The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison

by Meredith Jaffe

Can a wedding dress save a bunch of hardened crims? The Full Monty meets Orange is the New Black in a poignantly comic story about a men's prison sewing circle.'This is a deft and unlikely story in an uncommon setting about an estranged daughter, her jailed father and a very bad idea about a dress. It all makes for a warm, funny union of foes and a lovely encounter with what matters.' Rosalie HamDerek's daughter, Debbie, is getting married. He's desperate to be there, but he's banged up in Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre for embezzling funds from the golf club, and, thanks to his ex-wife, Lorraine, he hasn't spoken to Debbie in years. He wants to make a grand gesture - to show her how much he loves her. But what?Inspiration strikes while he's embroidering a cushion at his weekly prison sewing circle - he'll make her a wedding dress. His fellow stitchers rally around and soon this motley gang of crims is immersed in a joyous whirl of silks, satins and covered buttons.But as time runs out and tensions rise both inside and outside the prison, the wedding dress project takes on greater significance. With lives at stake, Derek feels his chance to reconcile with Debbie is slipping through his fingers ...A funny, dark and moving novel about finding humanity, friendship and redemption in unexpected places.' Overflowing with humour and heart . If you like a story about misfits making good, but with the added lustre of silk and satin, then this book is for you.' Natasha Lester'This deliciously original , immersive and darkly funny novel is full of hope and heart. A refreshing take on the theme of redemption and second chances from an assured writer.' Joanna Nell'Funny and moving ' Sun-Herald'Funny, heartfelt, and gorgeously written , The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is a highly original and extremely enjoyable read' Better Reading

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Book Club, Australia, Contemporary, Family, Adult

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2021

About the author

Meredith Jaffé is the author of four novels for adults— The Tricky Art of Forgiveness (2022), The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison (2021), The Making of Christina (2017) and The Fence (2016.) Her bestselling novel, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison, was voted in the 2021 Booktopia Favourite Australian Book Award Top 50 and the 2022 Better Reading Top 100. She also writes for children.

She is the former Festival Director of StoryFest, held on the NSW South Coast, and regularly facilitates at other writers’ festivals, literary lunches and author events. In a previous life, she wrote the weekly literary column for the online women’s magazine The Hoopla. Her reviews, author interviews, feature articles and opinion pieces have appeared in The Hoopla, Australian Author, the Guardian Australia, The Huffington Post and Mamamia.

Her reviewing policy is to only post comments on books she truly enjoyed and wants to share with other readers.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Derek Brown hears that his daughter, Debbie is getting married, he is desperate to be there, but being in Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre for embezzling funds from the local golf club will certainly stop him from attending. Derek decides even though he hasn’t seen or heard from his daughter for years he wants to give her a wedding present and not just any old present he wants it to be a special keepsake, but just what that will be is the unanswered question.

Derek finally decides on a wedding present, but as the date looms closer time is running out and with tensions rising inside and outside the prison it seems near impossible that Derek special wedding gift will be ready on time.

This book took me by surprise, although I liked the cover, I didn't know if I would like it, but I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author in the future. Highly recommended.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is the third adult novel by Australian author, Meredith Jaffé. With two years left to serve on his seven-year sentence for embezzlement, Derek Brown is dismayed to learn that his only daughter, Debbie, is getting married in a mere seven months’ time. He clearly won’t be able to attend, but needs to do something significant to ensure their once-strong connection is not severed forever.

Debs wants only a small, intimate wedding, family and close friends, but her imperious mother, Lorraine is insisting on “the full catastrophe” and Debs is both weary of, and demoralised by, trying on dresses that do nothing to flatter her ample curves. If only she had eloped with Ian…

Derek has a mere $200 in his prison account, which won’t pay for a decent wedding gift, so he asks Jane for advice. Jane Watts volunteers every Thursday at Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre via the Connecting Threads program, teaching her Backtackers to sew, trying to give them meaning and purpose through quilting and embroidery. And there’s some genuine and varied talent amongst these burly, hardened criminals.

Between Jane and the other inmates, the (frankly ludicrous) suggestion that the group helps Derek make Debbie’s wedding dress is given serious consideration. Derek can only see drawbacks and pitfalls, but Jane maintains that this will be a personal gift, made by his own hand, that will truly demonstrate his love for her.

Jane tries to get Debbie’s measurements for the dress, but one encounter with Derek’s vindictive ex-wife sends her packing. Unwilling to abandon the project now that she has her stitchers on board, she is not entirely honest, deciding to wing it from the one view of the bride-to-be. She reasons her motives are pure, although she does have further plans for the dress…

Jane’s best friend and flatmate, Councillor Susannah Cockburn is the unsuccessful candidate in the recent mayoral election. When the new mayor announces plans to shut down Yarrandarrah’s library (currently the sole source of reading matter for the gaol), she decides to bring him down off his pedestal by stirring up a bit of community outrage.

Susannah also reasons that her “public good” end justifies her means, but a few rumours intended to get the prison community equally agitated have unanticipated consequences.

The premise of Jaffé’s story immediately draws the reader’s interest: the incongruity of the image, so well depicted, of a group of brawny prisoners reverently gathered around an exquisite wedding gown, cannot fail to delight.

Jaffé’s characters have depth and tons of appeal: even the hardest hearts will be wishing for obstacles to be overcome and Debbie to walk down the aisle wearing the Backtackers’ masterpiece. Minor characters, too, are given wise words and insightful observations.

As well as demonstrating the positive rehabilitation features of sewing classes in gaols (relief of boredom and tension, a sense of achievement and potential career direction), Jaffé’s story champions community libraries and touches on those addictive behaviours apart from drugs and alcohol, that are not always acknowledged for their destructive effects in society.

Contained within a wonderfully evocative cover, this is a thought-provoking, but also a funny and feel-good read. Guaranteed to be a favourite for 2021.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr

The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison by Meredith Jaffé. (2021).

Derek's daughter Debbie is getting married but he's in Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre for embezzling, and thanks to his ex he hasn't spoken to Debbie in years. He wants to make a grand gesture but what? His weekly prison sewing circle soon makes a decision - he'll make her a wedding dress. But as time runs out and tensions rise both inside and outside the prison, the wedding dress project takes on greater significance. With lives at stake, Derek feels his chance to reconcile with Debbie is slipping through his fingers...

I really enjoyed this refreshing and original novel. A story about male prisoners in a sewing circle? Not an average stereotype but it definitely worked! I appreciated that the novel challenged the normal prisoner/prison stereotypes and it felt realistic rather than dramatic as can be portrayed in various media sometimes. While this book might come across as light-hearted, I think it's got some important messages in it in relation to addiction, rehabilitation, politics, standing up for yourself and others, redemption, friendship and so on. Derek is the central character of the story, however the novel is filled with a variety of fantastic characters that result in many humorous as well as touching scenes. I happily recommend this modern and unique novel.
P.S. Might have to renew my marriage vows just so I can wear Debbie's wedding dress because it sounded gorgeous!

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful cover led me to a rich, inspiring and totally unexpected tale!

The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison focuses on ex-teacher Derek Brown, serving a seven-year sentence for embezzling money from his local golf club. His only child, Debbie, is about to get married, and that's the least of his problems! His meagre $200 prison account, does not give him much to spend on a wedding gift.

Ex-wife, Lorraine, is what nightmares are made of and micromanaging Debs wedding is her current drama. The wedding dress saga is making Debbie wish she had just eloped with Ian.

Jane Watts is a volunteer in the Connecting Threads program. She teaches inmates to sew through the Backtackers program. Needless to say, some prisoner stereotypes are well and truly challenged in this story. And, yes, they take on the challenge of helping Derek create a memorable wedding gift - the dress!

Some real laugh-out-loud moments, fantastic characters and a whole lot of skullduggery, this book is brimming with obstacles, wisdom, insight and passion. I highly recommend reading the Author's Notes as well.

A book I randomly selected without even reading the blurb has landed up being one of the most enjoyable this year.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek is in Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre for seven years for embezzling funds from the golf club. He learns from her Aunt Sharon that his daughter Debbie is getting married. Though he has written many letters to his daughter over the five years he has been imprisoned, Debbie has never replied. Derek wants to prove how much he loves her but how? Jane runs the sewing group at the prison and Derek enjoys being one of the stitchers, along with several other inmates. After some discussion Derek is convinced to make a wedding dress for Debbie. He and fellow stitchers are soon engrossed in dress patterns, satin, embroidery and covered buttons. But will Debbie ever wear this wedding dress?
This is an interesting read. The reader can’t help but cheer for these men and the success of their project. During the course of this project several lives and relationships will be changed, some in unexpected ways. Of course, as you would expect things do not always run smoothly as tensions escalate.
Derek and the other inmates are well drawn. The author says the book was inspired by a program called Fine Cell work which operates in prisons in the UK.
I found this an engaging read, if a tad unrealistic at times. Other times the actions and attitudes I would suggest are frighteningly too real. This is the third book I have read by this author who explores characters and relationships well. A recommended read.

[Brendon Fehre · Rating 1 out of 5]

I PAID for this book and this is an honest review, I did not like it at all. All the characters spoke the same language, both inside and outside the prison, (yeah, nah, whatever etc.), as if all prisoners and people are idiots. It went off in tangents and areas that had nothing to do with the story. And anyone with half a brain could see what was going to happen at the finish - it just took hundreds of boring pages to get there. Struggled, like really struggled to finish it, hoping it would get better, it didn’t. Waste of time, wish I hadn't started or spent the time reading it, I'll never get it back.

Yes I understand that the book was aimed at middle-aged women who would probably love it over a cup of tea but at least have some decent drama and twists to make it interesting for everyone's sake. And as for being a comic story where was the comedy? The Full Monty meets Orange is the New Black – talk about false advertising.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is a thoughtful and engaging contemporary novel by Meredith Jaffe.

Derek Brown is five years into a seven year sentence for embezzlement when he learns his daughter is getting married. Though he hasn’t seen nor heard from Debbie during his incarceration, despite writing her weekly letters, Derek wants to give her a gift that reminds her how much she is loved. Unable to afford any extravagance, Derek decides to use the skills he has learnt at Backtackers, the weekly sewing group he attends run by a volunteer, to make his daughter something meaningful, but has to be convinced when the inmates suggest he makes her a wedding dress.

Told with warmth and humour, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is a story that explores the themes of, among others, estrangement, addiction, connection and redemption. It centers around Derek, but expands to involve a number of other characters, both from within and outside of the prisons walls, and includes a touch of romance, and a side of politics.

I’m familiar with the book club programs that operate in prisons, but I was surprised to learn sewing groups exist, activities like tapestry and quilting are not pastimes I’d associate with male inmates. Jaffe’s inspiration for the Yarrandarrah Prison sewing group came from the charity organisation, Fine Cell Work, which runs programs in British prisons. Designed to not only teach incarcerated men needlework and sewing skills which could be used to improve employment opportunities on release, the program has also proven valuable in strengthening mental health, building self esteem and promoting positive connections.

Derek arguably stands to gain the most from the completion of the wedding dress, but each of the Backtackers also benefit in both tangible and intangible ways from the project. Jaffe’s inmate characters are a diverse group whom she writes about with empathy, flawed though they may be. She challenges the shallow perceptions of incarcerated criminals by creating well rounded, authentic characters, from the irrepressible young Maloney, to the manipulative lifer, Doc. I found the dynamics of the relationships within the prison, and the BackTackers, to be interesting.

I also appreciated the insight into the modern Australian prison system Jaffe provides. She doesn’t shy away from the realities of the system, and makes some thought-provoking observations about the competing philosophies of incarceration as a means of punishment versus rehabilitation.

With its unusual setting, well crafted plot and interesting characters, I enjoyed reading The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison. To learn more about the book, and its author, please click here to read Reading, Rioting and Libraries, an exclusive guest post by Meredith Jaffe published here earlier.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is the third adult novel by Australian author, Meredith Jaffé. The audio version is narrated by Simone Gescheit. With two years left to serve on his seven-year sentence for embezzlement, Derek Brown is dismayed to learn that his only daughter, Debbie, is getting married in a mere seven months’ time. He clearly won’t be able to attend, but needs to do something significant to ensure their once-strong connection is not severed forever.

Debs wants only a small, intimate wedding, family and close friends, but her imperious mother, Lorraine is insisting on “the full catastrophe” and Debs is both weary of, and demoralised by, trying on dresses that do nothing to flatter her ample curves. If only she had eloped with Ian…

Derek has a mere $200 in his prison account, which won’t pay for a decent wedding gift, so he asks Jane for advice. Jane Watts volunteers every Thursday at Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre via the Connecting Threads program, teaching her Backtackers to sew, trying to give them meaning and purpose through quilting and embroidery. And there’s some genuine and varied talent amongst these burly, hardened criminals.

Between Jane and the other inmates, the (frankly ludicrous) suggestion that the group helps Derek make Debbie’s wedding dress is given serious consideration. Derek can only see drawbacks and pitfalls, but Jane maintains that this will be a personal gift, made by his own hand, that will truly demonstrate his love for her.

Jane tries to get Debbie’s measurements for the dress, but one encounter with Derek’s vindictive ex-wife sends her packing. Unwilling to abandon the project now that she has her stitchers on board, she is not entirely honest, deciding to wing it from the one view of the bride-to-be. She reasons her motives are pure, although she does have further plans for the dress…

Jane’s best friend and flatmate, Councillor Susannah Cockburn is the unsuccessful candidate in the recent mayoral election. When the new mayor announces plans to shut down Yarrandarrah’s library (currently the sole source of reading matter for the gaol), she decides to bring him down off his pedestal by stirring up a bit of community outrage.

Susannah also reasons that her “public good” end justifies her means, but a few rumours intended to get the prison community equally agitated have unanticipated consequences.

The premise of Jaffé’s story immediately draws the reader’s interest: the incongruity of the image, so well depicted, of a group of brawny prisoners reverently gathered around an exquisite wedding gown, cannot fail to delight.

Jaffé’s characters have depth and tons of appeal: even the hardest hearts will be wishing for obstacles to be overcome and Debbie to walk down the aisle wearing the Backtackers’ masterpiece. Minor characters, too, are given wise words and insightful observations.

As well as demonstrating the positive rehabilitation features of sewing classes in gaols (relief of boredom and tension, a sense of achievement and potential career direction), Jaffé’s story champions community libraries and touches on those addictive behaviours apart from drugs and alcohol, that are not always acknowledged for their destructive effects in society.

Contained within a wonderfully evocative cover, this is a thought-provoking, but also a funny and feel-good read. Guaranteed to be a favourite for 2021.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
The image of hardened prisoners sitting in a sewing room delicately crafting the most stunning wedding dress softens the heart and immediately draws attention to such positive activities.
Breaking down barriers and allowing second chances is a theme for life in general but is extra hard for those incarcerated, where they have society and family redemption to gain.
Derek is in for seven years.
He accepts this and lives each day to gain his freedom.
A model prisoner by any standard he has banter with the guards, friends within and respect from his sewing teacher.
The physical and emotional disconnect from family often the hardest facet of life to bear.
After five years with no contact from his daughter he gets the news she is about to marry.
A fathers dream to be part of such an occasion is shattered.
An idea emerges that Derek and his sewing group could make the wedding dress to show his love and congratulations.
Deborah was only a teenager when her father was arrested and sentenced.
Her life thrown into turmoil mentally, financially and physically let alone normal teenage hormones and rebellions taking their toll.
Interference and callous behaviour from her mother ensures no relationship is fostered with her dad.
In a story where Wentworth meets Project Runway we are served a banquet of storyline’s with characters that are well developed.
It’s an engaging and entertaining read and gives insight into life behind bars but most importantly it shows rehabilitation is a positive move in reform and eventual re entry to society.
Loved the premise and concept of this book and was not let down.

[Jessica Morel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read but I yearned for more character development.

[Maya Linnell]

I loved the premise of The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison as soon as I heard about it, and even if that hadn’t been enough to sway me, the beautiful cover sealed the deal. As well as a hand-stitched cover, the smashing premise of prisoners coming together to make a wedding dress for a bride on the outside, Jaffe’s story had humour, gritty home truths about the prison system and a whole lot of heart. I enjoyed reading the patchwork of character perspectives and couldn’t help but cheer for the felons as they sought friendship and forgiveness. Perfect for readers who love libraries, sewing and Scrabble.

Head to https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/mere... for an interview with the author. Many thanks to Harper Collins for the review copy.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 review to come

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

4.5 stars

‘She wants something that comes from the heart. Something personal and unique. It’s been staring at him the whole time. He’s going to make Debbie’s wedding present.’

A feel-good novel told with sincerity and compassion, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is the latest novel from Meredith Jaffe. A considerate story that makes you think twice about prisoners and prison life, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison features an inventive narrative that fully engages the reader until the final page.

A touching tale that provides a glimpse into a unique prison sewing group, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison balance light moments with more serious considerations. We follow inmate Derek, a father who is frustrated by his inability to see his daughter’s upcoming wedding. Derek has been placed inside Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre for embezzling funds from a golf club, and thanks to his ex-wife he hasn’t spoken to his daughter in years. He wants to make a grand gesture – to show her how much he loves her, despite being behind bars. Derek is a member of the centre’s sewing circle and an idea sparks in Derek’s mind – he could make his daughter’s wedding dress. With the help of his fellow inmates, Derek and his crew band together to create an unforgettable dress. However, the wedding dress soon becomes the source of much tension, issues and arguments. Can Derek pull of this grand gesture in time and reconcile with his family?

With a rich focus on society, human relations, the incarnation system, punishment and atonement, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is a unique read. Meredith Jaffe’s latest works to challenge your ideas about the correctional system. Poignant, authentic and told with true meaning, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is an exciting set piece.

Meredith Jaffe has penned a realistic, touching and intriguing slice of contemporary fiction that gives the reader a strong insight into prison life. Drawing on a wide range of written material and first-hand experiences, I appreciated the honest vision created by Meredith Jaffe. I can’t say I have ever set foot in a prison, nor do I wish to, but this lack of experience provided me with an incentive to get involved with this novel. I was quite taken aback by the experiences highlighted in The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison. I had no idea that inmates could be involved in the types of activities highlighted in the novel. It is good to see such positive initiatives helping many of these inmates achieve a sense of self-worth, value and skills to their mindset. Pulling in ideas around rehabilitation, society re-entry and the like, Jaffe has penned a serious novel that goes a long way in pushing our pre-conceived notions about prisons.

With a strong and varied ensemble cast, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is an involving novel that never seemed to have a dull moment. I liked how Jaffe balanced some outside prison characters with the inmates and staff of this correctional facility. I think it helped to keep the dialogue and interactions between the characters engaging for the reader. Although this book features a big cast, it was easy to keep track of the different characters and their voices. Derek is a great lead character who drives this story forward for the bulk of The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison. I liked how this character was incredibly motivated to rectify his mistakes and repair his family relationships. Derek is supported by some very memorable fellow inmates and staff, who add plenty of spark to this embracing tale.

Jaffe is an amiable storyteller who is able to offset moments of lightness and comedy with more serious considerations. Through the different storylines presented in The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison, we are privy to issues related to addiction, gambling, financial misuse, rehabilitation, punishment, education, confidence, mental health, family love, relationships, estrangement and redemption. With Jaffe’s ability to combine warmth and understanding within a tough framework, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison was a remarkable read that touched my heart.

*I wish to thank HarperCollins Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is book #59 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge

[Certified Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dressmakers Of Yarrandarrah Prison is the 2021 contemporary release from Australian author, Meredith Jaffe. I was immediately captivated by the cover which is intricately linked to the storyline and the intriguing premise of a prison inmate making a wedding dress for his daughter. Like many people I had preconceptions of life in prison, and from the opening pages Jaffe made me reconsider my prejudices that were largely informed from books, television shows and movies. Jaffe has researched life for a prisoner. Reading Correctional Services handbooks for prisoners and their families, daily operations manuals, policy directives and PhDs on areas such as diet, prison libraries and mental health and talking to those who have worked in the system has given Jaffe the opportunity to present a well rounded view of prison in a realistic, honest manner that will leave readers with a smile on their face.

The central character Jaffe’s third book is Derek. Before he was an inmate of Yarrandarrah, Derek was a husband to Lorraine and father to Debbie. His job as a math teacher brought in a decent wage but committing a white collar crime that involved his local golf club sent Derek to the slammer. While Derek and Debbie were close before Derek broke the law, they are now estranged. Derek regularly writes to Debbie, but Lorraine’s interference has ensured that the pair have not seen or spoken to each other for five years. I was left questioning many times whether Debbie was receiving her father’s letters. Lorriane was a woman I did not have patience for as she could not see the importance of a father daughter relationship. She was happy to poison Debbie’s thoughts about her father.

When Derek finds out from a family member that Debbie is getting married, he is devasted that he won't be a part of one of the most important days of her life. I felt Derek’s pain as he is desperate to show Debbie his love for her, coming up with many ideas and disregarding them all. Inspiration strikes when Derek attends his weekly sewing circle…he will make Debbie a wedding dress! The weekly sewing circle is Derek’s reprieve from the daily grind. It came as a complete surprise to me that sewing circles did exist in such an environment. Jaffe’s inspiration came from The British charity, Fine Cell Work. Their blog gave Jaffe access to the letters written by the men whose lives they had affected. It was fascinating to have my ideas challenged as I got to know the different men who were incarcerated for different reasons.

With the help of his fellow inmates who are part of the sewing circle, ideas and creativity quickly flow to begin for the wedding dress that will reveal Derek’s feelings for Debbie. Like in all good novels though, dramas abound and I was left speculating if the dress would come to fruition.
The Dressmakers Of Yarrandarrah Prison deals shines a positive light on jail life, friendships, father-daughter relationships, sewing, marriage and much more with warmth and humour.

Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for the opportunity to review this book.

[Ange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just… fantastic!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy this novel or not, but I actually did. The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison was written with warmth and humour, and I was surprised to discover that sewing groups, like book club programs, exist in both male and female prisons. They are aimed to help the inmates' mental health and self-esteem as well as giving them work skills and money earned that can be used once their sentence is over.

Reading this novel it was difficult, although heart-warming, imagining tough, brawny men excited about handling beautiful, delicate materials to make a wedding dress. This oxymoron made me smile. Throughout the novel, each man in the group gives something of themselves to the project and a strong bond is formed between them in this unusual situation.

Even though they were prisoners, I loved the diverse, burly group of men in the sewing club as well as Jane, the woman who volunteers to run the Connecting Threads program at Yarrandarrah Prison. They were all fabulous characters that led to some humorous dialogue and touching moments.

However, Lorraine, Derek's ex-wife, drove me crazy with her micro-managing of her daughter's wedding. I wanted to slap her on more than one occasion!

The author wrote this novel with warmth and compassion, and shone a light on friendship, the prison system, rehabilitation, politics, education and redemption. I found The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison a unique, delightful read.

[Karen ⊰✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Derek has been in prison for 5 years and hasn't spoken to his daughter in all that time. Although he writes her weekly letters, she has never responded or been in touch since he went to prison when she was 16.
He finds out through a family member that she is getting married, and with no money for a wedding gift, but a need to show her how much he loves her, he decides his prison sewing group could be the answer and make her a wedding dress.

It is an interesting premise, but I only ever found this book "ok". His daughter and ex-wife were described as pretty awful people and I struggled with the idea that the author was trying to make, especially his ex-wife, out to be a "baddie" although he is the one in jail. I think I just generally struggled with the idea of feeling empathy for Derek, but there was one interesting question posed in the book. Is jail the punishment or should you be punished while in jail? ....

[Tara Hyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Derek finds out his only child is getting married, he wants to get her a gift to show how much he loves her. The problem is that he is in prison for embezzlement and he has not seen or heard from her in five years, despite the fact he writes to her every week. What Derek and his daughter don’t know are that his ex wife has been hiding the letters he writes. With some help from a motley bunch of crims and a dedicated volunteer who leads their sewing group each week, Derek sets out to make Deb her dream wedding dress. In the process of Naing the dress, new relationships are formed, troubles are overcome and new hope for the future is found. But will the dress manage to reunite father and daughter? This was a beautifully written story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful read of community, redemption and love. I loved the themes and the premise. Probably the only book I will ever want to read about life in prison. It’s a really visual novel, you can see it all in your minds eye, and of course I swear I know Lorraine 😂 lots of really lovely characters you are completely cheering on. Such a beautiful motif x you just hope that Derek is going to be ok

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable easy read. Could have been so much more.

[Rhonda Quigley · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very disappointing read. I found the plot shallow and implausible. The characters not very believable. Do not know how it got 4.5 stars. I would not recommend it to anyone.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit too much sewing and not enough editing for my taste.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The family and prison drama was able to combine to produce something beautiful.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Not at all what I expected but I loved the story

[Mel Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mum gave me this book for my birthday with the reasoning, 'It sounded light-hearted and a bit different.' It was both of those & more. A book about male prisoners making a wedding dress for one of their daughters is always going to be different, but what I didn't expect was to like each of the characters & their personalities, the way I would if I was reading a small-town romance. Set in the prison, you're never far from the seriousness of that world, but as a reader you forget & get caught up in the story, which is ultimately about love, friendship, regret, and the power of giving second chances.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A men's sewing circle at a correctional facility. Some hardened criminals, but really a number of lost souls and softies who come together to make a wedding dress for an inmate's daughter. Interesting, if unbelievable premise, although according to the author's note based on solid research and very loosely on some truth.

I listened to this book as an audio and chose it deliberately as I wanted some easy listening while I spent many hours in the freezing cold pruning roses, hydrangeas etc. It certainly fulfilled my weird brief - it was easy listening, very well narrated, had a reasonable mix of characters and a predictable plot, so collectively it kept me distracted from the task at hand and entertained me in the process.

[Chryssie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet and lovely read. Its the perfect book for a cozy weekend or beachside holiday… a book that will make you laugh out loud, and smile with the warm and fuzzies it evokes (swipe right for description). Once the prisoners decided they would make a wedding dress as a gift for one prisoner’s daughter, this story just soared from there and I found it to be uplifting, sweet and thoughtful 😊 This lovely book is about friendships found in the most unlikely of places, the coming together of people from all walks of life through a shared interest, and the message about second chances, being there for one another and learning about oneself and others. I highly recommend this delightful read!! 😍🧵🪡👗💍

[Sharnia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a delightful read! Following inmate of Yarrandarrah prison, Derek who in attempt to extend an olive branch to his daughter to show he still loves her, decides (with the help of his sewing class mates) to make her wedding dress.

I really enjoyed Derek’s story, I thought the author did a good job of helping you acknowledge how his own decisions found him in prison whilst simultaneously feeling sorry for him and how lonely he is.

I also thought it really nicely demonstrated how even for those inmates who have completed more significant crimes, rehabilitation and engagement in prison is still a more beneficial option rather than solitary punishment. Beneficial for the inmate and also the community / society they inevitably have to return and contribute to.

Overall I devoured this in just a couple of days and would definitely recommend for a lighthearted read.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had me at Full Monty x Orange is the new black.

Derek is stuck in prison for embezzlement and his daughter Debbie is getting married. He has nothing to offer and his ex wife wants nothing to do with him. He wants to give his daughter something to show how much he loved her but with limited resources he’s not had much luck.

While sewing a cushion on his sewing circle Derry had a thought and decides he wants to make Debbie a wedding dress. His fellow inmates rally to help him get the supply’s and resources required.

But times running out and tensions rise both inside and out side of the prison. Derek just wants his daughter to know how much he loves her and Debbie just wants her dad. This was such a sweet eye opening story.

[cherryyemilyy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5☆

A very sweet book that made me smile and even tear up a little!