The Prince and the Dressmaker is the story of Frances, an aspiring
dressmaker, and Prince Sebastian, heir to the throne of Belgium and the
most eligible bachelor in the elites of Europe at the apex of the
industrial revolution, just as the role of royalty is shifting
precipitously.
Prince Sebastien is under nearly unbearable pressure: to wed, to assume
leadership. But he’s also under pressure thanks to his dark secret: some
days, when Prince Sebastien looks in the mirror, he sees a woman. He
has been stealing his mother’s dresses for years and privately dressing
in them, with the help of an extremely discreet and devoted servant.
One day, Frances finds herself summoned by Prince Sebastien, and, as she
discovers his secret, she also finds in him her most willing patron,
canvas, and audience, the first person to truly understand her artistic
passion.
The two conceive of an artistic and personal partnership, with Frances
helping the prince fashion a second identity as Lady Crystallia, who
quickly becomes the toast of Paris and the most mysterious and
best-dressed figure in high society. As the pair’s collaboration
deepens, so does their friendship – and then it ruptures, when Frances
has to confront the fact that she can’t be known as Prince Sebastien’s
tailor and Lady Crystallia’s tailor without compromising the prince.
What follows is a wrenching and beautiful story about gender identity,
passion, friendship, selling out, keeping your integrity, and the
surprisingly capacious limits of parental love.
Of course, it’s a Jen Wang book, so it is also gorgeous, with emotive character design, beautifully conceived settings, and a visual rhythm that paces the book so, so masterfully.
I was reduced to happy tears by this book. It is the greatest work yet
from a creator with a string of great works in her history.
If you’re in Los Angeles, you can come see Jen and I discussing The Prince and the Dressmaker at Chevalier’s Books on March 15.
ForLoveFromFear 