Midnight Dress: Review
Written by Karen Foxlee, The Midnight Dress is a story set in Leonora, Western Australia. Rose Lovell and her father Paul arrived at the beach town one day, driving their caravan from another town. The story hints at the duo’s unsaid troubles, and Rose’s reluctance to make friends.
Pearl Kelly was her first friend, beautiful and popular in school. As the Harvest Festival Parade approaches, Rose was convinced to join in the fun. She finds Edie Baker, a dressmaker who was willing to give her a dress for free; but she had to sew it herself by hand. There are whispers of witchcraft and magic, and the twist at the ending is one which you will not expect.
Karen Foxlee is an Australian writer born in Mount Isa, and the Midnight Dress is a truly interesting novel about friendship and growing up. She paints a magical place in Leonora and her characters are strong individuals growing up in a harsh place. The book is engaging and will hold you in its embrace until the very end.
Ailyn Koay