Hello!
On today’s Writer Wednesday, I’m discussing The Dress Shop of Dreams by Menna Van Praag. This book is magical. Literally. It’s infused with magical realism. The dialogue also dances across the page.
Although I fully believe in the sentiments of not judging a book by its cover in real life and all that implies, I admit that I was drawn to this book by its cover. I wasn’t disappointed!
Cora is a scientist who was mysteriously orphaned as a young girl. She shares a strong relationship with her grandmother, Etta, who owns a dress shop. Etta’s dress shop is far from ordinary, though, because her dresses are specifically meant for people and with a few stitches, Etta infuses each dress with magic so that it supplies the customer with exactly what she needs to fulfil her deepest desires. On the same street of Etta’s dress shop is a book shop owned by Walt. He’s been friends with Cora forever, but with magic in the air, anything might happen.
There’s also mysteries stitched in from the past that unfold in fascinating ways, a beautiful weaving of characters and a Cyrano-inspired story built in. The Dress Shop of Dreams is one of the best books that I’ve read in awhile. I highly recommend it!
My best to you all,
Megan