Description of Mademoiselle Chanel by C.W. Gortner:

For readers of The Paris Wife and Z comes a vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel—the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and become one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century

Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to orphanage after their mother’s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle’s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood.

Transforming herself into Coco—a seamstress and sometime torch singer—the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny.

Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco’s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her.

An enthralling novel of an extraordinary woman who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion and artistic vision would become her trademark.

My thoughts on Mademoiselle Chanel by C.W. Gortner:

Before reading this book, I knew of Coco Chanel and her perfume and women’s suits but I really didn’t know anything about her as a person.  Thanks to C.W. Gortner I now know about her rich history and life.

Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings were born into poverty.  When her mother died, she and her sisters were sent to one orphanage and her brothers to another.  At the orphanage the nun’s soon recognized her talent for sewing and challenged her with exceedingly with more difficult patterns.  She was able to sew all of them.

When she turned 18 the nuns got her a job but she soon became bored working for someone else.  She broke out on her own trying to get a job in Paris with the end goal of opening her own shop.  However, it was harder than she thought and she temporarily became a torch singer with the help of a friend, just to meet her most basic expenses.  It is then, she met her first lover of many.

Eventually Coco realized her dream of opening up her first shop and eventually many more.  She eventually propelled herself into the spotlight and becomes the household name she is still to this day.

I loved getting to know Coco.  Back in the day when women were suppose to “know their place”, she rejected living that lifestyle.  Despite her many affairs, she was a role model for women of her time.  She was willing to put in all the hard work necessary to realize her vision!

Written in hypnotic pose, C.W. Gortner has painted a vivid picture of Coco Chanel’s life and times.  He captures the scenery in all the places in France that she lived beautifully.  Her sumptuous fashion is brought to life, so much so that I could see it displayed in front of me.  Women, we have Coco Chanel to thank for getting rid of all those uncomfortable whalebone corsets.

Though this book is historical fiction, it is clear to me that C.W. Gortner spent a long time researching for it. He also explains much of what was fact and fiction in an author’s note, at the end.   Mademoiselle is an un-put-down-able read from start to finish and kept me up into the wee hours of the morning.  It is a must read for historical fiction lovers or those interested in learning more about this extraordinary woman!

Thanks to C.W. Gortner for bringing another strong historical woman to life!  I also highly recommend is book, ‘The Last Queen’, about Juana of Castile.

5/5

I was invited by Katherine Turro of William Morrow , to download the ebook version from Edelweiss for my honest review.  Thanks so much to Katherine and William Morrow, you are always putting out wonderful historical fiction and literary fiction!

About C.W. Gortner:

C.W. Gortner holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California. In his extensive travels to research his books, he has experienced life in a Spanish castle and danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall.

Half-Spanish by birth and raised in southern Spain, C.W. now lives in Northern California with his partner and two very spoiled rescue cats.  His novels have been translated in 20 countries to date.