The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester: Book Review
A remarkable historical-fiction work that will keep you page-turning until the very end.
When Estella Bissette’s mother tells her she has to leave Paris for America, and that she is in fact American, her whole world is turned upside down.
The story sets up on the eve of the Nazi invasion, with a mother facing a heartbreaking decision. Estella’s mother knows that it will no longer be safe in Paris, and decides to send her beloved daughter to America, and to safety. But why? Why America? What are their secret ties to America?
This beautiful story plays out on the backdrop of World War II and Nazi-occupied France, a favorite and intriguing period of mine. We have so much we can learn from this time. Stories of cruelty, pain, and struggle. Stories of incomprehensible bravery. Stories of pure triumph and redemption. There is so much learning and inspiration to be taken from this era, and why I gravitate to this historical-fiction genre.
“…Paris can be more therapeutic than the best of medicines.”
This is a dual timeline story that takes place in 1940’s Paris and New York City, and modern-day New York City.
Estella finds herself on a boat to America with nothing more than a sewing machine, a strong will, and a vision. She dreams of continuing the work her mother taught her, to be a seamstress for fashion’s elite. Her adventure begins simply and complicates quickly as she meets a dashing, mysterious man who sets her on a path of romance and discovery. Intrepidly, she moves toward the understanding of who she truly is, the solving of who her family truly is, and the unexpected impact they have on the resistance workers in France.
Without giving away any spoilers, I’m not inclined to share too much else.
This is the third book of Natasha Lester’s that I have read this year. My first Natasha Lester read was The Paris Orphan. The second was The Paris Secret. You can read my review of The Paris Secret here.
A few of my favorite quotes:
“Estella craved the filling stews she was used to eating at the atelier at lunchtime but everything on the menu seemed made for speed rather than a leisurely repast. Another thing to get used to; that lunch wasn’t to be the main meal of the day as it was in Paris.”
“So I won’t. Instead I’ll say I’m glad you decided to come to Paris. My grandmother believes that Paris can be more therapeutic than the best of medicines.”
“All along the streets, she could see posters bearing a strapping German soldier looking down at a child, urging Parisians to put their trust in the soldiers, who wanted nothing more than to protect them.”
“I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die.”
If you would like to learn more about the author, Natasha Lester, you can find her webpage here: Natasha Lester
If you would like to buy this read this book, here is the link to purchase on Amazon.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.
Below is a link to my Goodreads reviews. View all my Goodreads reviews here.
The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
