The Paris Seamstress
Out Now
For readers of Lilac Girls and The Nightingale comes a World War II novel that spans generations, crosses oceans, and proves just how much two young women are willing to sacrifice for love and family.
‘The Paris Seamstress is a gorgeously rich and romantic novel about young women finding their way in the world.’

Australian/NZ Cover

North American cover

UK Cover
The Story
1940. Parisian seamstress Estella Bissette is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She is bound for Manhattan with a few francs, one suitcase, her sewing machine and a dream: to have her own atelier.
2015. Australian curator Fabienne Bissette journeys to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her beloved grandmother’s work – one of the world’s leading designers of ready-to-wear. But as Fabienne learns more about her grandmother’s past, she uncovers a story of tragedy, heartbreak and secrets – and the sacrifices made for love.
Crossing generations, society’s boundaries and international turmoil, THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS is the beguiling, transporting story of the special relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter as they attempt to heal the heartache of the past.
Critical Praise
- ‘Lester deftly darts from Paris in 1941 to New York’ The Australian Women’s Weekly
- ‘Lester brings bold, brave women to life’ Herald Sun
- ‘A gorgeously rich and romantic novel about young women finding their way in the world.’ KATE FORSYTH
- ‘This rich, memorable novel unfolds beautifully from start to finish.’ Publishers Weekly
- ‘Fascinating and impeccably researched’ GILL PAUL
- ‘A fantastically engrossing story. I love it. KELLY RIMMER
- ‘Intrigue, heartbreak… I cannot tell you how much I loved this book’ RACHEL BURTON
- One of the MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR – Publishers Weekly
See reviews from Goodreads.com
Buy the book
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Australia & New Zealand
The Paris Seamstress is available now from all good bookshops. Or you can use the links below to buy now:
United Kingdom (UK)
The ebook of The Paris Seamstress is available now, with the paperback to follow on the 4th October, 2018.
- Buy The Paris Seamstress on Amazon here
- Buy The Paris Seamstress on iBooks here
- Preorder The Paris Seamstress at WHSmith here
- Preorder The Paris Seamstress at Waterstones here
- For more links, please click here
North America
The Paris Seamstress is available now in the US. You can buy the book using the following links: