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sashahc's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I just read “By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register” by Piper Huguley. It’s a fictionalized memoir of a real person. Ann Lowe was a Black woman and granddaughter of enslaved peoples who designed bespoke clothing for the New York elite, including the wedding dress of Jackie Kennedy. It’s a fascinating story and character. After I read it, I looked up an interview with Ann Lowe in Ebony and whether it was true in the details, the book definitely seemed to capture her spirit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Gaslighting, Classism, and Domestic abuse
hannah_lou's review
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
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
5.0
I loved reading this book! It felt like I was reading Ann’s autobiography, rather than a novel, because it was so well-researched. The dialect was great but always comprehensible. I enjoyed the easy pace and short chapters.
Ann took a remarkable place in history and was connected to many notable people; she also bridged the gap between very different eras of civil rights. I would call this story a coming-of-age story for Ann, our country, Jackie Kennedy, the civil rights movement, and fashion all in one.
Marvelous read.
A word about the first third of the book and a certain child marriage: It’s hard to read about the grooming and eventual marriage of twelve-year-old Ann. Sexual acts are described, not in graphic detail, but enough detail to be uncomfortable. While it’s hard to read, I encourage you to keep reading because the marriage does end and I believe Ann finds healing and independence.
Ann took a remarkable place in history and was connected to many notable people; she also bridged the gap between very different eras of civil rights. I would call this story a coming-of-age story for Ann, our country, Jackie Kennedy, the civil rights movement, and fashion all in one.
Marvelous read.
A word about the first third of the book and a certain child marriage:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Grief, Domestic abuse, Racism, Infertility, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Racial slurs, and Pregnancy
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