This is a great historical fiction novel set in the 1970's.

The characters are well written and I love all the fashion details.

The author definitely did her research.

Really enjoyed the story and the characters.

In essence, a century of high fashion seen through the eyes of 3 generations of women whose creativity gets sublimated to men who take credit leaving the women overlooked as designers in their own right, yet the center focus of illiterati who perceive them as dismissible accessories. The love of fabrics and fabrication is highlighted with sensuous language and the various time periods come to life vividly in the skilled hands of this author. The characters are complex and their legacies live on to affect the lives of their child and grandchild.

This is the story of 3 generations of fashion designers. Astrid Bicard is a fashion designer. She has a relationship with a male designer, Hawk Jones. At that time, women as designers are not taken seriously. While Astrid designs most of Hawk's clothing line, he gets credit. Astrid has a daughter and struggles establishing her own career as a solo female fashion designer. One day, she disappears. She leaves behind her iconic silk, white dress. mystery.
Blythe Bricard is a divorced mother of 2 children, living in Paris, and is struggling to establish her own career as a designer. Can she escape the memory of Astrid and Mizza? Will she discover what happened to Astrid Bricard.
This was a novel about fashion, the industry, relationships and mystery. It is delightful to read and has much intrigue.

👗 THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD by Natasha Lester 👗

★★★★☆

📖 About: Three generations. One chance to prove themselves. Can the women of the Bricard fashion dynasty finally rewrite their history?

🍹 Drink Pairing: Coming Soon…

🌟 Review: I ended up liking this book so much more than I thought I would! I don’t always gravitate towards historical fiction, but this book was such an effortless read. Plus, I am a sucker for a book that weaves a story between multiple timelines.

One of my favorite books of all time is “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham, and this story reminded me of that a bit while following Blythe, Astrid, and Mizza. I loved seeing history and the fashion world through their lens, but Blythe was probably my favorite of the three. There were so many twists and turns, that I really couldn’t wait to see how the story would get wrapped up and I was rooting for all three women the entire time.

What a perfect story to celebrate women during Women’s History Month. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fashion.

Thank you to Forever / Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review!

If you love fashion and you love historical fiction this book is for you! Enjoyed the many timelines and stories

Fashion AND Historical Fiction? Count me in!

Thank you Forever Books for the opportunity to read this stunner!

What really happened to Astrid Bricard? This question lingers throughout the riveting new novel by Natasha Lester, “The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard” which is filled with glamour, intrigue, and mystery. Lester takes readers on a journey through the world of high fashion and the tumultuous lives of the Bricard women.

The novel opens with a glimpse of Astrid Bricard at the height of her career in the 70s, wearing a daring silver lamé dress that becomes iconic. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that Astrid's life is not as perfect as it seems. Her struggle to break free from the shadow of her infamous mother, Mizza Bricard, and make a name for herself in the couture world is at the heart of the narrative.

This is my third book I’ve read by Natasha Lester and it certainly won’t be my last. Her ability to write intricate stories woven rich with historical detail, compelling characters and just the right amount of glamour is spectacular. I always know I’m in for a treat (especially as a fashion design major) when I pick up one of her books.

Are you ready to unravel the secrets of Astrid Bricard?

I absolutely loved this book! I loved getting all the viewpoints from the different time periods to piece together the whole story. I also loved the added history of how women were treated in the 70's in the fashion (and really any) arena. Very well written.

3.5 stars
The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard follows 3 generations of women in fashion. Mizza has to navigate sexism in the fashion industry in Paris during WW2. Astrid faces the sexism of the fashion industry in 1970s NYC. Blythe faces the same issues of sexism in the fashion industry in present days. The exposition of this sexism is the star of the show. It’s sad how “plus ca change, plus c’est le même”. It might have been a five star read for me right there but, I felt for a book that wants to take on the patriarchy, it was frustratingly inconsistent for Astrid and Blythe’s characterizations in particular. That being said, I was invested from start to find out what did happen with Astrid!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever(Grand Central Publishing) for an e-ARC of this book. The opinions in it are solely my own. I will try to leave this review as spoiler free as possible.

I have yet to read Daisy Jones and the Six, which The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is compared to. For me, fashion, multiple women's points of view and generational tales are my jam.

Astrid is a bold streak across the 70's and is a complex and beautiful character. I enjoyed learning more about how women fought for their place in fashion in an industry dominated by men.

Mizza was an enigma, and I did not have any previous knowledge regarding the real-life person her character was based on.

The book was easy to follow, carefully orchestrated between the three women's timelines and when they interconnect later in the book, it was shocking.

The freedom each woman seeks in each timeframe is at the heart of the novel. Freedom from the era, preconceived notions society pinned on them, the freedom to be themselves.

It is a bold and empowering book and I was swept away throughout its pages.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester is a compelling and captivating novel that tells the story of three generations of women in the Bricard fashion dynasty, and the mystery of Astrid’s disappearance. The book is a blend of historical fiction, mystery, romance, and feminism, that explores the themes of identity, ambition, love, betrayal, and family, as well as the role of women as muses and creators in the fashion industry. The book is well-written, well-researched, and well-crafted, with engaging plot, character development, writing style, and overall impact. The book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories about fashion, history, and strong female characters. The book is a must-read for fans of Natasha Lester and her previous novels.

Thank to NetGalley and Forever & Grand Central Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The premise sounded good but I just couldn’t get into the book. There was a lot of jumping around chronologically and it was too long at 468 pages.

The only part I enjoyed was a sneak peak into the fashion industry. I enjoyed how the women in this fashion family were trying to create clothes for women that could work in the workplace and also evening events, like the introduction of women wearing pants!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ {historical fiction}

Thank you to @readforeverpub for the advance copy of this gorgeous and fascinating novel! I learned so much about the history of fashion and was spellbound by the characters and their stories.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard
By: @natashalesterauthor
⭐️: 4
🌶️: 0
Pub date: January 30, 2024

Everyone remembers her daringly short, silver lamé dress. An iconic photo capturing an electric moment, where emerging American designer Astrid Bricard is young, uninhibited, and on the cusp of fashion and feminism’s changing landscape. She and fellow designer Hawk Jones are skyricketing to fame, but she can’t escape the shadow of her mother, the infamous “muse” for Christian Dior. Astrid is positioned to be the next great designer... but then she disappeared.

Now Astrid’s daughter, Blythe, holds what remains of her mother and grandmother’s legacies. Of all the Bricard women, she can create something that will shake the foundations of fashion. The only piece missing is the one question no one’s been able to answer: What really happened to Astrid?

This novel, partially based on true historical events, is sweeping and... big. It takes us through three generations of women who were fighting to be acknowledged for their work in fashion, but often reduced to a side story or being the supposed muse of a much more famous man.

The story was fascinating and the characters mesmerizing. I don’t know much about fashion but I was riveted! I’m generally a fan of multiple timelines and pov, but when you introduce three generations to a story, the balance gets tricky to achieve. Some characters had too much time (Astrid) and a repetitive storyline, and others I wanted more (Mizza and Blythe)!

This was my first novel by Lester, who is a very beloved historical fiction author. Her writing is beautiful and she uses a lot of imagery to tell her stories.

Fans of TJR will enjoy this one, as will anyone who likes historical fiction that uses a blend of real and imagined events and timelines. This took me a while to read, but I’m glad I did!

I loved the ending! This was a gorgeous and great historical fiction novel that I would recommend to mystery readers as well! Highly enjoyable and should be a #booktok success!

Every year, Natasha Lester's newest historical fiction novel is at the top of my TBR. Unfortunately, I think "Astrid Bricard" was my least favorite of her's so far - it was still good, but it just didn't captivate me as quickly and deeply as her stories usually do. I didn't think the mystery element of this story was quite as well done as in pervious books, nor was I as big of a fan of Blythe or Astrid as I usually am of Lester's protagonists.

Thanks to the publisher and Natasha Lester for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Natasha Lester’s books never disappoint me. The research, the writing, and the characters make it an exceptional historical fiction novel that draws me in from the first page to the end. As soon as I finished reading the arc of THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD, I immediately preordered it because I needed this story on my shelf. Plus, this is one of my favorite covers in a long time!

I’m obsessed with fashion, so reading that this book was supposed to be a blend of feminism, fashion, and history set against the real-life designers’ showdown in Versailles in the 1970s, I had to read it. It did not disappoint. Flipping between the 1940s, the 1970s, and the present day, it takes you on a ride through women in fashion and how they were (are) treated. I got attached to the women that Lester wrote about and wanted to be friends with them, and each had a captivating story that wove together to make one intriguing novel.

PS - If you are a fan of THE THREE LIVES OF ALIX ST. PIERRE by Natasha Lester, like me, you should definitely pick this up 😉

PSS - Lester always includes amazing author’s notes. Don’t skip out on reading them!

Thanks, Forever and Netgalley, for the gifted arc!

Content Warnings: misogyny, alcoholism, familial death, grief, sexual assault, war, antisemitism, racism

Natasha Lester has once again captivated readers with her latest novel, a mesmerizing tale that spans across generations, delving into the glamorous yet challenging world of fashion design. Her narrative transports us to the vibrant era of the 1970s in America, a time when women were beginning to carve their names in the male-dominated industry of fashion. Lester introduces us to three remarkable women, whose resilience and determination are nothing short of inspiring.

The story begins in 1917 with the young Mizza Bricard, a sixteen-year-old navigating her way through high society and the prejudices of the time. Her journey from attending elite parties to becoming a celebrated figure within the Parisian couture scene—and possibly the muse of Dior—sets the stage for a compelling exploration of ambition and identity.

Fast forward to 1970, we meet Astrid Bricard, Mizza's descendant, who lands in New York with dreams of making it big as a fashion designer. Despite her talent and a scholarship to Parsons, her journey is complicated by her relationship with Hawk Jones, a renowned designer. The narrative skillfully portrays Astrid's struggle to be recognized for her own work rather than being overshadowed as Hawk’s muse, especially during the iconic fashion showdown between American and French designers at Versailles.

In the present day, Blythe Bricard seeks to forge her own path in the fashion world, adamant about not being defined as anyone's muse, unlike her mother and grandmother. Her story unfolds in an emotional journey back to a chateau in France, where the secrets of her family's past are unraveled, offering a poignant look at the sacrifices and choices of the women before her.

Lester's novel is a beautifully woven tapestry of love, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams amidst societal challenges. The depth of her characters and the historical richness of the fashion industry backdrop make for an unforgettable read. The way she addresses enduring issues within the fashion world and society at large, alongside a narrative filled with emotional depth, makes this book a compelling read.

The conclusion of the story is an emotional tour de force, masterfully tying together the threads of Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe’s lives. It's a testament to Lester's skill as a storyteller that she can evoke such a powerful range of emotions, leaving readers profoundly moved and reflective.

I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a story that not only entertains but also inspires. Natasha Lester’s work is a reminder of the power of resilience and the enduring quest for personal and professional fulfillment. This book is truly a gem, not to be overlooked by those who cherish deeply moving narratives and rich, historical tapestries.

Thank you to the Forever team for giving me an ARC of this fantastic book!

This book falls into my favorite niche genre. Daisy Jones, Evenlyn Hugo, and now Astrid Bricard. I love women shrouded in mystery, where everyone thinks they know the story, and then unpacking moment by moment what happened behind the scenes.
Mizza, Astrid and Blythe are amazing characters. I was so surprised by the WW2 storyline. I loved the feminism sewn into every story. The different things that happen with each women. I just can't swoon enough, I love love love this.

REVIEW ⭐️
The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard

4 Stars ✨
To no surprise, I really enjoyed this book! I find all of Natasha Lester’s novels to be so enjoyable and keep me entertained from start to finish. Astrid is a fashion student in the late 60s/early 70s and working to shed the stereotype she is only a muse rather than a designer. Focused on gender rights during that time period, it also flashed forward to her daughter in present day. It features another character from Lester’s last novel, Alix St Pierre. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a historical choice that has mystery as well.

Although you wouldn’t know it by my wardrobe, I was obsessed with haute couture designers and the history of Paris fashion when I was a teen. This book seemed like it would be right up my alley but, honestly, it was terrible. The story is messy and slow and there’s an excess of dialogue. I started skipping entire chapters and almost nothing had happened. The final reveal was a let down. I think these three stories would have been better served as a trilogy of books. The author tried to tackle some serious issues of misogyny, celebrity culture and the underrepresentation of women in the industry but it felt heavy-handed. I was so annoyed by all the characters that I couldn’t empathize with any of them.

4.5 ⭐️

I saw this referred to as “Vogue meets Daisy Jones & the Six,” but I think that’s selling it short. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is a layered work, connecting the three women’s timelines through more than genetics or fashion. There’s intergenerational trauma, there’s the uphill battle women still face against the patriarchy, and so much more. I was captivated from start to finish.

Thank you Natasha Lester, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.