Title: The Prince and the DressmakerAuthor: Jen Wang
First Published: February 13, 2018
Publisher: First Second
Pages: 288
Genre: Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Romance
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
Rating:
Synopsis:
Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:
Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride—or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia—the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!
Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances—one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend? Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family.
Buy the Book: AmazonReview
I am SCREAMING this graphic novel was so good, it is everything I could’ve wanted and more! The Prince and the Dressmaker is not just the best graphic novel I’ve read this year, but perhaps one of my all-time favorites.
The Prince and the Dressmaker is the story of a poor seamstress with a passion for the craft and a Prince who dreams of wearing gorgeous dresses. It’s a dazzling tale about finding the bravery to chase one’s dreams, about cherishing the people that love and inspire us. It feels like a dreamy fairy tale for the present day, taking place in 19th century France. A notable time for fashion with the opening with the first department store in the world, The Bon Marché.
I fell head over heels for Frances and Sebastian. They are both so precious and wonderful, they are so good to each other that I couldn’t help but root for them. I loved that this graphic novel spotlights cross-dressing, which is often misunderstood. Even if it is unrealistically hopeful, I couldn’t help but weep at the sweet story. This graphic novel was wonderful and it is an easy recommendation.
Quote
“But seeing you, I realized everything would be fine. Because someone still loved him.”
Content Warnings
View Spoiler »About the Author
About Jen Wang
Jen Wang is the award-winning NYT Bestselling author and illustrator of several graphic novels for young readers including Stargazing, The Prince and The Dressmaker, In Real Life (co-written with Cory Doctorow), and Koko Be Good. She is also a co-founder and organizer for Comic Arts LA. She lives in Los Angeles.
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