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An enchanting novel brimming with poignancy, humour, enchantment and insight, this is a stunning debut. Imagine an Audrey Hepburn film in the present day...It was a slim, grey volume entitled Elegance... Louise Canova is at a crossroads in her life. Her marriage is faltering and the insecurities of adolescence have returned to haunt her. Browsing in a second-hand bookshop, she stumbles across a faded grey volume. Written by the formidable French fashion expert, Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, Elegance is an encyclopedia of style. It promises to transform plain women into creatures of poise at all times. And from Accessories to Zippers, there is nothing that Madame Dariaux can't advise upon – including inattentive husbands, false friends, and the powerful bond between mothers and daughters.When Louise vows to follow Madame's advice, her life is transformed in ways she never imagined. Within the book's pages lie clues to her own past. And as she begins to unravel them, she discovers a courage she never dreamt possible.However, everything, even elegance, has its price.Starting with A and finishing with Z, Elegance is a unique journey of timeless fashion, true friendship, and the rare, unexpected gift of love.
Louise Canova's life unravels as her marriage falters and past insecurities resurface, leading her to a second-hand bookshop where she discovers a vintage guide to elegance that promises transformation. The formidable French fashion expert, Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, offers advice from 'Accessories' to 'Zippers,' covering everything from personal style to navigating relationships and familial bonds. As Louise commits to following the book's counsel, her life begins to change in unexpected ways, revealing clues to her own history and unlocking a hidden reservoir of courage.
The novel is characterized as an enchanting debut, brimming with poignancy, humor, and insight, often compared to an Audrey Hepburn film. The narrative structure, following the alphabetical progression of the 'Elegance' guide, provides a unique framework for Louise's personal journey. The book is noted for its exploration of timeless fashion, the development of true friendship, and the discovery of unexpected love. It suggests that embracing a certain kind of elegance can lead to profound personal growth and self-discovery, though not without its own costs.
Page Count:
260
Publication Date:
2003-01-01
Publisher:
Harpercollins
ISBN-10:
0007746938
ISBN-13:
9780007746934
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