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Elegance

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Elegance

By: Kathleen Tessaro
Narrated by: Elizabeth McGovern
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About this listen

An enchanting novel brimming with poignancy, humour, enchantment and insight, this is a stunning debut. Imagine an Audrey Hepburn film in the present day…

It was a slim, grey volume entitled Elegance…

Louise Canova is at a crossroads in her life. Her marriage is faltering and the insecurities of adolescence have returned to haunt her. Browsing in a second-hand bookshop, she stumbles across a faded grey volume. Written by the formidable French fashion expert, Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, Elegance is an encyclopedia of style. It promises to transform plain women into creatures of poise at all times. And from Accessories to Zippers, there is nothing that Madame Dariaux can’t advise upon – including inattentive husbands, false friends, and the powerful bond between mothers and daughters.

When Louise vows to follow Madame’s advice, her life is transformed in ways she never imagined. Within the book’s pages lie clues to her own past. And as she begins to unravel them, she discovers a courage she never dreamt possible.

However, everything, even elegance, has its price.

Starting with A and finishing with Z, Elegance is a unique journey of timeless fashion, true friendship, and the rare, unexpected gift of love.

 Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Coming of Age Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Comedy Marriage Feel-Good

Critic reviews

‘Ultra-smart and classily edgy, this is the glitz novel brought up to date." SUNDAY TIMES

"This debut novel is the perfect summer read – as delightfully fruity as a glass of Pimm's and with a similar kick, one that catches you unawares." DAILY MAIL

‘funny, charming and a certain bestseller.‘ IN STYLE

'a perfect pick-me-up' COSMOPOLITAN

‘This is a book all women will identify with, and you’ll adore Louise, who’s every bit as charmingly neurotic and nutty as Bridget Jones.’ GLAMOUR

‘A brilliant read with fashion advice thrown in!’ NEW WOMAN

‘an irresistible love story and self-help manual rolled into one.’ ELLE

"It's surprising that this is Kathleen Tessaro's first novel as her style shows the confidence and ease of a more seasoned writer… A charming, entertaining novel." PUNCH

‘a fantastic book… funny, moving and most importantly its tongue is firmly planted in its cheek regarding fashion. Enjoy!’ Cat Deeley
All stars
Most relevant
The relaxed reading - very elegant - combined with the humour and thoughtful narrative made this a wonderful antidote to the stresses and pressure of daily life. A few good fashion tips too....

I loved it!

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Very slow beginning that would have benefitted from a serious editing. The story and pace massively improves from half way through and the writer injects some great humour and wit. Good narration who pulls the very best from the story and characters.

Slow start but, persevere, second half has humour

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started off a bit slow but got much better and quite funny. was nice to read about a new life journey for a woman finding herself and not entirely centred on a man. and the language and behaviour of Louise was relatable and realistic

really good and refreshing

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I had a nice time listening to this book. Its a nice listening very well narrated

Original story

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Firstly, the reader is excellent, secondly the story is true and funny and sad and poignant and in the end, well I won’t tell you read it for yourself..

Elegant, profound

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