Title: The Gown
Author: Jennifer Robson
Published: 2018
Call #: FIC Robson
In this fascinating story about the world of design, female friendship, family, romance, hardship and hope, the reader meets Ann, Miriam and Heather. Each woman tells her story in alternating chapters, moving in between 1947 and 2016. Ann and Miriam's story begins in war-torn London in 1947. War rationing is still in full effect and food, coal, clothing and other basic necessities are still in short supply. Miriam has come to London as a refugee from the war and Ann is the first person to befriend her. When Ann's sister-in-law emigrates to Canada, Ann invites Miriam to become her roommate. Ann has a steady job for English fashion designer Norman Hartnell for years, and Miriam decides to seize an opportunity to join her. She marches right up to Mr. Hartnell himself and ask for a job. She and Miriam get to work on the biggest design of them all--Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown. During their work on the dress, both women find romance entering their lives as well. For Ann, her romance leads to Canada and she loses touch with Miriam.
Heather's story is set in 2016. Her grandmother, Ann, has passed away--leaving Heather some beautifully embroidered pearl and crystal pieces, but neither Heather or her mother have ever seen them before. Heather decides to learn what the pieces are from and more about the grandmother who never spoke of her time in England. Along the way, Heather discovers that Miriam is still alive and sets off from Canada to London in order to learn everything she can about her grandmother.
This is a wonderful read, fans of royalty, tales of friendship or just of historical fiction would enjoy this novel.
Michaelle S.
Popular Materials Asst.