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rseykora's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A wonderful story of a little known black seamstress . With the US history, there are many contributions and inspiring individuals that are “hidden” when they should be acknowledged. Anne Lowe’s history and contribution is worthy of celebrating!
styleandsavings's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lilays43's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sarahinthecapital's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nyx_knight's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
khornstein1's review
4.0
Really liked this one, especially the opening chapters taking place in the Jim Crow-era South. Went back and forth from book to audio and LOVED Tracy Conyer Lee's narration.
heathermb's review
3.5
MSU Book Club
Source: Libby Text
I wanted to read this because it’s part of the “history that we don’t know” – the black woman’s story. This was an amazing read because I had no idea about Ann Lowe or about her life. Because I don’t pay attention to fashion, this wouldn’t have been on my radar, and the time distance is enough that I have no memory of the dresses she made anyway. I had to go back to look at pictures of Jaqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress.
The writing, however, was not great. Some of it I thought was the author trying to mimic what Ann Lowe’s speech patterns were… but some of it just seemed to be bad writing. I will still recommend it because there aren’t a lot of places to get her story.
Though, my constant complaint about historical fiction when it focuses on real people – the authors make up information to put into the book. Here, there is a whole storyline that is completely fabricated with no fact to back it up. It’s not information that is helpful to understand Ann Lowe, her life, or her struggle better. I understand that they need to make up dialogue, but they don’t have to just create pieces of story to distract from the actual events.
jacque18's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jchant's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was a fictionalized biography of Ann Lowe, a Black woman who born into poverty and who rose to be a designer for the wealthiest women in America. Absolutely fascinating, and definitely recommended!
Tracey Conyer Lee was a wonderful narrator for this book.
Tracey Conyer Lee was a wonderful narrator for this book.
plcbaker's review
4.0
I loved learning about this Alabama woman, even in this fictionalized account. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it at first, the writing is not great but the story is very interesting.