This was not the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants story that I expected. When Nine Women One Dress by Jane L. Rosen was passed along to me I (wrongfully) wrote it off as a quick read that I didn’t plan to review. I don't think the title or cover do this book any justice, I certainly didn’t expect the sweet, thoughtful, and heartwarming story I was presented with. I am glad to have read it, giving it a 3-star rating and a quick review anyways.
Nine Women One Dress is a difficult plot to summarize. The one consistent thread throughout all the lovely storylines is a particular Max Hammer designed little black dress. It is the kind of dress that once put on, you stand up a little straighter and carry yourself with confidence. Each of the many characters who tell this story are impacted by this dress in one way or another, each telling their piece of the story that will help culminate the perfect ending.
The format of this book was refreshing, the story being told from so many different perspectives, some characters more frequently and others only twice. Despite this constant change over it was never difficult to follow or keep track of who was who. The story flowed with ease, much like watching a television show where you follow multiple characters storylines and it bounces back and forth between them. I think this format only serves the plot and makes it stronger, adding to the magic and big-picture feeling.
At its heart, it is a story about love, friendship, and the power of a really good dress. Reading it felt like sitting down with an old friend for a glass of wine. Although it didn’t bring me to tears or have me frantically turning pages, it did make me smile and glad to have picked it up. It kept reminding me of the television show Mr. Selfridge, must have been all those scenes in the department store. If you like that show, you will enjoy this.
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
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