The Dressmaker

by Elizabeth Birkelund Oberbeck

Book Overview

Claude Reynaud is an old-fashioned tailor, designing his famous gowns by hand in a cluttered studio well outside Paris. But one spring afternoon a woman arrives in search of a wedding dress and shatters all his composure: Valentine de Verlay is charming, beautiful, sophisticated, and, of course, engaged. Though he has long since given up on romance in favor of his work, Claude is instantly smitten. As Valentine's wedding approaches, Claude finds it...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805080333
• ISBN13: 9780805080339
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 306 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Dressmaker fan

The title caught me....I have been making dresses for many years. The cover grabbed me as well...the design of the beautiful wedding dress! The setting was perfect, the descriptions of his workroom and his personal life and the area in which he lives are all links which make this beautiful story so appealing. The bride who doesn't care..just "make me a beautiful dress....her fiance, who made me wonder why? and the insights into the Paris fashion world were all fascinating. I have recommended this book to my Book Club (155 members) and they will be reading it this year.

*The Dressmaker*

Brilliant! We have a man that loves to study his subject and then make the perfect outfit whether it be dress, pantsuit whatever. He is married but his wife left him eight years ago and never come back. One day a beautiful woman walks in, Valentine, and asks Claude to make her a wedding dress. He loves in love instantly and becomes obsessed. They have a few moments throughout the years, but still she marries Victor. Claude just can't get over her. Somehow he believes that one day they will be together. Claude's heart is broken over and over and yet he still carries on. This book was slow to start but I just couldn't put it down halfway through. I will put this author on my list to watch!

A sweet and unpredictable story

The Dressmaker is a quick and beautifully written novel that makes me long for Paris and a wonderful wardrobe! The author creates characters that are sympathetic and believable, while weaving a story that does not turn out the way you would expect. I was surprised by the bittersweet ending and relieved that it was not a simple formula. It would make a lovely movie and is the perfect escape for a rainy day.

Delightful reminder of days gone by

A breath of fresh air with uncomplicated writing about a complicated love. So perfectly realistic, so enchantingly delightful, so pleasantly perfect that you want to be in the middle of this book watching the story unfold. The only disappointment is how one wants it to end compared to how it should and does realistically end.

A Must Read for Summer 2006!!

This debut novel by Elizabeth Oberbeck is wonderful! Elizabeth Oberbeck's lyrical and descriptive writing takes you to France and the world of haute couture, while also enchanting you with the chemistry between the dressmaker and his muse. This beautiful book is a must read for Summer 2006.