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Title details for The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail - Available

The Seamstress of New Orleans

by Diane C. McPhail
Jessica Marchbank
Audiobook
2 of 2 copies available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
2 of 2 copies available
The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage. Constance Halstead, a young widow, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice's help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women. But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controlled New Orleans's notorious Storyville district. Benton's death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they're building . . .

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    May 31, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781696607384
      • File size: 321186 KB
      • Duration: 11:09:08

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Jessica Marchbank is a classically trained vocalist, and that shows in her performance of this audiobook focused on two women in early-twentieth-century New Orleans. Constance Halstead is a young widow; Alice Butterworth may as well be, as her husband has simply disappeared. But their backgrounds are different. Constance has a trust fund, while Alice has only her sewing talent. The women come together to prepare Constance's gown for the first Mardi Gras ball to be organized by women. Marchbank's narration is rhythmic, and her voice at times is flute-like, higher than most and just a bit breathy. Her performance is expansive, especially with dialogue. Some listeners may enjoy the dramatic flair, while others may find it a bit much. G.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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