I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley.
I started off college as a Fashion Design major so I definitely wanted to read this book about Astrid Bricard, as a new fashion student setting the world ablaze in a world dominated by male designers. Unfortunately things don't work out like we hope. This goes between 3 generations of women in Astrid's family who are entwined with fashion and dealing with being a woman in male-controlled careers.

Oh my goodness but I absolutely loved this one! I found this to be a fantastic tale full of a ton of insightful and on point statements about the role of women in business / fashion, as well as a really lovely story about families and misunderstandings (intentional and un) and love and the price we so often pay for being true to ourselves. Lester has done a really fantastic job crafting characters who are whole and real and engaging and full of flaws and setting them loose in a landscape that is just fascinating. I did not know of the Battle of Versailles prior to this, but I'm definitely interested in looking up more and the Givhan book is on my short list of things to read next as a result.. This was a fascinating and really well written tale that engaged me from the opening pages. I loved it!

This book was phenomenal! It captures the full essence of the fashion industry for the 1940s to the present time. Unfortunately women designers always took a backseat to men designers, but their impact has been felt throughout the entire time. Based on many facts the story and characters are unforgettable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this novel!
Most of the big names in fashion design are men, despite the clothes being intended for a female consumer. This novel takes a look at the inequities in the fashion world, spanning across three generations, and puts a mystery at the forefront. I loved this novel, despite knowing next to nothing about fashion design, and I loved how it broke down what it means to be a woman, not just in the fashion world, but in the world in general. I'm buying a physical copy to keep on my shelf, and I'm buying copies as gifts for some of the women in my life. I can't wait to read more by Natasha Lester.

Lester's newest follows three generations of the Bricard family -- one once the muse for Dior, another a rising disco era fashion star who disappears after a famous show, and her daughter left to solve the mystery and leave her own stamp on the design world. An elegant, intriguing tale!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy of 'The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard' by Natasha Lester.

5/5 stars from me for Natasha Lester's upcoming release. If you loved her last novel - 'The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre' - you will definitely enjoy this.

'The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard' explores the struggle women have faced to have their artistry and contribution to the fashion industry recognised since WW1. It examines how women have been diminished as the muse of a celebrated male designer rather than as a designer in their own right. Lester's novel shows how the toxic nature of media and gossip can tarnish the reputation of multiple generations of women and affect their mental health and relationships. At its heart this novel is a love story between characters Astrid Bricard and Hawk Jones and a mystery as Astrid's daughter Blythe seeks to find answers to explain her mother's infamous disappearance.

I typically love this kind of historical fiction. Parts of it reminded me of a Fiona Davis book. The story line was great. It was relevant, had some intrigued and I definitely wanted to know what happen. The biggest problem I had with this book was it was too long. It dragged in the middle. I kept thinking let’s get on with this. I also didn’t love the end of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release.

My first book by Natasha Lester, and it definitely won't be my last!

I love historical fiction that makes me forget it's historical fiction (if that makes any sense). I love a story that sweeps me up into the life of the characters and the intrigue. This book had me hooked from the first chapter. I read this in less than 48 hours.

If you love female generational stories, if you love fashion, if you are aware of lack of gender equality... you need to read this book. This story tells the tale of three women in the fashion industry, who are determined to make their mark, change the industry and prove that they not only deserved a seat at the table, they should be at the head of the table! The story begins with Astrid disappearing at Versailles designer show in 1973 and all that remains is her dress. You then dive into the complex family dynamics of Astrid and her iconic mother Mizza and is her granddaughter, Blythe Bricard.

There are some great twists and some fun characters that make an appearance that you will recognize from the fashion industry. Such a fun read!!!! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard was my introduction to Natasha Lester's books, but it definitely won't be my last one! A timely riveting read that exposes the double standards of women's fashion where men control the industry and the writing of history.

Focusing on three generations of strong, talented women who dare to be fashion designers at the highest levels, Ms Lester brings to life fashion designing. The story of Mizza, Astrid and Blyth Bricard is woven into the fabric of the fashion industry from the deprivation and intrigue of WW2 in Paris through the "Youthquake" of the '60s and '70s to this century (ending shortly before the "Me Too" movement). The constant binding the generations is how women's contributions are denied by the men in power and the penalties paid by the women who buck the system.

Overall I loved reading The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard. My only disappointment in the book was the ending, which wrapped up too neatly and too quickly considering the complexity of the rest of the story.

My thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the advance copy. I've added Natasha Lester to my list of favorite authors.

This was a wonderful book written about Mizza Bricard, a fashion designer that worked with Christian Dior. After reading the author’s notes I realized how much fact was woven into the story. Although she took certain liberties to create a compelling story, it is incredibly informative and provides a shocking view of the fashion industry and how misogynistic it was (still is?). All three of the main female characters were so talented but faced constant challenges to be recognized. The result leads to much suffering and pain. I enjoyed the inclusion of the social and political climate in New York and Paris during the time period from the 1040’s to the present. This book has something for everyone - love, family drama, history, war, fashion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

Men tell the stories that make up history, but we are the ones who choose whether to believe them or not. Or, as Natasha Lester puts it, “Don’t you ever want to reach into the internet and pull a woman out of the story she’s been written into?”

In her latest novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, the author explores media, myth, and the consequences of both on the lives of three women spanning three generations of the same family. Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe Bricard are famous- many would say infamous- names in the fashion world. But are the stories told about them true? More importantly, are the stories they told themselves true?

This was an engrossing look into a troubled family, torn apart by generational trauma and lack of communication. It was also a look into the glamorous, but sometimes dark world of high fashion. I tore through it in less than twenty-four hours.

The author handled the jumps between three different timelines smoothly, the main characters were sympathetic even when you wanted to shake them for the terrible decisions they made, and the reasonably short chapters that sometimes had mini-cliffhangers at the end kept the action moving. The very thorough Author’s Note was also good reading.

My single issue with this book was the sappy, simplistic, too-too-perfect ending. After the messy complexity of the relationships throughout the book, it was jarring and amateurish.

Otherwise, I enjoyed the book, rate it a solid four stars, and recommend it to all historical fiction fans.

You know when you’re reading a wildly engaging and fascinating novel that part of you wants to read it as fast as you can so you know what happens but the other part wants to savor the story?

That was me with this book.


* While reading the author’s The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre first isn’t absolutely necessary, I’m glad that I read that before my reading of this.

* The cover and vibe of this one put me more in mind of old Judith Krantz novels than Daisy Jones, and despite their age (which is quite evident in some of the text) I still love Judith Krantz novels and read them when requiring a comfort novel.


This is excellent, excellent historical fiction and a strong recommendation from me.



Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the DRC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Natasha Lester especially for allowing to read her upcoming new book. I have read all of Natasha's books. I love stories with strong female protagonists and this one has a few over the eras. The fashion industry always was lead by men, and in this one the women standup for themselves. Recommend The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard.

4.5 rounded up
Well researched and written well. Learned a lot about the early fashion industry (which was incredibly written) and there was some romance too. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Another wonderful book by Natasha Lester always look forward to reading her books this one did not dissappoint! Loved the fact she referenced back to a character from another book. Great storyteller and she makes the characters come alive!

Natasha Lester hits it out of the park again! I’m always impressed when I find a fresh take on the WWII historical fiction topic, and having it be through the scope of the fashion industry was unlike anything I’ve read before. Lester’s writing is so intricate, with each separate character really getting their chance to shine and tell their story. It’s so satisfying to have all the details given to you so you can form a picture in your head, Lester always does that! I really enjoyed the ties created between Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe- they all had some traits in common and it was interesting to see how they came into play with each generation. The twists and turns with each character, particularly Mizza we’re intriguing, and I couldn’t put this one down! It was also fun to see Alix St. Pierre featured throughout!

Natasha Lester’s books are amazing! I loved her last one and was so excited to get to read this early. It didn’t disappoint. You get lost in the world of Astrid!

Thank you to the publisher for the arc

The premise of this immediately grabbed my attention but fell flat for me. The writing style didn’t really work with the story. However this would be fantastic if it was all in first person.

Wonderful book about three generations of fashion designers. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

This book was bloody brilliant. The characters grabbed on immediately and the book was tough to pause. Absolutely loved it.