Historical Escapes Top List of Good Reads
Knight Ridder/Tribune
Dec 15, 2009
Reading is often an escape. In Brunswick and the Golden Isles, the escape routes for some book clubs lead to the high fashion world of Paris and war-torn Germany.
"The Collection," by Gioia Diliberto, is a fun read, said Kelly Dobbin, a member of The Bridge Book Club.
"It's a glimpse into the world of high-fashion Paris between the wars, from the point of view of a seamstress at the House of Chanel," Dobbin said.
Set during World War I, the main character is Isabelle Varlet, who moves to Paris from a small French town.
"This was a period during which Coco Chanel was really coming into her own as a designer," Dobbin said.
Varlet takes a job at Chanel. There, she finds herself in middle of the glamorous lifestyle of high fashion. But it's not without its downside. It is a ruthless industry.
Varlet must deal with self righteous designers and fashion thieves who are always trying to steal a style before it hits the runway. She is also creating a dress for Chanel's fall line, all the while, on her own search for love.
"I highly recommend it for the behind-the-scenes look at the Paris fashion industry, a little romance and a compelling story of strong women," Dobbin said.
The Graduates Book Club recently read Ethan Canin's "Carry Me Across the Water." It's a tome that member Mary Dalton highly recommends.
It begins with August Kleinman, a child in Germany during the World War II era.
He escapes the Nazi regime to go on to a successful career and marriage in the United States.
But Kleinman faces many trails, including the murder of a Japanese soldier.
During the present day, he's an elderly man looking back on his life.
He is a millionaire retired brewery owner who visits his son and daughter-in-law and grandson to be a kind grandfather.
"I think it is a book for women and I would highly recommend it," Dalton said. "'Carry Me Across the Water' was wonderful. I loved it. It's a story of atonement ... a life-long passion for his wife, great business success."
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Copyright 2012 by Knight Ridder/Tribune
