Reading this book was like wandering the streets and alleyways of Paris. The story unfolded at a leisurely pace, a few turns sent the action in a different direction, several parts that required more thought like pausing at a store window, and it eventually reached its final destination. Just as a walk through Paris is enjoyable, so was this book.
I thought that the cast of characters was representative of Paris at the time (1920s). Exiled Russians, jaded Parisian artistes, Americans who stayed in Europe after WWI – all are present. Some of them are more vivid than others, and some could have done with more depth. I would have liked to have seen more of Constanza and Tatiana’s relationship that would have supported events later in the book. I did think that her villains were very well-done, and easy to loathe.
I also wish that the author had spent a little bit of background time on the exploding artistic scene in post-WWI Paris. This was the time of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Stein, of Picasso, Dali, and Chagall. I loved the focus on couture and fashion, but (once again) acknowledgment of the overall artistic scene of 1920s Paris could have used some beefing up.
I wasn’t kidding when I said that the plot meandered. It all worked together in the end, and to great effect, but there were several times that I wasn’t sure where the focus of the story was actually going. At the time it was a little frustrating because I was looking for a linear story. However, after some reflection, I have a greater appreciation for the way the plot was crafted.
I did think that the Russian aspect was particularly fascinating to me. Having visited and studied the history of the country, I would have loved if the author had gone into a little bit more detail about Tatiana’s family and the reasons for their situation. I think that was one plot point that could have used a little fleshing out.
These points are mainly because I am a huge history buff, and I feel a little bit like there was a missed opportunity here. That being said, the author did a bang-up job of describing the life of mannequins and the French fashion houses. I didn’t know much about them, so that was very informative.
Overall, it was an enjoyable story. I especially liked the plan that three main characters come up with towards the end – I think it encapsulated American ingenuity, Parisian class, and Russian daring. It was a good read, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone with interest in historical fiction.
Author Bio
Natalie Meg Evans has been an art student, actor, PR copywriter, book-keeper and bar tender but always wanted to write. A USA Today best-seller and RITA nominee, she is author of four published novels which follow the fortunes of strong-minded women during the 1930s and 40s. Fashion, manners and art are the glass through which her characters’ lives are viewed. Each novel is laced with passion, romance and desire. Mystery is never far away. An avid absorber of history – for her sixth birthday she got a toy Arthurian castle with plastic knights – Natalie views historical fiction as theatre for the imagination. Her novels delve behind the scenes of a prestige industry: high fashion, millinery, theatre, wine making. Rich arenas for love and conflict. Most at home in the English countryside, Natalie lives in rural Suffolk. She has one son.
@natmegevans
