Description
The richest silk hides the deepest secrets . . .
The Dressmaker of Draper's Lane by Liz Trenow is an immersive historical novel set during the opulence and extravagance of the London silk trade in the mid-eighteenth century.
1768, London.
As a foundling who rose from poverty and now runs her own successful dressmaking business in the heart of society London, Miss Charlotte is a remarkable woman, admired by many. She has no need, nor desire, to marry. The people she values most are her friend Anna, her recently-found sister Louisa and nephew Peter.
She feels herself fortunate, and should be content with what she has. But something is missing.
A small piece of rare silk discovered in a bundle of scraps at auction triggers a curious sense of familiarity, and prompts her to unpick a past filled with extraordinary secrets and revelations . . .
An evocative historical novel set against the rich tapestry of the silk trade in London during the 1760s.
About the Author
Liz Trenow is the author of several historical novels, including The Last Telegram, The Forgotten Seamstress, The Poppy Factory, The Silk Weaver and In Love and War. Liz's family have been silk weavers for nearly three hundred years and she grew up in a house next to the mill in Suffolk, which still operates today, weaving for top-end fashion houses and royal commissions. This unique history inspired her first two novels, and this, her fourth novel.
Liz is a former journalist who spent fifteen years on regional and national newspapers, and on BBC radio and television news, before turning her hand to fiction. She lives in East Anglia with her artist husband, and they have two grown-up daughters.
Reviews
Miss Charlotte is a bold, inspiring character and her quest to find the truth about her mother is cleverly plotted. Liz Trenow draws us in so that we inhabit her world, and it was a wrench to put the book down after the last beautifully written page -- Gill Paul
Inspired by her own silk-weaver family, Trenow delivers an exquisite historical novel that's packed with detail * Woman's Weekly *
Trenow's exquisite novel puts a real focus on the characters' journeys * Woman *
Pick up this light-hearted book when you fancy a break from stitching up a storm! * Sew Magazine *
A finely woven tale set in the richly evoked world of the silk trade in 18th century London * The Lady *
A rich, descriptive but very tender historical fiction - you won't be able to put it down * Sissi Reads *
Liz Trenow sews together the strands of past and present as delicately as the exquisite stitching on the quilt which forms the centrepiece of the story -- Lucinda Riley on The Forgotten Seamstress
If you enjoy historical fiction with secrets and intrigue with women at its core then you should add this one to your reading list * Jera's Jamboree *
The Dressmaker of Draper's Lane is a sumptuous piece of historical fiction. Liz Trenow's attention to detail and historical knowledge come through in the writing and make this such an enjoyable book to read * Bookliterati Book Reviews *
This is a beautiful multi-layered story stitched together with perfect precision * Lancashire Evening Press *
The Dressmaker of Draper's Lane is a novel that enchanted me * For Winter Nights *
This is an evocative and slow-burning tale of family, long buried secrets and a search for answers * CultureFly *
What a delicious read The Silk Weaver is. I devoured it in two days and was gripped from start to finish. The characters shine too and Anna is an absolute triumph. A fabulous book -- Dinah Jefferies
I really enjoyed seeing how the author pulled everything together and cleverly intertwined the silk mystery with stories of real people from the time * Jaffa Reads Too *
Book Information
ISBN 9781509879816
Author Liz Trenow
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Pan Books
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 417g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 127mm * 22mm