Plot Summary

The Dressmaker

Beryl Bainbridge
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The Dressmaker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1973

Book Brief

Beryl Bainbridge

The Dressmaker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1973
Book Details
Pages

152

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

British Literature

Classic Fiction
Period
World War II
Setting

England • 1940s

Topic
Military & War

World History
Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Set in 1944 England after WWII bombings, The Dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge follows seventeen-year-old Rita and her complex, troubled relationship with her aunts, Nellie and Marge, who each embody different aspects of repression and desire. The narrative uncovers a vicious cycle of mutual sabotage within this working-class family, ultimately leading to a tragic climax. Please note that the book includes themes related to violence and trauma.

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

3.7

1,105 ratings

58%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge elicits mixed reviews. Critics praise its dark humor, vivid characterization, and atmospheric tension, capturing post-war England's mood effectively. However, some readers find the narrative slow and the plot's bleakness off-putting. Overall, it’s an engaging yet somber tale best suited for those appreciating psychological depth and literary artistry.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dressmaker?

Readers who appreciate psychological drama, historical settings, and complex female relationships will enjoy The Dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge. Fans of Beloved by Toni Morrison or Atonement by Ian McEwan will find its exploration of emotional depth and intricate narratives compelling.

3.7

1,105 ratings

58%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

152

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

British Literature

Classic Fiction
Period
World War II
Setting

England • 1940s

Topic
Military & War

World History
Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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