I know that many people will be interested in this novel just because of Chanel’s name, but I think you should be interested in Mademoiselle Chanel for far more reasons than just that. C.W. Gortner has written a fascinating tale of the 20th century by tracing Chanel’s rags to riches story.
I know that this is a fictionalization of Chanel’s life, and admittedly I did not know much about her beyond her fashion sense, but I learned to much in Mademoiselle Chanel.
- Chanel was quite the drug user, as were many of her friends,
- She was a feminist who revolutionized women’s clothing. May sound like a minor accomplishment, unless you’ve ever worn a corset,
- She had a truly sad family life, tragic even,
- Although popular in the United States, she was not very interested in selling her clothes there,
- She was a Nazi collaborator during the occupation for France,
- She may have also been tied up in a spy network
Who would like this book? Obviously if you are drawn to true-life historical fiction, then Mademoiselle Chanel is for you. You don’t need to be a fashionista, I certainly am not, to enjoy Chanel’s forays into the fashion world, for fashion tells so much about the social history of a time. Arts. culture, politics and feminism all come together in this book. It is a wonderful story of 20th century Europe.
I received this book from the publisher for review consideration.
52 books or bust 
I never really thought I’d be interested in a book about Chanel, but I do love fictional accounts of historical people and the times in which they live. So, this actually sounds like it would be right up my alley. Thanks for the review!
Seriously. When I went to read it, i was wondering what drew me to the book initially. But it is wonderful. I love the history and she really was a remarkable woman.
I only know a little about her life, mainly from the couple of fictional movies I’ve seen. But from what I do know, her life was quite fascinating and I can see it making a good novel.
I read a wonderful biography of Chanel – she had an incredible life. She featured in a book I read about the Hotel Ritz during Nazi occupied Paris and there’s another book that looks at her life as it intersects in important moments in history. I’ve never thought to read a fictionalized account of her life but it sounds like a fun read!
You captured all the high points of this book. I’ve read a lot about her life but this still had new items I didn’t know before. Plus, it was fiction and read so well!
Okay, you swayed me. I wasn’t going to add this book to the TBR because I thought it would be like the ones I haven’t had great success with (Z, Studio Saint Ex, Mrs. Hemingway, etc.) but this sounds more like it might read the way “My Notorious Life” (by Kate Manning) did. I loved that book! I’m off to add it to the list….
I truly think you’ll like this book Penny. One main difference between this and Z and Mrs Hemingway is that Chanel is the protagonist in her own life rather than just a wife to some famous writer.
And I’ll have to check out My Notorious Life.
Notorious Life was great storytelling – I really loved it – and featured a strong female protagonist sharing her story. I’ve truly realized I cannot stand reading about these women married to the “leading man” and doing everything they can do to remain relevant and important only for his eyes – trying hard to keep his attention. Those reads frustrated the hell out of me – get your own life girl!!! š I know Chanel was not like that – so I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Word. Women have been the centre of their own stories forever, now we just need to have that reflected in literature.
A Nazi collaborator eh? Was she against the homeland? Quite a multi-faceted life. thanks for the review.
Word. Women have been the centre of their own stories forever, now we just need to have that reflected in literature.
She was actually rather apolitical and ignorant of what was going on around her.
I would not just be interested in this because it’s about Chanel, but your review makes me want to pick it up. It sounds like a fascinating story that would give a good feel for this time in history.
The social history it explores about the state of women and homosexuals is great. Pick it up for that reason alone!
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