The Gown
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Book Brief
371
Novel • Fiction
•
British Literature•
RomanceLondon, England • 1940s
•
Social Class•
Family2018
William Morrow Paperbacks
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Gown by Jennifer Robson follows Ann, a senior embroiderer, and Miriam, a French Jew who survived the Ravensbrück concentration camp, as they work on Queen Elizabeth II's wedding gown in post-WWII Britain, while Ann’s granddaughter Heather seeks answers about her grandmother's past in 2016, revealing the intertwined stories of these underappreciated women. The book depicts sexual assault.
Nostalgic
Emotional
Romantic
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
70,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The reviews for Jennifer Robson's The Gown are largely positive, highlighting the novel's rich historical detail and well-drawn characters. Readers praise the compelling narrative and emotional depth. However, some critiques mention a slow start and predictable plot points. Overall, it's a captivating read for historical fiction enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Gown?
Readers who relish historical fiction centered around fashion, female friendships, and post-war resiliency will be captivated by Jennifer Robson's The Gown. Comparable to Kate Quinn's The Alice Network and Natasha Lester's The Paris Seamstress, it appeals to those who enjoy intricate narratives woven with historical detail and emotional depth.
70,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Jewish survivor of Nazi-occupied France, who moves to England to start anew and finds healing and friendship while working on a royal wedding gown.
The granddaughter of Ann Hughes, who embarks on a journey to discover her grandmother's hidden past in the wake of her death.
A charming yet ultimately manipulative army captain who appears to be a romantic interest but reveals darker intentions.
A journalist and steady, supportive influence in Miriam's life, who respects her boundaries and helps her deal with her past.
An amiable and helpful character who aids Heather in her quest to uncover her grandmother's history, encouraging the sharing of her family's legacy.
371
Novel • Fiction
•
British Literature•
RomanceLondon, England • 1940s
•
Social Class•
Family2018
William Morrow Paperbacks
Adult
18+ years
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