Ahh, what a lovely charming book this is, all the more so due to the sharp, genuine tones of realism that lie at the heart of The Dress. New York of the 1950’s more than holds its own when compared to vintage loving Lily’s blogging in 2014 London. Kate Kerrigan balances the different time frames and connections between the two beautifully. There is a simplicity to the writing style, yet it draws you in and has a captivating attraction. While men set the paths for this story, it’s the women’s journeys and their highs and their lows that are particularly compelling. The characters at the heart of this novel feel sincerely real, although those from the 1950’s have an extra special allure. The author doesn't neatly trim all the loose threads, some are left fluttering, just out of reach, ensuring a wonderfully compassionate and moving read. ~ Liz Robinson
Lily Fitzpatrick loves vintage clothes - made all the more precious because they were once owned and loved by another woman. Thousands follow her vintage fashion blog and her daily Instagram feed. But this passion for the beautiful clothes of the past is about to have unforeseen consequences, when Lily stumbles upon the story of a 1950s New York beauty, who was not only everything Lily longs to be, but also shares Lily's surname. Joy Fitzpatrick was a legend. But what was the famous dress which she once commissioned - said to be so original that nothing in couture would ever match it again? What happened to it - and why did Joy suddenly disappear from New York high society? Kate Kerrigan's enthralling novel interweaves the dramatic story of Joy, the beautiful but tortured socialite and that of Lily - determined to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring back to life the legendary dress itself.
'Glamorous, gripping and moving. I just loved it' Marian Keyes
'Women's fiction at its finest. The writing is flawless, flows nicely and has a perfect pace ... For anyone who has gazed longingly at the pages of Vogue, drooled over the costumes in period dramas or wondered what rich socialites in Manhattan really did all day, this is for you. A fusion of fashion and feeling' Bleachhouse Library
Author
About Kate Kerrigan
London reared of Irish parents Kate Kerrigan worked as a leading magazine editor in London before moving to Dublin, Ireland in 1990. She is currently a full-time writer and lives in the historic village of Killala in County Mayo on the West coast of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
