Blythe Bricard is a designer in New York married to Jake and they have formed a fashion line "Blake" (for both of their names). Blythe is the daughter of the mysterious designer and muse Astrid Bricard who disappeared when Blythe was just a baby and no one knows what happened to her. Her father Hawk Jones was also a designer during the 70's when the famous Battle of Versailles fashion show blew up with Halston verbally attacking Bill Blass.

Astrid was the daughter of Mizza Bricard who was a muse/ designer with Christian Dior and the only real life character used in this book. So we follow all three women and the time they lived, but what was the most exciting for me, having worked in the fashion industry during the late 70's and early 80's, was reading the Author's Note at the end of this book. So much of what she writes about in the book really happened with some names and dates and changed but the designers and the incidents (especially the Battle at Versailles) was based on the real story.

My thanks to Net Galley, Hachette/ Forever Publishing, and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy of this e-book and audio book. The narration was very good!

Wow, what a brill book. I will definitely recommend this one to others. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is a lovely look into a line of fashionista women from the same family. Periodically switching between Grandmother, Mother and Daughter. While loosely about trying to solve the mystery of one of the missing Bricard women, it is mostly a reflection on the tearing down and crucifying of women in modern day media, and how this has changed over time, while also kind of staying the same. A good look at the patriarchy through the ages. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfect for it. Very good book. Family, Fashion and Feminism.

This was such an incredible, powerful, moving novel by Natasha Lester. This timeless story follows three generations of extremely talented women in the fashion industry. I loved the paperback so much, that I requested to listen to the audio via #netgalley, which I highly recommend! It is narrated by Barrie Kreinik, who nailed this out of the park. This book will be on my mind for the foreseeable future. It was perfect.

How sad to think that it's only January and I've finished what will probably be one of my top books of the year. Natasha Lester brings an amazing plot line unique from any I have read. Easy to follow. Easier to be hooked. Definitely add this one towards the top of your TBR!

#netgalley #TheDisappearanceofAstridBricard

Three generations of Bricard women- a name synonymous with mystery, allure, sex and fashion. A name also overshadowed by the accomplishments of the men in their respective lives.

Mizza Bricard: Paris, early 1900s. Known as Christian Dior’s muse during the backdrop of the Great Wars, Mizza, a brilliant creator in her own right, plays a critical role in the resistance movement during Nazi occupied Paris.

Astrid Bricard: New York, 1970s. Mizza’s daughter, Astrid, desires to make a name for herself outside the fame and notoriety of her mother. As she struggles to make her mark in a fashion industry deeply rooted in misogyny, she finally feels that she’s coming into her own when she mysteriously goes missing at a fashion show in Versailles.

Blythe Bricard: present day. Blythe was only months old when her mother, Astrid, disappeared at Versailles. The recently divorced, mother of two, is also struggling to shed the infamy and rumors surrounding her famous mother and grandmother, while simultaneously living up the legacy of her family.

Each woman feels trapped by the constraints of the gender roles of their times, and each desires to forge a path of their own. The author has captivated the struggles, frustrations and triumphs of women over the last century, right up until present day. In doing so, she has cast three strong, independent women into each role.

The three storylines weaved back and forth effortlessly, continuing to build on the well executed storyline. You can tell that a great deal of work went into cultivating this story—the detail is meticulously researched. Natasha Lester has done a brilliant job setting atmosphere—from the streets of Nazi occupied Paris to the glitzy discos of the 1970s to the tumultuous woman's rights movements, into the fashion shows, dinner parties and design rooms-- I felt like I stepped into each setting fully. 

The mystery of Astrid's disappearance and the affect it had on each character was a delight to unravel. This novel was a slow burn that never lost any steam, and the journey to the conclusion was well worth it!

4.5 ⭐

Narration: This isn’t my first audiobook narrated by Barrie Kreinik and it won’t be my last. She has narrated a lot of historical fiction that I’ve previously listened to. She is talented and breathes life into each of the characters tasked to her. I especially loved her narration of Mizza’s portion of the story.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard tells the stories of three generations of women and their involvement in the fashion industry. Mizza Bricard was a "muse" for Christian Dior in Paris in the 1940s. Her daughter, Astrid Bricard, followed in her mother's footsteps as a muse a co-creator for Hawk Jones in the US in the 1970s. Finally, Blythe Bricard, Astrid's daughter, tried to step out of the shadows of her predecessors by studying chemistry in college, but ultimately is called back to her love of fashion and costume design. In the beginning, all of the stories of these women sort of blurred together as they all seemed reminiscent of each other and it could be difficult to tell them apart. As the book went on, they were more distinct in their time periods and ultimately all the threads came together at the end. This was a really enjoyable audiobook and the narrator did a fine job. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the fashion industry or historical fiction.

👗 The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard - Natasha Lester

5 🌟 - My first 5 star read of the year and I already know this will be one of my favorites forever. Strong women in a man’s world, fashion, NYC in the 70s, multiple POVs, history, romance, and intertwining stories I just couldn’t get enough of. It has mystery, historical fiction, fashion, money, and romance. I mean, what else could you ask for?

Present Day, French countryside: Blythe Bricard is the daughter of a famous fashion designer but just because she’s the daughter of one, doesn’t mean she wants to be one. Just when she thought she’d turned her back on the fashion world, her past reappears showing her there’s more to her famous mother and grandmother than she thought.
NYC, 1970: Astrid arrives in NYC ready to change the fashion world, and she does - as her lover; Hawk Jones’ muse. When both are invited to the Battle of Versailles, Astrid is ready to sacrifice anything for her future. Just as her career is emerging, she disappears.
Paris, 1917: parent-less 16 year old Mizza Bricard is determined to be remembered on her own terms. Her promise sustains her through many decades, trials, and tribulations as her legend is born - one that proves impossible for Astrid and Blythe to distance themselves from.

So this book (and review, sorry) is long, but rightfully so. Each woman’s story is beautifully told, intertwined with each other, and truly unique. With changing POVs, I thought it could get confusing but each storyline was so intriguing, interesting, and addicting that I couldn’t put this one down. I loved the character development, the historical elements, the connections to real life problems, and the magic of money and fashion in NYC. I stalled toward the end of this one as I didn’t want it to end. I wish I could read it again already. Definitely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for the audio ARC an exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I normally don't care for the 70s Era books, but there wasn't anything hippie like about this. No one knows what happened to Astrid not her lover or her daughter. This book holds stories and history of three generations. All the female characters face different life obstacles and scandals. I loved how this book took place in the fashion world tieing in love. This audiobook should be a movie!

I received an advanced audiobook copy of this book.

This book is my favorite read so far this month! I enjoyed very much how it took a look at family history and patterns and was surprised a few different times at turns the plot took. It is set in the fashion world, which I know very little about, so I enjoyed the look into this as well. This is my first 5-star review in some time. I thought the fact that the author handled sexual connection, without a full "open door scene" (thanks to Jamie Golden for this phrase) drew the reader in/carried the plot forward without too many details.

Fashion, the 70s, scandal what else could you want?? It was such a fun ride, I enjoyed the book so much! I didn’t want it to end! Thanks NetGallery!

“There’s a danger in power, he thinks now. The people who have it see those that want it as dangerous. And those who don’t have it see the people who do as the true threat. Danger isn’t always wildness—it’s when you’re vulnerable and everyone knows it.”

Woah! 4.5 stars rounded up. What an utterly engrossing tale of the Bricard women. Told over multiple generations and from each womans POV this book grabbed me and didn’t let go. It delves into the frustrations of being a woman in the worlds of both fashion and motherhood. How can a woman make a name for herself in the fashion world when the media only portrays her as the muse for a man?! Ugh!

Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe Bricard all have their own challenges to face in the world in their respective generations. I enjoyed all of their perspectives but I think Blythe was actually my favorite. I loved how not all of the men were villains, either, because there are a lot of good men that appreciate strong and talented women in this world.

The audiobook made this book for me! It is done so well and really gets you into the hearts and minds of these incredible women. These ARE fictional characters, right? I’m struggling to believe that as they just seem so REAL.

“I want to make clothes that are both beautiful and give women back their power—clothes that damn well never make them feel like their only job is to make a man more powerful.”

Thank you to Netgalley, Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

You can take certain women away from haute couture, but you can never take haute couture away from them. They live and breathe it; they must. But there’s a reason you’ve only ever heard of Coco Channel, as far as femme designer fashion is concerned, and that reason is this: men. As in, suppression. Maybe now, after all these many years, that will change. But not without a fight.

That’s the lesson that Astrid Bricard, her daughter, and her famous (infamous) mother teach. And it’s a super fun walk (as in cat walk), which you’ll be able to tell from page one. And during the time you’ll explore what did happen to Astrid, just as she was poised to be the top haute couture designer of the world. You’ll be guessing to the last page, even as you hope things will, finally, work out.

I enjoyed this high fashion /somewhat who-done-it audiobook. It’s well told/ the narrator is very versatile, with both continental accents and male/female POVs. Perfect for cold, dull days, and for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six who love the fashion industry. And don’t worry, there’s even recycled fashion in vogue! Lester fans will also recognize additional characters from prior books. Well done!

You read about lives of three women on three different timelines, but were they even different lives? Background changed from WWII to 70s to modern day, but treatment women receive and stuff they had to do to establish their presence did not. Grandma to mother to daughter - Bricard women just wanted people to take them seriously as fashion designers not some muses.

Mizza started the line of headstrong, independent line of Bricard women. She was supporting war efforts in Paris while making a name for herself during a time being woman (and an unmarried one) was a crime. She was there to be next Chanel. Then Astrid entered the scene. She was studious, she was smart, she was creative. But also she was in love - she couldn't see that falling for Hawk was going to be her undoing. No one was taking her seriously - she was a girl wearing revealing Hawk Jones stuff. Years later, Blythe hated her for this. One she left her when she was just a baby. Two, she couldn't be Blythe Bricard without having Astrid's daughter following her name.

I liked how elements of each era were weaved into the story. How scenes we saw in Halston aka Battle of Versailles was the center of the story. The ending was what I wanted to see even though it was predictable. As advertised, this was part Daisy Jones and The Six, part Devil Wears Prada, part Vogue HQ. If you like those, you'll enjoy this book

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for this ALC.

This was a beautiful novel, reminiscient of Kristen Hannah's writing style and interwined narrators and plot. This novel follows three generations of fashion designers who have, as the novel reiterates numerous times, been pushed into obscurity because of the men who take center stage. I loved the references to Ophelia and Hamlet throughout the end of the novel that helped to solidify that idea. Sticking with the allusions to Shakespeare, Lester's novel ties up the mystery in a way that Shakespeare would: Both Astrid and Blythe are able to choose love, and have their spotlight moment - All's well, that end's well!
Lovely story, wrought with every emotion possible!

This book is amazing. Three generations of strong women narrate this beautiful story. It's hard to discuss too much of this novel without giving too much away.
If you're looking for a book involving fashion, feminism, strong women, WW2, the 1970s, and current-day timelines, you will love this.
If you're a fan of Daisy Jones and the Six, I think you would really like this one!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for the audio ARC!!

I really enjoyed this novel! It follows the story of three generations of women in the fashion industry—primarily in America, but also ties in to French couture! Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe Bricard are all women in a man’s world and that is emphasized (almost too many times) repeatedly throughout. I’m quite literally a trained historian, I know very well how long it’s taken for women to even get to the point we are at in our fight for equality in a patriarchal world, but DANG sometimes I kinda felt like exclaiming “OKAY WE GET IT!” Some of Astrid’s reactions to various events that happened throughout also felt a little dramatic to me. I tend to judge historical fiction harder than I do others because of my education (see above lol). So, take what I’ve said here with a grain of salt.

That being said, the way the author immersed us in the world of high fashion spanning an entire century through the three generations represented was really fun. It’s certainly not a topic that get broached by many authors from what I’ve seen! There was a lot to love here and the way the storylines all began to intersect and come together as the novel moved forward helped create this big picture of Bricard women’s really awesome story. Even though it has different POVs, I didn’t have trouble differentiating between them because at the start of each chapter, the narrator stated who’s story we were hearing.

I would classify this more as women’s literature and/or historical fiction than a mystery (which is what the title led me to think it was lol oops), but it still had a couple twists throughout that I didn’t anticipate and made me excited to hear what would happen next! I enjoyed this book and would def recommend it!!

This was my first novel by Lester and it definitely won't be my last!

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel that was based on a real woman of the fashion industry, Mizza Bricard, who lived and worked in Paris a century ago. While little is known about the real Mizza, as history sidelined her as "just a muse" to the great male designers of that time (like Dior), Lester extrapolates on her life to create a compelling tale about three generations of women: Mizza, her daughter Astrid, and her granddaughter Blythe.

I'm not very familiar with the fashion industry, but the author points out "how easily women lose out to men in the strange world of fashion, where the customers are largely women but the people in charge are men." To highlight this theme, the author follows these three women across a century, with Astrid in the 1970s and Blythe in present day, to show how women, especially working mothers and POC, grapple with societal expectations and pressure that are not bestowed upon their (white) male counterparts. In doing so, Lester crafts an intriguing and emotional tale about the power of female friendships and relationships, and reminds women that "there's not shame in being a woman free, stripped of the inhibitions society wants her to wear."

I liked the narrator, but enjoyed the ebook as well, because it contained the author's note that I found helpful in learning more about the real Mizza and the author's rationale for writing this story. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for copies of this book and audiobook to review!

Told from the perspective of three generations of Bricard women (+ Hawk Jones), The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard explores what happens to women when the world crafts their image without their consent, when each generation carries the weight of the images of those that precede them, and what it is like to live in a “world…designed for the Ophelias to die and the Hamlets to rule.” And, oh my gosh, I adored it. I devoured it. I did not want to put it down.

Natasha Lester takes on the patriarchy as she interweaves the stories of present-day Blythe, 1970s Astrid, and 1910s-1940s Mizza. All three women are involved in fashion, but how can they get the world to see who they really are? How can they craft their own stories and legends when so much is defined by what came before?

Barrie Kreinik’s narration is fantastic. She manages to capture, not just the spirit of each individual woman and her perspective (+ Hawk), but also the time period of each. It is easy to tell which character is telling the story based on the narration, and her voices for the supporting characters are distinct as well.

5 stars. No notes.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Hachette Audio and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

This story was powerful, moving, and timeless. It may be a fictional story, but it touches on many issues that are still relevant today. This isn’t the type of book I’m usually drawn to but there was something about it calling to me. I enjoyed it so much more than I anticipated.

The lives of Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe were extraordinary. I am ignorant about the workings of the fashion industry, but I appreciate the dedication and passion that goes into it. Seeing how devoted these women were to their work was inspiring. They not only sought to prove their adversaries wrong, they persevered for themselves. They knew what would make them happy and they went after it, no matter what obstacles they faced.

This book was inspiring and I will happily recommend it to everyone.

Thank you Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

I was surprised by the choice to only have one narrator for this book when it is showcasing multiple perspectives, but the production and narration are well done. The narrator does a nice job keeping the story flowing and differentiating the different perspectives. It's smoothly done and transitions nicely.