Mademoiselle Chanel

By: C. W. Gortner

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

For readers of The Paris Wife and Z comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel—the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and become one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century.

Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to orphanage after their mother’s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle’s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood.

Transforming herself into Coco—a seamstress and sometime torch singer—the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny.

Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco’s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her.

An enthralling novel of an extraordinary woman who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion and artistic vision would become her trademark.

Love Coco’s story, a woman before her time

I enjoyed the story of Coco’s life but was taken aback by the abysmal French pronunciation. If a story is set in France with French names, places and expressions, the narrator needs to have language fluidity.

Great story; poor presentation

The woman reading this fascinating story completely KILLED the beautiful French language and greatly violated English. Constant cringe.

Was curious about her so.........

Any additional comments?

I decided to listen. I enjoyed the story, but I would have liked the narrator to have had a French accent. I think it would have enhanced the story more. All in all a good listen.

Wonderfully written

A must to hear, such an accomplished designer who will live in through her fashion

Story of an Amazing woman ahead of her time!

Was not too sure I would find much to like about this book. Aside from being a minor Francophile I am not much of a follower of style fashion, etc. However, it was time in my Audible rotation to listen to a Novel and I wanted it to be interesting and out of my usual fare. I downloaded the book and really enjoyed the performance, character development, and the language. A distinct picture was drawn that transported me back to the various stages of Coco's life - having been to France and all of the areas discussed the book came alive. This fictionalized version of the events of her life prompted me to so research on Coco and I found the threads of the book to be factual, the only fictionalization must revolve around some of the ancillary characters and dialogue. Fascinating woman , ahead of her time. Amazing she prospered for so long and left a legacy that is as pertinent today as it was through the decades of her life. While I don't imagine she was particularly likable, she certainly was impressive and made for a fascinating study in this novel. I will now find a biography of her and compare to this fictionalized version of her life. Very enjoyable, much more so than I expected.