Review: The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel

The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel by Jeanne Mackin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I unquestionably love this stunning novel depicting the lifelong rivalry between Elsa Schiaparelli (a.k.a. Schiap) and Gabrielle Chanel (a.k.a. Coco Chanel). Schiap and Coco were both exceptional and dazzling fashion and perfume designers in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Schiap, an Italian by birth, came from a wealthy upbringing. Coco, born in France, came from a deprived childhood. Although their collections were very different and reflected their upbringing, both designers rocketed in the world of fashion and became rivals for fame and recognition. This book is filled with conspiracy, jalousie, betrayal, and triumphs. The story is told in the voice of Lily Sutter, a young American widow, who befriends both designers. She recounts her life, her friendships and the designers' fierce competition over a period of 20 years.

The story is brilliantly written with gorgeous descriptions of Paris and the fashion. The characters are sublime and well developed. If you are an historical fiction lover, you will not be disappointed. This book is based on true events. It is a spectacular read.

💁🏼‍♀️ Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an ARC of this wonderful book. The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin will be available at your favourite bookstore on June 25th.

#dogsandbooks #poodles #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #poodletoday #pawsandbooks #petsandbooks #poodlesandbooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookdragon #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookaddicted #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #thelastcollection #jeannemackin #bookreview #bookstafolk

View all my reviews

Comments

Review: The Last Love Note by Emma Grey

The Last Love Note by Emma Grey My rating: 3 of 5 stars In THE LAST LOVE NOTE by Emma Grey, I embarked on a journey filled with conflicting emotions. Despite my initial eagerness to delve deeper into the narrative, the unexpected weightiness of the prose caught me off guard. The narrative's frequent jumps in timeline, especially in audiobook format, proved disorienting and challenging to follow. However, Leeanna Walsman's narration was outstanding, rescuing the experience with her excellent delivery. The novel grapples with poignant themes, exploring the profound ideas of seizing life's moments and nurturing hope amid pain. Yet, occasional forced dialogue and slapstick humor felt incongruent with the somber tone. Nevertheless, the commendable growth of the characters and the author's skill in infusing joy and hope into a challenging narrative make it a worthwhile read. While my personal experience may differ, many readers have found this book highly enjoyable, so I e...

The Memory Clinic: Stories of Hope and Healing for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families by Tiffany Chow

The Memory Clinic: Stories of Hope and Healing for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families by Tiffany Chow My rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow!! What an appropriate book for this time in my life!! I entered a giveaway to win this book and I kept my finger crossed, hoping to be selected. What a joy when I found out I was one of the winners. Let me explained why this book was so important to me. My mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer two years ago. When I found out I was devastated. My mom's dad (my grandfather) died of complications of dementia and suffered from Alzheimer too. I have horrible memories of his last days and I could only imagine my mother going through the same and it scared me. There is no cure for Alzheimer... yet!! When I read the book synopsis, I knew I needed to read it. I want to know what I can do to reduce my chance to get Alzheimer. Let's be honest here.. my grand-father had it, my mom has it... I don't want to be an ostrich and ignore the risks by...

Review: Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley

Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley My rating: 4 of 5 stars In PUBLIC ANCHOVY #1 by Mindy Quigley, the delightful chaos of Geneva Bay's Deep Dish Mystery series unfolds in a Wisconsin pizzeria, blending suspense with humor. As pizza chef Delilah O'Leary navigates the challenges of winter slow season and a promising romance with detective Calvin Capone, a murder crashes a Prohibition-themed fundraiser. The story takes an unexpected turn, trapping Delilah, Capone, and her staff in a mansion for a thrilling game of cat and mouse with a desperate killer. Quigley's narrative mastery keeps readers guessing, and even with prior series knowledge recommended, the book stands as a gripping standalone. Returning to Delilah's world, I found the unpredictable mystery, coupled with the entertaining cat antics, a perfect blend of suspense and humor. ✏ Favourite quote: "It's not a weakness to feel things," I said. #bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #fur...

Two Dogs and a Book

Search This Blog