"The Paris Model: A Novel"--from author Alexandra Joel--based on a true story--a tale of glamour, family secrets and heartbreak that takes you from the Australian outback to the exclusive salons of post-war Paris

The Paris Model: A Novel

Sometimes you have to lose everything to find yourself ...  

A lush debut novel about a beautiful woman working as a model for Christian Dior in postwar Paris, who discovers astonishing secrets about herself and the fabulous people around her.

Raised on a vast Australian sheep farm, the beautiful Grace Woods is compelled to travel to tumultuous, postwar Paris in order to start a new life and find her true identity. While working as a glamorous model for Christian Dior, the world’s newly acclaimed emperor of fashion, Grace mixes with counts and princesses, authors and artists, diplomats and politicians. Amongst those she befriends are Pablo Picasso, Julia Childs, and the future Jackie Kennedy.

But when Grace falls in love with the handsome Phillippe Boyer, she doesn’t know that he is leading a double life, nor that his past might hold secrets and lies that will turn her life upside down.

Based on a true story, The Paris Model by debut fiction author Alexandra Joel, is an unforgettable tale of glamour, family secrets, and heartbreak.

'Captivating and evocative' Tania Blanchard, author of The Girl from Munich

'A wonderful, immersive historical novel' New Idea

'A charming tale rich with family and fashion' Belinda Alexandra

'The cracking plot and the general glamour carry the reader along' Sydney Morning Herald

'This gorgeous historical is the perfect summer escape. Post-World War 2 Paris literally drips from the page. Grace is a wonderful protagonist and surrounded by well-drawn and often fabulous characters, and Joel's prose is rich and descriptive. Highly enjoyable' Better Reading


Alexandra Joel

 

Alexandra Joel is a former editor of the Australian edition of Harper's Bazaar and of Portfolio, Australia's first magazine for working women. While occupying a number of other executive positions in the media industry she also contributed feature articles, interviews and reviews to national and metropolitan publications. She is the author of Parade: The Story of Fashion in Australia and Best Dressed: 200 Years of Fashion in Australia. Both detail the development of fashion, style and national identity. Her recent book, Rosetta: A Scandalous True Story, has been optioned for the screen by a major US-owned production company.
With an honors degree from the University of Sydney and a graduate diploma from the Australian College of Applied Psychology, Alexandra has also been a practicing counselor and psychotherapist. She has two children and lives in Sydney with her husband. She is a keen student of art, fashion, history and politics and is exceedingly fond of Paris.

https://www.alexandrajoel.com/