and fashion, and the overall atmosphere of Sèvres, France, at the end of the 19th century.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
Where Odette’s storyline and character are developed give me 4-star feels. The dips into tangential riffs like the brewing factory strike and the blackmail and consumption epidemic doused me with the 2-star blahs. Too many of them felt like convenient plot conventions. Rounds out to three stars from me.
Where Odette’s storyline and character are developed give me 4-star feels. The dips into tangential riffs like the brewing factory strike and the blackmail and consumption epidemic doused me with the 2-star blahs. Too many of them felt like convenient plot conventions. Rounds out to three stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Trigger warning: self-harm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews