Book Review: The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little
Have you ever been drawn to a book simply by its cover? That’s how I found myself picking up The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little. The eye-catching design practically begged me to dive in, and with the enticing blurb declaring, “If you only read one book this year, make it The Chanel Sisters,” how could I resist? As an enthusiastic reader with only a fleeting knowledge of Coco Chanel (and a brief association with Nicki Minaj’s song), I had no idea the treasure trove of inspiration and heartbreak awaited me within those pages.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Antoinette, the youngest of the Chanel sisters, who, along with her siblings, is forced to navigate a challenging childhood after being abandoned by their parents. Raised in a convent orphanage, they’re bombarded with the disheartening idea that their futures are limited to becoming the wives of tradesmen. But as any reader of determined characters knows, this merely fuels their resolve to aspire for “something better.” Little did they know, their journey from poverty to the vibrant streets of Paris would alter their lives forever.
I was initially taken aback by the slower pace in the early chapters, set in the orphanage. However, once the sisters set their sights on their dreams, the story became unputdownable. Antoinette quickly became my favorite character. Her relationship with Lucho, a married Argentinian polo player, was filled with yearning and complexity that left me wondering if I could ever experience such a bittersweet connection. This storyline definitely melted my often-critical heart towards romance tropes.
The relationships woven throughout the story added depth and nuance that made the reading experience truly memorable. The bond between Antoinette and Gabrielle is palpable, mirrored by their relationship with their older sister, Julia Berthe, and their spirited aunt, Etienne. The romantic entanglements—especially Gabrielle’s connection with Boy—helped to paint an intricate portrait of love and loyalty, particularly powerful for a historical narrative set in such a limiting era for women.
One peculiar detail that I found intriguing was the somewhat sparse discussion of Coco Chanel’s famed perfume, Chanel No. 5. Instead, the focus lies heavily on her hat creations and later her clothing line. This left me curious about the evolution of her iconic fragrance, as it felt like an important thread that was missing from the larger tapestry of her success.
Ultimately, The Chanel Sisters does what great historical fiction should: it sparks a desire to delve deeper into the lives of its characters and the history they inhabit. I found myself wanting to explore not only the lives of the Chanel sisters but also the world of fashion they helped to revolutionize.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of resilience and sisterhood. If you, like me, often judge books by their covers, I promise, you won’t regret taking a chance on this one. I’m leaving this read with 4 stars and a new zest for the stories hidden within our shared histories. Who knows—we might just uncover the strength that lies in sisterhood and dreaming big along the way.