The Art Of Being A Woman: My Mother, Schiaparelli, And Me (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This is a highly readable, engaging memoir. I love the interwoven life stories of Schaiparelli, the author's mother, and the author herself. The story is rich with detail about mid-century New York City upper-middle-class culture, women's positions and customs, and Schiapiarelli's creations. I identified, as I'm sure many women will, with both the deep love and the complex psychological distancing that are integral to Volk's relationship with her mother.Highly recommended for women (and self-aware, mature older teens) of all ages, and for men who enjoy delving into the mysteries of women's lives and of mother-daughter relationships. An excellent book-club book; though many mother-daughter clubs may find the book is too intimate to discuss with one's parent or child in the same group. I cannot even explain how much I LOVED this book! I never knew Elsa S. "invented" shocking pink! Everything about this memoir was pitch perfect and I will read everything Patricia Volk has ever written and anxiously await what she has to come. PV is so honest, her mother and their relationship so perfectly capture an era..., and I had no idea ES was so brilliant.I can only hope every woman who enjoys reading chooses this book. Every single page is compelling!I only wish I could smell Shocking...
What do You think about The Art Of Being A Woman: My Mother, Schiaparelli, And Me (2013)?
Very fun, with fascinating images. Excited to read "Shocking Life" now!
—hamdu
Fascinating! I was engrossed from Page 1, and couldn't put it down.
—Anna
A good memoir, about a mother daughter relationship.
—michelle
