For readers of The Paris Wife and Z comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel—the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and become one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century.Born into rural poverty, … century.
Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to orphanage after their mother’s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle’s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood.
Transforming herself into Coco—a seamstress and sometime torch singer—the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny.
Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco’s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her.
An enthralling novel of an extraordinary woman who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion and artistic vision would become her trademark.
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I love historical fiction and I loved this book!
From the opening pages, C. W. Gortner’s Mademoiselle Chanel put me in mind of Melanie Benjamin’s work. Like Benjamin, Gortner plunges his reader immediately into the story, in this case the life and times of Coco Chanel. This he does thoroughly, and well, and the bones I have to pick here come only from knowing too much, if you will about Chanel …
This is a very good book about the woman who reshaped fashion by designing clothes that fit the lifestyle of women. As you can guess by the books I’ve reviewed, I love to read nonfiction as well as across all genres in fiction. My list is only a sampling of the books I devour whenever I have a free moment. As long as you have a good book, you are …
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book.. I found it fascinating and quite interesting. I couldn’t put it down.
Amazing story. I couldn’t put it down.
This book was eye opening for sure. Coco Chanel began her life as a poor child in a family whose father left her, their dying mother and siblings. The luck of all this is that Gabrielle aka Coco was taken to a convent orphanage where a nun noticed her brilliant stitch work. Over time and with the aid of a particular lover/benefactor, Coco …
Who knew? Had no idea sbout Coco Channel’s early life , how she lived or with whom she fraternized. – an enjoyable read about Channel and an interesting time in world history .
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mademoiselle Chanel. I thought the writing was superb, such a pleasure to read, and Coco Chanel’s story very interesting. I highly recommend it even if you aren’t interested in the fashion industry.
Great read. It keeps you engaged. If you like history you will love this.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning about Coco Chanel! What an interesting life she lead!
Coco Chanel…one of a kind! More than a rags to riches tale. Determination, grit and choices!
Excellent
Memorable true story that stays with you. Inspiring.
It was interesting to read about how Chanel got started and became a brand name. I knew nothing about Coco Chanel so was intrigued to learn about her life.
This is a very good mixture of both history and a good novel put together
Liked it a lot!
Mademoiselle Chanel is wonderful!
The way the author describes her life makes you feel like you are right there experiencing it with her! A wonderful read for those like me who love to read biographies and memoirs.
Loved learning about Chanel’s life.
I liked the book a lot. What I especially liked was her experiences during the war and her soul searching about some of the decisions that she made. Totally relatable.