If you like memoir, fashion and storytelling written like fiction, then you’ll enjoy reading Justine Picardie’s My Mother’s Wedding Dress. I received an advance copy through the Harper Collins First Look program. I was pressed to read the book quickly because I needed to get my review in by March 1 in order to remain in the program. I had about 3 weeks to read, which really wasn’t enough time for me considering I had other books on the go. Nevertheless, I came in under the wire and below is the review I submitted:
Quote: My Mother’s Wedding Dress opens with the fantastic story of a black mohair cocktail dress–a strange choice for a wedding dress, nonetheless, Picardie makes it seem like a perfectly natural choice given the circumstances. Picardie quickly sets the stage, filling the reader in on her family’s heritage, their immigrant experiences, and like a giant quilt–with short story fabric swatches from past dresses, uniforms and trousers–Picardie pulls together a beautiful and rich memoir.
Each chapter could easily stand on its own as a compact narrative of the memories that spin off from a single article of clothing. But together the pieces form a splendid and diverse wardrobe of remembrance.
I enjoyed this book very much. I think the cover is stylish and is certainly what drew me to the book in the first place. As far as book clubs, yes, if you have a predominantly female book club, this would be a good pick. There are many, many things to discuss: going to a new school, having grandparents from another country, sisters, fashion choices, cancer, politics and friendship. It’s good for a range of generations too. I’m 30 but I know my 40-50 something friends will enjoy the book. And my 20 something friends who read fiction and wouldn’t think of reading memoir would certainly like this book.
The book is out next month (March). And I recommend it as a good springtime read. Like plastic trousers and velvet vests, sometimes an impulse buy works out perfectly.