Fiona Valpy

One Book. Two Stories. Both Compelling. This is a story with a LOT going on and a LOT of intricacies that it seems most (at least those on Goodreads so far, about 5 weeks before publication) miss out on touching on. This is effectively *both* a historical fiction (which I think it will ultimately be marketed as) of a young Jewish girl in WWII who leaves a diary behind (where does that ring a bell? ;) ) *and* a modern day psychological drama. Valpy does a remarkable job of bringing a sensuous and visceral understanding of both periods of Casablanca and Morocco, and both periods and their relevant issues - WWII / Nazis / Resistance / Operation Torch and modern shipping conglomerates / expats / refugees / immigrants - are shown in a degree of realism not often seen. Truly, either story could have been expanded a bit more - perhaps by extending out the later chapters of both - and stood equally well as standalone books. Which is high praise, as few dual timeline historical fiction books can pull this off, in my own reading experience at least. Truly a remarkable book, and very much recommended.… (more)

This was an interesting and heartbreaking story. I liked learning about Casablanca. I feel like I've read a lot of war stories but never one that's taken place here. I liked the dual timelines - the diary entry posts from Josie from the past and the POV of Zoe in the present. Thy two POV were well balance as Josie's voice was younger and Zoe is an adult and can read more into the interactions and situations that Josie. I found the twists (and there are a few!) interesting and gut-wrenching. Even if I knew 1 or 2, I definitely didn't realize the big twist because it was so well hidden and welldone. The story slows just a bit in the middle as it lays the groundwork for both stories but I appreciated the details.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.… (more)

A beautiful cover and interesting premise but just not enough impact in the plot or the characters to make this a memorable or interesting read for me.

I have read quite a few very amazing historical fiction books on WW II and unfortunately this one just doesn't compare to some of the historical fiction out there on this time in history.

The Novel is set in two time frames which for me didn't work well in this novel as I felt the the modern story took away from the historical one and just seemed contrived and unrealistic.

Abi Howes takes a summer job in rural France at the Château Bellevue. The old château echoes with voices from the past, and soon Abi finds herself drawn to one remarkable woman's story, a story that could change the course of her summer - and her life.

In 1938, Eliane Martin tends beehives in the garden of the beautiful Château Bellevue. In its shadow she meets Mathieu Dubosq and falls in love for the first time, daring to hope that a happy future awaits. But France's eastern border is darkening under the clouds of war, and history has other plans for Eliane...

I felt the book drifted along and I didn't really connect or care for the story or the characters. It felt quite a bit twee in places and only for this was recommended to me by a good friend who really enjoyed the novel I would have abandoned it half way through as it was quite a struggle to finish.

An ok read for me but certainly not one for my favourites shelf.… (more)

"The Dressmaker's Gift" wasn't a bad novel but I don't think it deserves the high praise it is receiving on GoodReads. I was unimpressed with modern-day Harriet. She was a pathetic character, and her continual wallowing in self-pity had me wanting to shake throughout the book.

However, I did enjoy the story of the three young French seamstresses who became resistance fighters. Their friendship was unbreakable and enduring. I especially admired Claire and Vivi, who showed courage, humanity and kindness despite the brutalities they suffered under the hands of their Nazi captors.

Personally, I think "The Dressmaker's Gift" would have been a better novel had the author just focused on the war years. Harriet's story was totally unnecessary. I don't know why historical fiction writers feel they must include two timelines in every book they write.… (more)