The Dressmaker of Paris

'A story of loss and escape, redemption and forgiveness. Fans of Lucinda Riley will adore it' (Sunday Express)

By: Georgia Kaufmann

Narrated by: Karen Cass

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

A beautifully written, sweeping historical women's fiction novel that spans both time and the globe as we follow one woman's journey from simple country girl to global fashion icon.

I need to tell you a story, ma chère. My story.

Rosa Kusstatscher has built a global fashion empire upon her ability to find the perfect outfit for any occasion. But tonight, as she prepares for the most important meeting of her life, her usual certainty eludes her.

What brought her to this moment? As she struggles to select her dress and choose the right shade of lipstick, Rosa begins to tell her incredible story. The story of a poor country girl from a village high in the mountains of Italy. Of Nazi occupation and fleeing in the night. Of hope and heartbreak in Switzerland; ambition, glamour and love in Paris. Of ambition and devastation in Rio de Janeiro; success and self-discovery in New York.

A life spent running, she sees now. But she will run no longer.

Breathtaking and utterly enthralling, The Dressmaker of Paris is a stunning debut novel that is perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kate Morton and Dinah Jefferies.

©2021 Georgia Kaufmann (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd

Enjoyable Journey!

My only minor criticism is with the performance of the male American character. Too often British performers (my fav) resort to an unrealistic speech cadence that makes the character sound creepy like a “lounge lizard”! Other than that, I enjoyed the performance

A wonderful story. I couldn't put it down. Ex

Excellent narrator with crystal clear diction did great justice to the story.
Brava, brava, brava!

Could not quit listening!

Loved this book! So many twists and turns and one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in a long time!

Wonderful, engaging novel

This book had me transfixed from start to finish. The story was so original. The fact that Rosa was referring to "ma chere" throughout, kept me guessing who her dear one was. Karen Cass did a superb performance and I was impressed with her amazing language expertise and flawless pronunciation. I highly recommend this book.

The Dressmaker of Paris

Having been to uni for my fashion design degree and having my own design businesses, I thought I had listened to all books on the subject. I also am a Francophile, and a favorite genre is WWII historical fiction. This book ticked all of my boxes.

The beginning was similar to many others. Girl leaves the country to try her luck at getting a job in a Parisian fashion house. Astonishingly, she ends up in an Haute couture atelier as a, most usually, seamstress. The designer sees that special Je ne sais quoi and takes the girl under her wing.

Given the all too familiar beginnings, I was frustrated until a horrific situation happened to the girl child, which got my attention, and I knew that the writer had chops.

I love this book. I love how the protagonist draws you in as though you are who she is talking to by often beginning her stories with; you see chéri or something like that, which is always directed at Chéri.

The story spans from WWII to the Berlin Wall. It touches upon these lightly—more as markers of time periods than direct subjects. You also travel from Paris to Rio de Janeiro to NYC, and back to Europe.

I cannot say enough about how the narrator makes it come alive. I will look for other books by Karen Cass. I have never searched for books by a narrator, and I have literally listened to hundreds of hours on audible.

Story of a life

She weaves a story of life with ups and downs that keeps you captivated until the end.

Lovely. Vulnerable and visual.

As a fan of Lucinda Riley, I was impressed with the historic, cultural and geographic accuracy with which Cass was able to spin a very visually stimulating tale, as Riley often does. Love the fashion, glamour and beauty references. Made ugly truths seem somehow beautiful with a subtle use of humor. A very nice listen.

Good story, excellent reading

Lovely story wirh good characters really well read. I so much enjoyed all the accents, the voices. Karen Kass us an excellent reader.

I did not want to put this book down. So loved it

Loved loved loved it!
narration was excellent so was the storyline.
Can't wait to read more Gloria Kaufmann's books

A wonderful journey through an intriguing life and world.

A fascinating and intriguing journey through a life of trials, hardship, strength, talent and determination. One of the best stories I’ve read in historical fiction - and one to which I very much relate.