hoopla eBook | hoopla eAudiobook
Discussion | About Connected
“The Gown is marvelous and moving, a vivid portrait of female self-reliance in a world racked by the cost of war.” (Kate Quinn, author of The Alice Network)
From the internationally bestselling author of Somewhere in France comes an enthralling historical novel about one of the most famous wedding dresses of the twentieth century—Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown—and the fascinating women who made it.
London, 1947: Besieged by the harshest winter in living memory, burdened by onerous shortages and rationing, the people of postwar Britain are enduring lives of quiet desperation despite their nation’s recent victory. Among them are Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell. Together they forge an unlikely friendship, but their nascent hopes for a brighter future are tested when they are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honor: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.
Toronto, 2016: More than half a century later, Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a set of embroidered flowers, a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved Nan, a woman who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess the priceless embroideries that so closely resemble the motifs on the stunning gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding almost seventy years before? And what was her Nan’s connection to the celebrated textile artist and holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin? (Publisher)
Interview with historian-turned-author Jennifer Robson
Jennifer Robson gives voice to historical women in The Gown
Jennifer Robson’s novel centers on Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown (CBC Radio interview)
The true story of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress
Our Monday Book Club meeting, originally scheduled for April 6, is being converted to a “virtual” discussion of the book The Empress of Idaho by Todd Babiak via email. Members are being contacted and can participate via email. Non-members are welcome to add their comments to the blog!
Our Seniors Book Club meeting, originally scheduled for April 8, is being converted to a “virtual” discussion of the book Clock Dance by Anne Tyler via email. Members are being contacted and can participate via email. Non-members are welcome to add their comments to the blog!