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Wow! I loved everything about “The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights” by Kitty Zeldis. The genres for this book are Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Literary Fiction. Kitty Zeldis is an accomplished writer and an amazing storyteller. She vividly describes the 1920’s, the characters, the scenery, and the plot. The timeline for this story is set in 1924, and goes to the past, when it pertains to the characters or events. The setting for this story is in Brooklyn, New York, New Orleans, and Russia. The author describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. I like that the fashions, accessories, and hairstyles of the era are discussed.
The three women that are the main characters are Beatrice, Alice, and Catherine. Beatrice had a difficult and tragic life, but has managed to do well. She has been courageous and creative in surviving. She was forced to leave Russia, and comes to America. Beatrice holds secrets that are close to her heart. She has left New Orleans with Alice, an orphaned teenager, that she is responsible for. They open a dress shop in Prospect Heights. Alice is a very talented sewer and dressmaker. Down the street lives Catherine, a young lady that is trying to get pregnant with her husband. Beatrice is obsessed and is very interested in Catherine.
I appreciate that Kitty Zeldis discusses important issues such as discrimination and anti-semitism, rape, Brothels and prostitution, infertility, adoption, and pregnancy out of wedlock. The author also mentions the importance of motherhood, family, friends, love, and hope. The themes of sisterhood, motherhood, forgiveness, and second changes are also mentioned throughout the story. I highly recommend this memorable, heartfelt, and thought-provoking novel.
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