Book Review by SuzAnne King, of Friends of Noosa Library
“Chanel” An Intimate Life, by Lisa Chaney
WE recognise the symbols and think we know the “rags to riches” story behind the linked Cs, the Perfume No. 5 and the “Little Black Dress” that hangs in every woman’s closet, but the designer who created such icons was, is, and forever will be an enigma.
Most books about Chanel only uncover the surface of the story, yet Coco Chanel was far more than the “Lorna Jane” of her day, dressing women in casual wear for the very first time.
Biographer Lisa Chaney has taken the approach of an investigative journalist to go deeper into the radical and secretive life of Gabrielle Chanel and reveals far more than was previously known of her.
Based on interviews, letters and reminiscences of friends, Chaney has meticulously separated Coco’s self-perpetuated myriad of contradictions, some of which have draped and disguised her story for over a century.
“Chanel” An Intimate Life is about the daring, the indifference and the very hard work of a controversial personality. Our era praises non-conformity and until you read this biography it’s difficult to appreciate how very radical Coco was in her own time and how much she gave up in following her passion.
“Chanel” An Intimate Life is available at the Noosaville Library.
