What do readers think of The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott? Write your own review.

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.

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!

This would be a good read for teens as well as for adult women. Although not a romance story it is definitely a romantic story. The backdrop is tragic as the main characters are forced to examine their decisions, determine what is truth and live with the consequences.

We all know the tragic story of the Titanic, but few of us have read the transcripts of the Senate hearings that took place immediately following the ship’s sinking. The author relies on those transcripts to set up her story, and what a story it is. Intermingled with supplementary human interest stories and fascinating history from the early 20th century, this telling of the Titanic disaster is truly edge-of-your-seat stuff. The breathtaking mistakes and miscalculations of the Titanic’s White Star Line will linger in your mind long after you have read the last page.

Loved this book from the start. I think anyone who has a fascination with the Titanic would really enjoy reading about the aftermath of the tragedy. Tess is a great character who has lots of spunk and desire to get what she really wants.

I receiver an Early Reviewer copy of this book.
I found The Dressmaker offered a fresh perspective from hundred year old history. The Dressmaker took me to a time and place I had not considered. I was surprised to think that among the Titanic's survivors might have been both heroes and goats. The characters and story were interesting, especially those based on actual court transcripts and newspapers. I liked seeing the timeline that included people from the world of fashion and the beginnings of the suffrage movement.
I may be the only person in America who never saw the movie, Titanic, but reading this novel has me wishing I knew more about the disaster and the people involved. While I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this book on its merits alone, I can say that I will be looking for more reading about the aftermath of the historic event.

This book is Historical Fiction at it's best. I received it yesterday and finished it today. I love a book I can't put down and this one kept me up till the wee hours. Tess is spunky, honest and daring. Not afraid to go after what she want's and that's to be a dressmaker.