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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
This is a hard book to review as I think I was looking for more than what the author has served but that isn't her fault. I was itching for more context around her fashion business and development- to understand her inspirations and drive. Alas that wasn't what this was about. It was an interesting story. I feel the author was trying to balance making Coco sympathetic while also being realistic with her Nazi relationships. For me it made it difficult to like Coco, even in the end I just wanted to slap her - which always makes for a challenging read for me.
Admittedly, I am surprised that I somehow rated this book 4 stars when I really found myself despising the main character, particularly knowing what was happening in the background of the story in France and Germany during World War II. Despite this, to me it was still a fascinating look at how she may have interacted and survived at the Ritz in Paris during that entire time. I find myself comparing her to Scarlett O’Hara type character: a woman who somehow survives and perseveres no matter how many people she takes down in the process intentionally or not. I still found myself turning on the audiobook whenever I had a few minutes to listen just to hear what she was up to next and how she was going to get through this seemingly unscathed.
This was a good story. Did I particularly like Coco? No, not really. I'm curious how much is based on fact vs. story telling. The story itself, to see how many obstacles she had faced in a short amount of time, the people she was involved with, and how everything intersected was interesting for me. I didn't know much about Chanel going in.
I’ve read quite a few stories about Gabrielle Chanel and enjoyed the plot of “Queen of Paris” very much. It was her experience leading up to and during WWII. It was an interesting portrayal of “Coco”, not the evil monster that many write of… but I found it very slow. I wanted to love it, it contained a great story, and the cover was fabulous… but yeah, I finished it, but it never really engaged me.
3.5 stars rounded down for goodreads
Historical fiction about Coco Chanel during the 1940s Nazi occupation of Paris and her collaboration with the Germans to regain ownership of her company.
It's interesting reading historical fiction about a historical figure because I do not know what plot points have been embellished or created, having never read a straight up biography about Coco Chanel.
I will say I learned a lot about the character Ewen introduces us to, the woman and how she became who she was: an orphan, a cabaret dancer, the mistress of powerful men, forced to give her child away, founder of an iconic fashion house, and the self-proclaimed queen of Paris.
I was surprised to learn about her involvement with the Nazis. She spied for them and attempted to broker peace with England in exchange for the enforcement of their Jewish ban on owning businesses and property. Her Jewish business partner had fled to America after Germany invaded Poland and taken her N° 5 formula and revenue with him. She wanted her company back.
Dirty dealings Coco! Ewen's Coco is a spoiled and narcissistic survivor who is entirely self-made and did whatever she had to do to achieve her wealth and independence. And like most early-20th century women, her ability to succeed was entirely defined by men.
Documents were declassified in 2010 revealing this collaboration so she effectively got away with it and faced no consequences. Unsettling. Ultimately, I think she was a successful business woman but not a very shrewd human. She kind of flailed in the personal-relationships department and seemed like a pretty lonely individual.
As for the book itself, it could have been condensed and been more compelling, and the end wrapped up a little quick and neat, but otherwise it was an engaging read.
Historical fiction about Coco Chanel during the 1940s Nazi occupation of Paris and her collaboration with the Germans to regain ownership of her company.
It's interesting reading historical fiction about a historical figure because I do not know what plot points have been embellished or created, having never read a straight up biography about Coco Chanel.
I will say I learned a lot about the character Ewen introduces us to, the woman and how she became who she was: an orphan, a cabaret dancer, the mistress of powerful men, forced to give her child away, founder of an iconic fashion house, and the self-proclaimed queen of Paris.
I was surprised to learn about her involvement with the Nazis. She spied for them and attempted to broker peace with England in exchange for the enforcement of their Jewish ban on owning businesses and property. Her Jewish business partner had fled to America after Germany invaded Poland and taken her N° 5 formula and revenue with him. She wanted her company back.
Dirty dealings Coco! Ewen's Coco is a spoiled and narcissistic survivor who is entirely self-made and did whatever she had to do to achieve her wealth and independence. And like most early-20th century women, her ability to succeed was entirely defined by men.
Documents were declassified in 2010 revealing this collaboration so she effectively got away with it and faced no consequences. Unsettling. Ultimately, I think she was a successful business woman but not a very shrewd human. She kind of flailed in the personal-relationships department and seemed like a pretty lonely individual.
As for the book itself, it could have been condensed and been more compelling, and the end wrapped up a little quick and neat, but otherwise it was an engaging read.
dark
informative
slow-paced
I was surprised at the lengths coco went to to keep her style if living. Also at her lack of empathy of willingness to see what was in front of her.