Rated of 5
by Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN) Just so-so....
I wanted to like this, I really did! Fictional story based around the tragedy of the Titanic. However, this was a really "light" read, rather fluffy. Many scenes were unbelievable--too fairy-tale like. I guess I was looking for it to be a bit meatier. Rather disappointing...
Rated of 5
by Lesley F. (San Diego, CA) Made to Measure
Seamless historical fiction gathered around an unforgettable love story tucked into the hem of a real tragedy. What a compelling pleasure to read.
Rated of 5
by Christine S. (Highland, UT) Great Read!
The Dressmaker is a book that I could not put down. Took notes on inspiring quotes that I wanted to remember! Outstanding character development. Soon, it will be 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic and the suffrage movement. We have come a long way. Timely and an Excellent read!
Rated of 5
by Kat F. (Palatine, IL) I was surprised
I usually don't read historical fiction, so I think I may have checked the wrong book selection when trying to get a First Impression book. However, when I received the book, I felt a responsibility to read it and review. I am so glad I did.
I was pleasantly surprised by just how good this book actually is. It presented a solid and interesting view of the sinking of the Titanic, the terrible choices that passengers and crew alike must have had to make, and the personal as well as political spins put into play at the hearings. Although the author could have taken the path of "high drama" just for drama's sake, doing so would not have produced a book better than this one. Also interesting was how the author tied into the story other events going on at the time, that changed our country particularly as they related to women.
I couldn't put it down. I was left wondering what happened to the characters and wanting to know more about their subsequent lives -- always a sign of a really good book.
Rated of 5
by Sandra G. (Middleton, WI) Good for historical fiction fans
We are all familiar with the sinking of the Titanic. This novel takes us beyond the tragedy of April 14, 1912 to the Senate hearings that followed , and the effects these events had on the survivors. Lots of historical details are woven in, such as the inclusion of "the unsinkable Molly Brown." Another intertwining storyline follows two independent young women, one a survivor, trying to make their own way in the man's world of 1912. Because of the writing style, I would consider this novel "light fiction", even though the subject matter is serious. I cannot rate it a 5 because it lacks the richness of language great novels have. Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable read.
Rated of 5
by Martha L. (Warner, NH) very very hard to put down
A story about the Titanic with actual portions from the hearings held in the Senate does not sound at all interesting. Until you throw in real people who actually were on the ship. Until you throw in real people who faced huge challenges and dilemmas, head on. Until you realize how big business and having large amounts of money did indeed determine most of the outcomes. Until you meet Tess and Jim. They wanted honesty and truth in a world where money and influence are all-important. Good writing with young love, compromises, new chances and a girl trained to be a dressmaker all combined with the huge tragedy all lead to the book being interesting and very, very hard to put down!
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of 5
by Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN) 
of 5
by Lesley F. (San Diego, CA) 
of 5
by Sandra G. (Middleton, WI) 
