At work, Margaret is the smart, well-regarded curator of fashion for a prestigious big city museum. At home, she is the mother of lively, teenaged twin girls, the spouse of a supportive and successful author of mysteries, and a daughter still grieving the recent death of her beloved father. As she prepares to curate a career-defining exhibition on the haute couture of legendary French designer Dior, focusing on his work during and after WWII, she faces fierce internal politics from her peers alongside changing and unsettling expectations from a newly influential younger generation. Meanwhile, at home Margaret confronts revelations about her own history following her father's recent passing--revelations that finally force her to confront her long-suppressed Jewish heritage. The struggles at work and home entwine in the unlikely figure of an elderly donor to the museum--one who may have a long-ago connection to Dior himself.
With her trademark wit, keen observation of human foibles, deep love of textiles and craft, eye for telling detail and ear for spicy dialogue, Katherine Ashenburg has deftly crafted a page-turning tale that offers equal parts delight and mystery to the very end.