Madensky Square

By: Eva Ibbotson

Narrated by: Juanita McMahon

Susanna Weber is the best dress maker in Imperial Vienna. Through skill and hard work, she now owns her own dress shop, looking out over the beautiful Madensky Square. To do so, she has left her past behind, if not without regret, at least resolutely. Looking around her, at her customers and friends, Susanna is aware that she has more than most - but a few small changes cause her to realize just how precarious her situation is.

©1998 Eva Ibbotson (P)2001 W F Howes Ltd

Wonderful

I loved this story from beginning to end, the narration is perfect, the characters even more so. I will definitely again listen to this, a new favorite.

Fantastic Narrator

Eva Ibbotson is one of my favorite authors, and this one did not disappoint. However, I'm glad I listened to it instead of reading it. The narrator was fantastic! I could listen to her all day!

Fascinating but challenging

I was not expecting the maturity of the writing nor the topic, given that this author has written a good deal of children's fiction with great success. However, I greatly enjoyed listening to this book, and found unexpected pleasure in the detailed and complicated world of the main character. This is a book that requires thought, I would not recommend it for someone seeking a light quick read.

Vharming, unexpected, and touching story

Set in Austria at the turn of the 20th century, this book tells the story of Susanna, an unwed mother who rebuilds her life to become a fashionable dressmaker. Her story intertwines with those of her neighbors on the Square and her lover. These include those whom she helps - such as a Hungarian waif who is a brilliant pianist and her Anarchist assistant - as well as those who help her. Filled with loving historical detail and a cast of appealing characters the story flows quickly. I fell in love with several characters along the way, had a delightful book at Austrian culture in pre-World War Europe, and was touched by the numerous insights on motherhood, friendship, and the enjoyment of life as one of our greatest responsibilities.

Charming afternoon treat

A charming book from Eva Ibbotson, from her frothier side. "Journey to the River Sea" remains my favourite book of hers, but this is a tranquil, discursive, always interesting look at fashionable life in pre-war Vienna. Especially if you are interesting in fashion, Madensky Square is enjoyable and undemanding, and delightfully stylish.