What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seamstress
A story that breathes life into the cameo character from Dickens' classic A Tale of Two Cities.
France, 1788
It is the best of times . . .
On a tranquil farm nestled in the French countryside, two orphaned cousins―Renée and Laurette―have been raised under the caring guardianship of young Émile Gagnon, the last of a once-prosperous family. No longer starving girls, Laurette and Renée now spend days tending Gagnon's sheep, and nights in their cozy loft, whispering secrets and dreams in this time of waning innocence and peace.
It is the worst of times . . .
Paris groans with a restlessness that can no longer be contained within its city streets. Hunger and hatred fuel her people. Violence seeps into the ornate halls of Versailles. Even Gagnon’s table in the quiet village of Mouton Blanc bears witness to the rumbles of rebellion, where Marcel Moreau embodies its voice and heart.
It is the story that has never been told.
In one night, the best and worst of fate collide. A chance encounter with a fashionable woman will bring Renée’s sewing skills to light and secure a place in the court of Queen Marie Antoinette. An act of reckless passion will throw Laurette into the arms of the increasingly militant Marcel. And Gagnon, steadfast in his faith in God and country, can only watch as those he loves march straight into the heart of the revolution.
France, 1788
It is the best of times . . .
On a tranquil farm nestled in the French countryside, two orphaned cousins―Renée and Laurette―have been raised under the caring guardianship of young Émile Gagnon, the last of a once-prosperous family. No longer starving girls, Laurette and Renée now spend days tending Gagnon's sheep, and nights in their cozy loft, whispering secrets and dreams in this time of waning innocence and peace.
It is the worst of times . . .
Paris groans with a restlessness that can no longer be contained within its city streets. Hunger and hatred fuel her people. Violence seeps into the ornate halls of Versailles. Even Gagnon’s table in the quiet village of Mouton Blanc bears witness to the rumbles of rebellion, where Marcel Moreau embodies its voice and heart.
It is the story that has never been told.
In one night, the best and worst of fate collide. A chance encounter with a fashionable woman will bring Renée’s sewing skills to light and secure a place in the court of Queen Marie Antoinette. An act of reckless passion will throw Laurette into the arms of the increasingly militant Marcel. And Gagnon, steadfast in his faith in God and country, can only watch as those he loves march straight into the heart of the revolution.
476 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2019
83 people are currently reading
4253 people want to read
About the author
Allison Pittman
32 books655 followersAllison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
August 2, 2018
Glory this novel is stunning! Set amid the tumultuous French Revolution, The Seamstress is unabashedly profound and yet crafted with such care, that I relished every heartrending word until the very last one. Through the lives of vibrant and genuine characters, notes of love, faith, and loyalty rise from its pages—all striking with one unanimous chord of courage. Allison Pittman has woven a novel that fortifies the spirit brick by brick so that as a nation is broken and transformed, so takes new shape yet another landscape: the reader’s heart. The Seamstress is an absolute masterpiece with all the makings of a classic, and is one of the finest novels I have ever read.
September 21, 2019
This is beautiful. Heartbreakingly beautiful.
“Do you think that it will seem long to me, while I wait for her in the better land?”
“It cannot be, my child; there is no time there, and no trouble there.”
“Do you think that it will seem long to me, while I wait for her in the better land?”
“It cannot be, my child; there is no time there, and no trouble there.”
Read
October 27, 2018Destined to be a classic in its own right, The Seamstress is everything I love about historical fiction. The robust characters not only interact with real and pivotal events, but they embody the attitudes of the day in ways that are accessible for the modern reader. Pitman’s power of language drew me deep into revolutionary France, and her accurate and sensitive portrayal of the turmoil earned my undying respect. The Seamstress is an intricate tapestry hemmed in truth and grace. A masterpiece.
February 27, 2019
This book! I am still thinking about it, its characters and the decisions they made. That, my friends, is the sign of a well written book (in my opinion).
“The Seamstress” by Allison Pittman is truly a masterpiece and the story is epic! Ms. Pittman’s writing is phenomenal. It is set during the French Revolution, with nods to “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens and “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo.
I love the lessons Ms. Pittman includes on faith and life in general. She shows through her writing that there are good and bad men—among both the rich and the poor—and all are equal in the eyes of God. There is a crucial decision that a character must make regarding whether one must be loyal first to God or to one’s country. I am still thinking about that decision and its implications.
Bravo, Ms. Pittman for writing such an incredible read that will surely make my “top ten list” for the year!
Content: This is definitely a more edgy Christian fiction book. I give it a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: a man gets drunk a lot; talk of a woman’s figure; mention of alcohol; a woman is called a whore and accused of having too much sex; a man swears, but the word isn’t actually written; there’s a scene leading up to a couple having sex; the word “bastard” is used; a couple that is not married shares the same bed; a man tries to rape a woman; there is gore related to the violence of the Revolution.
Rating: I give this book five stars!
Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Romance
I want to thank Tyndale House Publishers and Allison Pittman for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
“The Seamstress” by Allison Pittman is truly a masterpiece and the story is epic! Ms. Pittman’s writing is phenomenal. It is set during the French Revolution, with nods to “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens and “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo.
I love the lessons Ms. Pittman includes on faith and life in general. She shows through her writing that there are good and bad men—among both the rich and the poor—and all are equal in the eyes of God. There is a crucial decision that a character must make regarding whether one must be loyal first to God or to one’s country. I am still thinking about that decision and its implications.
Bravo, Ms. Pittman for writing such an incredible read that will surely make my “top ten list” for the year!
Content: This is definitely a more edgy Christian fiction book. I give it a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: a man gets drunk a lot; talk of a woman’s figure; mention of alcohol; a woman is called a whore and accused of having too much sex; a man swears, but the word isn’t actually written; there’s a scene leading up to a couple having sex; the word “bastard” is used; a couple that is not married shares the same bed; a man tries to rape a woman; there is gore related to the violence of the Revolution.
Rating: I give this book five stars!
Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Romance
I want to thank Tyndale House Publishers and Allison Pittman for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
April 27, 2020
Mouton Blanc, France, 1788. At the age of 10 Renee and her cousin Laurette at 12 are orphaned. Emile Gagnon at 22 inherits a farm after his parents die of fever. He also loses his wife and newborn. He provides shelter for the two orphaned girls. In return, they shepherd his sheep. On rainy days and while shepherding, Renee occupies herself with needlework. Laurette lazes off.
A royal carriage passes through their village. Due to heavy rains, it overturns the carriage and breaks one wheel. In near distance, Renee shepherds sheep and notices the accident. She runs to check if everyone is fine. It is also noticed that Madame Gisela Poitiers’ astonishing dress needs some mending, to which Renee offers helping hand.
While forced to stay in the village overnight, Renee mends the dress. Madame Gisela notices Renee’s talent and takes her to Versailles.
The story is told from POV of Renee and Laurette. Sometimes relating the same thing from those two different POVs, which doesn’t vary much, and rather slows down the pace of the story. Sometimes it’s pretty descriptive with some stagnant dialogue, not moving the story forward. Some boldness presented in the story is not believable.
A royal carriage passes through their village. Due to heavy rains, it overturns the carriage and breaks one wheel. In near distance, Renee shepherds sheep and notices the accident. She runs to check if everyone is fine. It is also noticed that Madame Gisela Poitiers’ astonishing dress needs some mending, to which Renee offers helping hand.
While forced to stay in the village overnight, Renee mends the dress. Madame Gisela notices Renee’s talent and takes her to Versailles.
The story is told from POV of Renee and Laurette. Sometimes relating the same thing from those two different POVs, which doesn’t vary much, and rather slows down the pace of the story. Sometimes it’s pretty descriptive with some stagnant dialogue, not moving the story forward. Some boldness presented in the story is not believable.
August 3, 2018
"The Seamstress is a study in nostalgia: carefully evoking a classic while establishing itself as a classic in its own right. Deftly and intelligently nodding to its magnanimous source material, A Tale of Two Cities, it remains confident as its own entity. Appealing equally to Dickensian readers and the uninitiated, The Seamstress is a lush, moving and brilliantly sewn world. The thinking reader’s inspirational read, it is at once rich, beguiling and accessibly readable. Its aftertaste will spoil you for any other story for a long, long while."
September 2, 2019
A sad story...but a very moving one! It really brings the French Revolution to life!
October 19, 2019
"God of heaven, see me now . . . . "
France is on the brink of a revolution, while two orphaned cousins are rescued by a man of faith and unprecedented generosity. As Renee and Laurette grow into lovely young women, their paths seem destined to either flourish in the idyllic village of Mouton Blanc, where sheep produce fine wool and the air is crisp and clean; or to diverge into a place where dreams are made, only to be forever lost in the middle of a nation's nightmare.
Renee's natural talents as a seamtress provide her with a life-changing opportunity, while Laurette's lust for significance lead her down the path of a prodigal. One man loves them both, the one who has provided them with food and shelter for much of their young lives; a mentor guardian of sorts, with wisdom far beyond his years; Emile Gangon. As the years go by, Gangon's steady influence and unconditional love provide a haven of memories for one woman and a home to return to for another . . . "grant me dreams to sleep in peace".
The beautiful word flow in this story is nearly impossible to describe; it carries a story that is deep, but not heavy, sweeping alongside characters who might think that they are forgettable, but they're not.
France is on the brink of a revolution, while two orphaned cousins are rescued by a man of faith and unprecedented generosity. As Renee and Laurette grow into lovely young women, their paths seem destined to either flourish in the idyllic village of Mouton Blanc, where sheep produce fine wool and the air is crisp and clean; or to diverge into a place where dreams are made, only to be forever lost in the middle of a nation's nightmare.
Renee's natural talents as a seamtress provide her with a life-changing opportunity, while Laurette's lust for significance lead her down the path of a prodigal. One man loves them both, the one who has provided them with food and shelter for much of their young lives; a mentor guardian of sorts, with wisdom far beyond his years; Emile Gangon. As the years go by, Gangon's steady influence and unconditional love provide a haven of memories for one woman and a home to return to for another . . . "grant me dreams to sleep in peace".
The beautiful word flow in this story is nearly impossible to describe; it carries a story that is deep, but not heavy, sweeping alongside characters who might think that they are forgettable, but they're not.
September 15, 2019
Beautifully woven tale about two orphaned cousins that are taken in by a sheep farmer in late 1700s France. It's a time of uprising against the monarchy. The two cousins, Laurette and Renee, follow different paths. Their story parallels the revolution taking place in France and the life of Queen Marie Antoinette.
May 18, 2021
My first and last memories are my cousin Laurette. She wasn’t quite three years old when I came into the world, but her arms were sturdy enough to hold me, and my mother never missed an opportunity to thrust me upon her.
Simple as that, I was pulled in.
There's some talk in the reviews that this is a masterpiece, that The Seamstress should be a classic on its own. And I definitely agree. There are so many factors as to why this is a really fantastic historical book (the fact that I find it awesome is purely my opinion, though..). We already have beautiful writing, written in a way that tastes as if it was a classic on its own. Then the characters, Laurette and Renée, both complex and changing throughout the entirety of the book. Oh, and it's a historical piece that portrayed a reality too unearthly to imagine to justice unless you were there in the worst of times itself.
It's a masterpiece.
It spins a gruesome, haunting tale that was once a reality and springs every danger, misery, and pain back to life in the reader's mind. Yes, I was getting poetic there... but it's true. The story was painful to read at times, and I'll be honest that there were times where I dreaded continuing the story for apprehension seeing things worsen. Why? Because things did worsen. It was because the story took you to a place that no one wants to go back to. If the characters were experiencing the misery of poverty, you would be shocked at the direness of their circumstances. If they were feeling horror at the things happening, you'd be too. If they were feeling heartache and pain, you were too. Of course, the pain felt wouldn't measure to their level, yet a touch of it was still there. It made you realize the pain of that day; it made you balk at the severity of France's poverty which inevitably drove them mad.
In this story, the French Revolution and its barbarism surround you. It's in the perilous unknowingness in Renée's life and it affected her fate and those she loves.
(Wow, I sound pretty serious as I'm rereading this. 👀)
Renée herself was a tough character for me. I started off liking her to the point that I was wondering (hoping?) whether the author chose to change her fate and write a different tale than I thought. (That didn't happen 😭) Then in the middle of the book, I started to dislike her a whole lot. She became proud and so... pretentious? Almost, but not quite.
But for the most part, she grew proud. That was expected, naturally considering her tight role in the palace and relatively "close" relationship/servanthood (though Renée herself would argue "relationship") to the Queen and her children. But, in the end, she redeemed herself in my eyes. While her pride had grown throughout the book, she remained to her faith. And that was proven through the last few pages of her story. (Though I do wish the characters delved more into their faith in the book, which is what I felt lacking for my taste.)
Laurette was the opposite. I definitely disliked her at the start, but when I started disliking Renée, I started loving Laurette more. Laurette is a girl with her many mistakes, but redeemed in the end and finding love both with and from God and her man. We mostly saw the poverty of the people both in Paris and the countryside through her eyes. She was the one who faced starvation and lived the rougher life in comparison to Renée, through whom we saw the superlative lifestyle of the monarchs.
Two characters, living two very different lives, one who experienced poverty for the most part and the other who benefited from Royal's grandeur... Soon, I was torn between the two. Torn between the poverty of the common people and the hate the nobilities received. Both of which were mistreated wrongly and hence suffered at each other's hands.
___
I'm pretty sure I'm now biased to the French Revolution ever since reading ATOTC, so I naturally loved this book immensely. It could rip your heart into two and piece it together with the threads of hope in this story. (Yes, I'm getting all poetic again.)
It's a masterpiece. It tells the story of the mysterious seamstress in A Tale of Two Cities. It gave her a name and a story and took you on a journey with her. It told the tale of her cousin who lived back in the countryside, who lived a trying life and brought you to feel with her. It's a compelling story that is no easy read, and while it's haunting, frightening, and painful at times, it tells you another beautiful, hopeful story that cannot help but touch your heart and be incredibly inspired.
History buff? Or, er, thought-provoking and emotion rollercoaster-ing fan? REad the BoOk.
Simple as that, I was pulled in.
There's some talk in the reviews that this is a masterpiece, that The Seamstress should be a classic on its own. And I definitely agree. There are so many factors as to why this is a really fantastic historical book (the fact that I find it awesome is purely my opinion, though..). We already have beautiful writing, written in a way that tastes as if it was a classic on its own. Then the characters, Laurette and Renée, both complex and changing throughout the entirety of the book. Oh, and it's a historical piece that portrayed a reality too unearthly to imagine to justice unless you were there in the worst of times itself.
It's a masterpiece.
It spins a gruesome, haunting tale that was once a reality and springs every danger, misery, and pain back to life in the reader's mind. Yes, I was getting poetic there... but it's true. The story was painful to read at times, and I'll be honest that there were times where I dreaded continuing the story for apprehension seeing things worsen. Why? Because things did worsen. It was because the story took you to a place that no one wants to go back to. If the characters were experiencing the misery of poverty, you would be shocked at the direness of their circumstances. If they were feeling horror at the things happening, you'd be too. If they were feeling heartache and pain, you were too. Of course, the pain felt wouldn't measure to their level, yet a touch of it was still there. It made you realize the pain of that day; it made you balk at the severity of France's poverty which inevitably drove them mad.
In this story, the French Revolution and its barbarism surround you. It's in the perilous unknowingness in Renée's life and it affected her fate and those she loves.
(Wow, I sound pretty serious as I'm rereading this. 👀)
Renée herself was a tough character for me. I started off liking her to the point that I was wondering (hoping?) whether the author chose to change her fate and write a different tale than I thought. (That didn't happen 😭) Then in the middle of the book, I started to dislike her a whole lot. She became proud and so... pretentious? Almost, but not quite.
But for the most part, she grew proud. That was expected, naturally considering her tight role in the palace and relatively "close" relationship/servanthood (though Renée herself would argue "relationship") to the Queen and her children. But, in the end, she redeemed herself in my eyes. While her pride had grown throughout the book, she remained to her faith. And that was proven through the last few pages of her story. (Though I do wish the characters delved more into their faith in the book, which is what I felt lacking for my taste.)
Laurette was the opposite. I definitely disliked her at the start, but when I started disliking Renée, I started loving Laurette more. Laurette is a girl with her many mistakes, but redeemed in the end and finding love both with and from God and her man. We mostly saw the poverty of the people both in Paris and the countryside through her eyes. She was the one who faced starvation and lived the rougher life in comparison to Renée, through whom we saw the superlative lifestyle of the monarchs.
Two characters, living two very different lives, one who experienced poverty for the most part and the other who benefited from Royal's grandeur... Soon, I was torn between the two. Torn between the poverty of the common people and the hate the nobilities received. Both of which were mistreated wrongly and hence suffered at each other's hands.
___
I'm pretty sure I'm now biased to the French Revolution ever since reading ATOTC, so I naturally loved this book immensely. It could rip your heart into two and piece it together with the threads of hope in this story. (Yes, I'm getting all poetic again.)
It's a masterpiece. It tells the story of the mysterious seamstress in A Tale of Two Cities. It gave her a name and a story and took you on a journey with her. It told the tale of her cousin who lived back in the countryside, who lived a trying life and brought you to feel with her. It's a compelling story that is no easy read, and while it's haunting, frightening, and painful at times, it tells you another beautiful, hopeful story that cannot help but touch your heart and be incredibly inspired.
History buff? Or, er, thought-provoking and emotion rollercoaster-ing fan? REad the BoOk.
February 9, 2019
This book went on my TBR as soon as I finished reading the first line of the description. I knew exactly which cameo character the description was referring to, despite having no recollection that said character had mentioned she was a seamstress in Dickens’ tale, and I wanted to know her story. It meant that I also knew a major spoiler about the end of this novel before I even began, but in the hands of a skilled story-teller like Allison Pittman, that becomes irrelevant. It’s the journey that counts, and this one was every bit as engrossing as I hoped it would be.
The story is told from the point of view of two orphaned cousins, Renée and Laurette, who watch the revolution unfold from two very different perspectives: Renée from the gilded halls of Versailles, and Laurette from the increasingly poverty-stricken countryside, where lack of food and employment are driving people to desperation and madness. Both worlds were vividly and authentically rendered in all their complexities, and I loved the way they contrasted each other, one having all the appearance of wealth but little happiness, and the other struggling with so little yet often showcasing the generosity and strength of the human spirit.
In fact, all those contrasts mentioned in Dickens’ well-known opening permeate this story. We see the best and worst of human nature, wisdom and foolishness and their end, devout belief and incredulity at war with one another, Light piercing the Darkness, the consolation of hope in the face of despair, and, just as in A Tale of Two Cities, a bittersweet end. Quite simply, a masterly and deeply moving read.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The story is told from the point of view of two orphaned cousins, Renée and Laurette, who watch the revolution unfold from two very different perspectives: Renée from the gilded halls of Versailles, and Laurette from the increasingly poverty-stricken countryside, where lack of food and employment are driving people to desperation and madness. Both worlds were vividly and authentically rendered in all their complexities, and I loved the way they contrasted each other, one having all the appearance of wealth but little happiness, and the other struggling with so little yet often showcasing the generosity and strength of the human spirit.
In fact, all those contrasts mentioned in Dickens’ well-known opening permeate this story. We see the best and worst of human nature, wisdom and foolishness and their end, devout belief and incredulity at war with one another, Light piercing the Darkness, the consolation of hope in the face of despair, and, just as in A Tale of Two Cities, a bittersweet end. Quite simply, a masterly and deeply moving read.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 2, 2019
Oh my...this book is outstanding!!!
Certain to remain one of my all-time favorites, this epic novel and its characters will haunt the reader long after the last page has been read. Ms.Pittman, as a new-to-me author, blew me away with her beautiful prose that masterfully told a story set amidst the turbulent times surrounding the French Revolution. Giving a nod to Charles Dicken's Tale of Two Cities, Ms. Pittman has crafted a story with memorable characters who face the harsh realities of the time with courage. The eclectic cast of characters displayed both weakness and strength that is part of human nature as they fought for survival, loyalty and love during this difficult time. Faith threads of forgiveness and grace are woven throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley and the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Certain to remain one of my all-time favorites, this epic novel and its characters will haunt the reader long after the last page has been read. Ms.Pittman, as a new-to-me author, blew me away with her beautiful prose that masterfully told a story set amidst the turbulent times surrounding the French Revolution. Giving a nod to Charles Dicken's Tale of Two Cities, Ms. Pittman has crafted a story with memorable characters who face the harsh realities of the time with courage. The eclectic cast of characters displayed both weakness and strength that is part of human nature as they fought for survival, loyalty and love during this difficult time. Faith threads of forgiveness and grace are woven throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley and the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 1, 2018
In the midst of revolution and royalty, Pittman weaves a captivating tale of two cousins whose humble beginnings birth remarkable journeys. A beautiful, rich tale of love, loss, and amazing faith, The Seamstress is a book that haunts, satisfies, and inspires all at once. I loved this book!
February 13, 2019
I have read a number of Allison Pittman's historical romances, and they were okay. The Seamstress sounded like a wonderful read, but sadly I was disappointed. The characters appeared flat and had no personality. They appeared to be cardboard characters flitting around on the pages of the story. I had a hard time empathizing with any of them. As for the plot, it started out with a wonderful synopsis, but Pittman drags the story along for a LONG time, getting to the good part of the uprising. I had a hard time focusing, and I kept finding other things to do beside read the book. The ending might be historically accurate, but I had a hard time believing I spent all this time with the character to have her end up the way she did. I really didn't enjoy this novel and was glad when I reached the end. Fans of Sandra Byrd's Henry VIII series might enjoy this novel.
I receive a complimentary copy of The Seamstress by Allison Pittman through Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I receive a complimentary copy of The Seamstress by Allison Pittman through Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
November 12, 2020
This was a wonderful read, a beautifully written book.
The story of 2 orphaned sisters in the time of the French Revolution. As is often the case, when there are two protagonist's, chapters alternate between the girls/women. Renée and Laurette, take different paths during the unrest of France. Their story, so beautifully written, begins and ends with a message of love and hope and the bonds between family.
I just now noticed one of the MPG's is Christian Fiction. Not a genre I would normally pick-up. Do not let it dissuade you from reading this saga. The book hits all the high points of the Historical Fiction genre. The religious content is only what you would expect from the world of France in the 1790's.
As this is obvious in the books goodreads "blurb", I don't consider this next comment a spoiler: Readers of Dickens The Tale of Two Cities will see and feel the world Dickens created. As with Dickens, you will fall in love with the characters and feel their emotions through the pages.
Highly recommend for those who love a great HF family story.
The story of 2 orphaned sisters in the time of the French Revolution. As is often the case, when there are two protagonist's, chapters alternate between the girls/women. Renée and Laurette, take different paths during the unrest of France. Their story, so beautifully written, begins and ends with a message of love and hope and the bonds between family.
I just now noticed one of the MPG's is Christian Fiction. Not a genre I would normally pick-up. Do not let it dissuade you from reading this saga. The book hits all the high points of the Historical Fiction genre. The religious content is only what you would expect from the world of France in the 1790's.
As this is obvious in the books goodreads "blurb", I don't consider this next comment a spoiler: Readers of Dickens The Tale of Two Cities will see and feel the world Dickens created. As with Dickens, you will fall in love with the characters and feel their emotions through the pages.
Highly recommend for those who love a great HF family story.
September 8, 2019
I'm ashamed to admit I've never read Tale of Two Cities, but this novel, which is based on some of the characters from Dickens's book, has made me add it to me to- read list! This is the first book I have read by this author and I was impressed by the skill and the story. The characters were true to life, and as such, not necessarily always likable, and prone to making big mistakes. The ending... well, I won't spoil it, but it took me by surprise. Apparently if you've read A Tale of Two Cities, you won't be as surprised as I was.
One word of caution: this is a Christian novel, and while there is a strong theme of redemption and other Christian elements, some readers of Christian fiction may not appreciate the emphasis on the physical aspects of the relationships in the novel. There aren't any graphic scenes, per se, but there's definitely a strong focus on the physical and in some ways, it's a key part of the story. So just be warned!
One word of caution: this is a Christian novel, and while there is a strong theme of redemption and other Christian elements, some readers of Christian fiction may not appreciate the emphasis on the physical aspects of the relationships in the novel. There aren't any graphic scenes, per se, but there's definitely a strong focus on the physical and in some ways, it's a key part of the story. So just be warned!
March 23, 2019
This is one of those strange books that I can acknowledge is really good--something one could read in class for excellent discussion on the French Revolution--and yet I didn't really like it. Part of that, I admit, is a stylistic thing--I'm not a fan of stories written in the present tense (and this was even more strange by having Renee's parts in first person present, with Laurette's in third person past), but more, I just didn't like most of the characters (especially Marcel. At all.). Gagnon was a steady rock, and the only one I consistently like all the way through; Laurette finally improved near the end, and Renee I vastly preferred before she went to court.
But of the novels I've read regarding the French Revolution, this is one of the better stories to accurately convey the disparity between the aristocracy and the citizens while showing how both sides were acutely in the wrong. Gagnon sums it up well when he says that there are some very good and some very bad men among the aristocracy; some very good and some very bad men among the poor; and many men all over the spectrum in between the two. It's also very clear how neither side understood the other and neither was willing to try (it makes a fair point about Marie Antoinette's inability to please anyone--aristocracy or plebeian--whatever she does, all the while grieving her child).
It certainly leaves one with a lot to ponder. It's not very happy (which I did not expect it to be), but the end is very moving.
But of the novels I've read regarding the French Revolution, this is one of the better stories to accurately convey the disparity between the aristocracy and the citizens while showing how both sides were acutely in the wrong. Gagnon sums it up well when he says that there are some very good and some very bad men among the aristocracy; some very good and some very bad men among the poor; and many men all over the spectrum in between the two. It's also very clear how neither side understood the other and neither was willing to try (it makes a fair point about Marie Antoinette's inability to please anyone--aristocracy or plebeian--whatever she does, all the while grieving her child).
It certainly leaves one with a lot to ponder. It's not very happy (which I did not expect it to be), but the end is very moving.
June 9, 2019
The Seamstress by Allison Pittman is one of those books you can't stop thinking about long after you've read the last page. Pittman's lovingly drawn characters grab hold of your heart and won't let go. The fierce poverty and hunger suffered by the lower classes and the excesses of the ruling class are drawn with a fine pen against the backdrop of the French Revolution. So finely drawn I found myself hungry and cold along with orphans Laurette and Renee. As the story moves inexorably toward a denouncement that can't be avoided I found myself not wanting to turn the page and face what was to come. This is historical fiction at its best. Pittman makes a time, a place, and a conflict come alive through the eyes of a simple seamstress caught by sheer happenstance in the cross hairs of history. The Seamstress reminds us why remembering history is so critical to our world's future.
September 16, 2019
I find myself having mixed feelings about this book. The parts talking about redemption in God were lovely, even that heartbreakingly beautiful last scene where Renee asks God for a gift and is given more than she could have imagined. However, Laurette's choices before the Revolution were difficult to read, and often almost too graphically stated.
Overall though, I did like the book.
Overall though, I did like the book.
July 14, 2019
Terribly sad book (surprise! It's the French Revolution and quite grisly) but beautifully written and even though, some of my favorites were killed off, I still loved this beautifully written book! Read when you're in the mood for a meaty, richly historical book.
February 11, 2019
It’s always exciting to find a book by an author you haven’t read before. My first thought after reading the first few chapters of this book – why have I not read any of Allison Pittman’s books before? It certainly isn’t because they do not exist, only because I had not yet come across them. To say this book caught me by complete surprise would probably be an understatement. As with any book you read from an author unknown to you, you aren’t sure if their writing style is going to be your cup of tea. I knew right from the beginning that Pittman and I were going to be fast friends. I knew I was going to have to search for other books that she has written and add them to my ever growing wish list. Yes, she is that good.
First, let me comment on her ability to capture two worlds in one book, a historic one at that. Quite often I read about rags to riches stories, or those who are middle of the road. The Seamstress captured both the glamorous and the struggling with ease. Pittman seamlessly transitioned between Renee and Laurette’s POV, and I found myself really connecting with both characters in different ways. I didn’t care for Laurette’s character in the beginning to be quite honest, but Pittman transitioned her and slowly put little things into place that made me change my opinion of her. In fact, I started to almost feel sorry for her.
At the end of the day it was really Renee that stole the show for me. It was so interesting to see her go from a young girl who had amazing talent with so little to practice on, to being a young woman who could really stretch her talents and have the ability to wow the judges so to speak. You can’t help but cheer her on as she makes the move to service the Queen. For the record, I applaud Pittman’s research on this topic. Not only the surroundings and characters, but the fashion behind it as well. It was just amazing to see it come to life, at least in my mind!
Historic fans will find they cannot tear their eyes away from this beautifully sewn story. Pittman easily brings historic France to life with her vivid descriptions and eloquent writing style. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her novels! My only regret is that I had not come across them sooner. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First, let me comment on her ability to capture two worlds in one book, a historic one at that. Quite often I read about rags to riches stories, or those who are middle of the road. The Seamstress captured both the glamorous and the struggling with ease. Pittman seamlessly transitioned between Renee and Laurette’s POV, and I found myself really connecting with both characters in different ways. I didn’t care for Laurette’s character in the beginning to be quite honest, but Pittman transitioned her and slowly put little things into place that made me change my opinion of her. In fact, I started to almost feel sorry for her.
At the end of the day it was really Renee that stole the show for me. It was so interesting to see her go from a young girl who had amazing talent with so little to practice on, to being a young woman who could really stretch her talents and have the ability to wow the judges so to speak. You can’t help but cheer her on as she makes the move to service the Queen. For the record, I applaud Pittman’s research on this topic. Not only the surroundings and characters, but the fashion behind it as well. It was just amazing to see it come to life, at least in my mind!
Historic fans will find they cannot tear their eyes away from this beautifully sewn story. Pittman easily brings historic France to life with her vivid descriptions and eloquent writing style. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her novels! My only regret is that I had not come across them sooner. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
April 7, 2019Ever since I saw this cover I was excited. What a beauty!!! And it’s so unique. It is an era that I don't read in often but I was sure the writing would be great because I have read all of Allison Pittman's books. ⠀
.⠀
This book was breathtaking. I hung on every word and because I listened to the audiobook I heard the narrator's voice in my head even when I wasn't listening to it because she just had one of those voices I could've listened to for a long time...even though I had to speed her up a tiny notch...but it didn't affect the beauty of this book. Her French was beautiful also.⠀
.⠀
The Seamstress carries this breathless beauty that isn't easily found and it's very hard to write. I've recommended it to quite a few people and none have been disappointed...and you won't be either. Pick up the paperback or the audio or the ebook...and get lost in this journey through France. ⠀
.⠀
This book was breathtaking. I hung on every word and because I listened to the audiobook I heard the narrator's voice in my head even when I wasn't listening to it because she just had one of those voices I could've listened to for a long time...even though I had to speed her up a tiny notch...but it didn't affect the beauty of this book. Her French was beautiful also.⠀
.⠀
The Seamstress carries this breathless beauty that isn't easily found and it's very hard to write. I've recommended it to quite a few people and none have been disappointed...and you won't be either. Pick up the paperback or the audio or the ebook...and get lost in this journey through France. ⠀
July 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but I’m not sure what to think of it. In some ways it was well-done and beautiful, lyrical and creative. In other ways, it was strange and perhaps unbefitting of the name “Christian,” though there are many mentions of God and His grace. I can see symbolism in some of the characters that I hope was intended and not a product of imagination. But what really got me was the romantic relationships between the characters — if it wasn’t meant to be symbolic, it’s a little off from what is good and healthy and it was a little too steamy for my taste.
October 14, 2019
I've long been a fan of novels set during the French Revolution and so I was very much looking forward to reading The Seamstress. Pittman's telling does not disappoint. In fact, it far exceeded my expectations.
Lyrically written, peopled with true to life characters, and infused with hope, this book is absolutely gasp-worthy. This deserves a second and third read and will find a home on my classic literature shelf.
Lyrically written, peopled with true to life characters, and infused with hope, this book is absolutely gasp-worthy. This deserves a second and third read and will find a home on my classic literature shelf.
March 23, 2020
Two orphaned cousins are taken in by sheep farmer. They grow up together but in the end have very different lives. Renee is taken to the palace to become a seamstress for the queen, Marie Antoinette. Laurette is caught in the arms of a French Revolutionary. Renee remains loyal to her Queen and Laurette is disappointed and returns home where she finds true love and forgiveness. This is an incredible and beautifully written book.
April 1, 2019
Enthralling! Brilliantly executed, in The Seamstress Pittman borrows a minor character from Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities and attempts to answer the tantalizing questions that arise in her brief, but pivotal appearance in that literary classic. Rich in historical detail and filled with tremendous heart, I was swept up by this gripping tale of the little seamstress and her cousin, and their struggles to survive and to maintain their faith. Highly recommended.
February 22, 2019
Oh my goodness this book. I really had no idea what to expect with this novel. I have been reading Pittman's books for years so I know how talented she is as an author. This book is her best work in my opinion. The story flips between two cousins and this was so well done. The history is fascinating and the setting, Versailles and the countryside, are perfection. Having been there it made this book all the better! There are so many layers to this story but I will tell you that it is so well done you won't be able to stop reading. I loved all of the characters but I warn you, there will be some times when you will be frustrated with them! This book made me feel all the feels and has everything you want in a story line. Pittman did a fantastic job portraying forgiveness, compassion, and Christ's love. There are some difficult issues that some might deem inappropriate for a Christian novel. Nothing is too graphic (in my opinion), but I applaud Allison for acknowledging real life issues instead of skimming over them. I know she got the idea for this story from A Tale of Two Cities, but I also saw a lot of similarities to the themes in Francine Rivers Redeeming Love. I loved this book because I love history and I love reading about broken characters. This is one of the best books I have read in a while! I highly recommend!
Five stars!
"I received this book from the publisher for free. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own"
Five stars!
"I received this book from the publisher for free. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own"
February 12, 2019
As a Christian book reviewer, it is desire of my heart to always give an honest, but kind review. In that spirit, I will just say that this book was not my cup of tea. While this book is about a minor character from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, it reminded me of Les Misérables, though I’m only vaguely familiar with each book, having never read either. For those who enjoy the drama and depression of the old classics, this book may be exactly what you’re looking for. I’m not a fan of the classics anyway, so it’s not surprising that I did not enjoy this story. I did not agree with the doctrinal beliefs of the characters or their moral aptitude. I felt the proverbial “bedroom door” was not shut soon enough. I did not connect with these characters on either an emotional or spiritual level.
The historical research is well-done, and the story is well-written. Ms. Pittman takes a very realistic approach to the French Revolution. French words are sprinkled into the dialogue and narrative, enough to give a sense of time and place, but not enough to be annoying or make reading difficult. Ms. Pittman is an excellent author, and while this is the first book of hers that I’ve read, it did not dissuade me from reading her other works.
I received a copy of the eBook from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The historical research is well-done, and the story is well-written. Ms. Pittman takes a very realistic approach to the French Revolution. French words are sprinkled into the dialogue and narrative, enough to give a sense of time and place, but not enough to be annoying or make reading difficult. Ms. Pittman is an excellent author, and while this is the first book of hers that I’ve read, it did not dissuade me from reading her other works.
I received a copy of the eBook from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2020
I received this novel as a Goodreads Giveaway and would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy.
Entertaining and moving, Allison Pittman's The Seamstress tells a tale that pits the powers of selfishness and selflessness against one another during the era of the French Revolution. Taking a minor character from Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities as its inspiration, the story moves from the famished fields of rural France and the grand halls of Versailles as two cousins raised in rural France are separated on the eve of revolution and become enmeshed in the absolutist and revolutionary factions of the time.
At the core of the novel there is an important message about the power of faith and mercy in uncertain times. While many characters attempt to control their own fates and take what they believe is their due, ultimately the wayward are saved by the mercy of others. Another important lesson involves the idea that in this class struggle between rich and poor there are good and bad men on both sides. While this is an important - and true - message, the author's choice to use Marie Antoinette as a figure that proves this is not ideal. A caring mother and wife who can never satisfy an unruly French public at its wits end due to the lack of rain, Marie Antoinette and the monarchical lifestyle she comes to represent seems the tragic victim of a lack of rain and a bloodthirsty revolutionary mob. This portrayal seems a little unfair, though. To quote the Irish revolutionary John Mitchel, "The Almighty, indeed, sent the potato blight, but the English created the famine." The rain may have caused crop shortages but the overwhelming famine of the story was the product of decisions that largely helped keep people like Marie Antoinette fed and in fashion. Making the queen out to be one of the major characters and a victim of circumstance takes away from other characters, I think.
(Last point - this might seem a little nit-picky, but the ages of the cousins in The Seamstress don't seem to match up with the ages mentioned in A Tale of Two Cities. Renee says that Laurette "wasn't quite three years old when I came into the world" (making Laurette her elder cousin by less than 3 years) but in Dickens the Seamstress says "I have a cousin...She is five years younger than I" (making the cousin [Laurette] her younger cousin by 5 years.) It's not a big deal because its only inspired by the Dickens novel, but since it matches other specifics from the novel this difference seemed strange.)
Entertaining and moving, Allison Pittman's The Seamstress tells a tale that pits the powers of selfishness and selflessness against one another during the era of the French Revolution. Taking a minor character from Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities as its inspiration, the story moves from the famished fields of rural France and the grand halls of Versailles as two cousins raised in rural France are separated on the eve of revolution and become enmeshed in the absolutist and revolutionary factions of the time.
At the core of the novel there is an important message about the power of faith and mercy in uncertain times. While many characters attempt to control their own fates and take what they believe is their due, ultimately the wayward are saved by the mercy of others. Another important lesson involves the idea that in this class struggle between rich and poor there are good and bad men on both sides. While this is an important - and true - message, the author's choice to use Marie Antoinette as a figure that proves this is not ideal. A caring mother and wife who can never satisfy an unruly French public at its wits end due to the lack of rain, Marie Antoinette and the monarchical lifestyle she comes to represent seems the tragic victim of a lack of rain and a bloodthirsty revolutionary mob. This portrayal seems a little unfair, though. To quote the Irish revolutionary John Mitchel, "The Almighty, indeed, sent the potato blight, but the English created the famine." The rain may have caused crop shortages but the overwhelming famine of the story was the product of decisions that largely helped keep people like Marie Antoinette fed and in fashion. Making the queen out to be one of the major characters and a victim of circumstance takes away from other characters, I think.
(Last point - this might seem a little nit-picky, but the ages of the cousins in The Seamstress don't seem to match up with the ages mentioned in A Tale of Two Cities. Renee says that Laurette "wasn't quite three years old when I came into the world" (making Laurette her elder cousin by less than 3 years) but in Dickens the Seamstress says "I have a cousin...She is five years younger than I" (making the cousin [Laurette] her younger cousin by 5 years.) It's not a big deal because its only inspired by the Dickens novel, but since it matches other specifics from the novel this difference seemed strange.)
February 9, 2019
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2tfdkpd
Sometimes a novel inspired by a famous classic achieves classic status in and of itself, and that is what I believe The Seamstress by Allison Pittman is destined to become. Intrigued by the cameo appearance of a seamstress in the closing pages of A Tale of Two Cities, Pittman fleshes out an epic and haunting tale of two young orphan cousins, their kind guardian, and the life-changing choices they made during a bloody and turbulent time. Personally, I have never read, nor wanted to read, this Dickens novel, and only chose to read The Seamstress because I’ve enjoyed Pittman’s writing so much in the past. The result was to become totally immersed in this moving and compelling story.
Pittman’s prose and storytelling are exquisite, vividly drawing readers into the heart of the French Revolution. The four main characters – Renee, Laurette, Gagnon and Marcel – are richly drawn and reflective of the times. With the exception of Gagnon, the guardian, faith seemed to be either ritualistic or nonexistent. It was an era of hunger, heavy taxes, hatred for the ruling class, and a court blind to the plight of its people. The setting is not one that bodes happiness, yet inspiration and hope are found in this story of honor, grace, and forgiveness.
Renee’s chance encounter leads her to the court of Marie Antoinette and brings this historic figure to life. But while The Seamstress came to be written because of Renee, it was the storyline revolving around her country cousin, Laurette, that I loved most. The young Laurette had a wildness about her, a desire to seek love in the wrong ways, and Gagnon’s strong faith, patience and influence were exactly what she needed.
The Seamstress is a captivating story, relevant for today, and contains much to reflect upon. I look forward to much more from the pen of Allison Pittman.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Sometimes a novel inspired by a famous classic achieves classic status in and of itself, and that is what I believe The Seamstress by Allison Pittman is destined to become. Intrigued by the cameo appearance of a seamstress in the closing pages of A Tale of Two Cities, Pittman fleshes out an epic and haunting tale of two young orphan cousins, their kind guardian, and the life-changing choices they made during a bloody and turbulent time. Personally, I have never read, nor wanted to read, this Dickens novel, and only chose to read The Seamstress because I’ve enjoyed Pittman’s writing so much in the past. The result was to become totally immersed in this moving and compelling story.
Pittman’s prose and storytelling are exquisite, vividly drawing readers into the heart of the French Revolution. The four main characters – Renee, Laurette, Gagnon and Marcel – are richly drawn and reflective of the times. With the exception of Gagnon, the guardian, faith seemed to be either ritualistic or nonexistent. It was an era of hunger, heavy taxes, hatred for the ruling class, and a court blind to the plight of its people. The setting is not one that bodes happiness, yet inspiration and hope are found in this story of honor, grace, and forgiveness.
Renee’s chance encounter leads her to the court of Marie Antoinette and brings this historic figure to life. But while The Seamstress came to be written because of Renee, it was the storyline revolving around her country cousin, Laurette, that I loved most. The young Laurette had a wildness about her, a desire to seek love in the wrong ways, and Gagnon’s strong faith, patience and influence were exactly what she needed.
The Seamstress is a captivating story, relevant for today, and contains much to reflect upon. I look forward to much more from the pen of Allison Pittman.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews