This is rather a clever and tenderly written literary fiction from the Man Booker’s long-listed Prize winner, Linda Grant.
The reader is drawn into 70s London which is portrayed wonderfully with lots of atmospheric descriptions and plenty of imagination.
Vivien is the daughter of Jews who fled the streets of Hungary in search of a safe place to live. London seemed to be the best option.
Though her parents seem reluctant to say anything to young Vivien about past family history - they do tell her that Uncle Sandor is not welcome in their homely establishment.Why? Vivien is puzzled as to what this man has done that’s so terrible.
However Vivien comes across the news and learns this man had been sentenced to fourteen years in prison. Nothing is known only that Sandor was a rack landlord and disliked very much.
Vivien knows not to approach him or bring shame to the family but one day when out of work, a walk around the park brings Vivien closer to her uncle than she thinks when she accidentally sits down next to him on a bench.
Conversations between these colourful characters emerge and Sandor offers jobless Vivien work - to act as his secretary and type up the story of his life with the use of a typewriter.
Through the course of her working for Sandor, she learns about the past of which her parents have never spoken covering many, many years in Hungary. Apparently Sandor’s time in Hungary was pretty horrific which helped shape him into the man he is now.
You are constantly left wondering what if Sandor finds out that Vivien is his niece? Vivien conceals her real identity pretty well but only time will tell how long she can keep it a secret.
I thought this story is well put together however I felt it lacked that extra something.
The title comes from the way in which Vivien thinks she can hide herself by wearing different clothes and how these make her feel. Like the red dress she tries on at the start of the book and in the present day, which she describes fondly: “The dress felt dangerously silky, it felt as if it might cling to me for good.”
A very enjoyable read about the clothes we wear, family, immigration and the things we hold dearest to us.
The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts:Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE
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