The Grand Design

A Novel of Dorothy Draper

De: Joy Callaway

Narrado por: Gina Carlson

Dorothy Draper has one last chance to prove she chose the right course for her life. With the restoration of The Greenbrier resort at her fingertips, Dorothy aspires to give new life to a place that’s sentimental to her, and to bring a new spark to interior design.

In 1908, young Dorothy Tuckerman chafes under the bland, beige traditions of her socialite circles. Only the aristocracy’s annual summer trips to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia spark her imagination. In this naturally beautiful place, an unexpected romance with an Italian racecar driver gives Dorothy a taste of the passion and adventure she wants. But her family intervenes, sentencing Dorothy to the life she hopes to escape.

Thirty-eight years later, as World War II draws to a close, Dorothy has done everything a woman in the early twentieth century should not: she has divorced her husband—scandalous—and established America’s first interior design firm—shocking. Now, Dorothy returns to The Greenbrier with the assignment to restore it to something even greater than its original glory. With her beloved company’s future hanging in the balance and brimming with daring, unconventional ideas, Dorothy has one more chance to give her dreams wings or succumb to her what society tells her is her inescapable fate.

Based on the true story of famed designer Dorothy Draper, The Grand Design is a moving tale of one woman’s quest to transform the walls that hold her captive.

“Five Stars!” —Carleton Varney, president of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.

“As captivating and confident as the heroine at its center.” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil

“Full of luscious details of fashion and luxury!” —Kelly O’Connor McNees, author of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

“A dazzling, intimate portrait.” —Louise Claire Johnson, author of Behind the Red Door

“Historical fiction at its finest!” —Elyssa Friedland, author of Last Summer at the Golden Hotel

• Historical novel centered around America’s first female interior designer
• Stand-alone novel
• Book length: 109,000 words

Reseñas de la Crítica

'The story is a thoroughly enjoyable read with the characters, including The Greenbrier, coming vividly to life. It is well-paced, with twists and turns in the plot and notable guests like President Taft woven into the storyline to anchor the reader in history. Dramatic details make readers believe they can almost smell the rhododendron and magnolias.'

Joy Callaway's The Grand Design is a high-society drama and a deep dive into the life of Dorothy Draper, an interior decorator who refused to play it safe. It is an ode to the beauty of West Virginia and an exploration of a woman determined to follow her own path--both illuminating and lyrical.

Moving between the two story lines, Callaway's latest showcases the glamour of the Gilded Age as well as Dorothy's real-life postwar design for the resort. A treat for historical fiction fans.

Real-life interior designer Dorothy Draper and her renovation of West Virginia's Greenbrier Resort anchor this transportive historical from Callaway (Secret Sisters) . . . Callaway's dialogue captures the cadences and concerns of the American upper crust, and the society drama is sure to please fans of such aristocratic historicals as The House of Mirth and The Gilded Age. The result is an elegant testament to succeeding on one's own terms.

Great details about the Greenbrier

This is a good mix of history and fiction. Much of the story is total history and the fictional parts add interest to the story.i have not been to Greenbrier, but have heard from my daughter, who stayed there that it's unbelievably beautiful.

Enjoyable listen - For the most part

I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Greenbriar, which I have had the pleasure of visiting only once, the narrator was really annoying. Her idea of an aristocratic voice is snobby and obnoxious. I almost couldn’t listen to the whole book, but was drawn by the information about this grand old resort.

Highlights a Treasure

Dororthy Draper is certainly a fiction worthy character and I loved the embelishment of her design process I could have lived without the lackluster love life portion.

A woman ahead of her time

What a wonderful story. I loved the detail, right down to the heat of the West Virginia summers in formal dresses. Dorothy was an independent woman ahead of her time in many ways. Colorful, creative and daring. A loved it!

So much fun

This was an absolute pleasure to listen to… being an interior designer and having read several books about DD this was a fun look at what she may have been like in “a life well lived”.., many thanks for bringing DD to life …

Half of story is fiction

I've been to the Greenbrier so thought I would enjoy the history - which I did; HOWEVER, and it's a BIG however, 1/2 of the story is pure fiction. The reader might suspect this, but it is abundantly clear in the authors note at the end. I guess the historical portion wouldn't have made a book without the fiction - poorly done IMO.

Historical fiction about The Greenbrier and Dorothy Draper

Growing up in Ohio I have, of course, heard of The Greenbrier Hotel many many times over the years. I was aware of its relationship to the stars and to government but it really had no idea that it was a Dorothy Draper project to refurnish it after WWII. This is a love story in two guises - one in which a man plays a part and the other in which Dorothy's love for The Greenbrier eclipses all. Definitely makes me want to add this destination to the bucket list!

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!!

I've needed a good book to listen to for a long time. This one is it! It was a great subject and the narration was fun. I absolutely need to go see the Greenbriar Hotel now. This is such an awesome book. I just absolutely love it!

The Greenbrier was the Star

I really loved reading about the resort and the process of its development, languishing and reopening. I do think Dorothy Draper was truly so passionate and talented. A gave a three star review for it overall because I’m just not a fan of romance novels. This read, often, as that genre.

A must read for those who know The Greenbrier

I grew up during the 50s & 60s in nearby Lewisburg and have fond memories of our visits to the hotel including swimming lessons, golfing and formal balls. The writer has captured the magic of the place.