⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ {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.

Natasha Lester has become a Must Read author for me ever since I read her novel The Paris Secret at the end of 2020. I love how she approaches historical fiction and how she weaves (pun intended) fashion into her stories. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is her latest and it’s another winner.
Here’s the book’s description:

Three generations. One chance to prove themselves. Can the women of the Bricard fashion dynasty finally rewrite their history?
French countryside, Present: Blythe Bricard is the daughter of famous fashion muses but that doesn't mean she wants to be one. She turned her back on that world, and her dreams, years ago. Fate, however, has a different plan, and Blythe will discover there is more to her iconic mother and grandmother than she ever knew.
New York, 1970: Designer Astrid Bricard arrives in bohemian Chelsea determined to change the fashion world forever. And she does―cast as muse to her lover, Hawk Jones. And when they're both invited to compete in the fashion event of the century―the Battle of Versailles―Astrid sacrifices everything to showcase her talent. But then, just as her career is about to take off, she mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind only a white silk dress.
Paris, 1917: Parentless sixteen-year-old Mizza Bricard has made a to be remembered on her own terms. Her promise sustains her through turbulent decades and volatile couture houses until, finally, her name is remembered and a legend is born―one that proves impossible for Astrid and Blythe to distance themselves from.
There are some definite Daisy Jones and the Six vibes about this story but Lester’s novel is entirely her own. The focus is on fashion instead of music but the time period is similar, as is the gossip, sex, drugs, and rock and roll atmosphere. I wouldn’t say music or fashion are huge passions of mine but Lester, like Jenkins Reid, was able to hook me with a world I may never have read about. Which would have been a damn shame.

Like Lester’s other novels, and many other historical fiction stories, this was a multi-timeline novel. I’m honestly getting a little over that…would we call it a trope? Storytelling choice? I don’t know why it’s been such A Thing in historical fiction but here we are. But Lester uses the three timelines well, for the most part. The bulk of the novel is dedicated to Astrid and Hawk during the seventies as their personal and professional lives collided in a spectacular explosion. Then there was Blythe in what the book’s description calls “present” but is actually the 2010s (I want to say 2012?). Finally, Lester introduces Mizza in 1917 and follows her through both World Wars, focusing on what she was involved in during WWII.
Mizza’s storyline is where things got a bit muddled which is interesting since, of all the characters, she’s the only person who actually existed. Lester notes at the end that much of Mizza’s background is unknown and, like a lot of French women who lived through World War II, she never spoke of what happened during that time. I don’t really mind when authors take liberties with real people, and I don’t think that was my issue with Lester’s treatment of Mizza. As intrigued as I was with Mizza and how the Bricard dynasty began, I felt like it was a totally separate story and didn’t quite mesh with Astrid and Blythe’s story.

I never, ever feel like Lester does an info dump in her novels, which is surprising since there is always so much new-to-me information in her stories! I love love love how passionate she is about fashion and how she inserts interesting (and relevant) details into her novels about the world of fashion. She does her research on other historical tidbits too which make the novels feel authentic and such a joy to read.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard isn’t going to usurp The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre as my favourite Natasha Lester novel but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great read. I still loved it! Other historical fiction lovers will find a story that is interesting, emotional, informative, and entertaining all at once. I definitely recommend it!

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Forever, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

The characters of Astrid, Blythe and Hawk walked right off the first page and didn’t want to go away at the end. I was disappointed they weren’t real but were characters created from real events and attitudes in the early 70’s. It was tough for women who were just starting to push their way forward – things that women now days take for granted are because of what happened in the late 60’s and 1970’s. Astrid’s story very well could have happened exactly as the author envisioned which makes this a must read especially for young women.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever for accepting my request to read and review The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard on NetGalley.

Stars: 2

Published: 01/30/24

Somewhere between the synopsis and the end of the book there was a long drawn out story. I enjoy historical fiction and was enticed by three generations and perhaps a missing dress. Historically the explorations of cities, countries, designers, and eras were possible.

I found this to be a mess and not enjoyable. There wasn't a character that I liked. I spaced the reading out over many days and read other things during those times. I found this to be exhausting. The ending sealed the deal for me, two stars.

I would recommend reading other reviews and see if they touch on your interests.

I received this advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This novel really blew me away! I normally find multiple timeline novels to be tedious and less skillfully written. Not in this case! Every character was incredibly engaging and their story was just as fascinating as all the other characters. I really found the overall vision and message of the novel to be so well crafted and dynamic. This is a fabulous read!

Natasha Lester certainly knows how to write strong stories about women! In THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD, I particularly enjoyed the story of Mizza. Based on a real person known as fashion designer Christian Dior. I was totally invested in the stories about her as a guide to get children through the underground tunnels of Paris to get children to safety during World War II. I also appreciate how she brought Alix St. Pierre a character in a previous Lester book.

I did have a little difficulty keeping storylines and characters straight at times. My second favorite storyline was about Blythe Bricard, Astrid’s and Jake’s daughter. I would have liked to seen more interaction between Jake’s dying mother and Blythe.

I know I can count on Lester to deliver a wonderful story with lots to think about. I read and listened to the story on Audible. I enjoyed the narrator’s voice. My thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Also thank you to Audible. The opinions in this review are my own.

This is a multi-period novel exploring the lives of three Bricard women who are talented but largely unrecognized for that talent. Mizza Bricard was a talented designer who is better known as the real-life muse of Christian Dior. Her fictionalized daughter Astrid Bricard was known as the daughter of Mizza Bricard and also as the muse of designer Hawk Jones. Astrid’s daughter Blythe is fighting to be recognized as a designer in her own right, but she is in the shadow of media perceptions and her designer ex-husband Jake. She is also living with the fact that her mother disappeared when she was a baby and her father has never been there for her either.

This novel looks at the oppression of women in the fashion industry, mental health, abandonment, and other issues. The characters are strong, talented women who face an uphill battle with discrimination, public perception, and media portrayals. The fashion industry background is richly described, and the treatment of the media towards women over the decades is eye-opening. Important mental health issues that affect women are also brought to the forefront. The three time periods—the 1940s, 1970’s, and present day are very different, but all share the same issue of women fighting to be recognized in the fashion industry. The love stories set in the midst of the glamour and betrayal of this industry are well done.

My rating is 4.5 stars, rounded up to five on sites with no half-star option.

Anyone interested in fashion and historical fiction will enjoy this novel.

I received a free copy of the ebook from Forever Books. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Although I knew going in this was historical fiction I did think there was going to be more about the mystery of Astrid's disappearance. It all felt very glossed over and strange that everyone just accepted she was gone. Overall a 3 because i felt it was very drawn out.

So much heartbreak, beautifully woven with fashion’s biggest houses. Spanning the 20th century of fashion icons, war, and women trying to make it in a man’s world, Lester has probably written her best novel to date.

I could not put this novel down, and I was constantly switching between the kindle and my audiobook (thank you @forever and @netgalley) trying to piece together the history of these three women, filling in the blanks and question marks.

Each generation of beautiful women with equally beautiful fashion designs has secrets they are keeping, and through a multiple timeline perspective, winding through the early 1900s to present day. Blythe has been abandoned by her famous fashion parents, and she’s trying to find her own way in the fashion world as well.

The ending, while wrapping up the story nicely, still left me with questions! I just wanted to know so much more of Hawk and Astrid, as well as Jake’s mother.

Highly recommend this if you enjoy historical fiction (not based on anyone’s true story), multiple perspectives, sweeping time spans, and familial drama.

Three generations of Bricard designers take to the runway in Natasha Lester’s intriguing mystery of a famous designer’s disappearance from the Palace of Versailles’s Hall of Mirrors in 1973. Leaving only a blood-stained white dress as a clue, the missing designer, Astrid Bricard, remains the central character as her mother, Mizza, muse to Christian Dior, and Blythe, Astrid’s daughter, reveal their own stories in alternating chapters. There are many questions to be answered and Lester’s plot unfurls like chiffon from its bolt. The patterns seem to be set, only to be redesigned and refit depending on the Bricard women’s level of guilt, pain, and pure stubbornness. Lester’s vivid settings of underground escape tunnels in Paris, the Viet Nam War, and the Equal Rights Amendment sink readers into the political events of the early years of WWll and the 1970’s. The rich and famous Jackie Kennedy, Princess Grace of Monaco, and the Duchess of Windsor make appearances at events and in the current magazines of the day, Vogue and Life. Lester captures John Fairchild’s intolerable personality and keeps readers infuriated with his “In and Out” column. Scenes at real venues, Electric Circus and Cheetah, with ever present paparazzi trying to get a picture of Astrid in the silver lamé dress, along with pop culture icons Mick Jagger and Bianca, depict the ‘breakneck, brash’ vibe of NYC in contrast with the ‘sultry, aloof’ streets of Paris. Lester’s research into the details of the famous competition involving designers, situations, and interactions revealing their personalities is a treat for fashionistas as American designers Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, and Halston match wits and design creativity against French icons Yves St. Laurent, Christian Dior, and Givenchy. Changing the show order and screaming shout downs were part of the toxic atmosphere at Versailles! Was it a French or an American designer? More importantly, what happened to Astrid Bricard?
Enter the strange and mysterious world of fashion as Natasha Lester’s designing women of three generations, each an expert at leaving, create their own “pièce de résistance.”
Do you remember wearing hotpants or kneeling on the floor to have the length of your skirt measured? The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard was written with you in mind!

A great story about three generations of women in one family, each trying to prove herself in the world of fashion dominated by men. Each woman is viewed by the world as a "muse" to a famous designer rather than being seen as the extraordinary designer she is in her own right. It speaks to the struggle woman have faced for decades as their history is written by others as they fight to write it for themselves. Excellent read.

Natasha Lester, when are you releasing your next book?? This is my second advanced copy from the author & the second time I couldn't put down her writing. Alternating between World War II-torn Europe, the chaotic 1970s & present day, "The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard" is a mystery, a love story & a historical tale all wrapped up in a five-star novel.

"Why is the world so full of older men all telling a young woman she won't be able to do what she wants?"

"CALM DOWN. Wasn't that what a man always said right before he tried to gaslight a woman?"

If you have ever felt this way in work or everyday life, then you NEED to read this book! It's a glittering take on female empowerment, love lost & gained and the secrets we hold in hearts that have the power to destroy. Plus - *spoiler alert* we get a surprise appearance from a title character in one of Lester's previous works! So much fun! Run, don't walk, to get a copy!