#BookReview: The Gown by Jennifer Robson @AuthorJenniferR @headlinepg @Phoebe_Swinburn #TheGown #historical

Available Now
Book length - 416 pages
Publisher - Headline Review
Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com
Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk
Amazon US - www.amazon.com

I want to thank Phoebe from www.headline.co.uk for providing me with a copy of this book for review.


ABOUT THIS BOOK

London, 1947: Besieged by a harsh winter, burdened by shortages and rationing, the people of post-war Britain are suffering despite their nation's recent victory. For Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell, a glimmer of brightness comes in the form of their unlikely friendship and being chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honour: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown.

Toronto, 2016: Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved nan, who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess the priceless embroideries that so closely resemble the motifs on the stunning gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding almost seventy years before? And what was her nan's connection to the celebrated textile artist and Holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin?


MY REVIEW
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THE GOWN by Jennifer Robson is a masterpiece of fiction that effortlessly brought the past to life in such a way that it made my breath hitch and completely overwhelmed me at times.

When Heather's beloved Nan dies, she finds a box with her name on it containing beautiful samples of embroidery that leaves more questions than answers for Heather. But Heather is a journalist and uncovering the truth is something she knows how to do. As she travels to England, Heather soon realises that she didn't know everything about the woman who meant so much to her, but nothing prepared her for the unbelievable truth.
Back in 1947, Ann Hughes is a talented embroiderer for the renowned Norman Hartnell and leads a content if quiet life. When a French woman starts working there, they strike up a friendship that will become so important to them both and as wedding fever hits an all-time high, both of these women will work tirelessly to make the Princess' dress everything she would dream of and more. But there are hardships and heartache ahead ...

This emotional and heartfelt story moves effortlessly from past to present and both time frames come alive through the author's words. Life in post-war in England is still hard and as we get to know Miriam, Ann's new friend, and co-worker, we can see the terrifying reality of the Holocaust through her story. This is not just a story about the stunning gown made for the Princess, although the insight into this world of embroidery is amazing, but rather a story of strength, determination, friendship, and real love that can emerge amongst the ashes of what you thought your life would be. 

THE GOWN by Jennifer Robson is exquisite in every way and I cannot describe in words how much I adored this book. This is a book that should be read by everyone as it will change you and make you realise what is important in life, and that we should never forget the past. A magnificent book that will take your breath away.


AUTHOR BIO

Jennifer Robson first learned about the Great War from her father, acclaimed historian Stuart Robson, and later served as an official guide at the Canadian National War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. A former copy editor, she holds a doctorate in British economic and social history from the University of Oxford. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and young children.

For more information:
Website - www.jennifer-robson.com
Twitter - twitter.com/AuthorJenniferR
Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferRobson/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/authorjenniferrobson/