The Designer
Winner of the RNA Historical Romantic Novel of the Year Award.
In 1944, newly married Copper Reilly arrives in Paris soon after the liberation. While the city celebrates its freedom, she's stuck in the prison of an unhappy marriage. When her husband commits one betrayal too many, Copper demands a separation.
Alone in Paris, she finds an unlikely new friend: an obscure, middle-aged designer from the back rooms of a decaying fashion house whose timid nature and reluctance for fame clash with the bold brilliance of his designs. His name is Christian Dior.
Realising his genius, Copper urges Dior to strike out on his own, helping to pull him away from his insecurities and towards stardom. With just a camera and a typewriter, she takes her own advice and ventures into the wild and colourful world of fashion journalism.
Soon Copper finds herself torn between two very different suitors, questioning who she is and what she truly wants. As the city rebuilds and opulence returns, can Copper make a new, love-filled life for herself?
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
So unbelievable, it should be considered fantasy fiction. Of course there is a romance, because ? Also unbelievable.
Writing: 2.5 stars
Nothing distracting.
Characters: 1 star
The main character is a ~22 year old female that they call "Copper" - which should have been my first clue that this was unbelievable. She has red hair, so they would have called her Red. I don't believe anyone called a girl (especially with 7 brothers or whatever), "Copper" - it's ridiculous, and it didn't fit her. Her real name is Oona, so I guess Copper is better? The rest of the characters are superficial and stereotypical. As far as Christian Dior - who knows? I wouldn't believe anything in this book because so much of it is unbelievable.
Learning: 2 stars. In general, I don't believe that Copper could have done all that is described that she does in 1945 post-war Europe. Gabriel has her meeting Hemmingway - who was in Paris after WWI, not WWII. The only part of the book that seems based on fact is about Catherine Dior, Christian's sister.
Ending: 1 star - I don't even remember. I think "everyone lived happily ever after"?
The Designer tells a very interesting story, creates many good characters and has its basis in history. All of these things I look for in a good book. That said, I found the writing style too unsophisticated and elementary for my taste and, in my opinion, for such an elaborate tale. It read like a Harlequin Romance with detailed descriptions of characters’ appearances but not much about their personalities. In the end I enjoyed it but I feel that the story of Mr Dior and the rebirth of Parisian fashion should have had more gravitas and have been more complex reading.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.