Book #24 of 2024. I’m playing catch up from all the books I’ve read the past few months. Amid the long list of thrillers, this historical fiction book is in my top five of best books I’ve read this year. The characters were compelling, the setting was glamorous, and the story was important to tell. The book has everything a reader could want, from mysterious disappearances and decades-long family feuds to passionate love affairs and haute couture. I escaped to Paris and New York City in The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard and never wanted to return.
The novel tells the stories of three generations of Bricard women: Mizza, Astrid and Blythe. Though the book is largely historical fiction, Mitzah “Mizza” Bricard was a real woman whose legacy is frequently shadowed by that of world-renowned designer Christian Dior. Mizza was commonly referred to as “Dior’s muse,” but in reality, she was much, much more. Having not only worked for Dior, she designed under Molyneux, and also ran a studio for Cristobàl Balenciaga after he fled the Nazis. Despite her extraordinary eye for fashion and rich talent, Mizza repeatedly remains unrecognized for her accomplishments and admittedly, I was unfamiliar with her story until I read Natasha Lester’s book.
The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard not only tells Mizza’s unique, non-fiction story, but it also follows the fictional lives of her daughter, Astrid, and granddaughter, Blythe. All three women struggle to make names for themselves in a world and industry predominately run by men. Even today, with societal roles changing and evolving, and the majority of interest in the fashion industry coming from women, men often command the large companies and hold the leadership positions. This book shines a light on that matter.
Typically I can find something to nitpick about in a book, but I have no complaints. The story was easy and compelling to read and the characters were like-able despite their flaws. I truly couldn’t but this book down.
I 10/10 recommend this novel to anyone who loves history, fashion, or a mystery! Next up: One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
Plot Summary:
French countryside, Present Day: Blythe Bricard is the daughter of famous fashion muses but that doesn’t mean she wants to be one. She turned her back on that world, and her dreams, years ago. Fate, however, has a different plan, and Blythe will discover there is more to her iconic mother and grandmother than she ever knew.
New York, 1970: Designer Astrid Bricard arrives in bohemian Chelsea determined to change the fashion world forever. And she does―cast as muse to her lover, Hawk Jones. And when they’re both invited to compete in the fashion event of the century―the Battle of Versailles―Astrid sacrifices everything to showcase her talent. But then, just as her career is about to take off, she mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind only a white silk dress.
Paris, 1917: Parentless sixteen year old Mizza Bricard has made a vow: to be remembered on her own terms. Her promise sustains her through turbulent decades and volatile couture houses until, finally, her name is remembered and a legend is born―one that proves impossible for Astrid and Blythe to distance themselves from.
Books and Bites with Brooke 