Often I read a book and think wow, I'd love to write something like this. Sometimes though, my reaction is a bit different. I love the book, and am completely swept away, but I realize that there's no way I could have written anything like it. This was the experience I had with A Vintage Affair.
This book, which had far more heart than I was expecting, thrives in large part because of the author's obvious love for vintage clothing. The core of this book is the idea that vintage clothing has a story. One character, for example, talks about the coat she wore when she danced with Sean Connery.
The protagonist, Phoebe Swift, opens a vintage clothing store, and the book follows the first year of the shop. Over the 300 page novel we learn why she opened the store, her own history, and the history of other women around her. This book is touching, and has quite a few story arcs, all connected to the different types of relationships that one has in their lifetime. Friendships, romantic relationships, and family are all covered in this book. This was a huge draw for me; so many books only focus on one core relationship.
Books like this remind me why I love to read. I know little of vintage clothes. Even after reading the book, I'm not likely to study vintage clothing. But, I have a new appreciation for the spirit of vintage clothes. I appreciate the idea that vintage clothes come with a history, and it compels me to go out and find a vintage piece of my own.
I love books (and plays) where it's obviously a passion project. Where the author writes about what they love, and finds a way to make it fascinating for those unfamiliar with the subject.
If you like your chick-lit with a side historical perspective, and a nice helping of secondary characters, then I recommend this book.
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