Review
As a rule, I do not read novels that involve time travel. I prefer novels to be set fully in the historical period that the author wishes to explore. I have no idea where this prejudice emerged from but it is part of my identity as a reader. However, having just finished The Dresskeeper I have had my foolish dislike of this device eradicated. Naylus uses the time travel device expertly and it allows her to have her very contemporary protagonist explore 17th century London. Picky Robson was a convincing teenager whose comical voice hooked me in from the very first chapter. Penelope - known as Picky by her family - has a painfully negative body image and an amusing take on the world around her. She dislikes the vain and shallow Demon Worshippers at school but like the other students, she does not have the courage to stand up to them. The bullying she faces is treated with care and humour by Naylus. Overall, I highly recommend this book. The characterisation of Picky is superb and the novel moves at a great pace. The plot is interesting and the mystery of the murderer kept me guessing until the very end. The modern voice will appeal to fans of authors like Meg Cabot. The beautiful dresses and depiction of 17th century London will appeal to fans of historical fiction. The Dressmaker is thoroughly entertainly, enthralling and amusing. I really enjoyed reading it and am impressed by the quality Naylus's first novel. --Becky Scott, The Bookette
A fun, fast-paced thrill ride that effortlessly combines history and time travel to form a highly impressive debut. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, realistic characters and murder mysteries that keep you guessing. Highly recommended. The Dresskeeper is an original debut that should have a place on any teen reader's bookshelf. Filled with clever characters, time travel and history, it's different to anything else you'll read this year. --Jenny Davies, Wonderous Reads
A fun, fast-paced thrill ride that effortlessly combines history and time travel to form a highly impressive debut. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, realistic characters and murder mysteries that keep you guessing. Highly recommended. The Dresskeeper is an original debut that should have a place on any teen reader's bookshelf. Filled with clever characters, time travel and history, it's different to anything else you'll read this year. --Jenny Davies, Wonderous Reads
Product Description
NAYLUS' NEW NOVEL 'THE PLAGUEMAKER' OUT SOON.
REVIEWS
“I loved this book! The synopsis really intrigued me. It was such an easy book to get into, and kept me guessing. What a unique story! Who wouldn’t want to find a chest of old dresses and when trying them on, gets pulled into the late 16oos!? A good clean book that has loads of history and intrigue. It’s perfect for young teens!”
Mary de Bastos, The Sweet Bookshelf
“The historical detail in The Dresskeeper is meticulous . . . The Dresskeeper deals with a modern teenager’s worries such as bullies, self-image, broken families and money troubles. They were interweaved into the story subtly without making them the focus of the novel. A brilliant mix of fantasy and reality.”
Sophie Waters, So Many Books, So Little Time
“This was a pleasure to read. I loved seeing 17th century London through Picky’s eyes (and her humorous observations) – it really brought it to life and was the perfect way to bring a modern voice to historical fiction.”
Sammee Hicks, I Want to Read That
“. . . The Dresskeeper is . . . a story about a character learning to take control of her own destiny. Even if you don’t normally go for books about time travel, this one is well worth making an exception for . . . way more fun than a history lesson . . .”
Lauren Wavekeeper, I was a Teenage Book Geek
DESCRIPTION
When 13 year old Picky Robson slips into a flouncy old dress from the depths of an old chest and finds herself back in 17th century London, she has no idea she is plunging herself into a dangerous adventure. For in 1685 England, she is Amelia, not Picky. Plus, she is wealthy and beautiful, and even has servants. There's one minor problem, however. Someone is trying to kill Amelia, and by the blood stains she finds on the flouncy dress when she returns to the present, they succeeded.
REVIEWS
“I loved this book! The synopsis really intrigued me. It was such an easy book to get into, and kept me guessing. What a unique story! Who wouldn’t want to find a chest of old dresses and when trying them on, gets pulled into the late 16oos!? A good clean book that has loads of history and intrigue. It’s perfect for young teens!”
Mary de Bastos, The Sweet Bookshelf
“The historical detail in The Dresskeeper is meticulous . . . The Dresskeeper deals with a modern teenager’s worries such as bullies, self-image, broken families and money troubles. They were interweaved into the story subtly without making them the focus of the novel. A brilliant mix of fantasy and reality.”
Sophie Waters, So Many Books, So Little Time
“This was a pleasure to read. I loved seeing 17th century London through Picky’s eyes (and her humorous observations) – it really brought it to life and was the perfect way to bring a modern voice to historical fiction.”
Sammee Hicks, I Want to Read That
“. . . The Dresskeeper is . . . a story about a character learning to take control of her own destiny. Even if you don’t normally go for books about time travel, this one is well worth making an exception for . . . way more fun than a history lesson . . .”
Lauren Wavekeeper, I was a Teenage Book Geek
DESCRIPTION
When 13 year old Picky Robson slips into a flouncy old dress from the depths of an old chest and finds herself back in 17th century London, she has no idea she is plunging herself into a dangerous adventure. For in 1685 England, she is Amelia, not Picky. Plus, she is wealthy and beautiful, and even has servants. There's one minor problem, however. Someone is trying to kill Amelia, and by the blood stains she finds on the flouncy dress when she returns to the present, they succeeded.
