One of the most anticipated reads from InStyle, HelloGiggles, Hypable, Bookbub, and Bookriot!
One of Real Simple’s Best Historical Fiction novels of the year!
“The Gown is marvelous and moving, a vivid portrait of female self-reliance in a world racked by the cost of war.”–Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network
From the internationally bestselling author of … Times bestselling author of The Alice Network
From the internationally bestselling author of Somewhere in France comes an enthralling historical novel about one of the most famous wedding dresses of the twentieth century—Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown—and the fascinating women who made it.
“Millions will welcome this joyous event as a flash of color on the long road we have to travel.”
—Sir Winston Churchill on the news of Princess Elizabeth’s forthcoming wedding
London, 1947: Besieged by the harshest winter in living memory, burdened by onerous shortages and rationing, the people of postwar Britain are enduring lives of quiet desperation despite their nation’s recent victory. Among them are Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell. Together they forge an unlikely friendship, but their nascent hopes for a brighter future are tested when they are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honor: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.
Toronto, 2016: More than half a century later, Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a set of embroidered flowers, a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved Nan, a woman 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?
With The Gown, Jennifer Robson takes us inside the workrooms where one of the most famous wedding gowns in history was created. Balancing behind-the-scenes details with a sweeping portrait of a society left reeling by the calamitous costs of victory, she introduces readers to three unforgettable heroines, their points of view alternating and intersecting throughout its pages, whose lives are woven together by the pain of survival, the bonds of friendship, and the redemptive power of love.
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I had a chance to read this for a cover quote, and devoured it! My quote:
“Jennifer Robson embroiders life, friendship, and hope into the somber gray world of post-war London every bit as skillfully as her seamstress heroines embroider crystal flowers into the folds of a royal wedding dress. Miriam and Ann are both battling inner demons when they meet in the backroom of England’s most famous couture house, but the chance of a lifetime–the task of embroidering Princess Elizabeth’s gown for the wedding of the century–will open new doors for both women, and lay the foundations of a mystery to be unraveled seventy years later by their grandchildren. THE GOWN is marvelous and moving, a vivid portrait of female self-reliance in a world racked by the cost of war.”
Love, love, love this book. I’m bawling like a baby as I write this. Books about WWII have a special place in my heart. Strangely, I always turn to them when my life is hard or when I’m going through something. They give me motivation to go on despite anything and everything. And this book did the same.
I personally connected with Ann and her thought process. So because of her I feel like the ending was bittersweet and for that reason, so so memorable.
I wish I could express how much I loved this book but all I can say is that if you love historical fiction and human condition, this book shouldn’t be missed.
Jennifer Robson has chosen a winning subject for her fifth novel, a story about the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown and the transformative role it plays in the lives of three women: Ann Hughes, an embroiderer in the London workroom of designer Norman Hartnell; Ann’s co-worker, Miriam Dassin, a French emigre and Holocaust survivor; and Ann’s Canadian granddaughter, Heather who is bequeathed Ann’s box of embroidered flowers and, cut loose from her job, sets out on a quest to understand MORE on my BookScapes blog: https://susanalbert.com/bookscapes-the-gown/
In The Gown, Jennifer Robson illuminates with her signature meticulous historical detail and sure voice the story behind Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress… an unforgettable story of friendship, hardship and hope. Robson has managed to craft a story that is personal and universal, timely and timeless. The Gown soars!
Robson’s story shifts among three protagonists and spans 70 years, but the common thread is Princess Elizabeth’s gown for her royal wedding—and specifically, the women who make it. While Robson has a fine eye for detail, and her behind-the-scenes descriptions of the fine autelier’s workroom are riveting, the heartbeat of the story comes from female friendship, secret pasts, and life after loss. A must-read for fans of The Crown, and recommended for all seeking an intimate take on the often-neglected postwar era.
I literally finished reading The Gown not five minutes ago and had to post how much I loved this book! I’m a sucker for historical behind-the-scenes novels that make time periods as real as today. But to peek behind the curtains of a royal wedding through the eyes of someone you or I might have known makes the story jump off the page and into my heart. I adore stories that make me want to learn more, and The Gown hit a homerun in that regard. Cannot wait to read more from this author! Well done Jennifer Robson!
A moving story about the power of female friendship and renewal in the face of adversity. Like the good luck sprig of heather hidden amid the embroidery on Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress, this story promises secrets and lives that bloom in unlikely ways. Perfect for fans of The Crown!
Set mostly in the aftermath of WWII in England and about two embroiderers who helped make Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding gown, The Gown is perfect for fans of the Netflix series The Crown, and also Downtown Abbey or Call the Midwife.
Told through the eyes of three compelling women, The Gown is a heartwarming story of friendship, resilience, and the power of heirlooms to connect people through generations, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
Set just after the Second World War, this is a tale of two young women who embroider the wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth in 1947 London. Heartwarming and intriguing, it tells a tale of different times and how women came together after the war.
I absolutely loved this novel. While, yes, it is a little about the royal wedding and the gown Queen Elizabeth wore, it is much more the story of Ann and Miriam, two young women who embroidered the royal wedding gown and who both triumphed over adversity. There is a melding of past (1947) and present (2016). There are the ties of friendship and family. There is heartbreak and success. There is sadness and joy. I won’t soon forget these characters or their stories.
I absolutely loved this book. It is very nearly a perfect book–great characters with stories that weave a fantastic, orginal, emotional, poignant plot together. I didn’t want the book to end. If you love women’s fiction, historical fiction, or novels with a truly satisfying ending, you must read THE GOWN. 5 stars!!
I loved this book so much – one of my favorite reads so far this year!! Such a wonderful weaving of three stories all set against the fascinating history of the making of the gown. Couldn’t have loved it more.
Historical fiction. I enjoy stories woven around real events and people. As a sewing I enjoyed the inclusion of the details of fabric used in the actual gown.
I loved how this story made much of the kindnesses that make life a gift. I enjoy a story that inspires readers to be the best version of themselves. These characters persevere in the face of deprivation and display love & kindness in spite of the pettiness and cruelty they at times encounter. A leisurely-paced lovely story that Publishers Weekly calls a “winning, heartwarming tale.”
I loved this story following two talented embroiders Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress and one of their granddaughters. I feel a little embarrassed that it took me so long to read this one since the post-war London setting and strong female friendship places it right in my wheelhouse!
Set in war-torn London in 1947, this historical fiction tells of two young women whose mastery of embroidery on Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown and train brings about a life-long friendship. The two women who come from vastly different backgrounds are wonderfully drawn characters. Part of their story is told by their descendants to impart a predictable happily ever after ending. I really enjoyed the historical information provided about the gown, the fashion industries, and the portrayal of life in London at that time. Very enjoyable read.
I truly enjoyed this awesome book by Jennifer Robson, one of my favourite authors (as well as a fellow Canuck!). Her premise is brilliant – to focus on the embroiderers who worked on Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown. It flips between that period and modern day. There is everything in this book – meticulously researched historical detail that bring the narrative to life, excellent character development, a mystery, heartbreak, and a sweet burgeoning romance. Highly recommend. Jennifer’s career is one that I always watch with interest, and I read pretty much everything she publishes.
Jennifer Robson deftly weaves together the lives of three different women with magnificent detail, with the exquisitely designed royal wedding gown as the lynchpin for all their stories. This is a riveting tale of courage and endurance, friendship and family. Highly recommended!
Jennifer Robson is an autobuy for me, and I think The Gown is her best work yet! I loved the characters, and the unique premise! If you like The Crown, this gives another perspective on Queen Elizabeth’s wedding and post-war England that is truly lovely.