A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff
Published by: Random House Publishing
Published on: June 2010
Page Count: 368 pages
Genre: Women’s Fiction
My Reading Format: Hardcover purchased from Barnes & Noble online
Available Formats: Hardcover and eBook
My Review
As I was sitting down to write this review, I read that Sheryl Crow is requesting/requiring that recycled toilet paper be used at her concerts. While the idea of recycled coupled with toilet paper doesn’t do much for me (I understand the concept, but, you know…), there are plenty of other things that are appealing to me second hand. Books are a given. Vintage clothing is another (perhaps they should call it vintage toilet paper? No, that doesn’t really help at all). When I go to museums and they have clothing, I could read about it and look at the garments all day. So, when I got an email from Barnes & Noble earlier this summer about A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff, I was interested immediately. It tells the story of Phoebe Swift, a modern woman in her early 30s who leaves a successful career at Sotheby’s to own and operate her own vintage clothing store in London. With the beautiful cover, I couldn’t pass it up. I placed my order that day and couldn’t have been more excited when the package arrived two days later.
A Vintage Affair surprised me. It had all the fun of a novel about vintage clothing, with minor plot lines revolving around some of the dresses Phoebe highlighted. I could see the women trying on the beautiful cupcake dresses and imagine what they might do in them. I also liked how Phoebe took such care with the clothing see sold that it bothered her when someone “not right” for a garment tried it on and considered buying it. There was also a love story that, while predictable, felt warm and comfortable to me. What I hadn’t anticipated was the way that a tragic story surrounding World War II was weaved in with Phoebe’s life. I really loved that. It was that story that made A Vintage Affair for me.
Although summer is about over (come on, fall, I’m ready for some cooler temperatures!), this was my favorite summer-ish read this year. It was light and whimsical at times, but it hooked you in with its depth. If you love looking at older clothing, fashion magazines, or watch what they’re wearing on Mad Men, I know you’ll enjoy this book. There’s still time to pick it up and take it with you on your last outing this season. If not, never fear. A Vintage Affair would be perfect for a snow day, too.
Other Voices
You’ve read what I have to say. Why not check out theses bloggers’ reviews?
S. Krishna’s Books
Bookin’ with Bingo
Scribbles
MarjoleinBookBlog
The True Book Addict
I bought this book at my local bookstore because it sounded great. My cover is slightly different. I really enjoyed your review and it reminded me to pick this book up and read it. Great post!
This sounds wonderful. You’d never know it from the way I dressed, but I love beautiful vintage clothing too.
The premise, the cover, and your review = Hooked! I’m picking it up to add to my list.
I’ve read good things about this novel. I haven’t read any of the author’s previous books. This looks like a good one to read first.
Totally with you on the recycled toilet paper! LOLOL
I just shake my head at Sheryl Crow. Hey, if she wants someone else’s toilet paper, have at it girl. Have you ever shopped at a vintage clothing store? This stuff is a better investment than stocks and bonds people. Some of that crap I wore in the ’80′s is now worth a fortune. I was intrigued by this book’s cover…good to know it delivered!
This sounds like something I would really enjoy – I love stories set in London and the cover is just great! Thanks for your review!
I completely agree with your review. I really enjoyed his novel.
It was the perfect blend of comfortable, engaging read and an intriguing WWII tale.
I’ve not read anything else by her, but I definitely plan to.
This sounds like a wonderful premise for a novel. I’m adding this one to my wishlist after reading your review.
I have wanted to read this book since I heard about it on BN recommendations. And the part about the toilet paper, I have to tell you I have a friend of mine, sent me a email with recycleable wedding dresses made out of toilet paper. You could not even tell they were made out of toilet paper. They were awesome. Thought I would add fuel to the fire with that note. I am looking forward to reading, Vintage Affair in the near future.
Thanks for your review. I have this book on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading it.
Hannah
The cover drew me to the review and now I need to add this to my wish list!
Many things can be recycled but I dont know about toilet paper!
The cover of this book is gorgeous and I love books with this setting. Thank you for this post
Thanks for recommended this book for me to read, Jen! I really enjoyed it
Love, Your favorite co-worker