The Dressmaker

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott - To be discussed on Wed. May 2, 2012, at 6:30 pm at Geneseo Public Library.

Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she's had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be a personal maid on the Titanic's doomed voyage. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men, one a roughly-hewn but kind sailor and the other an enigmatic Chicago millionaire. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes.

Amidst the chaos and desperate urging of two very different suitors, Tess is one of the last people allowed on a lifeboat. Tess’s sailor also manages to survive unharmed, witness to Lady Duff Gordon’s questionable actions during the tragedy. Others—including the gallant Midwestern tycoon—are not so lucky.

Questions:

1 What were Tess’ job responsibilities at beginning of the story?

2 How did her life change after the boat tragedy?

3 Did you feel the characters were realistic? Did you like them?

4 Did you enjoy this novel?

5 Would you recommend this book to others?