The Gown by Jennifer Robson
Published by William Morrow & Company
Publication date: December 31, 2018
Genres: Fiction, Historical 
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The euphoria felt in England at the end of World War II was slowly replaced by the realities of an eviscerated economy and the continued need for rationing. The engagement of the much-loved Princess Elizabeth to a dashing naval officer and prince was a ray of sunshine for a worn-out country. And for any woman who’s ever dreamed of a wedding what could be more important than the gown? The making of Elizabeth’s dress is the premise of Jennifer Robson’s novel, The Gown.
Ann is an embroiderer at Norman Hartnell’s couture house. Designer to the royal family, he creates Elizabeth’s gown. The design chosen has not only embroidered panels from top to bottom, but a 13’ embroidered tulle train. Ann is chosen, along with a new hire from France, Miriam, as the leads on the project.
In the present day, Heather’s beloved Nan has died. She leaves Heather a box of delicate embroidered flowers on satin, piquing Heather’s interest in her grandmother’s life before she came to Canada. She heads to London to pursue the few leads she’s found and the present and the past connect.
The process of making such an important dress is wonderfully relayed in the novel, including all the politics that went into each element (i.e. no pearls from Japan allowed). But there is more to The Gown than Elizabeth’s dress. Each character has their own past to resolve or move beyond. In particular, Miriam, who spent part of the war at Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s concentration camp in Germany and is haunted by the experience.
In the present day, Heather’s beloved Nan has died. She leaves Heather a box of delicate embroidered flowers on satin, piquing Heather’s interest in her grandmother’s life before she came to Canada. She heads to London to pursue the few leads she’s found and soon the present and the past connect.
The process of making such an important dress is wonderfully relayed in the novel, including all the politics that went into each element (i.e. no pearls from Japan allowed). But there is more to The Gown than Elizabeth’s dress. Each character has their own past to resolve or move beyond. In particular, Miriam, who spent part of the war at Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s concentration camp in Germany and is haunted by the experience.
Robson blends the timelines to keep the pages turning with a modern-day mystery about an unknown past played off against the deprivations of post-war England and two women who were able to create something beautiful that captivated a weary country. The Gown may not be the stuff of literary fiction, but it’s enjoyable vacation reading.
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*I received a free copy of this book from William Morrow & Company in exchange for an honest review.*
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