Felt too much like chick-lit for my liking

Overall, I can't say I was very excited by Mademoiselle Chanel: A Novel. Unlike another reviewer, I was indeed entirely clear when I got this book that it was a work of fiction and could expect plenty of free interpretation, but there could have been many ways to tell her story without making it sound like a Hollywood Romance. Only taking part in France, with French people, who are presumably speaking French to each other. I bring that part up because I am not American and found it very difficult to get into the spirit of things with a narrator who was so emphatically American in her delivery that it made the whole thing slightly surreal to me.

I think in retrospect I would have been better served with a straight biography of Gabrielle aka Coco Chanel. I am not a reader of romance by habit and I like my fiction as free of it as possible, and I certainly never in my life had any curiousity about how Coco Chanel might enjoy her sexual relations or not. I found these passages distracting and annoying and completely unnecessary.

There was little to like about the woman other than her clear determination to be one of the most successful fashion designers of her time. Whatever had to be done to get there, she did it. Here we saw a woman determined to leave her mark on the world, but also incredibly dependent on men and their money to make her place, just as she also presumably strives to remain completely independent. I was curious to see how the author would describe how she fared during the Second World War, as read somewhere a few years ago that she had presumably collaborated with the Nazis, though I had no other information than that. Here, once again, romance comes to the rescue and saves the day between her and her Nazi of choice. He was a 'good' Nazi, you understand, so really she was doing her country a service. She may have been a heartless bitch to her employees, but she was willing to sacrifice herself for a good cause, as long as there was promise of profits in the offing.

Truly, the book got on my nerves and I'm not sure why I stuck to it. I think the fact that it was written in the first person made it especially unpalatable, as this gave us an entirely subjective point of view on the kind of person she was without the benefit of the perspective of what her contemporaries thought of her very much.

Why am I even giving it three stars then? Because the author does a good job of describing the times and places, and as an entertainment, I suppose it was a good story. In fact it came highly recommended by a reviewer I've been following for quite a few years already. She may or may not have said words to the effect that it was a thumping good read. Of course, that is always a highly individual experience.

12 people found this helpful

Fiction Not Biography

I love a good biography and was so pleased when I found this title about Coco Chanel. I started listening and realized too late that I had made a mistake--this was not a biography. It is instead a fictionalized novel based on the life of Chanel. The story felt overly romanticized and too clean and neat to be the actual telling of a real life. I was left wondering--as I tried to progress with the book--what was true and what was fiction.

I am trying not to review books that I hate and award only one or two stars because it seems so negative and not always helpful. However, in this case I thought it best to point out that this is a work of fiction. To me, reality, history and facts all matter a great deal. What's more, truth is often far more engaging and compelling than fiction. So, if you are looking for the "real" Coco Chanel I would keep searching. Can't recommend.

45 people found this helpful

Well Done

Coco Chanel’s life is a classic tale of rags to riches. A life shaped by poverty and loss, Gabrielle Chanel became the epitome of elegance through the simplicity of her designs. Having been abandoned by her father after her mothers death, young Gabrielle is raised by nuns in a French orphanage along with her two younger sisters. Through determination and hard work, Coco’s name was became known around the world as the ultimate fashionista.
I was impressed by the in depth research done for this book. The character development evolved slowly over time reminding me of how true relationships come about. By the end of the book, I felt as though I had gotten to know each character well.
I almost skipped this book after listening to the narrator sample. Rebecca Gibe,’s voice seemed grating to me at first, but seemed to grow on me as time went on. Not my favorite narrator, Gibe finally won me over.
I would recommend this book to friends interested in brilliant women in history.

3 people found this helpful

One of Gortner's Better Historical Fiction Books

I knew a bit about Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel before I read this book, but never felt I understood her. She is a respected but controversial figure who knew what she wanted and went for it. I like how Mr. Gortner didn't just ignore the fact she had affairs with married men, possibly had close entanglements with a few women, and was possibly a Nazi spy. I respect that Mr. Gortner didn't shy away from unpleasant events that happened in Mademoiselle Chanel's life like some authors I've read in the past have. Mr. Gortner wrote in what he believed to be the truth, and I can respect him for that. Many people have said he should have written in a more unfavorable light of Mademoiselle Chanel but that seems like a personal preference. This is a historical fiction and things are impossible to prove since so much time has passed, so he could write about what he believed to be provable. Mademoiselle Chanel always denied being a Nazi spy and there was never enough proof to convict her. She was such a private women that I'm not sure the truth will ever fully be known about her as she didn't keep a journal or many confidants. In truth, I'm not sure what to believe about her even but I do know a few things. I admire her tenacity to work for what she wanted in her life (success and independence) but her biggest downfall had to be pride. She made a lot of decisions based on emotions and sometimes it cost her dearly. This book isn't a biography but I feel like I can understand Mademoiselle Chanel better than I have before. How an individual feels about her is left up to them in the end.

I must be honest and say that if I had read this book I might have given this book a 3 star rating. I had a print copy at first but gave up on reading it as it is a long book. I decided to try listening to the audio version as I liked the narrator's voice. Rebecca Gibel, the narrator, really made a difference for me. Her narration kept me listening to this book for hours and drew me into the story more than reading it did. Hopefully, in the future, I can listen to another book that she narrates. I'd recommend the audio over the print version as it truly brings the emotion from the characters out.

3 people found this helpful

Wished there more about her collections

Enjoyed learning about her start in the world from very humble beginnings. Wished the book had focused a little more on her work, designs and success. It eludes to them, but it feels like an afterthought mostly. It was more focused on the colorful friends and famous or infamous people she rubbed shoulders with. I did particularly enjoy the back story behind the iconic Chanel logo.

2 people found this helpful

Story of an Amazing woman ahead of her time!

Was not too sure I would find much to like about this book. Aside from being a minor Francophile I am not much of a follower of style fashion, etc. However, it was time in my Audible rotation to listen to a Novel and I wanted it to be interesting and out of my usual fare. I downloaded the book and really enjoyed the performance, character development, and the language. A distinct picture was drawn that transported me back to the various stages of Coco's life - having been to France and all of the areas discussed the book came alive. This fictionalized version of the events of her life prompted me to so research on Coco and I found the threads of the book to be factual, the only fictionalization must revolve around some of the ancillary characters and dialogue. Fascinating woman , ahead of her time. Amazing she prospered for so long and left a legacy that is as pertinent today as it was through the decades of her life. While I don't imagine she was particularly likable, she certainly was impressive and made for a fascinating study in this novel. I will now find a biography of her and compare to this fictionalized version of her life. Very enjoyable, much more so than I expected.

2 people found this helpful

Marvelous story

Absolutely wonderfully told, the story is very in depth, and you get immersed in it

1 person found this helpful

Great story; poor presentation

The woman reading this fascinating story completely KILLED the beautiful French language and greatly violated English. Constant cringe.

1 person found this helpful

Was curious about her so.........

Any additional comments?

I decided to listen. I enjoyed the story, but I would have liked the narrator to have had a French accent. I think it would have enhanced the story more. All in all a good listen.

4 people found this helpful

An intriguing story!

I thought this book was fascinating. To hear her elaborate and intrinsic life was such a pleasure. This is the second book that I read from this author and I have to say I’m quickly becoming a fan. Learning about Coco Chanel and her controversial life what is a pure delight.