The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard (Natasha Lester, Hachette)

In Paris, 1917, 16-year-old Mizza Bricard is determined to leave a lasting mark on the world. She creates a house of couture that will establish a legacy spanning generations, reaching her daughter Astrid Bricard in 1970s New York. Astrid, accompanied by her mysterious lover, also aspires to make her name in the world of fashion but vanishes without a trace at the height of her career, leaving behind nothing but a mysterious white silk dress—the meaning of which is unclear. In a country town in the present day, Blythe Bricard is determined to shake off her family legacy; however she soon finds herself digging into the past and learning about the secrets held by her iconic fashion designer mother and grandmother. Natasha Lester’s eloquent writing style offers a book of richness and depth, seamlessly crossing decades to tell the story of three intersecting family lines. The French settings are brought to life thanks to Lester’s authentic and impeccable research, referred to in a lengthy author’s note outlining where and why the author has departed from the public record. She writes her characters with emotion, subtext, secrets and desires, creating powerful meaning behind every word of dialogue or thought process. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is an enormously enjoyable book, brimming with intrigue and mystery in each woman’s lifespan, making for a glossy and compelling read that you will not want to put down. Perfect for fans of Jackie French, Judy Nunn’s historical fiction and any of Natasha Lester’s previous books.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is a Queensland-based writer and reviewer with 10 years' experience working in bookshops. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews