the dressmakers
of yarrandarrah prison
OUT NOW
A funny, dark and moving novel about finding humanity, friendship and redemption in unexpected places.
Derek's daughter Debbie is getting married. He's desperate to be there, but he's banged up in Yarrandarrah Correctional Centre for embezzling funds from the golf club, and, thanks to his ex-wife, Lorraine, he hasn't spoken to Debbie in years. He wants to make a grand gesture - to show her how much he loves her. But what?
Inspiration strikes while he's embroidering a cushion at his weekly prison sewing circle - he'll make her a wedding dress. His fellow stitchers rally around and soon this motley gang of crims is immersed in a joyous whirl of silks, satins and covered buttons.
But as time runs out and tensions rise both inside and outside the prison, the wedding dress project takes on greater significance. With lives at stake, Derek feels his chance to reconcile with Debbie is slipping through his fingers...
Reviews
“Overflowing with humour and heart. Meredith Jaffé takes a fabulous premise – that of a group of male prisoners making a wedding dress for one of the inmate’s daughters – and weaves it into a tale of friendship and fun, as well as a journey of discovery about what matters most in life. If you like a story about misfits making good, but with the added lustre of silk and satin, then this book is for you.”
Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of THE PARIS SECRET
“This is a deft and unlikely story in an uncommon setting about an estranged daughter, her jailed father and a very bad idea about a dress. It all makes for a warm, funny union of foes and a lovely encounter with what matters.”
Rosalie Ham, bestselling author of The Dressmaker
“A beautifully written story about healing and redemption. Like the wedding dress at the heart of the tale, Derek and his friends undergo a journey of transformation, uncovering difficult truths about themselves and their families along the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to fans of Rosalie Ham’s The Dressmaker and Karen Foxlee’s The Midnight Dress.”
Lauren Chater, bestselling author of The Lace Weaver
“This deliciously original, immersive and darkly funny novel is full of hope and heart. A refreshing take on redemption and second chances.”
Joanna Nell, author of The Single Ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village
“Unique, memorable, exquisitely detailed and full of both heart and hope.”
Kylie Ladd, author of Mothers and Daughters
“Funny, heartfelt, and gorgeously written, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is a highly original and extremely enjoyable read from Meredith Jaffé.”
Better Reading
“Well-crafted, feel-good and funny. Jaffé is an excellent creator of complex and believable characters, drawn with sharp-eyed humour and affection, and the plot is perfectly paced.”
Sydney Morning Herald
“A feel-good novel told with sincerity and compassion, The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison is a considerate story that makes you think twice about prisoners and prison life, featuring an inventive narrative that fully engages the reader until the final page.”
Mrs. B’s Book Reviews
news & interviews
