What do you think?
Rate this book
Pariisin ompelijatar
Millaisiin uhrauksiin naisen on oltava valmis matkalla miehisen muotimaailman huipulle?
Pariisilainen ompelijatar Estella Bissette joutuu maanpakoon saksalaisten miehittäessä Ranskan vuonna 1940. Hänen määränpäänsä on Manhattan, taskussa vain muutama lantti, kainalossa matkalaukku ja ompelukone ja mielessä unelma omasta ateljeesta.
Vuonna 2015 australialainen Fabienne Bissette matkustaa New Yorkiin rakkaan isoäitinsä – maailmankuulun valmisvaatteiden suunnittelijan – elämäntyönäyttelyyn. Yllättäen isoäidin menneisyydestä paljastuu sydänsurujen, salaisuuksien ja rakkauden vuoksi tehtyjen uhrauksien traaginen vyyhti.
Sukupolvet, yhteiskuntaluokat ja historian myrskyt ylittävä tarina kertoo isoäidin ja lapsenlapsen ystävyydestä sekä historian painolastista vapautumisesta.
Pariisilainen ompelijatar Estella Bissette joutuu maanpakoon saksalaisten miehittäessä Ranskan vuonna 1940. Hänen määränpäänsä on Manhattan, taskussa vain muutama lantti, kainalossa matkalaukku ja ompelukone ja mielessä unelma omasta ateljeesta.
Vuonna 2015 australialainen Fabienne Bissette matkustaa New Yorkiin rakkaan isoäitinsä – maailmankuulun valmisvaatteiden suunnittelijan – elämäntyönäyttelyyn. Yllättäen isoäidin menneisyydestä paljastuu sydänsurujen, salaisuuksien ja rakkauden vuoksi tehtyjen uhrauksien traaginen vyyhti.
Sukupolvet, yhteiskuntaluokat ja historian myrskyt ylittävä tarina kertoo isoäidin ja lapsenlapsen ystävyydestä sekä historian painolastista vapautumisesta.
474 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2018
3802 people are currently reading
27298 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Lester
18 books3,450 followersNatasha Lester is the multi-award winning and New York Times best-selling author of THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS, THE PARIS ORPHAN, THE PARIS SECRET and THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD. Her new book, THE MADEMOISELLE ALLIANCE, the story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only female leader of a French Resistance network in WWII, is coming in April 2025.
Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.
Natasha's books have been translated into twenty-one different languages and are published all around the world. She lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practising the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling and, of course, books.
Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.
Natasha's books have been translated into twenty-one different languages and are published all around the world. She lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practising the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling and, of course, books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,254 reviews
October 30, 2018
Historical fiction is fast becoming my favourite genre and after reading this magnificent book, it's not hard to see why.
The Paris Seamstress by Aussie author Natasha Lester took me on a wonderful journey unlike any other. My warning to anyone who intends to read this book is to prepare yourself for a heartbreaking and emotional roller coaster ride and make sure you hang on tight with both hands. No amount of words will do this book justice, hence I will finish by saying this book was an OUTSTANDING read and one in which I have no hesitation in HIGHLY RECOMMENDING.
The Paris Seamstress by Aussie author Natasha Lester took me on a wonderful journey unlike any other. My warning to anyone who intends to read this book is to prepare yourself for a heartbreaking and emotional roller coaster ride and make sure you hang on tight with both hands. No amount of words will do this book justice, hence I will finish by saying this book was an OUTSTANDING read and one in which I have no hesitation in HIGHLY RECOMMENDING.
April 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Natasha Lester is known for her historical romance novels which feature strong, independent female characters.
The main character of The Paris Seamstress is Estella Bissette, who in 1940 manages to get out of the soon to be occupied Paris, on the last boat to New York. She's got limited funds but she dreams that one day she'll get to be a clothes designer. During her sea voyage to New York she meets a young man, Sam, who is very interested in clothes cutting. A happy coincidence. Estella has a temper so she gets herself fired from several jobs within a short period.
On a night out she meets again a mysterious man whom she had briefly met in Paris. His name is Alex and he's a British - American spy pretending to be a lawyer. He's extremely attractive and he's got a reputation of a player. He also introduces Estella to her doppelganger. And from that point on the things get complicated and complex. I won't say much more because it'll spoil it for you.
Natasha Lester wrote an ambitious novel - which was meticulously researched. I appreciated the period details and even the clothes making segments - although I have very little interest in fashion these days.
In saying all that, I found myself unable to suspend my disbelief on several occasions. That prevented me from fully engaging with the story.
There were too many convenient coincidences, complications and so many secrets, I was getting whiplash. It may very well be just me, as I don't care for unnecessary drama in my life and it seems I have the same issues when it comes to fictional drama.
The Paris Seamstress is a detailed historical romance novel that will keep you turning the pages, especially if you enjoy untangling family secrets.
I've received this ARC in exchange for a honest review. Many thanks to Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
This also goes towards my Australian Author Challenge on www.bookloverbookreviews.com
Natasha Lester is known for her historical romance novels which feature strong, independent female characters.
The main character of The Paris Seamstress is Estella Bissette, who in 1940 manages to get out of the soon to be occupied Paris, on the last boat to New York. She's got limited funds but she dreams that one day she'll get to be a clothes designer. During her sea voyage to New York she meets a young man, Sam, who is very interested in clothes cutting. A happy coincidence. Estella has a temper so she gets herself fired from several jobs within a short period.
On a night out she meets again a mysterious man whom she had briefly met in Paris. His name is Alex and he's a British - American spy pretending to be a lawyer. He's extremely attractive and he's got a reputation of a player. He also introduces Estella to her doppelganger. And from that point on the things get complicated and complex. I won't say much more because it'll spoil it for you.
Natasha Lester wrote an ambitious novel - which was meticulously researched. I appreciated the period details and even the clothes making segments - although I have very little interest in fashion these days.
In saying all that, I found myself unable to suspend my disbelief on several occasions. That prevented me from fully engaging with the story.
There were too many convenient coincidences, complications and so many secrets, I was getting whiplash. It may very well be just me, as I don't care for unnecessary drama in my life and it seems I have the same issues when it comes to fictional drama.
The Paris Seamstress is a detailed historical romance novel that will keep you turning the pages, especially if you enjoy untangling family secrets.
I've received this ARC in exchange for a honest review. Many thanks to Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
This also goes towards my Australian Author Challenge on www.bookloverbookreviews.com
March 14, 2018
Estella Bissette was a seamstress, working with her mother at the atelier in Paris. It was all she had known, having grown up with a needle in her hand and her mother's fashion by her side. But Germany's approach on France in 1940 saw Estella flee the only home she'd known, heading to Manhattan on the SS Washington - the last American ship to leave French waters.
When Fabienne Bissette arrived in Manhattan from Sydney for the Gala of her grandmother, Estella's work in 2015, she was once again shocked at how her grandmother had aged. Ninety-seven years of age, she was frail - but her strength of mind and love for her granddaughter shone through.
But the recent death of her father had made Fabienne realise there were things she didn't know about her family history - about her grandmother's past. Would Estella explain it all to Fabienne? Or was it destined to remain in the past?
The Paris Seamstress by Aussie author Natasha Lester is, in my humble opinion, this author's best novel to date. Based on fact (some of the characters existed, as do the buildings, some of which are central to the story); I feel at a loss to voice my thoughts...
'When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.'
What can I say? This is a deeply emotional book which is heartbreaking, while being filled with courage and love; of secrets that were necessary during the German occupation of France - I don't think I have ever read a book so profound and which made me feel so much. An outstanding novel which just makes me say to the author - Bravo!
With grateful thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read and review.
When Fabienne Bissette arrived in Manhattan from Sydney for the Gala of her grandmother, Estella's work in 2015, she was once again shocked at how her grandmother had aged. Ninety-seven years of age, she was frail - but her strength of mind and love for her granddaughter shone through.
But the recent death of her father had made Fabienne realise there were things she didn't know about her family history - about her grandmother's past. Would Estella explain it all to Fabienne? Or was it destined to remain in the past?
The Paris Seamstress by Aussie author Natasha Lester is, in my humble opinion, this author's best novel to date. Based on fact (some of the characters existed, as do the buildings, some of which are central to the story); I feel at a loss to voice my thoughts...
'When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.'
What can I say? This is a deeply emotional book which is heartbreaking, while being filled with courage and love; of secrets that were necessary during the German occupation of France - I don't think I have ever read a book so profound and which made me feel so much. An outstanding novel which just makes me say to the author - Bravo!
With grateful thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read and review.
March 27, 2018
This book was a bit of a slog for me and took me a lot longer to finish it than I thought it would. I found it hard going, one dimensional and flat.
My reasons?
I found the writing clumsy and ham-fisted. Lester was too busy telling us to show us. She was telling us how beautiful dresses were, how beautiful scenery was, how beautiful characters were and how ugly a few were. It is sometimes necessary to tell, but as a general rule, writing is at its best when it shows. There was way too much telling going on here.
The other reason was, I felt that Lester did nothing to challenge any stereotypes or any assumptions. The characters who I thought were all supposed to be good were good, those who were supposed to be bad were, and they all had the characteristics that I expected them to have. There was nothing to challenge the reader, or at least this reader. This lack of nuance and the unexpected left the reading experience flat for me.
I did quite like the plot, but it was not enough. I never felt for the characters, could not identify with them in anyway and while I wanted to find out what happened, I never really cared about what happened.
My reasons?
I found the writing clumsy and ham-fisted. Lester was too busy telling us to show us. She was telling us how beautiful dresses were, how beautiful scenery was, how beautiful characters were and how ugly a few were. It is sometimes necessary to tell, but as a general rule, writing is at its best when it shows. There was way too much telling going on here.
The other reason was, I felt that Lester did nothing to challenge any stereotypes or any assumptions. The characters who I thought were all supposed to be good were good, those who were supposed to be bad were, and they all had the characteristics that I expected them to have. There was nothing to challenge the reader, or at least this reader. This lack of nuance and the unexpected left the reading experience flat for me.
I did quite like the plot, but it was not enough. I never felt for the characters, could not identify with them in anyway and while I wanted to find out what happened, I never really cared about what happened.
December 25, 2024
Oh, the feels. Oh, how I LOVE LOVE LOVE Estella... and at first, I loved Estella so much that when Fabienne came into the picture, I was highly disappointed, but by the end, I loved her as well.
The wonderfully woven secrets and the journeys I have traveled with these two women. This was beautifully written and had a classical approach to fashion that felt timeless. I loved the language. It was told in descriptive ways that helped connect me to the story. I truly loved this book and how the story unfolded, even if sometimes I was going insane, wondering if I would ever find out some of the answers.
The main negative thing is that if you listen to this, the men's voices take a bit to get used to (except for Will). Otherwise, Penelope Rawlins (the narrator) did a beautiful job seamlessly shifting between American, French, and Australian accents.
I highly recommend it. 5/5
The wonderfully woven secrets and the journeys I have traveled with these two women. This was beautifully written and had a classical approach to fashion that felt timeless. I loved the language. It was told in descriptive ways that helped connect me to the story. I truly loved this book and how the story unfolded, even if sometimes I was going insane, wondering if I would ever find out some of the answers.
The main negative thing is that if you listen to this, the men's voices take a bit to get used to (except for Will). Otherwise, Penelope Rawlins (the narrator) did a beautiful job seamlessly shifting between American, French, and Australian accents.
I highly recommend it. 5/5
June 10, 2019
This is my first five star read of the year and it's so well deserved! I really loved this story. It's another dual timeline historical fiction novel and while parts of it take place in Paris, a vast majority takes place in New York. Having gone to college for fashion, I adored getting an inside look at the Garment District in it's heyday. It was so enjoyable to read about all of the different cuts of fabric, the embellishments and how America ripped off French designs and were obsessed with how Parisians dressed. We follow Estella in 1940's who moves to New York and goes through many hardships while trying to start her own fashion line. In the future, we follow a frail Estella's granddaughter as she uncovers the truth about her grandmother's past and tries to find love in her current timeline. The past and present timelines wove together so beautifully that I ended up crying a whole lot! I also really liked getting to learn more about people who actually lived in history and I definitely fell into a Wikapedia rabbit hole.
October 5, 2019
I was blown away by The Paris Seamstress. I read a lot of WWII, female perspective fiction. I enjoy learning about the challenges overcome, feel that reading historical fiction helps honour those that came before and teaches us what to do or not to do in the future. Usually in a WWII book you are prepared to be emotionally wrung out by the end or even in the first 10%. The Paris Seamstress is different. It's not any less impactful but it's a very different story from a different outlook on WWII other than the heart of Europe, the front-line fighting or a concentration camp like we are familiar with.
Setting
Our lead gal has been sent to New York, USA in order to be out of the way of the Nazi's invading and about to occupy Paris. Our Parisian lead gal is in her late teens/early twenties through the book. She is about to have to fight hard just to survive on the streets and in the fashion industry of New York. Luckily she has had an upbringing in the Paris fashion scene and can copy fashions (or create her own) that will help her generate income. But first she has to break out and be noticed in New York.
One of the great things about how Natasha Lester has set-up The Paris Seamstress is that it could be any time period, and any woman's story of breaking into any industry. There are specifics of course here in terms of gender, the war creating a lack of supplies, and also being an immigrant but these are the 'things to overcome' that could be easily modified. The core of this story is about fighting to be seen, heard and become an influence on society in some way. Don't be dissuaded if you aren't big into fashion. Clothing is not the heart of the story; overcoming odds and persevering is what this book is really about.
Characters
The most endearing part of this story is the characters. Not only is our lead gal genuine, tough but emotional, and hard-working; she is also passionate in so many ways. Be it in her romantic relationships, her work or her desire to be successful or her sorrow over the losses of the war.
There are other wonderful supporting or 'almost main' characters including her business partners: another young gal working as a model and a man she meets on the boat on the way to New York (who cuts the fabrics economically). There is also a charming (and rich) suitor but you'll have to read it to learn about this mysterious man. I can't tell you about most of the other wonderful people we encounter as there are too many spoiler opportunities! Just know all the characters are well fleshed out and endearing in their own ways.
The War Carries On
We do experience (from a far) Pearl Harbour and the introduction of the USA into WWII. Lester also takes us back to the streets of Paris during occupation for a time and all around New York experiencing classes from dirt poor to filthy rich. These varying view points give a well rounded out feel for what WWII was like for those not in the heat of the battle or occupation; but instead living in a bustling city like New York. Even our time in Paris during occupation is a little surreal and a bit jolly at moments (which Lester does on purpose to show a point). Eventually of course the war does taper off and we find out what happens to our leading characters; but don't be deceived the war is still a major factor and is what drives many of our character decisions.
The 'Present' Story
Did I make it sound like the whole book was set in WWII time? Yeah I wish.
My sole complaint about The Paris Seamstress is I could have lost ALL of the present day story with the granddaughter of our fashionista in New York and missed not a lick of her story. There is a mystery throughout the book that she keeps alive; but I really didn't care about it at all to be honest. It felt unnecessary and the 'reveal' was way more relevant to the impact it made on our WWII characters than it was to the present time ones. I just wanted to keep being along for the stories of our characters during WWII. Of course the mystery ties everything together but honestly without it this is still be an amazing five star book. It felt like an editor told Lester something like, these days people like the split perspective in time for historical novels so add that in. I'd have preferred more scenes with our leading lady encountering high society and snobbery in New York, or our model's exploitation concerns than read about the present day granddaughter at all.
Overall
If you want to read about a strong female lead in WWII I think you'll really enjoy this. There is a lot about fashion but I'm not a very picky fashion girl and didn't find it boring. Most of the fashion talk is about conserving and using cheaper fabric, creating clothes women want to wear (not have to wear) and other feminist style ideas. There is a romance, and it is bittersweet. I can't say much more than that. For sure this is a novel about staying strong, ensuring you believe in yourself and that life is not fair but we find a way to carry forward and be content (if not truly happy). It is more driven by our characters than the mystery itself. I adored this book and cannot wait to recommend it out to all historical fiction fans and even readers outside the genre boundaries. A good story about people creates a space where the genre becomes irrelevant and is instead just a great character driven read.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Setting
Our lead gal has been sent to New York, USA in order to be out of the way of the Nazi's invading and about to occupy Paris. Our Parisian lead gal is in her late teens/early twenties through the book. She is about to have to fight hard just to survive on the streets and in the fashion industry of New York. Luckily she has had an upbringing in the Paris fashion scene and can copy fashions (or create her own) that will help her generate income. But first she has to break out and be noticed in New York.
One of the great things about how Natasha Lester has set-up The Paris Seamstress is that it could be any time period, and any woman's story of breaking into any industry. There are specifics of course here in terms of gender, the war creating a lack of supplies, and also being an immigrant but these are the 'things to overcome' that could be easily modified. The core of this story is about fighting to be seen, heard and become an influence on society in some way. Don't be dissuaded if you aren't big into fashion. Clothing is not the heart of the story; overcoming odds and persevering is what this book is really about.
Characters
The most endearing part of this story is the characters. Not only is our lead gal genuine, tough but emotional, and hard-working; she is also passionate in so many ways. Be it in her romantic relationships, her work or her desire to be successful or her sorrow over the losses of the war.
There are other wonderful supporting or 'almost main' characters including her business partners: another young gal working as a model and a man she meets on the boat on the way to New York (who cuts the fabrics economically). There is also a charming (and rich) suitor but you'll have to read it to learn about this mysterious man. I can't tell you about most of the other wonderful people we encounter as there are too many spoiler opportunities! Just know all the characters are well fleshed out and endearing in their own ways.
The War Carries On
We do experience (from a far) Pearl Harbour and the introduction of the USA into WWII. Lester also takes us back to the streets of Paris during occupation for a time and all around New York experiencing classes from dirt poor to filthy rich. These varying view points give a well rounded out feel for what WWII was like for those not in the heat of the battle or occupation; but instead living in a bustling city like New York. Even our time in Paris during occupation is a little surreal and a bit jolly at moments (which Lester does on purpose to show a point). Eventually of course the war does taper off and we find out what happens to our leading characters; but don't be deceived the war is still a major factor and is what drives many of our character decisions.
The 'Present' Story
Did I make it sound like the whole book was set in WWII time? Yeah I wish.
My sole complaint about The Paris Seamstress is I could have lost ALL of the present day story with the granddaughter of our fashionista in New York and missed not a lick of her story. There is a mystery throughout the book that she keeps alive; but I really didn't care about it at all to be honest. It felt unnecessary and the 'reveal' was way more relevant to the impact it made on our WWII characters than it was to the present time ones. I just wanted to keep being along for the stories of our characters during WWII. Of course the mystery ties everything together but honestly without it this is still be an amazing five star book. It felt like an editor told Lester something like, these days people like the split perspective in time for historical novels so add that in. I'd have preferred more scenes with our leading lady encountering high society and snobbery in New York, or our model's exploitation concerns than read about the present day granddaughter at all.
Overall
If you want to read about a strong female lead in WWII I think you'll really enjoy this. There is a lot about fashion but I'm not a very picky fashion girl and didn't find it boring. Most of the fashion talk is about conserving and using cheaper fabric, creating clothes women want to wear (not have to wear) and other feminist style ideas. There is a romance, and it is bittersweet. I can't say much more than that. For sure this is a novel about staying strong, ensuring you believe in yourself and that life is not fair but we find a way to carry forward and be content (if not truly happy). It is more driven by our characters than the mystery itself. I adored this book and cannot wait to recommend it out to all historical fiction fans and even readers outside the genre boundaries. A good story about people creates a space where the genre becomes irrelevant and is instead just a great character driven read.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
February 8, 2020
1940, as the Germans advance towards France, Estelle Bissette has to leave her beloved mother and her homeland and travel to America. She sets out with a sewing machine, a head full of plans and dreams and not a lot else. She wants to bring the flair of Paris fashions to America. But it is not an easy road. Her life is complicated more when she meets a dashing, but enigmatic man. The second story is set in 2015 with Australian curator attending the annual Met gala for her dearly loved grandmother. But as Fabienne learns more of her grandmother’s past, a story of heartbreak, danger, sacrifice and secrets emerges
Having read some reviews of this a while back I was eagerly looking forward to reading it. While I enjoyed it, I never got caught up in the story the way I expected to. There are a couple of truly vile characters in the novel and I wondered about why the author created them so, even though they were crucial to the story. However at the end the author makes clear that this story was based on real people and those vile characters actually existed. And why she wanted to expose the crimes committed. Fair enough!
The story shifts between the two time lines, and although each is clearly marked sometimes it didn’t seem to me to quite flow as it should. I realise this is a personal opinion and others may have no issues with it. As you would expect there is a lot of information about clothing styles and designs, so if that is your thing, you will love all the descriptions. Perhaps the problem was I expected to be captivated by this story. While I am glad I read it, there were times when I found it didn’t hold my interest. It felt like it could have been shorter. Could be me, could be the time of year, so maybe it is not the book’s fault but mine. Best idea make up your own mind as I know a lot of other people have loved it.
Having read some reviews of this a while back I was eagerly looking forward to reading it. While I enjoyed it, I never got caught up in the story the way I expected to. There are a couple of truly vile characters in the novel and I wondered about why the author created them so, even though they were crucial to the story. However at the end the author makes clear that this story was based on real people and those vile characters actually existed. And why she wanted to expose the crimes committed. Fair enough!
The story shifts between the two time lines, and although each is clearly marked sometimes it didn’t seem to me to quite flow as it should. I realise this is a personal opinion and others may have no issues with it. As you would expect there is a lot of information about clothing styles and designs, so if that is your thing, you will love all the descriptions. Perhaps the problem was I expected to be captivated by this story. While I am glad I read it, there were times when I found it didn’t hold my interest. It felt like it could have been shorter. Could be me, could be the time of year, so maybe it is not the book’s fault but mine. Best idea make up your own mind as I know a lot of other people have loved it.
August 15, 2018
Flipping back and forth between the early years of WWII and 2015, this novel follows the lives of Estella fleeing from occupied France to New York City ; and Fabienne, her granddaughter in Australia who has uncovered a family secret.
Lester first got on my radar with A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald, and at the time we were doing an author Q&A with her so I went back and read her first two novels. I'm disappointed to say that I feel her earlier work was much better. It was emotive and thought provoking.
Since she has moved into Historical Fiction / Romance writing, it feels like she has not only become commercial, but many of her plot points border on comical. I'm not sure why so many soap opera tropes are required, but clearly they are popular (as are soap operas!). I also found the characters in this were just not well developed and the story took far too long to reach a conclusion. I was getting quite frustrated and bored towards the end just wanting to push through and finish.
I'm very sad to write this review because I really did think she was a great author, but these last two books have not suited me at all, so I think it is time to say adieu and wish her well. I do hope she has great success with her new audience who are much more forgiving of her style and enjoy the ride.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lester first got on my radar with A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald, and at the time we were doing an author Q&A with her so I went back and read her first two novels. I'm disappointed to say that I feel her earlier work was much better. It was emotive and thought provoking.
Since she has moved into Historical Fiction / Romance writing, it feels like she has not only become commercial, but many of her plot points border on comical. I'm not sure why so many soap opera tropes are required, but clearly they are popular (as are soap operas!). I also found the characters in this were just not well developed and the story took far too long to reach a conclusion. I was getting quite frustrated and bored towards the end just wanting to push through and finish.
I'm very sad to write this review because I really did think she was a great author, but these last two books have not suited me at all, so I think it is time to say adieu and wish her well. I do hope she has great success with her new audience who are much more forgiving of her style and enjoy the ride.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2018
Many authors are using the dual time format, some more effectively than others. Natasha Lester's use of this structure could have been improved. At times it was clumsy and difficult to follow.
In addition, she overused coincidences. I found myself rereading several passages thinking clearly this was way to convenient and highly improbable.
However, that being said-this is a page turner. If nothing more than the reader wants to unravel the mysteries set forth. I wound the male characters a bit too perfect. Sam, Alex and Will were indistinguishable vanilla to me...all warm, tender and completely understanding. Where can I meet one of those men?
In addition, she overused coincidences. I found myself rereading several passages thinking clearly this was way to convenient and highly improbable.
However, that being said-this is a page turner. If nothing more than the reader wants to unravel the mysteries set forth. I wound the male characters a bit too perfect. Sam, Alex and Will were indistinguishable vanilla to me...all warm, tender and completely understanding. Where can I meet one of those men?
May 14, 2018
A dual-timeline novel that moves between the 1940s and contemporary times, The Paris Seamstress is a gorgeously rich and romantic novel about young women finding their way in the world.
The story begins with Estella Bissette, a young apprentice seamstress working with her mother at a fashion designer’s atelier in Paris. Her metier is creating silk flowers, but she dreams of designing her own dresses and takes every opportunity to practise her craft. But the Nazis are closing on France, and no-one knows what the future will hold. One day Estella gets caught up in a mysterious errand that smacks of intrigue and resistance … and meets a handsome stranger. With her life in danger, she must flee France, and with her mother’s help, gets a bunk on the SS Washington - the last American ship to leave French waters – with nothing more than a suitcase and a sewing machine.
The other narrative thread concerns Estelle’s granddaughter Fabienne, who arrives in Manhattan from Sydney for a celebration of her famous ancestor’s fashion designs. Fabienne is puzzled by some mystery in her grandmother’s past which the recent death of her father has revealed to her, and wishes to question her … but Estella is elderly and frail, and talk of the past upsets her. At the gala event, Fabienne meets a handsome stranger … but her own life is full of problems and troubles, and it seems unlikely their paths will ever cross again.
From that point onwards, the two stories cross and part and cross again, full of sensual descriptions of fabulous clothes and evocative descriptions of Paris and New York, then and now. I loved the story of how determined Estella builds her career from nothing, despite obstacle after obstacle, and I empathised with sensitive Fabienne, trying to step out from her grandmother’ shadow.
Much of the pleasure of this book is the wish-fulfillment fantasy it offers many women – the chance to imagine oneself in a swishy satin gown, drinking cocktails with high society in New York, flitting off to Paris on a whim and meeting the man of your dreams, inheriting palatial residences in two of the city’s most glamorous and sophisticated cities, making a name for oneself with your talent and hard work. The secret at the heart of the novel is not one of those surprising, oh-my-god-I-never-saw-that-coming plot twists that leaves you gasping – it’s more of a device to put the two women’s journeys into motion. But both of those journeys are so beguiling, I didn’t mind that at all.
And I just loved Estella’s final words to her granddaughter:
‘Be brave. Love well and fiercely. Be the woman I always knew you would be.’
These are wise and beautiful words indeed.
The story begins with Estella Bissette, a young apprentice seamstress working with her mother at a fashion designer’s atelier in Paris. Her metier is creating silk flowers, but she dreams of designing her own dresses and takes every opportunity to practise her craft. But the Nazis are closing on France, and no-one knows what the future will hold. One day Estella gets caught up in a mysterious errand that smacks of intrigue and resistance … and meets a handsome stranger. With her life in danger, she must flee France, and with her mother’s help, gets a bunk on the SS Washington - the last American ship to leave French waters – with nothing more than a suitcase and a sewing machine.
The other narrative thread concerns Estelle’s granddaughter Fabienne, who arrives in Manhattan from Sydney for a celebration of her famous ancestor’s fashion designs. Fabienne is puzzled by some mystery in her grandmother’s past which the recent death of her father has revealed to her, and wishes to question her … but Estella is elderly and frail, and talk of the past upsets her. At the gala event, Fabienne meets a handsome stranger … but her own life is full of problems and troubles, and it seems unlikely their paths will ever cross again.
From that point onwards, the two stories cross and part and cross again, full of sensual descriptions of fabulous clothes and evocative descriptions of Paris and New York, then and now. I loved the story of how determined Estella builds her career from nothing, despite obstacle after obstacle, and I empathised with sensitive Fabienne, trying to step out from her grandmother’ shadow.
Much of the pleasure of this book is the wish-fulfillment fantasy it offers many women – the chance to imagine oneself in a swishy satin gown, drinking cocktails with high society in New York, flitting off to Paris on a whim and meeting the man of your dreams, inheriting palatial residences in two of the city’s most glamorous and sophisticated cities, making a name for oneself with your talent and hard work. The secret at the heart of the novel is not one of those surprising, oh-my-god-I-never-saw-that-coming plot twists that leaves you gasping – it’s more of a device to put the two women’s journeys into motion. But both of those journeys are so beguiling, I didn’t mind that at all.
And I just loved Estella’s final words to her granddaughter:
‘Be brave. Love well and fiercely. Be the woman I always knew you would be.’
These are wise and beautiful words indeed.
October 6, 2020
3.5 stars
I love Natasha Lester’s books so I didn’t even read the blurb. I just jumped straight in. I immediately became engrossed in Estella’s story and was quite shocked when the story jumped to 2015 and Fabienne. I think this, in turn, made me a little less interested in Fabienne’s story.
The Paris Seamstress is a look at fashion during the 1940’s and how many companies copied designs from the big Parisian fashion houses and reproduced them. Paris was the fashion capitol of the world.
The story moves from war-torn Paris to New York where a very outspoken and opinionated Estella finds it hard to break into the fashion industry. She has her own distinct ideas on fashion but are the American women ready for these ideas.
I found the overall plot of The Paris Seamstress to be quite complex and I had trouble keeping up at times. Just as I became totally engrossed in one timeline the story would switch over and I felt a resentment at being pulled away from my story. For me the gap between each switch was too large.
What I loved about the story was the strong female characters and the two burgeoning love stories.
The Paris Seamstress is filled with mystery, love, hope, optimism and loss. All centred around the fashion industry.
The problem with holding A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald up as one of my favourite books ever is, it’s a hard act to follow.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley
I love Natasha Lester’s books so I didn’t even read the blurb. I just jumped straight in. I immediately became engrossed in Estella’s story and was quite shocked when the story jumped to 2015 and Fabienne. I think this, in turn, made me a little less interested in Fabienne’s story.
The Paris Seamstress is a look at fashion during the 1940’s and how many companies copied designs from the big Parisian fashion houses and reproduced them. Paris was the fashion capitol of the world.
The story moves from war-torn Paris to New York where a very outspoken and opinionated Estella finds it hard to break into the fashion industry. She has her own distinct ideas on fashion but are the American women ready for these ideas.
I found the overall plot of The Paris Seamstress to be quite complex and I had trouble keeping up at times. Just as I became totally engrossed in one timeline the story would switch over and I felt a resentment at being pulled away from my story. For me the gap between each switch was too large.
What I loved about the story was the strong female characters and the two burgeoning love stories.
The Paris Seamstress is filled with mystery, love, hope, optimism and loss. All centred around the fashion industry.
The problem with holding A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald up as one of my favourite books ever is, it’s a hard act to follow.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley
November 15, 2022
11/15 OMG! If everyone could just stop telling everyone else I love you on every other page that would be great 😌 I’m about to DNF this book over this
I do not anticipate enjoying this read much. I went through that "women save the world and come close to stopping WWII" books that had life a couple of years ago and never read this. Time to write a review
I do not anticipate enjoying this read much. I went through that "women save the world and come close to stopping WWII" books that had life a couple of years ago and never read this. Time to write a review
June 21, 2018
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately I didn't. Although there was potential the convoluted and ludicrous back story surrounding the mystery of Estella's background just drove me bananas and about half way through I decided not waste any more brain cells on this book and simply pulled the plug.
March 12, 2018
‘Always be who you are right now.’
Two women, Estella Bissette and her granddaughter Fabienne Bissette. Two interconnected stories spanning seventy-five years.
In 1940, Estella Bissette flees from Paris as the Germans advance. She leaves for Manhattan with very little money, one suitcase and her sewing machine. Estella dreams of one day having her own atelier. In 2015, Fabienne Bissette travels from Australia to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her grandmother’s work. Estella Bissette had achieved her dream: she is regarded as one of the world’s leading designers of ready-to-wear clothing.
Fabienne knows little about her grandmother’s past and can spend little time with her because of her work in Australia. Estella wants to tell Fabienne about the past but has always been concerned about the timing.
The story unfolds both in the past and in the present. Fabienne has decisions to make, while Estella’s past contains more than a few secrets and heartaches. Two strong and determined women each keen in her own way (and in her own time) to prove themselves.
I enjoyed most aspects of this novel, but one twist close to the end left me cold. I pushed it to the side of my consciousness (it’s fiction, I can do that) and continued on. I found most of the characters interesting and believable and I really enjoyed the descriptions of designing and making dresses. I admired the way in which Estella had carved a niche for herself, and finished the book hoping that Fabienne would do the same.
I’ll be looking out for Ms Lester’s other novels: this is the first of hers I have read.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Two women, Estella Bissette and her granddaughter Fabienne Bissette. Two interconnected stories spanning seventy-five years.
In 1940, Estella Bissette flees from Paris as the Germans advance. She leaves for Manhattan with very little money, one suitcase and her sewing machine. Estella dreams of one day having her own atelier. In 2015, Fabienne Bissette travels from Australia to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her grandmother’s work. Estella Bissette had achieved her dream: she is regarded as one of the world’s leading designers of ready-to-wear clothing.
Fabienne knows little about her grandmother’s past and can spend little time with her because of her work in Australia. Estella wants to tell Fabienne about the past but has always been concerned about the timing.
The story unfolds both in the past and in the present. Fabienne has decisions to make, while Estella’s past contains more than a few secrets and heartaches. Two strong and determined women each keen in her own way (and in her own time) to prove themselves.
I enjoyed most aspects of this novel, but one twist close to the end left me cold. I pushed it to the side of my consciousness (it’s fiction, I can do that) and continued on. I found most of the characters interesting and believable and I really enjoyed the descriptions of designing and making dresses. I admired the way in which Estella had carved a niche for herself, and finished the book hoping that Fabienne would do the same.
I’ll be looking out for Ms Lester’s other novels: this is the first of hers I have read.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 12, 2020
The Paris Seamstress was my first of Lester's books, and I was looking forward to the read after finding glowing reviews here and on Amazon.
Lester's a talented writer, and I have no quarrel with her skill. My problem is with the storyline and characters, whom I struggled to like or relate to.
The young Estelle is selfish, (sometimes) clueless, and unappealingly self-absorbed. I pushed through her shallowness in the beginning of the book because I wanted to see what the hype was about. Thankfully, she improves a little in old age. Her granddaughter, Fabienne, is too unrealistic in her attitude toward her work. (I realize that this is fiction, but who's going to be able to just jet off right after starting her "dream job?") Sam's repression of his love for Estelle is pathetic; the man would declare himself earlier, especailly if he's man enough for Estelle at the end. The male romantic leads are too perfect: handsome, manly, romantic.
The story seems formulaic, and the author glosses over most of the horrors of the war. (It's not a documentary, but Lester's depiction of Occupied Paris is too sanitized.) And I'm tired of books that bounce between generations. Been there, done that. It's as if authors can't find enough to build a story in one generation, and think, "Hey! Let's add an ancestor's story to flesh things out!"
All in all, the book disappointed me. I won't be reading another of Lester's works.
Lester's a talented writer, and I have no quarrel with her skill. My problem is with the storyline and characters, whom I struggled to like or relate to.
The young Estelle is selfish, (sometimes) clueless, and unappealingly self-absorbed. I pushed through her shallowness in the beginning of the book because I wanted to see what the hype was about. Thankfully, she improves a little in old age. Her granddaughter, Fabienne, is too unrealistic in her attitude toward her work. (I realize that this is fiction, but who's going to be able to just jet off right after starting her "dream job?") Sam's repression of his love for Estelle is pathetic; the man would declare himself earlier, especailly if he's man enough for Estelle at the end. The male romantic leads are too perfect: handsome, manly, romantic.
The story seems formulaic, and the author glosses over most of the horrors of the war. (It's not a documentary, but Lester's depiction of Occupied Paris is too sanitized.) And I'm tired of books that bounce between generations. Been there, done that. It's as if authors can't find enough to build a story in one generation, and think, "Hey! Let's add an ancestor's story to flesh things out!"
All in all, the book disappointed me. I won't be reading another of Lester's works.
March 27, 2018
The Paris Seamstress is a dual time line book, that ranges in setting from Paris to New York to Australia. One era is the war years - and the effects on France especially. The other era is one recent and modern. And through the years there is the mystery of family and friendships. It tracks the endeavours of one woman - Estelle and her love of designing dresses and other clothing. When she finds herself in New York her journey begins.
The story is a huge roller coaster. There are highs and lows, at times it is quite dark and other times filled with hope and courage. It is an emotional read that documents the story of two women linked through family, and the people they are friends with and the people they deeply love.
While Estelle had many set backs, she continued on, at times she made mistakes and yet what a woman. I loved when she realises that a bully can have their 'power' taken from them. She is talented, far-sighted, loyal and loving.
Fabienne is hit with many surprises as she learns the story of her grandmother Estelle through various revelations. Fabienne too is challenged to live life to the full, to develop her own talents and believe they can take her places. As well she comes to realise the power and passion of love, and can she grab it or let it flow out through her fingers.
If you like a book with women who have a passion for what they do, you love clothing, enjoy dual time lines and can appreciate a book of highs and lows, secrets slowly revealed - some shocking, then this book is for you.
The story is a huge roller coaster. There are highs and lows, at times it is quite dark and other times filled with hope and courage. It is an emotional read that documents the story of two women linked through family, and the people they are friends with and the people they deeply love.
While Estelle had many set backs, she continued on, at times she made mistakes and yet what a woman. I loved when she realises that a bully can have their 'power' taken from them. She is talented, far-sighted, loyal and loving.
Fabienne is hit with many surprises as she learns the story of her grandmother Estelle through various revelations. Fabienne too is challenged to live life to the full, to develop her own talents and believe they can take her places. As well she comes to realise the power and passion of love, and can she grab it or let it flow out through her fingers.
If you like a book with women who have a passion for what they do, you love clothing, enjoy dual time lines and can appreciate a book of highs and lows, secrets slowly revealed - some shocking, then this book is for you.
July 3, 2019
I’ve been waiting breathlessly to read THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS and thrilled to finally receive a review copy. Natasha Lester’s lush language and sweeping story from 1940 France to the present captivates from page one. If I could give this wonderful story of two brave women set across generations 10 stars, I gladly would. Most highly recommended!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
#TheParisSeamstress #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
#TheParisSeamstress #NetGalley
February 15, 2018
If you love being transported back in time to another world, you will fall in love with Natasha Lester’s latest historical fiction, The Paris Seamstress.
The novel plays out like a black and white movie from days gone by, with a mix of class, charm, action, intrigue, and of course, heart. You an almost see stars like Ava Gardner or Cary Grant in the lead roles, with the romantic streets of Paris and sophistication of New York’s Fifth Avenue in 1941 as their backdrop.
The story line switches between the 1940s and present day, 2015, with main characters Estella and Fabienne Bissette – grandmother and granddaughter – holding a special bond. Both begin to unravel their linked family mystery in their respective timelines. Estella and Fabienne are strong protagonists. Characters that are charismatic and determined. And it is their inner strength that they need rely on to help them forge forward and follow their respective paths which ultimately draw together in an intriguing fashion, that is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
Lester’s prose is lyrical and poetic, without being overdone. In fact, it’s a masterclass in how to write through the lens of your character with many of Estella’s thoughts written as perfectly crafted fashion metaphors. As a writer, it’s hard not to notice these things. Especially when they are done so effortlessly well. For the reader, it only adds to the beauty of the story.
What I loved in particular was the depth at which both storylines are written. It’s hard to write dual storylines, yet alone dual storylines and timelines. As a reader you often find that one is more interesting than the other, however this is not the case with The Paris Seamstress. Both storylines are draped with drama, romance, longing, and relationship threads that are are pulled together in a tender yet powerful conclusion.
Many novels have brought me to tears, as did this. But The Paris Seamstress was different. It is such a deep and profound emotion that Lester evokes within as you read the last few chapters. Emotion that will touch your heart and soul deeply, leaving you having to almost catch your breath.
In some ways, I wish I almost hadn’t given Natasha Lester’s two previous historical fiction novels, A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald and Her Mother’s Secret five stars. Not because they weren’t deserving, but because it leaves me with nowhere to go. The Paris Seamstress shows Lester’s growth as an author. The story is deeper and more intricate, the characters stronger and rounder, and the narrative pacing flows seamlessly. It would appear, all I can do is give this story five GOLD stars to do it justice.
The novel plays out like a black and white movie from days gone by, with a mix of class, charm, action, intrigue, and of course, heart. You an almost see stars like Ava Gardner or Cary Grant in the lead roles, with the romantic streets of Paris and sophistication of New York’s Fifth Avenue in 1941 as their backdrop.
The story line switches between the 1940s and present day, 2015, with main characters Estella and Fabienne Bissette – grandmother and granddaughter – holding a special bond. Both begin to unravel their linked family mystery in their respective timelines. Estella and Fabienne are strong protagonists. Characters that are charismatic and determined. And it is their inner strength that they need rely on to help them forge forward and follow their respective paths which ultimately draw together in an intriguing fashion, that is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
Lester’s prose is lyrical and poetic, without being overdone. In fact, it’s a masterclass in how to write through the lens of your character with many of Estella’s thoughts written as perfectly crafted fashion metaphors. As a writer, it’s hard not to notice these things. Especially when they are done so effortlessly well. For the reader, it only adds to the beauty of the story.
What I loved in particular was the depth at which both storylines are written. It’s hard to write dual storylines, yet alone dual storylines and timelines. As a reader you often find that one is more interesting than the other, however this is not the case with The Paris Seamstress. Both storylines are draped with drama, romance, longing, and relationship threads that are are pulled together in a tender yet powerful conclusion.
Many novels have brought me to tears, as did this. But The Paris Seamstress was different. It is such a deep and profound emotion that Lester evokes within as you read the last few chapters. Emotion that will touch your heart and soul deeply, leaving you having to almost catch your breath.
In some ways, I wish I almost hadn’t given Natasha Lester’s two previous historical fiction novels, A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald and Her Mother’s Secret five stars. Not because they weren’t deserving, but because it leaves me with nowhere to go. The Paris Seamstress shows Lester’s growth as an author. The story is deeper and more intricate, the characters stronger and rounder, and the narrative pacing flows seamlessly. It would appear, all I can do is give this story five GOLD stars to do it justice.
September 21, 2024
The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester is a historical fiction novel that has romance, mystery, and fashion into one story. The story alternates between two timelines: Estella Bissette in 1940s Paris, a seamstress who leaves Nazi-occupied France for New York, and her granddaughter Fabienne in 2015, who begins uncovering secrets from Estella’s past.
Estella is resilient and ambitious as she establishes herself as a fashion designer in a male-dominated world. She is a woman of strength and independence. Though the romance shows personal struggles. Fabienne explores her grandmothers legacy. She finds unresolved mysteries which create suspense. Some of the story goes on for too long and drags. Too much romance. There is an emotional depth that brings the reader back. The author does a good job researching and writing on war torn Paris. The dangers of leaving traveling to the US.
Estella is resilient and ambitious as she establishes herself as a fashion designer in a male-dominated world. She is a woman of strength and independence. Though the romance shows personal struggles. Fabienne explores her grandmothers legacy. She finds unresolved mysteries which create suspense. Some of the story goes on for too long and drags. Too much romance. There is an emotional depth that brings the reader back. The author does a good job researching and writing on war torn Paris. The dangers of leaving traveling to the US.
September 26, 2018
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Teralyn Mitchell
It took me almost a week to read the first chapter of The Paris Seamstress. For some reason, it took me some time to get into the book but once I did, I found it hard to put this one down. Natasha Lester is a genius at weaving a story full angst, secrets, and such strong characters you can’t help but fall in love with them and root for them. The Paris Seamstress follows Estella and Fabienne and switches between 1940 and 2015. Estella’s timeline moves through the 40’s, while Fabienne’s stays in 2015.
Estella is a French seamstress refugee who flees to Manhattan at the insistence of her mother during World War II. Even though she is reluctant to go, she knows she must go to be safe and keep her mother safe. In New York, she meets a cutter named Sam and a model named Janie and they quickly becomes friends with both of them. Estella has dreams of having her own fashion line one day and making her mark on the fashion world but has to work as a copier in the meantime.
While in New York, she discovers some secrets from her pass that she could have never dreamed of and has to deal with the sense of betrayal she feels that her mother never told her and sift through it all to find out what really happened. Through it all she is still understandably worried about her mother in war-torn France.
Fabienne is the granddaughter of Estella. Her grandmother is ailing so she goes to an exhibit at the Met in New York that is honouring her grandmother’s fashion line, but she is dealing with her own grief. Fabienne found her father’s birth certificate which did not have Estella and Fabienne’s grandfather’s name on it so that starts Fabienne’s quest to find out what is going on. All the while Fabienne is struggling with self-doubt and fear as well as finding new love and friendships that threatened to rip her heart apart. That’s all I’m going to say because if I say anymore I’d be given away too much.
The juxtaposition of Fabienne and Estella’s points of view really brought this story alive. We get to see Estella living her life in Manhattan and all these secrets and events unfolding in her life while Fabienne is trying to discover more about her grandmother’s past and the mystery names on her father’s birth certificate. We do find out some truths and the answer to some mysteries from Fabienne’s parts which are further explained during Estella’s parts. This story was very character driven and so full of questions that you had no choice but to keep pushing through. Lester did an excellent job of withholding information for just long enough to intrigue the reader, but not too long as to annoy and frustrate them.
Estella was such a strong-willed woman who had a vision for how things should be. She had a spark—a fire about her that just seemed to draw people into her orbit and make them want to be friends with her or more. She was so outspoken that she lost multiple jobs in just the first few months of her being in New York. Those scenes were hilarious and it was nice to see a strong female who did not cower in the face of anyone. She also did not want to have success on the back of a man and was determined to do it her way.
Fabienne had strength in her own way, but she was as much of a force as Estella was. She was more reserved but once she figured out what it was she wanted in life she went for it much like Estella did. The minor characters were done just as well as the major characters. I felt as if I knew them just as well and was rooting for them. I cared what happened to Janie and Sam—Estella’s best friends and Alex and Lena. I cared about Melissa and Will who were Fabienne’s friends. The story was a complex mix of personalities that worked well together.
The Paris Seamstress was heartbreaking to read and I am still reeling from the experience but it was also inspiring and so beautifully written. This was such a well-researched historical fiction that weaved romance, intrigue, and human emotions to create a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. I highly recommend having a box of Kleenex near as you make your way through this masterpiece!
It took me almost a week to read the first chapter of The Paris Seamstress. For some reason, it took me some time to get into the book but once I did, I found it hard to put this one down. Natasha Lester is a genius at weaving a story full angst, secrets, and such strong characters you can’t help but fall in love with them and root for them. The Paris Seamstress follows Estella and Fabienne and switches between 1940 and 2015. Estella’s timeline moves through the 40’s, while Fabienne’s stays in 2015.
Estella is a French seamstress refugee who flees to Manhattan at the insistence of her mother during World War II. Even though she is reluctant to go, she knows she must go to be safe and keep her mother safe. In New York, she meets a cutter named Sam and a model named Janie and they quickly becomes friends with both of them. Estella has dreams of having her own fashion line one day and making her mark on the fashion world but has to work as a copier in the meantime.
While in New York, she discovers some secrets from her pass that she could have never dreamed of and has to deal with the sense of betrayal she feels that her mother never told her and sift through it all to find out what really happened. Through it all she is still understandably worried about her mother in war-torn France.
Fabienne is the granddaughter of Estella. Her grandmother is ailing so she goes to an exhibit at the Met in New York that is honouring her grandmother’s fashion line, but she is dealing with her own grief. Fabienne found her father’s birth certificate which did not have Estella and Fabienne’s grandfather’s name on it so that starts Fabienne’s quest to find out what is going on. All the while Fabienne is struggling with self-doubt and fear as well as finding new love and friendships that threatened to rip her heart apart. That’s all I’m going to say because if I say anymore I’d be given away too much.
The juxtaposition of Fabienne and Estella’s points of view really brought this story alive. We get to see Estella living her life in Manhattan and all these secrets and events unfolding in her life while Fabienne is trying to discover more about her grandmother’s past and the mystery names on her father’s birth certificate. We do find out some truths and the answer to some mysteries from Fabienne’s parts which are further explained during Estella’s parts. This story was very character driven and so full of questions that you had no choice but to keep pushing through. Lester did an excellent job of withholding information for just long enough to intrigue the reader, but not too long as to annoy and frustrate them.
Estella was such a strong-willed woman who had a vision for how things should be. She had a spark—a fire about her that just seemed to draw people into her orbit and make them want to be friends with her or more. She was so outspoken that she lost multiple jobs in just the first few months of her being in New York. Those scenes were hilarious and it was nice to see a strong female who did not cower in the face of anyone. She also did not want to have success on the back of a man and was determined to do it her way.
Fabienne had strength in her own way, but she was as much of a force as Estella was. She was more reserved but once she figured out what it was she wanted in life she went for it much like Estella did. The minor characters were done just as well as the major characters. I felt as if I knew them just as well and was rooting for them. I cared what happened to Janie and Sam—Estella’s best friends and Alex and Lena. I cared about Melissa and Will who were Fabienne’s friends. The story was a complex mix of personalities that worked well together.
The Paris Seamstress was heartbreaking to read and I am still reeling from the experience but it was also inspiring and so beautifully written. This was such a well-researched historical fiction that weaved romance, intrigue, and human emotions to create a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. I highly recommend having a box of Kleenex near as you make your way through this masterpiece!
March 13, 2018
I’m giving this 4 stars despite not loving it, because it is good, and it’s not the book’s fault that I wasn’t really in the mood for historical fiction and really only want to read thrillers just now. It it weren’t a NetGalley book, I would have left it for another time. I don’t really read much romance, and had I realised that this was in essence a double love story, rather than the tale of a woman entering the man’s world of WW2 era fashion, I would not have requested it.
Told in alternating sections, this is the story of the titular seamstress Estella (not actually a French name, it should’ve been Estelle) who leaves Paris just before the German occupation in 1939 at the urging of her mother, who stays behind to work for the resistance and moves to New York, and Fabienne, her Australian granddaughter, in 2015. Estella dreams of starting her own fashion company, and alongside her friends Sam and Jamie, achieves just that, which we know because in 2015 she is 97 and pushing Fabienne to take over the business. This took away any suspense of whether she made it or not, and other plot elements were similarly revealed a bit early.
I didn’t like Estella as a heroine: what is suppose to be courage and feistiness came across to me as arrogance and recklessness. Everything comes to her too easily, just by chance - from meeting Alex (we know instantly that he will be the hero because he is described as handsome and muscular) to befriending Sam, and acquiring her house (I can’t detail this without spoilers) and the bad things that happen are all her fault or her choice, from stupid decisions based on not being able to control herself. Every time she tries to help someone, it’s to make herself feel better, and because she is so effortlessly beautiful and talented, it all works out for her regardless.
Fabienne is rather a wet blanket for most of the book, but at least she’s more selfless and her relationship with Will is sweet if rather predictable. The baddie is a complete caricature and the only explanation for his appalling behaviour is madness. His story is not resolved - the authors note at the end states that he and some other characters were real people, so she was perhaps constrained by this and unable to finish him off more satisfyingly.
I liked the descriptions of WW2 France and the dresses, despite not being into fashion at al myself.
Overall this was a well-written drama in the style of Belinda Alexander or Paulina Simons, with a bit of history, so 3.5 rounded up because I suspect romance loving readers will love it, it just wasn’t really my cup of tea, so I will just have to be more careful what I request in future.
Thanks to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for the ARC.
Told in alternating sections, this is the story of the titular seamstress Estella (not actually a French name, it should’ve been Estelle) who leaves Paris just before the German occupation in 1939 at the urging of her mother, who stays behind to work for the resistance and moves to New York, and Fabienne, her Australian granddaughter, in 2015. Estella dreams of starting her own fashion company, and alongside her friends Sam and Jamie, achieves just that, which we know because in 2015 she is 97 and pushing Fabienne to take over the business. This took away any suspense of whether she made it or not, and other plot elements were similarly revealed a bit early.
I didn’t like Estella as a heroine: what is suppose to be courage and feistiness came across to me as arrogance and recklessness. Everything comes to her too easily, just by chance - from meeting Alex (we know instantly that he will be the hero because he is described as handsome and muscular) to befriending Sam, and acquiring her house (I can’t detail this without spoilers) and the bad things that happen are all her fault or her choice, from stupid decisions based on not being able to control herself. Every time she tries to help someone, it’s to make herself feel better, and because she is so effortlessly beautiful and talented, it all works out for her regardless.
Fabienne is rather a wet blanket for most of the book, but at least she’s more selfless and her relationship with Will is sweet if rather predictable. The baddie is a complete caricature and the only explanation for his appalling behaviour is madness. His story is not resolved - the authors note at the end states that he and some other characters were real people, so she was perhaps constrained by this and unable to finish him off more satisfyingly.
I liked the descriptions of WW2 France and the dresses, despite not being into fashion at al myself.
Overall this was a well-written drama in the style of Belinda Alexander or Paulina Simons, with a bit of history, so 3.5 rounded up because I suspect romance loving readers will love it, it just wasn’t really my cup of tea, so I will just have to be more careful what I request in future.
Thanks to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 13, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for the ARC.
The Paris Seamstress is a story of fabulous fun and heartbreaking sadness in times of war. Combine this with a good mystery, et voìla: historical fiction at its best!
The book first takes us to 1940's Paris where we get to know Estella and her mother Jeanne and their life as seamstresses for the big names in fashion.
When war is closing in on Paris, Jeanne sends her daughter to New York. Estella soon makes friends and life in the Garment District is one big adventure filled with fashion, fun and jazz.
Then the mystery enters the story and we start switching between the fashionable 40's and Estella's granddaughter Fabienne in 2015. Fabienne has inherited the fashionhouse after Estella's death and is left with tons of questions about her past.
The story mainly takes place in the 1940's and unfolds a life filled with pain and sadness, despite the happy world of fashion. The mystery twists and turns all the way through and leaves the reader guessing until the end. Very well crafted, fast paced excitement.
What happens in 2015 is added bonus, not the main story, although there are similarities and of course connections to the 1940's events.
I really enjoyed this book, even though the family structure had me confused now and then. There is a good balance between the cheerful fashionworld, the horrors of war and the complex workings of family secrets.
The characters are indepth and easy to identify with. The surroundings are beautiful.
The Paris Seamstress is about strong woman and fierce friends. An entertaining and deeply moving read.
The Paris Seamstress is a story of fabulous fun and heartbreaking sadness in times of war. Combine this with a good mystery, et voìla: historical fiction at its best!
The book first takes us to 1940's Paris where we get to know Estella and her mother Jeanne and their life as seamstresses for the big names in fashion.
When war is closing in on Paris, Jeanne sends her daughter to New York. Estella soon makes friends and life in the Garment District is one big adventure filled with fashion, fun and jazz.
Then the mystery enters the story and we start switching between the fashionable 40's and Estella's granddaughter Fabienne in 2015. Fabienne has inherited the fashionhouse after Estella's death and is left with tons of questions about her past.
The story mainly takes place in the 1940's and unfolds a life filled with pain and sadness, despite the happy world of fashion. The mystery twists and turns all the way through and leaves the reader guessing until the end. Very well crafted, fast paced excitement.
What happens in 2015 is added bonus, not the main story, although there are similarities and of course connections to the 1940's events.
I really enjoyed this book, even though the family structure had me confused now and then. There is a good balance between the cheerful fashionworld, the horrors of war and the complex workings of family secrets.
The characters are indepth and easy to identify with. The surroundings are beautiful.
The Paris Seamstress is about strong woman and fierce friends. An entertaining and deeply moving read.
April 15, 2018
The Paris Seamstress is a fantastic read by Natasha Lester.
Set in two different time-zones; 1940's Paris, France and New York to 2015.
You'll be swept away into another world of historical fiction, fashion designs, (learn all about cutting and sketching) fashion shows and the finest fabrics of plush velvet and gold to flowers set into the fabric of the 1940's.
It's an era when war is on and hard times hit France and New York starts to take over the Paris fashion scene with new ideas.
There's jazz piano, foxtrot, saxophone playing in the background.
Picnics on the lawn...
I absolutely loved it.
So, put on the Ritz and pour yourself a Sidecar cocktail as you while away the hours reading The Paris Seamstress.
Thank you, Natasha Lester for another fabulous novel.
Set in two different time-zones; 1940's Paris, France and New York to 2015.
You'll be swept away into another world of historical fiction, fashion designs, (learn all about cutting and sketching) fashion shows and the finest fabrics of plush velvet and gold to flowers set into the fabric of the 1940's.
It's an era when war is on and hard times hit France and New York starts to take over the Paris fashion scene with new ideas.
There's jazz piano, foxtrot, saxophone playing in the background.
Picnics on the lawn...
I absolutely loved it.
So, put on the Ritz and pour yourself a Sidecar cocktail as you while away the hours reading The Paris Seamstress.
Thank you, Natasha Lester for another fabulous novel.
October 14, 2018
This book drove me crazy So many coincidences to create relationships. Fabienne runs into a brother and sister in NY and bumps them in Paris. Her 97 year old grandmother has huge secrets to tell her but they put it off!! She is 97!!! Time is important. Her doppelgänger shows up her reaction is to drag out theses answers too.
September 20, 2018
A beautifully written historical romance filled with all the trappings of the era.
A perfect romanticized look into a relationship during the war and how it's secrets are unfolded in the present. I really loved the duality of the narrative as well.
This would make for one hell of a travel read.
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
tumblr
YouTube
Book Babblers
Instagram
A perfect romanticized look into a relationship during the war and how it's secrets are unfolded in the present. I really loved the duality of the narrative as well.
This would make for one hell of a travel read.
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
tumblr
YouTube
Book Babblers
March 2, 2018
Well I thought I couldn't become more emotionally invested in Natasha Lester's characters than I did in her previous novels, and yet here I am wiping away tears at midnight having just finished the Paris Seamstress. This book is beautiful, with such strong characters, and such an intricately woven and fascinating premise. The dual narratives worked so well together, and I loved that I learned so much about fashion history. I really think that the characters grew so much throughout the course of the book, and the relationships progressed in such a believable, and sometimes heartbreaking, way. I loved Estella, and Lena, and Fabienne, and Sam, and Janie, and Alex, and Melissa, and Will, and Mrs Pardy, because they were all such different and complex characters. I loved the Paris that Estella loved, and the New York she came to call home, and Fabienne's New York. I loved all the little details about clothes, and fashion design, and Tiffany's, and war time life, and I loved Leo's appearance, and the dark undertones of the Harry plot and Alex's past. I've said love about 50 times in this review, but I'll say it one more time because I really just loved The Paris Seamstress! I think this is Natasha's best book yet, and I will eagerly anticipate next year's release whilst recommending this book to all my book loving friends and family.
Read
December 9, 2017What Natasha Lester does so well in her books is to create strong, gutsy female characters, who are driven to succeed, not just for the external rewards of fame and fortune, but by a desire to make a mark, to prove to the men of the world that women are worth a damn, and by their faith in love. Natasha has done it again with The Paris Seamstress, and like her previous two books, most of the story takes place in New York – that golden city where dreams can come true. However, unlike her previous two historical fiction novels, The Paris Seamstress is a dual timeline story, focusing on Estella Bissette in 1940/1, a young seamstress who must flee the German occupation of Paris to New York with her sewing machine. In 2015, Estella’s granddaughter Fabienne Bissette is invited to an exhibition of her grandmother’s dresses in New York, which sets her off on a journey of discovery, of the ways that love can hurt and heal.
The language of fashion shares commonalities with that of narrative and story-telling. We speak of fashioning a story, weaving plot threads, revealing and concealing backstory, among many other expressions. Natasha Lester’s writing is bedazzled with such metaphors. (Alyssa – you will love it!) One of the central motifs is of the two ways love works: as a toile that shapes a life, and as a thread that pulls it together. Throughout both storylines, readers encounter all kinds of love: sibling, maternal, paternal, friendship, at first sight, slow burn.
Like the signature flowers that adorn Estella’s designs, Natasha Lester’s signature is to pick up a thread of a character from a previous novel and weave them into the next. Leo Richier from Her Mother’s Secret makes a cameo appearance here, and I look forward to seeing which character pops up in Natasha’s next book.
The language of fashion shares commonalities with that of narrative and story-telling. We speak of fashioning a story, weaving plot threads, revealing and concealing backstory, among many other expressions. Natasha Lester’s writing is bedazzled with such metaphors. (Alyssa – you will love it!) One of the central motifs is of the two ways love works: as a toile that shapes a life, and as a thread that pulls it together. Throughout both storylines, readers encounter all kinds of love: sibling, maternal, paternal, friendship, at first sight, slow burn.
Like the signature flowers that adorn Estella’s designs, Natasha Lester’s signature is to pick up a thread of a character from a previous novel and weave them into the next. Leo Richier from Her Mother’s Secret makes a cameo appearance here, and I look forward to seeing which character pops up in Natasha’s next book.
March 5, 2018
The Paris Seamstress starts in World War Two Paris, on the brink of invasion. Estella continues her work at the atelier without much notice of the war, her attention captured by silks and sketches. Soon she is caught in what we must assume is Resistance operations, and she flees the country on her convenient yet unknown American birth papers, leaving her mother behind without much protestation. She leaves Europe without ever convincingly facing up to the horrors of war, much more interested in her clothes and career.
Her single mindedness continues in New York, and she marks out a career based on her steadfast devotion to the cut, the hem, the flourish of fabric, regardless of enemies made, and never particularly bothered by hardship - of her or the world around her. Her devotion to her career, to making it in the New World, must be admired - indeed she does live up to the titular role. But that is where it falls flat, for the book is crafted to fit that title, and combined with all tchotchkes of historical detail and decoration, I found myself unable to believe in a depth of any of the characters.
Jumping to 2015 and Estella's granddaughter, the historical tokens are replaced by name-dropping and scene-building based on what felt like an index of fashion. Overall, I couldn't be suspend my disbelief to jump into this book, although it weaves a thick tapestry of society, fashion, and love.
Thank you to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for this advance copy.
Her single mindedness continues in New York, and she marks out a career based on her steadfast devotion to the cut, the hem, the flourish of fabric, regardless of enemies made, and never particularly bothered by hardship - of her or the world around her. Her devotion to her career, to making it in the New World, must be admired - indeed she does live up to the titular role. But that is where it falls flat, for the book is crafted to fit that title, and combined with all tchotchkes of historical detail and decoration, I found myself unable to believe in a depth of any of the characters.
Jumping to 2015 and Estella's granddaughter, the historical tokens are replaced by name-dropping and scene-building based on what felt like an index of fashion. Overall, I couldn't be suspend my disbelief to jump into this book, although it weaves a thick tapestry of society, fashion, and love.
Thank you to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for this advance copy.
January 1, 2019
www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester. (2018).
In 1940 Estella, a Parisian seamstress, is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She heads to Manhatten with a dream to have her own atelier (workshop). In 2015 Fabienne, an Australian curator, attends an exhibition of the design work of her beloved grandmother and following this starts to learn more about her grandmother's past which is a tale of love, tragedy, heartbreak and secrets.
This one has quite the reservation list at my library and I was lucky enough to be the first name on it haha. This is my first Natasha Lester novel, and I'd seen a few good reviews of this particular book. I really enjoyed it. This is an enchanting historical fiction novel. The story is told in dual storylines featuring Estalla and then Fabienne. I wouldn't describe myself as being into fashion or knowing much about that industry but the author has written the fashion in this book with such detail and imagery it was hard not be caught up in picturing Estella's designs. It's not a happy end for every character and there was a few tugs on the heartstrings. The book features a few characters who were 'real' people in Estella's timeline and I always find that a nice touch in a historical fiction novel which results in me on Wikipedia looking said characters up haha. Would definitely recommend this well-written novel for readers who enjoy historical fiction and romance stories.
The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester. (2018).
In 1940 Estella, a Parisian seamstress, is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She heads to Manhatten with a dream to have her own atelier (workshop). In 2015 Fabienne, an Australian curator, attends an exhibition of the design work of her beloved grandmother and following this starts to learn more about her grandmother's past which is a tale of love, tragedy, heartbreak and secrets.
This one has quite the reservation list at my library and I was lucky enough to be the first name on it haha. This is my first Natasha Lester novel, and I'd seen a few good reviews of this particular book. I really enjoyed it. This is an enchanting historical fiction novel. The story is told in dual storylines featuring Estalla and then Fabienne. I wouldn't describe myself as being into fashion or knowing much about that industry but the author has written the fashion in this book with such detail and imagery it was hard not be caught up in picturing Estella's designs. It's not a happy end for every character and there was a few tugs on the heartstrings. The book features a few characters who were 'real' people in Estella's timeline and I always find that a nice touch in a historical fiction novel which results in me on Wikipedia looking said characters up haha. Would definitely recommend this well-written novel for readers who enjoy historical fiction and romance stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,254 reviews