Dressed by Iris

by Mary-Anne O'Connor, Holly Robinson (Reading)

A vivid, romantic story of Sydney in the 1930s Depression―the heartbreak, the glamour, the dark underbelly, the struggle towards a better day―and one young woman's dream of designing her way from rags to riches. 1930. Seventeen-year-old Iris Mitchell dreams of designing clothes, but there's little spare cash for fashion in their shanty-town home. The gift of a single purple ribbon from her would-be boyfriend John Tucker, however, creates an unexpected opportunity...and when Iris's brother joins the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction, the Mitchell family move to the city. Iris is torn away from John, but he's Protestant and she's Catholic, so perhaps it wasn't meant to be.... 1932. By day, Iris scrubs the floors at Caron's, an upmarket department store. By night, she designs and sews in her family's tiny crowded house. Friendship with one of Caron's models allows Iris to show her skills, but will her talent be acknowledged...or exploited? When John reappears, passions are reignited, and Iris must face not only their religious divide, but the apparent impossibility of having both marriage and a career. Meanwhile, the Mitchells must navigate life in a city riven by corruption, dirty politics and gambling. Will their faith, determination and deep family bond save them when tragedy and adversity strike?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook

Audio CD

Published August 15, 2022

About the author

Mary-Anne O'Connor nee Best grew up in Wahroonga in the Bushland Shire of Hornsby-Kuringai, northern Sydney. The youngest of six children, her childhood was spent exploring the local bush and playing music with her siblings and close neighbours. An avid reader, she devoured her mother Dorn's extensive library and was often found trying to finish a chapter by torchlight late at night. She also began to fill every blank piece of paper in the house with stories and drawings of her own and dreamt of becoming a writer one day.

When she was twelve her father Kevin Best left his established career in the stock-market to become one of Australia's best-loved artists. The perseverance and ultimate triumph she witnessed during those years left her inspired to follow in his footsteps and pursue her own creative aspirations. A multi-faceted career path followed in marketing and teaching, along with the completion of education/arts degree with specialities in literature, music and environment. During this time she also co-wrote two books with her father, A Brush with Light and Secrets of the Brush. Work then began on her first major novel, Gallipoli Street. ​This work gained critical acclaim and finished at #3 for debut novels in Australia in 2015.

Since then she written four more best-selling novels: Worth Fighting For, War Flower, In A Great Southern Land and Where Fortune Lies. Her sixth novel, Sisters of Freedom, is due out in March, 2021.

​Mary-Anne has drawn on her love of the Australian bush, her fascination with her own family history and her deep, abiding respect for the men and women who carried our nation through turbulent, formative times to produce these novels. 

They were written in her office at home beneath a long window that overlooks her beloved gum trees. She still lives in the Bushland Shire with her husband Anthony, their two sons, Jimmy and Jack and their very spoilt, gorgeous dog, Saxon.   

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1930, Iris Mitchell is seventeen and living in a tiny shack with her catholic family in Newcastle. Her dad Bob's a carpenter and he's still struggles with the terrible memories from the Great War. His wife Agnes is a wonderful mother to her six children, Jim, Iris, Helena, Tom, Billy and Rosie, and she’s an expert at making a meal out of a few ham bones and vegetables.

John Tucker’s a protestant, he’s extremely fond of Iris and he gives her a purple ribbon for her birthday. Iris loves fashion, sewing, and she makes a stunning cloche hat and decorates it with John’s gift. When Jim’s offered a job building the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the whole family move, and it might be for the best that Iris can no longer see John, and her parents wouldn’t let her date a protestant man.

Iris starts working at a department store as cleaner, and her earnings go straight into the family’s money tin. The family live in a small cottage and to Agnes's delight it has a wooden floor, and they make room for Iris's sewing machine. At work Iris meets Natasha Jones, she’s a model at Caron’s, and despite coming from different backgrounds, and they become the best of friends. Iris takes Natasha home, she worries what she will think of her families humble living arrangements, and I don’t why she's concerned? Natasha has no idea how talented and unique Iris's creations are and she has a remarkable gift. Australians love to gamble, horse racing is popular in the 1930's and Phar Lap is a national treasure, and Jim becomes a bookie. The underworld of Sydney is full of nasty characters, corruption is rife and Jim's parents worry about his safety?

Dressed by Iris is a story about grabbing every opportunity that comes your way, a family staying united through the good times and the bad, and working hard to be free from the burden of poverty. Iris realizing she has a gift, nothing is going to hold her back from creating her own line of beautiful clothes and she can defiantly achieve this with John, Natasha and her family by her side.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, in exchange for an honest review, Mary-Anne O'Connor is an amazing and talented Australian Historical Fiction author, I was totally engrossed in her latest book, it made me laugh, cry and cheer. I really enjoyed reading about the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, how it created jobs and the excitement around its grand opening and five big stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially set in Carrington, Newcastle, where the Mitchell family were as poor as church mice, living on what their mother Agnes could dredge up, from ham bones to make soup and cardboard inserts on their old, worn-out shoes. Then Jim, the eldest son, found work in Sydney, the new harbour bridge being his saviour. The family moved to Sydney and lived in a small cottage, while Bob, Agnes’ husband also found work on the bridge. For awhile things were better than they’d ever been.

When they’d lived in Carrington, seventeen-year-old Iris had fallen for John Tucker, and he her. But Iris was Catholic, John Protestant – their relationship was doomed before it started. Then John moved to Melbourne and Iris to Sydney – Iris’ heartache was real, but she was pragmatic; life must go on. Until the day of the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening, and Iris spotted John once again. But would anything come of their rekindled relationship?

Iris’ siblings, Jim, Tom, Helena, Rosie and Billy, made life at home hectic, but it was within the confines of the family life that dreams were made, and futures assessed. With Natasha, Iris’ workmate at Caron’s and John added to the family mix, they found laughter and heartache. But they also realized the corrupt politics of the day and the cruel manner of certain people, would have them keeping a close eye on going’s on. Would dreams come true?

An outstanding read, Dressed by Iris by Aussie author Mary-Anne O’Connor is full of the hardships of life when you’re poor, but it’s also lined with laughter and love, a family together, supporting one another, no matter what. I thoroughly enjoyed Billy and Rosie, and the duck! Loved Natasha’s down to earth character and Agnes’ anchoring of the whole family. The whole cast of characters are brilliantly done, making Dressed by Iris a read which I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A feel good Australian historical fiction meticulously researched and presented with characters based in a lot of ways on the author’s family. The political environment of the times, and that of the unions was interesting; I did not realise the harsh divide of those in poverty, and those living well. This added a realness to the story.

I did find it to be a very long and drawn out story but did feel better about this toward the end as it grew in excitement.

This story was not only about the harshness of poverty in Australia in the early 1930’s but a huge dollop of romance as well. Things were always being quite neat, and I could not help but feel very strongly that this novel was told to the reader, as opposed to it being shown.

On the plus side, it was easy to pick up and put down which is always helpful to me. Of course, the lovely description of the gowns was vivid and beautiful, the author has a good eye! I enjoyed this as I love fashion.

Those who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this, especially with well presented note and photographs in the Author’s notes. There is truth behind fiction in this one.

I enjoyed this from the young brother: ’Flippin’ Nancy then. None of me mates better get a squiz of me in that bloody great get-up. Flippin’,’ he amended, shoving in more pie with a disgruntled air before raising his eyebrows, ‘Mmm. That’s good.’

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

With many thanks to Better Reading Magazine for my physical copy to review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say WOW, WOW and WOW what an amazing story so beautifully told, Mary-Anne O’Connor has taken me on a journey back to the 1930’s starting in Newcastle then in Sydney during the days of the depression, the finishing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to meet the Mitchell family, it is heart-felt and heart-warming as we see this family struggle through hard times but never give up hope and their positivity, a must read, come along and meet them all and the beautiful Iris who designs the most gorgeous of clothes.

Living in a shanty town is a struggle for this catholic family but Agnes the patriarch never gives up and when her eldest daughter Iris is given a ribbon from her hopeful boyfriend John Tucker and a cloche from her father for her seventeenth birthday she shows such promise in designing things and is encouraged to earn a few pennies to help out with the family. Soon the family get the opportunity to move to Sydney as her brother Jim gets a job working on the Harbour bridge, this means leaving John Tucker behind even if their future was not certain because John is Protestant.

Living in Sydney Iris is soon working as a cleaner in one of the big stores in Sydney but at night she designs clothes at home which she loves, here she meets Natasha a model for designer Caron and they become good friends and when Natasha see the clothes that Iris is designing she insists that she show them to Caron, Iris is not sure about this but soon she is moved from cleaning to the fourth floor and designing but is not treated the way she should be.

Iris has never forgotten John and when he arrives in Sydney the feelings are still there but this is problems because of religion and her parents are against their being together. John is working for a Sydney newspaper and he meets Natasha and she helps bring him and Iris together and just in time when John is there to save Iris and also has John and Iris’s brother becoming good friends.

Life was hard in the 1930’s and the Mitchells have to fight some terrible people as they fight to put food on the table and stand up for justice and honesty in a hard world, I loved this story so much and the Mitchell family Bob, Agnes, Jim, Iris, Helena, Tom, Billy and Rosie what they went through had me cheering them one, the faith and hope they held in their hearts showed courage and strength. There were some lovely happy times throughout this story and there were times I was crying, it is an emotional story, the characters are easy to make friends with, this is a story that I would highly recommend. I loved that the author used her family history to put this story together, it is a brilliant story.

My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Dressed by Iris by Mary-Anne O'Connor
Based on real people and events, this is a beautifully written and meticulously researched story!

A captivating family saga set in Australia in the 1930’s where the country is going through the Great Depression and the Aussie icon, Sydney Harbour Bridge is being built and goes on to have its official opening.

The Mitchells live rough in harsh poverty in a shanty town, they also face religious prejudice constantly, being Irish Catholics. There’s no money, no jobs and they’ve had to resort to living in a tin shack. With a family of eight there is scarcely enough food to go around. Mum Agnes is a wonderful cook, thrifty and practical and knows how to make a little go far so they survive. Dad Bob is a carpenter and life is sometimes a struggle with his memories of serving in the Great War and now being out of work.

Iris is seventeen and dreams of becoming a fashion designer, maybe if you want it enough your dream will come true! She’s also tempted by a forbidden love once her heart is set on John Tucker.

When eldest son Jim gets a job working on the bridge they all relocate to Sydney. Iris gets a job as a cleaner at an upmarket fashion department store and soon becomes best friends with bubbly model Natasha who works there too.

Iris has a special gift, she is talented and makes unique creations from ribbons and offcuts. Although she is exploited and has made an enemy of two evil men nothing will hold her back from her dream of having her own fashion label.

There’s plenty of pace with glamour, heartbreak, betrayal, gambling, crime, corruption and tragedy in this story.

I loved the memorable characters, the fashion and the way the Mitchell family stay united through difficult times and how important their love and support of each other is.

Highly recommended, I just love Aussie historical fiction and at the same time I have the opportunity to learn more about our beautiful country’s history.

Publication date 02 February 2022
Publisher Harlequin Australia

Thank you so much to the wonderful team at Harlequin Australia for an advanced copy of the book.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ready by Mary-Anne O'Connor, and it definitely won't be my last. Such a wonderfully written novel, that highlights the highs and lows of Australian history.

Iris is an extremely talented 17 year old young lady, who has hopes and dreams of perhaps one day exhibiting her beautiful dress designs.

The novel starts with an introduction into Iris' family and her home life. Iris is one of six children, being the 2nd eldest. They are all raised as Catholic. It is the 1940's, times are tough, it is the great depression, they are living in a make to shanty/shack in Newcastle. The shanty has dirt flooring, the walls are made from hessian bags. Their mother Agnes does the best she can to keep the family fed and dressed. Agnes makes soup for their dinner consisting of ham bones discarded by the butcher and bread and lard, the bread she bakes herself in their outdoor oven, which is located in the ground inside a termite mound. The children's clothes are all hand me downs, their shoes are so worn out that the children need to put cardboard in the bottom of them, in place of soles, on the rainy days in an attempt to keep their feet and stockings dry.

Iris is a beautiful young girl, with eyes the colour of a purple Iris flower. She is in love with John Tucker, a local Protestant boy. John gifts Iris a beautiful purple ribbon on her birthday that is edged with fine lace. Iris with her crafty creativeness uses the ribbon to create a rosette on a beautiful felt cloche hat that is gifted on her birthday from her father. The cloche hat becomes the talk of the town and not long afterwards, Iris is taking orders from the local town women to have similar designs made on their own garment in an attempt to brighten them up and give them a new lease on life.

The relationship between Iris and John is not an easy one, and has been kept in secret as it is frowned upon for two people of different religions to be dating/and or in a relationship together.

Iris' elder brother Jim receives a job opportunity working on the construction of the new Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the same time John receives a scholarship opportunity to a Melbourne University, an offer to good to turn down in these tough times.

In Sydney the Mitchell family life changes dramatically, Iris has a job cleaning a local department store. Jim's job at the Sydney Harbour Bridge is coming to an end, and he finds another job opportunity as a local bookie, Phar lap is winning the horse races. They are surrounded by the heavy Sydney underworld crime lords, and come in contact with lots of interesting and unsavoury characters.

5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, well-researched, entertaining and/or moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author.

Please visit my Facebook page and blog to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction from Mary-Anne O'Connor although I think her previous book Sisters of Freedom was better. What makes this one special is that some of the characters and their experiences are based on the authors family (specifically her grandmother and aunt). It begins in 1930, Iris Mitchell and her family are Irish Catholics first living in a shantytown in Newcastle, and later after her father and brother get jobs on the harbour bridge build, the family moves to Sydney. Iris gets a cleaning job at a fashion house, and because she’s an excellent seamstress herself, she has ambitions of being a designer. Throw in a Protestant love interest, and a brother who becomes a bookie against the backdrop of the depression, the politics of the time, antiCatholic prejudice and more, and it all adds up to a good read about a family surviving through hard times.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an historical fiction by Australian author Mary-Anne O’Connor, set in Newcastle and Sydney in the 1930s. It is a feel-good story of family, friendship, romance and battling against the odds.

Seventeen year old Iris Mitchell lives with her large Irish Catholic family in a shantytown in Carrington, Newcastle during the 1930s depression, with only her mother Agnes’ frugality and bone soup keeping them from starvation. A gift of a ribbon from an admirer John Tucker sets her on the shaky path towards fulfilling her dream of becoming a dress-maker and designer. Her family refuse to allow her to date John as he is from a Protestant family and the division runs deep.

The family move to Sydney when her brother Jim gets a job working on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Iris begins working as a cleaner at the exclusive Caron’s fashion house. Her friendship with unconventional model Natasha Jones opens opportunities for the designer in Iris, but negotiating the dark recesses of the fashion industry brings its own challenges and the very real threat of exploitation and abuse.

This book is very well researched and gives insight into the Union movement at the time, both the racing and fashion industries, the poverty of the Great Depression and the depth of racism towards Irish Catholics. I found the resolution of issues often rather simplistic and convenient but this was a feel good novel that was an enjoyable easy read.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dressed by Iris is a powerful novel with themes of hope, pride, optimism and rising above adversity.

In a Great Southern Land is one of my all time favourite novels so I was expecting big things from Mary-Anne O'Connor and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed.

Iris lives with her family in the shanty towns of Newcastle. It's 1930 and Australia is on the verge of The Great Depression. The family get by on the mother Agnes' frugalness and the bit of money they get from the father Bob's panning.
The Catholics and the Protestants had a great divide and when Iris falls for local boy John, who is a Protestant, she knows their relationship can never be. However she lives on dreams and hope that one day they can be together.

When a job offer on the Sydney Harbour Bridge comes up for Iris's father and brother, the family of eight move to Sydney.
Through this one struggling family Mary-Anne O'Connor has delivered an emotional story highlighting the plight of renters, the high unemployment, anti-eviction riots and political unrest of the time.

Amidst a backdrop of poverty Iris discovers she has a flair for fashion design and with her family's help and encouragement she enters the fashion industry, although her path is beset with prejudice and setbacks.

I love stories where women push the boundaries for their time. These are the women that helped change attitudes and laws, giving women the right to choose how to live the life.

Mary-Anne O'Connor uses real situations from her grandparents' tales which makes this story all the more endearing. Many of the scenes brought back memories of my own grandparents' stories.

Dressed by Iris is an inspiring and moving story rich in memorable characters who will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
I received a copy from the publisher

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

To start with I must say that I struggled a little bit with this book, finding it far to long and a bit repetitive. For me it went on and on and I feel it would have been much better had it been a little bit shorter as at points I did loose interest.

Having said that I did love the story, the characters where well thought out and I love that it is a book that was inspired by Mary-Anne O'Connor's family. it did bring life to the story and i liked that the author told us a bit more about her family at the back of the book.

The Mitchell family struggled through the years of depression in NSW but there was always hope and family and through all the struggles the family stuck together and in the end everything works out (which you always knew it would.

A good book but it took me a while to finish it and I found some it it predictable, some of it boring but most of it was interesting.

Dressed by Iris
Mary-Anne O'Connor
Harlequin Australia

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

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

4,5 stars

Glamour, fashion, ambition, faith, family, expectation and loyalty all converge in Dressed by Iris by Australian historical fiction scholar, Mary-Anne O’Connor. An all-embracing saga that dazzles and shines with glory, Dressed by Iris is a historical showcase not to be missed!

Opening in 1930, we meet Iris Mitchell a teenager on the cusp of adulthood who longs to design clothes for a living. But her family’s dire financial situation means that Iris cannot achieve her ambitions. When Iris is bestowed with a life changing purple ribbon from a handsome young man named John Tucker, her life is changed. With the Mitchell family receiving additional essential income thanks to Iris’s brother Jim, who has been given a position working on Sydney’s great harbour bridge construction, the Mitchell family move up a little in the world. But Iris is shattered emotionally when she discovers that a strict religious divide stands between her and John Tucker. Moving forward two years, we learn that Iris has gained employment at a well-respected department store, while she works cleaning the floors at the store by day, at night she designs clothes. When Iris makes a vital connection with a young and vivacious model named Natasha, she finally gets her designs acknowledged. Will Iris find success or will she be exploited? Then Iris is thrown into disarray emotionally when John enters her life again. The passion and love between these two souls is clearly evident, but the religion issue still presents as a problem, along with her work as a designer. Iris is torn between expectation, morals, marriage and a career. But Iris has other issues to worry about, her family are falling into financial and social ruin thanks to the trying conditions of Depression-era Sydney. Will the Mitchell family survive?

Mary-Anne O’Connor is the proud author of over six novels in the Australian historical fiction category. O’Connor once again presents a truly fabulous and engrossing historical fiction composition in Dressed by Iris. A story that brings to life Depression-era Sydney with a knowing gaze and finesse, I loved this new title from one of my favourite Australian novelists.

First of all, I have to say that it was fabulous to see an author that I respect visit Depression-era Sydney and bring to life this challenging time period so clearly. I really valued the opportunity to take a trip back the past and learn more about this trying chapter in our nation’s history books. O’Connor highlights the issues prevalent at the time from poor living conditions, financial woes, corruption, black market deals, gambling, politics and extortion. It seems quite unbelievable that people managed to survive these times, it really did give me a big wake up call! O’Connor also successfully highlights the religious, social and moral codes of the time thanks to the star-crossed lovers element between the leads of this tale. I thought this aspect of the book was covered extremely well by the author.

A large portion of Dressed by Iris is dedicated to fashion and design, which happens to be one of my favourite content lines. True to form O’Connor delivers a fascinating and fabulous historical representation of the fashion business during the 1930s. Iris’s journey to success is marred by expectation, class, love and exposure. This aspect of the story allows O’Connor to tease out all her characters, with their perfections and imperfections exposed. I really enjoyed this area of Dressed by Iris. I also lapped up the forbidden style love story that underpins the entire novel, Mary-Anne O’Connor has the wining formula here in regards to her romance element. Family relations, loyalty, faith, support and love rounds off this unforgettable story. I am sure fans old and new will find this dimension of Dressed by Iris to be most satisfying. Rounding off this amazing story is a fascinating acknowledgments section which details author Mary-Anne O’Connor’s own special family history link to this story. It is well worth a read!

It is easy to deliver praise to Dressed by Iris by Mary Anne O’Connor, this is an exceptional novel that I highly recommend.

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

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Historical fiction royalty Mary-Anne O’Connor has tapped into personal family history and gifted readers a brand new ambitious lyrical tale and family tribute.
1930, Iris Mitchell has her dreams set on fashion and her heart set on John Tucker.
Jim Mitchell, her brother, is about to join the gang who are working on the Sydney Harbour Bridge which creates opportunities for the rest of the family.
There’s also issues, heartbreak and problems just around the corner.
1932, Iris has joined the working class with a cleaning position at Caron’s boutique and befriended glamorous model, Natasha.
A talent for fashion, Iris moves up in the world, believing that dreams can come true but not without consequences.
Soon the rest of the Mitchell’s must work through life and the difficulties of the time and decade all against the backdrop of depression era Sydney.
In simple words, I loved this book.
The era is fascinating, the characters are written with such passion and the plot, in its multiple storyline’s works really well.
A very talented and skilled storyteller who has the capability of spoiling fans with bringing real life past events to life on the pages.
A story about fashion, love and the blood, sweat and tears, sacrifices and faithfulness of family relationships are all a highlight among the narrative.
It’s truly amazing to be swept away to the 1930’s and be entertained by this compelling book.
A memorable experience, well written as always, meticulously researched and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The girl from the shantytown was going to seize this opportunity, and if she defied every odd and became wealthy and successful no-one could ever touch her.’

Dressed By Iris is another wonderful Australian saga by author Mary-Anne O’Connor. Set in the 1930s it covers everything from the Great Depression to the building of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Having read Mary-Anne’s other books, I knew she would once more provide her readers with strong female characters and I was not disappointed.

Mary-Anne does a wonderful job of capturing the life of average Australians from the era. The main focus here is on the Mitchell family - poor Irish Catholics who not only faced great poverty but also great prejudice. It is the eldest daughter, Iris, who has an incredible talent for fashion creations, which Mary-Anne highlights inclusive of the exploitation and sexism surrounding the industry at the time. It brings with it glamour that perfectly balances out the harsh reality of life for many.

‘You should have let me say something,’ he said.
‘What can you say? That you’re Protestant? That would only make things worse.’
John shook his head. ‘What the hell is wrong with people?’
Iris sighed. ‘It’s only words. Sticks and stones...’
‘But, it’s not, is it? It’s attitude. Belief.’ He looked over at her. ‘It does just as much harm. Maybe more.’

The joy of this book though is through the interactions of the Mitchell family. What a joy! The way they unite through challenging times and just how important love and support is especially given the crippling circumstances of the time. Iris’ mother, Agnes, was the foundation and very heart of the family from her cooking to her enormous courage proving inspirational. The inclusion of Natasha, Iris’ friend, was a pure delight - not only her mannerisms, support, encouragement but her humour was a definite highlight.

Mary-Anne’s, ‘Author’s Note’, at the conclusion shed light on her inspiration and how some characters had been modelled on family members. It also explained certain correlations of the fiction and facts surrounding some of the key aspects from her story. All up, Dressed By Iris provided a wonderful window into the Australia of the early 1930s with detailed depictions of one girl’s dream combined with the unwavering faith, love and support of her family. A joy to read.

‘What should we drink to?’
‘Mum,’ Iris said.
‘Oh no, not me,’ Agnes said, ‘I think we should drink to Iris. This is her dream.’
‘It’s yours too,’ Iris pointed out. ‘It’s all of ours now.’
‘To dreams then,’ Jim said.
‘Yes,’ Iris said, looking over at John and smiling. ‘To dreams coming true.’







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to Better Reading for an advance copy of this book.

I enjoy reading historical fiction, particularly those set in Australia. This was a well researched book which provided insight into the difficulties faced by Australians during the 1930s. Iris and her family were very likeable characters, making this book easy to read.

The fighting spirit of the characters was inspiring but I felt the "you just get on with things and everything will be alright" aspect was a bit overdone. As much as I like a feel good story where everyone lives "happily ever after", I felt the ending was quite predictable yet also a bit unrealistic.

Overall, it was easy to read with an upbeat tone.
Perfect for reading while relaxing by the pool.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book this one was. Its the first of Mary-Anne's that I have read but definitely won't be the last.

Such a true depiction of the era and the hardships that many Australians faced during the 1930's, from poverty to richness and one girl's dream to be a fashion designer.

Highly recommended for readers of Womens Fiction or Australian historical fiction.
Thanks go to Harlequin and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well researched and with good use of historical facts to set the scene, Dressed By Iris takes readers from the 1930’s slums of Newcastle to Hurstville in Sydney, where living conditions are not much better, as it traces the story of Iris Mitchell’s rise to becoming a designer of women’s fashion in her own right. This is a character-driven story with the seemingly impossible romance between staunchly Catholic Iris and Protestant John Tucker. The story highlights so many issues including religious discrimination, sexual abuse, gambling, corruption and bribery, yet it still manages to be one in which I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat praying that Iris would overcome one challenge after another. I loved the intense connections within her family and the way each of them rallied to support the others when called for. I loved Iris’ friend Natasha with her glamorous model looks and her broad Australian accent and I loved Iris’ mother Agnes, who was the glue holding her family together through much of this gorgeous book, but truthfully I loved just about every character that graced its pages.

[Denise Newton]

https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=3426

Along with the ups and downs of the story and Iris’ journey from poverty to a career in fashion, Dressed by Iris is a love letter to family and to the lessons we learn from childhood. It’s also a song of praise for the virtues of hope, resilience, counting your blessings and making the best of things.

I was moved to read in the author’s note that the two ‘leading ladies’ of this story, Iris and her mother Agnes, were modelled closely on the author’s own aunt and grandmother, and so many of the snippets of life included in the novel did, in fact, occur. I confess I shed a tear or two, reading that.

Dressed by Iris
Mary-Anne O'Connor

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I have read other Mary-Anne O'Connor books and love her strong female characters. This book, like her last, is choc full of them. From the title character, Iris, to Natasha and lovely dear Agnes; they are all strong determined women who go after what they want with gusto. Love the authors notes at the end of the book talking about her family, the inspiration for the story. Australian historical fiction is brilliant and this lovely book is no exception!

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner. Written with humour, empathy and much love - I only realised when I read the acknowledgements at the end that the story and some characters were inspired by the authors own family.
It had me smiling, in tears, laughing and at all times cheering for the under dogs. Set at the end of the Great Depression, completing the Sydney Harbour Bridge build and the stellar career of Phar Lap, this is a story that will lift you, feed you and hold you close.
Iris Mitchell was indeed rich.
No spoilers here - but it's a must read.

[Jenny Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a window into 1930s Australia and Sydney as the reader gets to know Iris and her family. The characters are relatable and endearing and the hustle and bustle of their busy family is brought to life as the reader gets to know them. There is a beautiful juxtaposition of poverty and wealth that runs throughout the book that highlights the starkness of the depression and of cultural and interfaith differences that were rife at the time. There were some fascinating events mentioned that I had to look up to see whether they were fact or fiction as well. The main messages focus around hope, faith, belief in oneself, hard work and resilience. It was an enjoyable read that was hard to put down. I think this would make a great film as the dresses described are amazing.

[Margi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful Australian historical fiction that was well researched and fabulously told.
This book had me totally absorbed from the 1st page with a cast of characters I loved.
If you enjoy historical fiction I can highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed the author's note at the end and suggest you read it too.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many books make me a blubbering mess like this one did in one part of the book. I had to stop reading to get a tissue. Slow at the start, but it got so good. Really like the ending

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly powerful, insightful historical masterpiece! Dressed By Iris, in my opinion, is Mary-Anne O’Connor’s best yet. A story about hope and sacrifice. It kept me fixed on its pages with its heart-felt drama, well-defined characters, true-to-the era settings and unsettling social issues. A time when Phar Lap was on the race track (and died), when gambling was rampant, when political and law enforcement corruption proved active, when a woman once married was expected to give up her career to raise a family, when gold panning in Braidwood was still happening and when religious gaps and prejudices between Catholics and Protestants were wide spread and painfully real. But it was also a period of oncoming change and new starts. The bridge at Sydney Harbour was constructed so that both sides of the river were more accessible. When women like Iris pushed for independence and having it all (both marriage and a career). When exciting new fashions designed by women, not just men, took centre stage. Even how the styles were influenced by Hollywood movies and actresses. It was also a time when poverty to riches stories really happened for some. This novel covered so many things and so masterfully that I was moved by its profound depth and topics. It fleshed out an interesting period in time when struggles and obstacles were probably even greater than today.

One main theme abounds. The word ‘hope’ reappears over and over again like a resilient thread woven throughout the entire storyline. Agnes, a highly intuitive woman, the mother of the Mitchell clan, bolsters her family with ‘where there is hope there is happiness.’ Her strong belief has equipped her children and their friends with positive outlooks. Even in the face of death, loss, challenges, hardships, setbacks, fire, abuse, prejudice and poverty, the triumphant power of ‘hope’ buoys this amazing story from start to finish giving this family strength, resistance, determination and the will to never lose sight of their dreams. 'Dressed by Iris' is an amazing story of resilience!

This story is set during the Depression years in NSW—in this case between 1930 and 1932. Iris Mitchell lives with her family in a place called ‘Texas’: a shanty town in Newcastle where dwellings were mere shacks often built from corrugated iron and debris. The issues between Catholics and Protestants were very real in the 1930s. Socialisation, dating or marrying was frowned upon between the two. Yet here is the dilemma: Iris, a Catholic (a Mick) is smitten with a handsome, kind, funny man named John Tucker, a Protestant (a Proddo) but their relationship is forbidden. The undercurrent of division is carefully explored and we see the struggles imposed upon this young couple due to each being on the wrong side of religious tracks. As we watch their love and lives unfold, our hearts are pricked by the thorn of prejudice and senseless feuding. We want them to escape this damaging bondage.

John Tucker sees Iris as ‘resilient and wild, just like the flower she’d been named after’ with ‘an inner beauty,’ She stands up to cruelty…protects and nurtures her sister. But she is also a creative genius. The Mitchells have a chance to move to Sydney to a proper house when work on the Sydney Harbour bridge opens up but just before they go, Iris is given a sewing machine by Mrs Spencer who recognises her amazing talent for designing and making clothes. What will she do with this gift? For Iris, this unexpected treasure offers the opportunity to earn money and escape the poverty nightmare. Her journey next through this novel is unforgettable and uplifting, in spite of the obstacles she faces. When she moves to Sydney she acquires a cleaning job at Caron’s upmarket department store. There she meets and becomes close friends with a vibrant model named Natasha, who believes in her talent and helps her to move towards her goal.

This novel is well-researched and its authenticity is partly attributed to Mary-Anne’s family input (mentioned in the notes) making it a story obviously dear to her heart. This valuable resource provides ample inspiration for the author and fuels the characters’ voices with more authority as Mary-Anne weaves pieces of her family's experiences and impressions from the Depression into the story.

This amazing novel moved me on so many levels for it transported me back to the 1930s in a blink of an eye and allowed me to feel the characters’ dilemmas and victories. In fact, it carried me along so well, I felt I was watching a movie as the settings, characters and plot were so believable and well-delivered. Yes, the Depression history is familiar yet it is refreshingly original in the way it is told and played out. In short: this stunning novel excels in all areas to the point it exceeds the 5 star rating! I highly recommend this masterpiece for lovers of profound historical fiction.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. I sincerely loved it.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid, romantic story of Sydney in the 1930s Depression - the heartbreak, the glamour, the dark underbelly, the struggle towards a better day - and one young woman's dream of designing her way from rags to riches.
1930: Seventeen-year-old Iris Mitchell dreams of designing clothes, but there's little spare cash for fashion in their shanty-town home. The gift of a single purple ribbon from would-be boyfriend John Tucker, however, creates an unexpected opportunity ... and when Iris's brother Jim joins the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction, the large, dirt-poor but loving Mitchell family can move to the city. Iris will be torn away from John, but he's Protestant and she's Catholic, taboo in their world, so perhaps it wasn't meant to be ...
1932: By day, Iris scrubs the floors at Caron's, an upmarket department store. By night, she designs and sews in her family's tiny, crowded house. Friendship with gorgeous, livewire Natasha, one of Caron's models, allows Iris to show her skills, but will her talent be acknowledged ... or exploited?
When John reappears, passions are reignited, and Iris must face not only their religious divide, but the apparent impossibility of having both marriage and a career. Meanwhile, the Mitchells must navigate life in a city riven by corruption, dirty politics and gambling. Will their faith, determination and deep family bond save them when tragedy and adversity strike? In 1930s Sydney, the stakes have never been higher ...

Carrington is a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, and is named after Lord Carrington, governor of New South Wales in 1887 when the area was proclaimed a municipality. The Great Depression hit Carrington with a vengeance. In 1933 Carrington had up to 58% of wage earners either unemployed or in part-time employ. A shanty town called "Texas" sprung up during the depression and provided shelter for many homeless and unemployed. It got the name Texas due to the fact that land used to be used for stables.The Susso is an Australian slang term referring to "sustenance" (welfare) payments, especially during the Great Depression. "Susso" could also be used as a noun, for someone depending on such payments, often unsympathetically.

By late 1929, the economic depression had hit all western countries.Though the downturn in the economy had a much greater effect on the lives of the poor, not even the very rich could ignore the situation, as evidence of the Depression could be found everywhere. It was seen in the dole queues, soup kitchens doling out staple, filling foods, such as bread and potatoes, and shanty towns that sprang up across the nation. As in other nations, Australia suffered years of high unemployment, poverty, low profits, deflation, plunging incomes, and lost opportunities for economic growth and personal advancement. There were also incidents of civil unrest, particularly in Australia's largest city, Sydney.Though Australian Communist and far right movements were active in the Depression, they remained largely on the periphery of Australian politics, failing to achieve the power shifts obtained in Europe, and the democratic political system of the young Australian Federation survived the strain of the period.Australians took consolation from sporting achievements through the Depression, with cricketer Don Bradman and race horse Phar Lap achieving long-lasting fame.
During the Great Depression, different parts of Australian society experienced different hardships, challenges and opportunities. There was increased movement of many people to and from country areas in search of work. Many hundreds of thousands of Australians suddenly faced the humiliation of poverty and unemployment. This was still the era of traditional social family structure, where the man was expected to be the sole bread winner. Soup kitchens and charity groups made brave attempts to feed the many starving and destitute. The male suicide rate spiked in 1930 and it became clear that Australia had limits to the resources for dealing with the crisis. The depression's sudden and widespread unemployment hit the soldiers who had just returned from war the hardest as they were in their mid-thirties and still suffering the trauma of their wartime experiences. The limited jobs that did arise were viciously fought for. The job vacancies were advertised in the daily newspaper, which formed massive queues to search for any job available. This then caused the race to arrive first at the place of employment (the first person to turn up was usually hired.)

John Thomas Lang (21 December 1876 – 27 September 1975), usually referred to as J. T. Lang during his career and familiarly known as "Jack" and nicknamed "The Big Fella", was an Australian politician who twice served as the 23rd Premier of New South Wales from 1925 to 1927 and again from 1930 to 1932. He was dismissed by the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Philip Game, at the climax of the 1932 constitutional crisis and resoundingly lost the resulting election and subsequent elections as Leader of the Opposition. Although Lang's father had been born Presbyterian, he later became a Catholic like his wife, and the family "fitted into the normal low social stratum of the great majority of Sydney's Catholics". During his first term as Premier, Lang carried out many social programmes, including state pensions for widowed mothers with dependent children under fourteen, a universal and mandatory system of workers' compensation for death, illness and injury incurred on the job, funded by premiums levied on employers, the abolition of student fees in state-run high schools and improvements to various welfare schemes such as child endowment (which Lang's government had introduced). Various laws were introduced providing for improvements in the accommodation of rural workers, changes in the industrial arbitration system, and a 44-hour workweek. Extensions were made to the applicability of the Fair Rents Act while compulsory marketing along the lines of what existed in Queensland was introduced. In 1930, more than one in five adult males in New South Wales were without a job. Australian governments responded to the Depression with measures that, Lang claimed, made circumstances even worse - cuts to government spending, civil service salaries and public works cancellations. Lang vigorously opposed these measures and was elected in a landslide in October 1930.

As Premier, Lang refused to cut government salaries and spending, a stand which was popular with his constituents, but which made the state's fiscal position more parlous, though the economic state of the six other various Australian governments fared little better during this same period. In the wake of the Great Depression, measures were taken to ease the hardships of evicted tenants together with the hardships facing householders and other debtors battling to meet repayments.He passed laws restricting the rights of landlords to evict defaulting tenants, and insisted on paying the legal minimum wage to all workers on relief projects.

On 19 March 1932, Lang opened the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Lang caused some controversy when he insisted on officially opening the bridge himself, rather than allowing the Governor, the King's representative in NSW, to do so. He delivered what has come to be regarded as a landmark speech in Australian political history during the Opening, citing the theme that the completion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was analogous to the history, development and dreams of the Australian nation and its people. It may be inferred that this speech depicted Lang's personal vision of the past, present and future of New South Wales and Australia's place in the British Empire and world. Just as Lang was about to cut the ribbon to open the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Captain Francis de Groot, a member of the paramilitary New Guard movement, rode up and broke the ribbon. The New Guard also planned to kidnap Lang, and plotted a coup against him during the crisis that brought Lang's premiership to an end. The New Guard was a short-lived Australian fascist paramilitary organisation which emerged from the Sydney-based Old Guard in 1931, during the Great Depression. It was the largest and most successful fascist organisation in Australian history. The New Guard is known for its violent agitation against Premier of New South Wales Jack Lang. It was founded and led by Eric Campbell, a World War I veteran and former Old Guard member. The group's membership was predominantly Anglo-protestant, monarchist and anti-communist in nature.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a heritage-listed steel through arch bridge in Sydney, spanning Sydney Harbour from the central business district (CBD) to the North Shore. The view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as an iconic image of Sydney, and of Australia itself. Nicknamed "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design, the bridge carries rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Under the direction of John Bradfield of the New South Wales Department of Public Works, the bridge was designed and built by British firm Dorman Long of Middlesbrough (who based the design on their 1928 Tyne Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne) and opened in 1932. The bridge itself was regarded as a triumph over Depression times, earning the nickname "the Iron Lung", as it kept many Depression-era workers employed, unifying people in building a bridge to a better life.

The Great Depression and World War II bookended the 1930s, but fashion flourished anyway during this decade. Glamorous Hollywood screen stars inspired new looks for women, men, and even children. Inexpensive fabrics, affordable catalog clothing, and homespun ingenuity let anyone copy styles previously worn by the wealthy. At home or in public, women most commonly wore dresses with wide shoulders; puffy sleeves; modest necklines; higher, belted waistlines; and mid-calf flared hemlines. Frilly bows, ruffles, buttons, and other details often decorated dresses. Women often accessorized with inexpensive costume jewelry, gloves, silk scarves, and furs. Smaller hats were popular, such as berets, Greta Garbo-style slouch hats, or knit caps. Turbans topped fancier looks. Two-tone oxford shoes and strappy dress shoes with high, chunky heels were the shoes of choice. It was common to match accessories such as shoes, handbag, and hat.

Catholic–Protestant relations refers to the social, political and theological relations and dialogue between the Catholics and Protestants. This relationship began in the 16th century with the beginning of the reformation and thereby Protestantism. A number of factors contributed to the Protestant Reformation. Namely, disagreement on the nature of salvation and by extension a number of doctrines including the sale of indulgences and more. These disputes led to a schism whereby Protestants chose to split from the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the Council of Trent (1545–1563) which clarified the Catholic approach to Protestantism from then on. A series of significant events followed which divided Europe and culminated in a number of states transitioning from Catholicism to Protestantism as their state religion. However, many remained Catholic. Much of the schism and the events it caused can be categorised as violent and tumultuous. However, with the rise of secularism, Catholic-Protestant disputes are generally constrained to the intellectual sphere.

Razor gangs were notorious criminal gangs operating in and around Sydney throughout 1920s and 30s, all embroiled in various vices such as gambling and prostitution around areas such as Kings Cross. Sly grog and SP bookmaking remained to sustain the city’s professional criminals. The Depression threw hundreds of thousands out of work, reduced the incomes of nearly all Sydney residents and contributed, ironically, to a boom in illegal, off-track book-making. Unable to afford fares and entry fees at the racetracks, devoted working-class betters placed a twopenny or shilling wager with SP bookmakers over the telephone or at local hotels, encouraged perhaps by the hopeless economic conditions to trust a percentage of their financial future to fate. As SP bookmaking boomed during the 1930s, the standover merchants began collecting an informal tax on illegal off-track betting. Illegal off-course betting in the specific form known as SP is, however, a relatively modern industry which has adapted constantly during the past half century in response to new technology, consumer demand and government policy. As the enterprise grew and prospered in the 1930s, SP acquired some powerful and ironic allies, including the Labor Party, elements within the Catholic Church and important segments of the media. Controversies over the open operation of SP betting were among the major political battles in New South Wales’ politics during the 1930s, and the industry’s survival was due in large part to the popular support it won from working-class districts.
When the conservatives then proposed to wipe out other forms of gambling with the 1908 Police Offences Act, State Labor members protested. Arguing that gambling was a fundamental human instinct, Mr Burgess said: ‘There is a strong propensity in human nature to gamble in some form or another. I have a right to risk a shilling or two if I have it to spare, just as much as a man who goes down to the Stock Exchange and gambles in mining scrip. That is a form of gambling that is infinitely worse than gambling on a racecourse’. The SP business boomed during the 1930s. The rapid dissemination of radio sets and telephone connections created a communications infrastructure, and the Depression deprived many would-be betters of the means for a trip to the track. No longer restricted to the clientele who entered the betting shop, the SP bookmaker could contact everyone with access to a telephone, while the off-course better could follow the race live through radio broadcasts. The illegal off-course bookmaker required telephone services for information about the on-course prices, to ‘lay off’ or post covering bets with other bookmakers if over-committed. When the Depression sapped the average punter’s ability to pay a one shilling tram fare to the track, the SP operators could be found flourishing at the bar of almost every neighbourhood pub, positioned near the pay telephone. You have to be very good at mathematics, especially good at probability as well be able to have the relevant interpersonal and social skills to read people well.

[Viv · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 actually. Great payoff after a slow start. Glad I finished this one, would re-read again.

[Fleur W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penned with love, this sweeping romantic saga is guaranteed to delight fans of “Ladies in Black”, as well as novels by Victoria Purman, Kim Kelly, Natasha Lester and Belinda Alexandra.

Written in four parts and set across a period of two-years during the early days of The Great Depression in Australia, Mary-Anne O’Connor paints a vivid picture of the devastating impacts the war had on society.

Seventeen-year-old Iris Mitchell lives in the shantytown of ‘Texas’ Carrington, Newcastle in New South Wales with her Catholic family including her parents and five siblings. Despite the hardships they face, this loving and strong family works hard to make ends meet and dream of a better tomorrow. In particular, Iris is determined to achieve her goal of designing glamorous clothes and makes an oath never to let herself become a prisoner to poverty again.
When Iris’ brother and father gain positions working on the construction of the elusive Sydney Harbour Bridge, her family move to Hurstville, Sydney and she is forced to leave her forbidden love, Protestant, John Tucker, behind.

In their new town, Iris finds work as a cleaner at the lavish department store, Caron’s. While she is not working there and helping her family, she creates her own elegant designs. John soon reappears in her life and while her family is navigating a world filled with gambling and corruption, the pair must face their own difficulties around religion and acceptance.

Suddenly, a cruel twist of fate wreaks havoc on Iris and her family and changes their trajectory altogether. How will they find their way in a storm when the anchor of their family has lost their way?

Featuring a number of strong characters, in addition to Iris, I particularly loved her mother, Agnes, the backbone of her family and Iris’ best friend and life of the party, Natasha. In addition, O’Connor’s evocative descriptions of the stunning costumes and designs bring them to life as a character in themselves.

O’Connor masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of events into her storytelling including the auspicious building and official unveiling of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the rise and fall of the infamous Phar Lap and the tumultuous power struggles that existed at this time from politics, to the prejudice that surrounded religion, social classes and equality amongst the sexes.

The ending of this marvellous book gave me goosebumps and I appreciated O’Connor’s ability to use an economy of words, as well as the subtle symbolism and language of flowers throughout.

A story of love, friendship, hope and faith, “Dressed by Iris” reminds us that “dreams cost nothing” and sometimes what we were looking for was in front of us the whole time.

Thank you to Better Reading and Harlequin Enterprises Australia for giving me the opportunity to preview this thoroughly researched and captivating book. Given its links to O’Connor’s inaugural novel, I am keen to read “Gallipolli Street” from her catalogue of books next.

[Kirstie Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ TW – sexual assault – death – violence – grief ]

Thank you to Harlequin for a copy of this for review

A beautiful love story set in the backdrop of the Great Depression in Australia.

This was the first time I've ever read about the Great Depression in fiction when it's set in Australia. Being a big fan of Kristin Hannah's writing and having enjoyed The Four Winds, I was really curious to see how this one compared. I think the simplest comparison I could give to you is that Hannah focuses on the deep, dark corners of subjects, but O'Connor has lifted the story and focussed on the kernels of hope held tightly in the fists of the characters.

This is most definitely a story of love, friendship and family – and I so enjoyed sitting at the table with Iris's family, and Natasha was one of my favourite characters with her determined sense of joy. It was a big book and yet did not take long to read. The story was almost lighthearted, curiously so given the context of the setting. Though I should add there are serious moments in here too, with scenes of violence and sexual assault not that infrequent.

I liked the Sydney setting and the way key historical moments, such as the construction and opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a few mentions of Phar Lap, were sprinkled in to really give you a sense of being nearly 100 years in the past. It was all these little touches that allowed the reader to sink into the feeling of being right there alongside Iris as she battles not only with poverty, but with a Romeo-Juliet love story as well.

I'm left curious as to whether O'Connor typically writes religious fiction or if the Catholic vs Protestant theme of this was was simply relevant to the setting. In any case, I found it tastefully done and very intriguing. I loved the fraught tension captured, with the prejudice deeply entrenched in all interactions between Catholic characters and Protestant characters. It's not really a facet of history I've considered much in the face of the Great Depression, and it added an extra layer of complexity to the story (particularly the non-religious stance of Natasha) that I liked.

All in all, this is a good and surprisingly light read. I'm glad to have finally tried some of O'Connor's writing and am looking forward to reading more books by her. The realness of the characters was a highlight for me and sometimes there's nothing better than a character you could almost imagine walking into the room and sitting down to tea with you.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who rarely reads outside the World War 2 genre in historical fiction, I'm blown away with how outstanding ᦔ𝕣ꫀડડꫀᦔ ᥇ꪗ ⅈ𝕣ⅈડ is!

Set in 1930s Sydney, we meet Iris Mitchell, her parents and five siblings. Down on their luck, the family are living in a two room dwelling in the shantytown of Texas, Newcastle. Once part of society in the Protestant part of town, the family are now forced to live in undesirable conditions along with the other Catholics. There's a lot of predjuice aimed towards them, and despite her strong feelings for John Tucker, their love is forbidden due to their contrasting religious views.

Life gets a bit better when Iris's brother and father find work constructing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After having to give up her love when he moved to Melbourne to attend University, Iris is overjoyed when John makes a welcome reappearance in her life. By now, Iris is supplementing towards her family's wages by working as a cleaner at an upmarket department store, where she meets model Natasha, and becomes good friends with.

A chance meeting with Marcel Canton gives Iris the opportunity of a lifetime- to work upstairs as a dressmaker, creating fashion for Canton's label. But it goes underappreciated, with Canton unwilling to acknowledge Iris's hard work. Iris is also facing unwanted attention by her boss, and his associate Robert Conlan, a politician whose advances Iris has had to deal with before.

Despite all the odds thrown her way, Iris and her family remain positive and hopeful in a world full of gambling, dirty politics and corruption. When the unthinkable happens, it's the family's sheer determination that makes Iris's dream a reality.

Whilst Iris's story is the forefront, it has to be said her mother Agnes is the true heroine. This woman, as a wife and mother, is more than happy to put her own dreams aside for her family. She's also willing to go without to help others, earning somewhat of a saint status by the nuns from the local parish.

I had no idea 1930's was so troubling here in Australia, and found what I learnt very enlightening. There are so many elements that makes ᦔ𝕣ꫀડડꫀᦔ ᥇ꪗ ⅈ𝕣ⅈડ a truly special read.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5