What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tailor's Daughter
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Firebird comes this richly detailed historical novel of an unconventional tailor's daughter who is swept up in a suspenseful drama of passion and intrigue. When a fever leaves her deaf at the age of sixteen, shattering her hopes of marriage, Veda Grenfell turns her exceptional talent to her father's prestigious Savile Row tailoring firm. She matures into a woman of eye-catching beauty, but it is her indomitable spirit that earns her the admiration of Harry Breadalbane, heir to an earldom. When passion turns to betrayal, Veda abandons her beloved Savile Row and sets off on a treacherous journey into a world of deception, murder and madness.
Audio CD
First published April 1, 2006
23 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
About the author
Janice Graham
15 books36 followersThe Official Take:
Janice Graham was raised in Kansas and obtained her M.A. in French literature before pursuing graduate film studies at USC and English literature at UCLA in Los Angeles, California. Her screenplay Until September, a romantic comedy situated in Paris, was picked up by MGM and made into a film starring Karen Allen and Thierry Lhermitte. Her first novel, Firebird, became a New York Times and international bestseller.
After a series of contemporary women’s fiction, she turned to historical fiction--The Tailor's Daughter set in Victorian England, and Romancing Miss Bronte, written as Juliet Gael, a highly acclaimed novel about Charlotte Brontë. Red Lily, a Cold War era historical fiction, is due out in spring 2025. She divides her time between Overland Park, Kansas and Paris.
For What Really Happened - see her website: janicegraham.com/about-janice
Janice Graham was raised in Kansas and obtained her M.A. in French literature before pursuing graduate film studies at USC and English literature at UCLA in Los Angeles, California. Her screenplay Until September, a romantic comedy situated in Paris, was picked up by MGM and made into a film starring Karen Allen and Thierry Lhermitte. Her first novel, Firebird, became a New York Times and international bestseller.
After a series of contemporary women’s fiction, she turned to historical fiction--The Tailor's Daughter set in Victorian England, and Romancing Miss Bronte, written as Juliet Gael, a highly acclaimed novel about Charlotte Brontë. Red Lily, a Cold War era historical fiction, is due out in spring 2025. She divides her time between Overland Park, Kansas and Paris.
For What Really Happened - see her website: janicegraham.com/about-janice
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 16, 2008
I found this book to be both captivating and poignant. It is the story of Veda Grenfell, daughter of a London tailor. Veda has been brought up with excellent manners and given a fine education, which sets her apart from her peers in the merchant class. Veda suffers several tragedies as a teenager, one of which is the loss of her hearing. This further cuts Veda off from the world in which she lives. Her passion is that of the business of a tailor, and she persuades her father to let her be his assistant in his elegant shop. Before her hearing loss, Veda began a friendship with a young viscount which later turns into a romance. The lovers are cruelly thwarted by the viscount's malicious father. Veda tries to go on with her life, but faces heartbreak and betrayal by those that she loves and trusts the most. She has to find the strength to fight for what she wants, and to forgive those close to her who have caused her tremendous hurt.
This historical fiction novel not only detailed what it was like to be a tailor in London during the 1800's, but also showed what those who were deaf faced during this time period. It emphasized the plight and helplessness of females up against men who treated them badly instead of giving them the protection that should have been obligated. I enjoyed the character of Veda very much, and admired her resilience in the face of so much heartbreak. I had mixed feelings about the character of Harry, Lord Ormelie. He did not seem to me to show much constancy towards Veda during most parts of their relationship. I know that his father was a man with the power to destroy him, and I understand his duty and obligations, but he still came across to me as weak during parts of the book. Veda suffered so many tragedies that at times the book seemed depressing to read. Even so, I enjoyed reading her story and was particularly pleased with all of the rich historical detail in the novel.
This historical fiction novel not only detailed what it was like to be a tailor in London during the 1800's, but also showed what those who were deaf faced during this time period. It emphasized the plight and helplessness of females up against men who treated them badly instead of giving them the protection that should have been obligated. I enjoyed the character of Veda very much, and admired her resilience in the face of so much heartbreak. I had mixed feelings about the character of Harry, Lord Ormelie. He did not seem to me to show much constancy towards Veda during most parts of their relationship. I know that his father was a man with the power to destroy him, and I understand his duty and obligations, but he still came across to me as weak during parts of the book. Veda suffered so many tragedies that at times the book seemed depressing to read. Even so, I enjoyed reading her story and was particularly pleased with all of the rich historical detail in the novel.
December 25, 2017
For the first 100 pages or so I thought this was going to be a 5 star book. I was loving it. Graham's writing is on the formal and flowery side but I found it beautiful. I was so curious to see where it was going to go. However, my interest ebbed as the book went on because this is way too long and it relies too heavily on description in place of action. This is prettily written but so slow. Eventually some interesting, intense stuff does happen but my patience was tested waiting. The big stuff also feels like it happens abruptly. I'd say it's just good enough to read but I feel like it spends a lot of time in the second half just spinning its wheels.
May 5, 2020
When starting this book, it didn't take long to get sucked into the beautiful world of upper-class tradespeople of London in Victorian times. The story doesn't start with much action in the first few pages, and there isn't even any dialogue, so its slow speed had me doubtful, but only briefly. I quickly felt as though my heart was Veda's, and her life my life.
Though the story's parts could feel a bit fanciful when taken one at a time, altogether they paint a lovely story that feels real and could have very easily happened. The characters are well-defined and nothing is predictable, but at the same time not sensational. (If you're looking for salacious material you'll find none in this book.) I was also pleasantly surprised to find the mention of God and religion minute--though I did get a bit apprehensive a couple of times in the first half of the book, when one character or another began debating the merits of knowing God. They were short-lived sidenotes, however, and I was pleased to find Graham wasn't attempting to follow in the footsteps of many romantic historical novel authors who want to also be able to sell their books specifically to Christian housewives.
The strength of character so obvious in the protagonists is inspiring, which makes Veda's one slip quite surprising, though fortunately for her, she is saved by the morality of her co-protagonist. (Though he is not without his own faults, which make themselves known throughout the book.)
I was surprised to find my heart physically aching at several points in the book; the cover claims that the story includes "intense longing" or something like that and that assessment is spot on. And, near the end, I felt my heart bursting from its chest in unchecked joy--for once not elicited by a well-written romantic reunion scene. It was a beautiful moment.
Overall, a wonderful book opening the hearing world's eyes (pun? unsure...) to what life can be like for those who cannot experience the world as they do. And while things have certainly improved for the deaf and hard of hearing since Victorian London, the world is still largely built on the notion of being able to hear it, and this novel is actually surprisingly brilliant at bringing that fact to the forefront, even amidst the intrigue and romance of a historical novel.
Well-done, I say. I'd read another Graham book for sure.
Though the story's parts could feel a bit fanciful when taken one at a time, altogether they paint a lovely story that feels real and could have very easily happened. The characters are well-defined and nothing is predictable, but at the same time not sensational. (If you're looking for salacious material you'll find none in this book.) I was also pleasantly surprised to find the mention of God and religion minute--though I did get a bit apprehensive a couple of times in the first half of the book, when one character or another began debating the merits of knowing God. They were short-lived sidenotes, however, and I was pleased to find Graham wasn't attempting to follow in the footsteps of many romantic historical novel authors who want to also be able to sell their books specifically to Christian housewives.
The strength of character so obvious in the protagonists is inspiring, which makes Veda's one slip quite surprising, though fortunately for her, she is saved by the morality of her co-protagonist. (Though he is not without his own faults, which make themselves known throughout the book.)
I was surprised to find my heart physically aching at several points in the book; the cover claims that the story includes "intense longing" or something like that and that assessment is spot on. And, near the end, I felt my heart bursting from its chest in unchecked joy--for once not elicited by a well-written romantic reunion scene. It was a beautiful moment.
Overall, a wonderful book opening the hearing world's eyes (pun? unsure...) to what life can be like for those who cannot experience the world as they do. And while things have certainly improved for the deaf and hard of hearing since Victorian London, the world is still largely built on the notion of being able to hear it, and this novel is actually surprisingly brilliant at bringing that fact to the forefront, even amidst the intrigue and romance of a historical novel.
Well-done, I say. I'd read another Graham book for sure.
October 12, 2008
I really enjoyed Janice Graham's story about the life of Veda Grenfell, a bright and headstrong young woman making her way in a man's world.
Veda lives with her mother, her father and her brother Reggie in Victorian London. Her father is a tailor and Veda too loves making beautiful clothing for people.
Veda suffers many loses in her youth including the loss of her hearing at the age of sixteen. Veda gives up any hope of living a typical life in London's society. And instead pursues her love of tailoring and works in her father's business.
Despite her deafness she has two suitors who would have her hand in marriage. And she has her own ideas and feelings about Harry Breadalbane, a popular viscount who is far above Veda's place in society.
I thought Graham did an excellent job illustrating the difficult situations Veda had to deal with because of her deafness. In particular Veda describes her need for candle light and fire light so she is able to see a person's lips in order to lip read what they are saying. She says that candles are expensive but that her father would never deny her the candles.
I thought this was a moving love story with plenty of grief and despair. I thought the writing was very good and the story well told. I really liked the characters Veda Grenfell and Harry Breadalbane. I thought Janice Graham created very life like characters and realistic relationships. I thought this was a lovely story about a clever and headstrong young woman who is willing to set aside traditional rules in order to pursue her happiness in life.
Veda lives with her mother, her father and her brother Reggie in Victorian London. Her father is a tailor and Veda too loves making beautiful clothing for people.
Veda suffers many loses in her youth including the loss of her hearing at the age of sixteen. Veda gives up any hope of living a typical life in London's society. And instead pursues her love of tailoring and works in her father's business.
Despite her deafness she has two suitors who would have her hand in marriage. And she has her own ideas and feelings about Harry Breadalbane, a popular viscount who is far above Veda's place in society.
I thought Graham did an excellent job illustrating the difficult situations Veda had to deal with because of her deafness. In particular Veda describes her need for candle light and fire light so she is able to see a person's lips in order to lip read what they are saying. She says that candles are expensive but that her father would never deny her the candles.
I thought this was a moving love story with plenty of grief and despair. I thought the writing was very good and the story well told. I really liked the characters Veda Grenfell and Harry Breadalbane. I thought Janice Graham created very life like characters and realistic relationships. I thought this was a lovely story about a clever and headstrong young woman who is willing to set aside traditional rules in order to pursue her happiness in life.
September 2, 2019
So very, very slow & tedious...until the last quarter, which races through huge plot developments & inserts a jarring gothic-style thread that doesn't mesh with the first 75% of the tone or pace. Normally I'm all about gothic plotlines -- but this came out of nowhere & did nothing but show how big an idiot the heroine was for 1) constantly judging others (both their person & their motivations), & 2) taking back the hero (who was a noodle-spine waste of space). It was like the author suddenly realized her audience was nodding off to Veda's continual rambling & endless conversations-via-notebook, so she tried to wake everyone up with a sinister house & creepy master & insane captive bride. Whut.
On a purely grammatical level, the writing is fine. (And give credit where it's due; at several points I wanted to DNF, but couldn't quite make myself abandon it, because what if the potential was finally realized?) But as a whole product, it doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. Is this hardcore pastiche? Literary feminist fiction? Pseudo-sensation? In her afterward the author makes a big deal about lumping her book with other 'female gothics' both past & present, but IMO a true gothic novel needs escalating peril throughout, not just a bunch of sad/bad/depressing incidents that meander around for 300 pgs, only to be topped by a bizarre climax.
1.5, rounded up. The initial concept was great, but the execution was muddled & didn't gel.
On a purely grammatical level, the writing is fine. (And give credit where it's due; at several points I wanted to DNF, but couldn't quite make myself abandon it, because what if the potential was finally realized?) But as a whole product, it doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. Is this hardcore pastiche? Literary feminist fiction? Pseudo-sensation? In her afterward the author makes a big deal about lumping her book with other 'female gothics' both past & present, but IMO a true gothic novel needs escalating peril throughout, not just a bunch of sad/bad/depressing incidents that meander around for 300 pgs, only to be topped by a bizarre climax.
1.5, rounded up. The initial concept was great, but the execution was muddled & didn't gel.
April 20, 2014
I picked up this historical romance because I craved a well written story set in Victorian England, and several reviews said the writing was outstanding even if the story itself was a little boring.
Unfortunately, the writing annoyed me from the start. Graham tells rather than shows 80% of the time, and if you don’t know the difference between “show vs. tell” in writing, trust me, it’s a big deal. It was so noticeable that the first 1/3 of the book felt like “info dump,” and I suspect that’s why some reviewers found this to be a boring novel. I rarely felt like I had the chance to see the plot unfold because Veda’s narrative voice was always recapping things she had experienced instead of letting the reader experience them with her. The only time the narration seemed to stop and focus on anything was in the description of the clothing – and, let’s be honest, there’s only so many times a reader can read page-long passages about stitches and trim before wanting to pull her hair out – and the occasional bouts of longer dialogue which hint at all the promises this book might have been. Graham’s use of –ly adverbs is excessive, if that bothers you as much as it does me, and three sentences ending in “she’d ever seen” all occurred within the span of two pages. At times, I felt like Graham was trying to break every basic writing rule in the book, and failed in pulling off her experiment.
***Spoilers ahead. You have been warned.***
Had I given up on this book during the first 1/3, I would have rated it 1 star. By the halfway point, I was ready to give it 2 stars. The reason I bumped it up to 3 stars is because the last bit of the story takes off. Finally we get to experience some action and even a bit of mystery. That last effort on Graham’s part propelled the story forward and I was pleased (for the most part) with how it ended. My biggest complaint here goes back to the tailoring descriptions. There is so much description going on that important events are glossed over. We’re given pages and pages of detail about Veda’s suit and emerging role as fitter in her father’s shop, but the end of her marriage is accounted for in a couple of sentences. I turned back the page to make sure I hadn’t missed it, but Graham hadn’t even thought it was important enough to dwell on. At the end of the novel, her reconciliation with Harry is much the same way. Did they remarry? Resume living as a married couple without another wedding? Who knows.
All in all, this is an odd bit of fiction.
Unfortunately, the writing annoyed me from the start. Graham tells rather than shows 80% of the time, and if you don’t know the difference between “show vs. tell” in writing, trust me, it’s a big deal. It was so noticeable that the first 1/3 of the book felt like “info dump,” and I suspect that’s why some reviewers found this to be a boring novel. I rarely felt like I had the chance to see the plot unfold because Veda’s narrative voice was always recapping things she had experienced instead of letting the reader experience them with her. The only time the narration seemed to stop and focus on anything was in the description of the clothing – and, let’s be honest, there’s only so many times a reader can read page-long passages about stitches and trim before wanting to pull her hair out – and the occasional bouts of longer dialogue which hint at all the promises this book might have been. Graham’s use of –ly adverbs is excessive, if that bothers you as much as it does me, and three sentences ending in “she’d ever seen” all occurred within the span of two pages. At times, I felt like Graham was trying to break every basic writing rule in the book, and failed in pulling off her experiment.
***Spoilers ahead. You have been warned.***
Had I given up on this book during the first 1/3, I would have rated it 1 star. By the halfway point, I was ready to give it 2 stars. The reason I bumped it up to 3 stars is because the last bit of the story takes off. Finally we get to experience some action and even a bit of mystery. That last effort on Graham’s part propelled the story forward and I was pleased (for the most part) with how it ended. My biggest complaint here goes back to the tailoring descriptions. There is so much description going on that important events are glossed over. We’re given pages and pages of detail about Veda’s suit and emerging role as fitter in her father’s shop, but the end of her marriage is accounted for in a couple of sentences. I turned back the page to make sure I hadn’t missed it, but Graham hadn’t even thought it was important enough to dwell on. At the end of the novel, her reconciliation with Harry is much the same way. Did they remarry? Resume living as a married couple without another wedding? Who knows.
All in all, this is an odd bit of fiction.
August 14, 2010
I found this story to be entirely too schizophrenic to enjoy completely. Although it's not formatted this way, I felt like there were three different plots, with fairly significant lulls in between that made it difficult to continue reading. The author couldn't seem to decide if she wanted this to be a coming-of-age story, historical fiction or a mystery. So, she did none of these facets well.
If I were editing this book, I would have reformatted it so that the last 75 pages were the crux of the plot, using (but cutting) the first 200 or so pages as background and illumination.
I wish there had been more historical context about Savile Row, as I was hoping to understand better that time and setting. Again, the author just didn't use that to her advantage in crafting the story.
I read this book much more slowly than I normally would a book of this length, because there were times that I honestly didn't feel like picking it up. Maybe my expectations were just too high; it seems like with some editing, it would be so simple to make this an outstanding page-turner instead of a so-so read.
If I were editing this book, I would have reformatted it so that the last 75 pages were the crux of the plot, using (but cutting) the first 200 or so pages as background and illumination.
I wish there had been more historical context about Savile Row, as I was hoping to understand better that time and setting. Again, the author just didn't use that to her advantage in crafting the story.
I read this book much more slowly than I normally would a book of this length, because there were times that I honestly didn't feel like picking it up. Maybe my expectations were just too high; it seems like with some editing, it would be so simple to make this an outstanding page-turner instead of a so-so read.
March 26, 2009
Nothing overly spectacular about this book but I really enjoyed it. Takes place in England during mid-late 1800's. Three main elements to the story are:
1. Loss of hearing for the main character at the age of sixteen. Finding her place in a society not comfortable with her situation.
2. Her love of tailoring and the social issues of women and work which accompany the time period.
3. Her love life.
This was a nice love story with a little bit of drama, especially towards the end. It was very clean on the language and content front. I would feel safe recommending to anyone based on that criteria alone although I am not sure everyone would love the story line. I didn't feel this way, but some reviewers seemed to lose interest with some of the details and thought the ending wrapped up too quickly. I will say there were a few loose ends I would have preferred to have been cleared up.
1. Loss of hearing for the main character at the age of sixteen. Finding her place in a society not comfortable with her situation.
2. Her love of tailoring and the social issues of women and work which accompany the time period.
3. Her love life.
This was a nice love story with a little bit of drama, especially towards the end. It was very clean on the language and content front. I would feel safe recommending to anyone based on that criteria alone although I am not sure everyone would love the story line. I didn't feel this way, but some reviewers seemed to lose interest with some of the details and thought the ending wrapped up too quickly. I will say there were a few loose ends I would have preferred to have been cleared up.
December 24, 2009
This novel took me FOREVER to read, and I often didn't look forward to picking it up; however, when I had large chunks of time to read I found myself really enjoying the story. This is not a book for reading when you have ten minutes to spare. The author's style reminds me of Jane Austen, and you need time to absorb the beauty of her words.
This novel has everything: love, death, deception, etc. The protagonist, Veda, must overcome all obstacles while dealing with becoming deaf in her teen years at a time period when it wasn't considered acceptable in general society.
So, when all is said and done, I give this book four stars for the beauty of the writing and the carefully woven plot.
This novel has everything: love, death, deception, etc. The protagonist, Veda, must overcome all obstacles while dealing with becoming deaf in her teen years at a time period when it wasn't considered acceptable in general society.
So, when all is said and done, I give this book four stars for the beauty of the writing and the carefully woven plot.
December 30, 2014
Though I truly enjoyed Veda's story in The Tailor's Daughter, it wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without the author's great artistry. Janice Graham wove this book together with all the care a master tailor would put into a nobleman's coat. (The comparison had to be made). The characters were frustrating in their stubbornness, weakness, and bad judgements, but the majority of them were so loveable; if not loveable, then definitely relateable. I was expecting a different ending than I was given. While this slightly disappointed me, Graham's craft made the unexpected fate of the characters very bearable for me. I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
May 10, 2013
Veda Grenfell comes from a prosperous tailoring family, but her brother longs to be a scholar rather than take over the family business one day. Veda, on the other hand, loves tailoring and has a knack for design, but is stymied by her gender and the societal restrictions of 1860s London. A series of tragedies plague her small family, including the illness that leaves Veda deaf. She struggles against the overwhelming isolation that causes, determined to find a way to communicate and make a life for herself. Love and marriage seem unlikely in the extreme when society equates physical disability with mental incompetence, but hope is hard to extinguish, despite cruel disappointments and heartbreaking betrayals.
My aunt and uncle recommended this book to me, and I am so grateful! It's a very character-driven story, where I felt immersed in Veda's life and the strangeness of her silent world. I agonized alongside her when she lost loved ones, and I cheered her on as she fought to make those who remained understand and communicate with her. My heart broke for her many times, and I KNEW she was not told the truth when she was in France.
For readers' advisors: character doorway is primary; setting secondary. The relaxed pace might frustrate those who read for story, although the end gets much more exciting. There is no onscreen sex or bad language.
My aunt and uncle recommended this book to me, and I am so grateful! It's a very character-driven story, where I felt immersed in Veda's life and the strangeness of her silent world. I agonized alongside her when she lost loved ones, and I cheered her on as she fought to make those who remained understand and communicate with her. My heart broke for her many times, and I KNEW she was not told the truth when she was in France.
For readers' advisors: character doorway is primary; setting secondary. The relaxed pace might frustrate those who read for story, although the end gets much more exciting. There is no onscreen sex or bad language.
August 27, 2009
Terrific!! This book is very elegant and very realistic. It really tells the life of deaf woman and the troubles she faces from other people's ridicules, being excluded from conversations, the tiring practice of lip reading, and the feelings of hopelessness that accompany the affliction. I am a hearing impaired woman myself and I was shocked that someone out there understands. The heroine is a terrific woman that overcomes everything life throws at her, and life throws A LOT her way. The first quarter of the book is about her childhood and gives the reader tremendous insight into what makes Veda the woman she is. As a deaf woman in the victorian era, she did not have a major selection of potential suitors, but romance finds her. I loved the scandalousness and spunk she showed by donning male attire. She also proved to be a outspoken, brave person. I did not really care for the ending or the choices this incredibly forgiving woman made, but the book and the story and the writing were all very lovely. Truely a story that will give women hope, deaf or blind or not handicapped at all. My only complaint is that I would have liked to learn more about the times and customs of this era. The book was not very detailed regarding everyday mundane life in the times.
September 15, 2008
I can't stand these historical romances!! Just when I thought I had found one I liked, it went and threw me. The problem with trying to write with one eye in the past and one in the present is the two eyes have a tendency to cross. I would have been happy if the book had concluded in the same way most Victorian novels did: either tragic or happy-ending Disney-style. This one could never decide which it would be: happy ending or tragedy. And for all the loose ends?? Pure frustration!! I also hated how the main character, Veda, seemed to vacillate between an independent American woman of the present and a meek, oppressed woman of the Victorian era. Suffice it to say, I was unhappy with the turn of events the last bit of the book and would've preferred a cleaner climax. I can't believe I even read this book--I usually don't do the romance thing, even period romances. This book has convinced me to go back to my previous romance-less policy...
November 1, 2009
This is a very good book. I have to say if you have ever had a family member who is hearing impaired this book will help you to understand what they go through. I only wish I had read this book twenty five years a go. I truly see my own daughters determination in this story and her never give up spirit and her take no crap attitude. The story is so real that you feel all the pain and emotions the character feels. The author did a wonderful job in making you see what the fashions were like for the time period. I hope more people read this not just for the good story but the lesson that can be learned from it, as well as for the amazing show of spirit this charter has and show others what a bit of determination can do and the will to not take no for an answer.
March 30, 2008
This was one of my bookclub choices that I think was rejected mostly because Firebird was not our favorite books. After the first chapter, I was completely hooked. The story of a girl who is deaf in a Victorian England, struggling to be her fathers only heir. It's a great story with a great love story weaved in but I can say it's definitely not a romance novel. I read in the reviews that it's a retelling of Pride and Prejudice but I'd disagree and say that in comparison it's more like Jane Eyre. Great Book that I'd suggest to all my friends and family.
March 21, 2012
Absolutely loved it from the first page. I found it to be very well written and the story was fascinating. Found myself unable to put the book down, I just wanted to keep reading. It is a good love story with tragedy and romance interwoven into the storyline. The copy I received is a Reading Group Gold with a historical perspective in the back and reading group questions. This is a great novel for a book club.
September 16, 2008
I am a Janice Graham fan. Positively loved Firebird and Sarah's Window. This book was good but did not have the same emotional intensity as the others. Dont get me wrong, it was emotional but just not true Janice form. Veda was a great character, not your pity her type. Good read if you never read any books from Janice.
March 30, 2009
Enjoyable historical romance set in Victorian-era London. Independent-thinking heroine challenges all kinds of conventions about proper behavior for "ladies" but at the end when she is happily married the author says she doesn't mind in the least having given up her career as tailor [that she had been so proud of and fought so hard for earlier:]...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2009
This is the first book in a long line of books that has drawn me in to the character's mind, body and soul so completely. The author brings to life the struggles of a young girl forced to adapt to tragedy and the complexities of a disability. There is mystery, heartache, love and redemotion all neatly summed in a too short 400 pages. I highly recommend this book!
December 19, 2009
1860s/70s Veda Grenfell is the daughter of a tailor who, at age 16, becomes deaf. The only surviving child, she begins working in her father's business, wearing--gasp--men's clothing. She eventually marries Harry, Lord Ormelie, but they are cruelly torn apart by his father. This started out as an interesting historical novel, but turned into a "had-I-but known",
Task 25.4
Task 25.4
September 22, 2009
FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC book! Loved it from the very first page. Loved the characters, the honesty, the setting, the ending - ALL OF IT! Absolutely loved it. One of the best books I have read in a very long time.
February 5, 2012
very well done, very well written.
December 4, 2024
What an exceptional read.
This is the first book by Janice Graham I've read, and I'm excited to read more.
Writing quality: 5 stars
Character development: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Historical Accuracy and Research: 5 stars
Romance sub-plot: 4 stars
This book was excellent in almost every way. The only thing keeping it from getting that 5th star is the male lead, Harry. But let’s talk about Veda first, because she deserves the spotlight.
Veda. What a character. She reminds me so much of Jane Eyre, without being derivative. She is her own character, with very distinct moral principles and values distinguishing her from Jane. What I love that the two women have in common is their strong sense of self. Both women let neither society nor trusted loved ones dictate their actions. While they both wisely consider counsel, prudence, and the effect their actions may have on others, ultimately, both women trust their own counsel more than any other, and act accordingly.
With abiding strength of character and sense of self, Veda navigates tragedy, betrayal, love, friendship, and difficult decisions. Janice Graham masterfully crafts Veda’s character and central motivations, and never wavers. Veda is a woman of action and courage from the beginning of her story. The circumstances Veda finds (and puts) herself in were delightfully surprising as a reader, yet her decision-making consistently corresponds with her character. I recognize as a reader how difficult it must be for authors to maintain both an unpredictable plot and constancy in a character. Janice Graham hits the mark with Veda.
I found this consistency to be true for each character in this book. From Veda’s brother, to Mr. Nichols, to Esther and Veda’s father, all characters were complex, flawed, and real. Reading characters like this is what makes me love fiction. The characters connect us with the reality of our own lives: we are all flawed and we are all good, each day, almost each moment, gives us an opportunity to see either the good or the bad in ourselves and others and choose which side to nurture. These character traits and decisions are subtle, not obtuse, on the pages of The Tailor’s Daughter, as they are in real life. It’s masterfully and beautifully done. Veda’s character subtly inspires the reader to take on her strong sense of self and her resilient determination to see the good in others and in her situation. Her strength of character wills goodness into existence. Her persistent integrity to her sense of rightness ultimately creates her own happy ending. I love that she is no victim to fate. I love that she is her own master, despite everything and everyone in her life seeming to conspire against allowing her self-realization.
In short, Veda is a masterfully crafted character. She makes this book exceptional and an edifying as well as vastly entertaining read.
As stated above, I did not share an affinity with Harry’s character. Although like Veda he is masterfully and consistently written, his flaws were too strong for me to be able to like him. Similar to Mr. Rochester, he does not deserve Veda. However, Veda likely would not care what I think, and neither I suppose, does Janice Graham. Even though I could not like Harry, because Veda loved him, I continued to root for him throughout the story. I believe her love for him makes him a better man, and although he does not deserve her love and loyalty, neither did anyone else, but the world of this book was richer and more lovely because Veda gave love where it was not deserved, and characters flourished under its influence.
I feel edified, enlightened, and entertained by this book. Thank you very much to its authoress for gifting the world with Veda’s story.
This is the first book by Janice Graham I've read, and I'm excited to read more.
Writing quality: 5 stars
Character development: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Historical Accuracy and Research: 5 stars
Romance sub-plot: 4 stars
This book was excellent in almost every way. The only thing keeping it from getting that 5th star is the male lead, Harry. But let’s talk about Veda first, because she deserves the spotlight.
Veda. What a character. She reminds me so much of Jane Eyre, without being derivative. She is her own character, with very distinct moral principles and values distinguishing her from Jane. What I love that the two women have in common is their strong sense of self. Both women let neither society nor trusted loved ones dictate their actions. While they both wisely consider counsel, prudence, and the effect their actions may have on others, ultimately, both women trust their own counsel more than any other, and act accordingly.
With abiding strength of character and sense of self, Veda navigates tragedy, betrayal, love, friendship, and difficult decisions. Janice Graham masterfully crafts Veda’s character and central motivations, and never wavers. Veda is a woman of action and courage from the beginning of her story. The circumstances Veda finds (and puts) herself in were delightfully surprising as a reader, yet her decision-making consistently corresponds with her character. I recognize as a reader how difficult it must be for authors to maintain both an unpredictable plot and constancy in a character. Janice Graham hits the mark with Veda.
I found this consistency to be true for each character in this book. From Veda’s brother, to Mr. Nichols, to Esther and Veda’s father, all characters were complex, flawed, and real. Reading characters like this is what makes me love fiction. The characters connect us with the reality of our own lives: we are all flawed and we are all good, each day, almost each moment, gives us an opportunity to see either the good or the bad in ourselves and others and choose which side to nurture. These character traits and decisions are subtle, not obtuse, on the pages of The Tailor’s Daughter, as they are in real life. It’s masterfully and beautifully done. Veda’s character subtly inspires the reader to take on her strong sense of self and her resilient determination to see the good in others and in her situation. Her strength of character wills goodness into existence. Her persistent integrity to her sense of rightness ultimately creates her own happy ending. I love that she is no victim to fate. I love that she is her own master, despite everything and everyone in her life seeming to conspire against allowing her self-realization.
In short, Veda is a masterfully crafted character. She makes this book exceptional and an edifying as well as vastly entertaining read.
As stated above, I did not share an affinity with Harry’s character. Although like Veda he is masterfully and consistently written, his flaws were too strong for me to be able to like him. Similar to Mr. Rochester, he does not deserve Veda. However, Veda likely would not care what I think, and neither I suppose, does Janice Graham. Even though I could not like Harry, because Veda loved him, I continued to root for him throughout the story. I believe her love for him makes him a better man, and although he does not deserve her love and loyalty, neither did anyone else, but the world of this book was richer and more lovely because Veda gave love where it was not deserved, and characters flourished under its influence.
I feel edified, enlightened, and entertained by this book. Thank you very much to its authoress for gifting the world with Veda’s story.
September 19, 2018
The Tailor's Daughter is my favorite sort of historical romance - yes, there's a love story involved complete with improbable couple and many pitfalls - and even better, the opportunity to learn something about another time and place.
Janice Graham's heroine, Veda Grenfell, is the daughter of a Saville Row tailor who caters to the gentry and lesser nobility in London in the mid-nineteenth century. Veda's talent with her needle and her keen observations in her father's shop have made her a worthy heir to Grenfell's - expect for the fact she is female and no respectable woman could presume to dress men. Throughout the book we learn about tailoring as differentiated from dressmaking, and the clothing that sets the better classes apart from the more common folk.
At sixteen, Veda falls desperately ill, presumably with typhoid fever. She escapes death but when she finally recovers it is to a world of profound silence: Veda has become completely deaf. Her prospects of marriage seem unlikely at best, but more important, she is isolated from society when she can no longer hear. The modern reader may be shocked at how the deaf were treated in England at that time, and how little was known about teaching them any form of communication. However, Veda manages fairly well at lip reading, and carries a slate to enable people to write to her. During a stay in France she learns sign language and we see that France was quite progressive in the matter of education for the deaf.
Veda persuades her father to allow her to work in Grenfell's, using the pariah status as a deaf person to exempt her from the proprieties which had previously kept her from what she so loved.
Of course, she meets a young nobleman. They fall in love and the novel turns quite excitingly Gothic, complete with a large crumbling castle in the wilds of Yorkshire, an evil scheming Earl, a journey in disguise, a kidnapping, arson and murder - and eventually, of course, the requisite happy ending after several twists, turns and cliff-hangers.
Janice Graham's heroine, Veda Grenfell, is the daughter of a Saville Row tailor who caters to the gentry and lesser nobility in London in the mid-nineteenth century. Veda's talent with her needle and her keen observations in her father's shop have made her a worthy heir to Grenfell's - expect for the fact she is female and no respectable woman could presume to dress men. Throughout the book we learn about tailoring as differentiated from dressmaking, and the clothing that sets the better classes apart from the more common folk.
At sixteen, Veda falls desperately ill, presumably with typhoid fever. She escapes death but when she finally recovers it is to a world of profound silence: Veda has become completely deaf. Her prospects of marriage seem unlikely at best, but more important, she is isolated from society when she can no longer hear. The modern reader may be shocked at how the deaf were treated in England at that time, and how little was known about teaching them any form of communication. However, Veda manages fairly well at lip reading, and carries a slate to enable people to write to her. During a stay in France she learns sign language and we see that France was quite progressive in the matter of education for the deaf.
Veda persuades her father to allow her to work in Grenfell's, using the pariah status as a deaf person to exempt her from the proprieties which had previously kept her from what she so loved.
Of course, she meets a young nobleman. They fall in love and the novel turns quite excitingly Gothic, complete with a large crumbling castle in the wilds of Yorkshire, an evil scheming Earl, a journey in disguise, a kidnapping, arson and murder - and eventually, of course, the requisite happy ending after several twists, turns and cliff-hangers.
December 18, 2017
Follows the vicissitudes of Veda Grenfell, the eponymous tailor's daughter of the title, as she struggles to make her way in Victorian London. After becoming deaf due to a devastating fever, it seems that Veda's only future lies in marriage to her father's business partner. But she wants more--recognition of her own tailoring talents, success (in what is, let's be honest, a man's world), and love.
A bit implausible (really, a gently-bred woman of that era tailoring men's sportswear?) but highly entertaining.
A bit implausible (really, a gently-bred woman of that era tailoring men's sportswear?) but highly entertaining.
June 12, 2019
Veda is the daughter of a successful tailor in London. Her brother dies in an accident and her mother dies shortly afterward. So Veda is left with her father. Veda becomes sick and looses her hearing. Veda loves being in her father’s shop, watching the work and helping as she can. Veda eventually dresses as a man and begins a successful tailoring career. But then she falls in love, and everything gets complicated.
September 30, 2021
I've read this book several times, but only this time did I notice the many Pre-Raphaelite references: the main character, Veda, is nicknamed "Topsy" by Esther, her artist friend (this was the nickname given to William Morris by his friends); Esther later marries Ned Jones, who becomes involved in a decorative arts firm and does work in stained glass; and so on. Definitely fun to find these details sprinkled throughout the book!
April 28, 2025
Picked off a library sale shelf for a dollar. Really enjoyed this story due to the engrossing description on life in the mid 19th century. The main character was very likable and I really felt empathy for all her trials and abuses at the hands on entitled society (men and women). The deaf aspect was interesting and provided some insight into how sign language originated. The romance aspect was ok but then that’s not my cup of tea usually.
February 25, 2023
The ending was bad. I liked Veda and disliked Harry. He came out as shallow, vain and without a back bone. He says he cared for her but didn't have any time to spare for her due to his social commitments aka hunting quail and fox? Then he marries Veda and gives her an annulment and marries another because of he is worried he will be cut off by his father? Stupid book.
May 30, 2017
I really wanted to like this book, but...gave up after about an hour. This pertains to the audiobook version.
First, why would a book that takes place in London be read by a narrator with an American accent?
Second, there were many mispronunciations of British words. Sloppy editing.
First, why would a book that takes place in London be read by a narrator with an American accent?
Second, there were many mispronunciations of British words. Sloppy editing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews