Scan barcode
danajoy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I went into this book knowing nothing. I leave it unsure but happy I finally read it.
The Dressmaker is the story of a small town in rural Victoria called Dungatar, centred around its residents and their gossip. Even though its written on the cover I didn't realise this was an Australian Gothic novel so expect a lot of floral descriptions (gross ones at that) and a stodgy country town full of people with secrets.
The novel's protagonist, and the titular dressmaker, is Myrtle Dunnage, back in town to check on her mentally ill mother. They're outcasts and the subject of a lot of gossip. The townspeople are quite self absorbed and have an issue with Tilly (what Myrtle now goes by) until her expert fashion design and dressmaking starts to benefit them.
I definitely wouldn't classify this story as a romance. It is more of a gothic historical fiction. This story rewards people familiar with intricate fashion design as many of the gowns are described quite thoroughly. Now that I have finally finished the novel I look forward to watching the adaptation and seeing some of these dresses come to life.
The Dressmaker is the story of a small town in rural Victoria called Dungatar, centred around its residents and their gossip. Even though its written on the cover I didn't realise this was an Australian Gothic novel so expect a lot of floral descriptions (gross ones at that) and a stodgy country town full of people with secrets.
The novel's protagonist, and the titular dressmaker, is Myrtle Dunnage, back in town to check on her mentally ill mother. They're outcasts and the subject of a lot of gossip. The townspeople are quite self absorbed and have an issue with Tilly (what Myrtle now goes by) until her expert fashion design and dressmaking starts to benefit them.
I definitely wouldn't classify this story as a romance. It is more of a gothic historical fiction. This story rewards people familiar with intricate fashion design as many of the gowns are described quite thoroughly. Now that I have finally finished the novel I look forward to watching the adaptation and seeing some of these dresses come to life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
More...