Title: The Roaring Days of Zora Lily
By: Noelle Salazar
ISBN: 9780778305200 (ISBN10: 0778305201)
Website: https://www.noellesalazar.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
The discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress in this glittering novel of family, love, ambition, and self discovery by the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls.
2023, The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer’s label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?
1924, Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she’s always dreamed of. But as Zora’s ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she’ll learn that dreams come with a cost. (Goodreads)
Review:
Historical fiction is a relatively new genre for me but I must say, with writers like Noelle Salazar and books like The Roaring Days of Zora Lily, I am happy to incorporate historical fiction into my reading mix!
I am not always into dual timelines but this title seems to make it work. Most likely as it begins in current times (2023) and does not switch back and forth too often.
The story begins with a curator setting up an exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History – displaying fashion from the 1920’s, when she comes upon another name under the designer label of one of the dresses. And so the story begins – who is Zora Lily? The Roaring Days of Zora Lily then switches to the 1920’s where the reader follows the life of Zora Hough as she follows her dreams of becoming a seamstress. In the early days, Zora is trying to assist her family in surviving poverty by helping her mother with sewing repairs until she takes a job with the Harrington’s as a nanny. Zora spreads her wings as a young woman in the 1920’s in Seattle by enjoying the night life of the time – going to speakeasies in the evening with her friend, Rose after her work day as a nanny is done. Gosh how I would have loved to hear all that jazz in person ☺. During these night time excursions, Zora meets Harley – a business man whom Zora immediately becomes smitten with (always love a good love story). All the while Zora is working on designs of dresses she hopes to create one day.
When Zora was deciding what to wear on one special day…. The following demonstrates the beauty of her designs…
“It was the shade of blue that the sky turns right before it goes navy. Structured cap sleeves, my signature wide neckline to accentuate the collarbones, and then faint scalloped stitching that started at the top and turned to beads midway down before cascading to my knees in overlapping pieces that fluttered prettily when I walked.”
I was intrigued and engaged not only by the storytelling, but by catching a glimpse of life back in the 1920’s. As I am a fan of the music of that era, I was delighted to be immersed in that aspect in addition to the fashion of the time period. Zora had a hard life with many ups and downs, but through it all, she seemed to be filled with her hopes and dreams and she just continually strived to accomplish them and become the woman she was meant to be.
The cover art enhanced my desire to read the book. I loved Zora’s creation(s) – they were depicted beautifully. Fashion was unique then, as was the music and era.
If you enjoy historical fiction at its finest, both storytelling wise and the story itself (and you have a love for fashion (and who wouldn’t with fashion designers from that time period?), then I suggest picking up The Roaring Days of Zora Lily and spending a few hours back in the roaring 20’s.
