Dresses of Red and Gold: Text Classics

The Melling Sisters #2

by Robin Klein, Fiona Wood (Introduction)

The Melling sisters and their mother are preparing for a wedding. Cathy is to be bridesmaid and her dress is a thing of awe and beauty, but not in Cathy’s eyes—she hates the idea of being a bridesmaid. Vivienne would love to wear it, and perhaps she will.

Dresses of Red and Gold, the second book in the Melling Sisters Trilogy, is a warm and humorous story of four sisters—their rivalries and their loyalty and affection—growing up in an Australian country town in the 1940s

The beautiful dress settled luxuriously about her ankles as smoothly as water, the little gold cap sat on the back of her head like an opened flower. She climbed a chair to look, entranced, into the sideboard mirror. The dress fitted perfectly, apart from being slightly too long because Cathy was taller, and she curtsied to her reflection.

Robin Klein was born 28 February 1936 in Kempsey, New South Wales into a family of nine children. Leaving school at age 15, Klein worked several jobs before becoming established as a writer, having her first story published at age 16. She would go on to write more than 40 books, including Hating Alison Ashley (adapted into a feature film starring Delta Goodrem in 2005), Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left (adapted into a television series for the Seven Network in 1992), and Came Back to Show You I Could Fly (adapted into a film directed by Richard Lowenstein in 1993).

Klein’s books are hugely celebrated, having won the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Award in both the Younger Readers and the Older Readers categories, as well as a Human Rights Award for Literature in 1989 for Came Back to Show You I Could Fly. Klein is widely considered one of Australia’s most prolific and beloved YA authors.

‘Touching, poignant, fresh and engaging’ Bulletin, USA

‘All in the Blue Unclouded Weather, Dresses of Red and Gold and The Sky in Silver Lace are such wonderful, honest, Australian stories, still relevant to readers today. The sisters are a delight to read about, their adventures are entertaining and touching.’ Bookish Manicurist

‘When I was young, I read it for its sweetness and the way it portrayed growing up. As an adult, I appreciate the way Klein subtly deals with gender, privilege and what it means to belong to a small community.’ Eliza Henry-Jones

‘The schemes and shenanigans of these vibrant, tenacious characters are as lively and funny as ever, their more poignant feelings as skillfully suggested. A fine sequel.’ Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Childrens, Classics, Australia, Fiction

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (1991).

Robin Klein was born 28 February 1936 in Kempsey, New South Wales into a family of nine children. Leaving school at age 15, Klein worked several jobs before becoming established as a writer, having her first story published at age 16. She would go on to write more than 40 books, including Hating Alison Ashley (adapted into a feature film starring Delta Goodrem in 2005), Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left (adapted into a television series for the Seven Network in 1992), and Came Back to Show You I Could Fly (adapted into a film directed by Richard Lowenstein in 1993).

Klein’s books are hugely celebrated, having won the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Award in both the Younger Readers and the Older Readers categories, as well as a Human Rights Award for Literature in 1989 for Came Back to Show You I Could Fly. Klein is widely considered one of Australia’s most prolific and beloved YA authors.

Reviews

[Beth Bonini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dear Australian friend recently gave me a copy of this book - the 2nd in the Melling sisters trilogy. Grace, Heather, Cathy and Vivienne are, perhaps, the Australian equivalent of what Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy were to me growing up in the United States. Although the most obvious similarity between this book and Little Women has to do with the complicated relationships between four sisters, and the different roles they take on within their family, there are some other points of comparison, too. Both families struggle with poverty, and war is also in the background of both novels. In Little Women, it is the Civil War; while in Dresses of Red and Gold, it's World War II - over, but still keenly felt. The storylines also remind me very much of each other in the sense that the girls are constantly having to 'make do', and there is a strong focus on imagination and perseverance through hardship. Having said that, there is a noticeable difference in their tone: the Melling sisters are scrappy, funny, and certainly not overly bothered about improving their characters.

Each chapter reads like a self-contained short story, and one of the sisters is generally in focus. A few of the chapters also feature the girls' cousin Isobel - a drama queen and outrageous liar who nearly steals the show. The most endearing character, to me at least, was the youngest sister Vivienne. She is the gentlest and most kind-hearted, although she is not above ambition - for instance, in her intense desire to wear the beautiful bridesmaid's dress that has been designated to Cathy. Several of the most poignant, and humorous, vignettes involve her - my favourite being the 'act of luminous goodness' at the Show (the annual fair). There is a proper sense of the story's Australian setting - the small town of Wilgawa - but in terms of friendships and family relationships, the story is a universally relatable one. Truly a charming and warm-hearted read.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gentle, warm, and wonderfully human story and is the second volume in a trilogy. It's different to the first book. This is written so that each chapter is a different episode in the life of the Melling family. Despite that, the book is just as wonderful as book one.

Just like the first book, I thought one of the best elements is the characters. The Melling sisters feel alive on the page, and the book captures their humour, frustrations, loyalties, and day-to-day chaos with affection. I especially enjoyed getting to read more of Isobel (including her own POV chapters) and seeing the father take on a stronger role in the story.

Just a side note. Isobel is a cousin to the Melling sisters, but plays a big role in their lives.

There isn’t a strong central plot, but that’s part of the charm.

This is a wonderfully written, heartfelt novel that feels distinctly Australian. It’s calming and character driven read and is a book about family life, growing up, and the small moments that quietly shape who you become. Perfect comfort reading.

[Text Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Touching, poignant, fresh and engaging.’
Bulletin, USA

‘When I was young, I read it for its sweetness and the way it portrayed growing up. As an adult, I appreciate the way Klein subtly deals with gender, privilege and what it means to belong to a small community.’
Eliza Henry-Jones

[Vic Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

didn't love it as much as the first one! but still brilliant and charming.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet continuing journey of the Melling sisters post world war II.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Melling family series - they were just so cosy and comfortable, so prettily old-fashioned and wonderfully Australian.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will always be one of my favorite 'comfort' books! Its quite hard to find great aussie books but this is definitely one of them.

[Emma Schonell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much.

[Emkoshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely look into the lives of the Melling sisters and the town of Wilgawa. 'Glamour Girl' and 'An Act of Luminous Goodness' were my favourite stories, the characters of Cousin Isobel and Phyllis Gatlin coming to life vividly as mischievous and pitiable, respectively. 'Treasure Hunt' was also a touching example of a father's rough love. I'm excited but sad to move on to the third and final book in this endearing series.

[Terlamaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that stays with you forever. Warm and comforting, this book follows the journey of 4 sisters. There stories are all beautifully told and it is set in rural part of Australia, probably around early 1900s.

So grab a hot cocoa, snuggle up in your favorite couch and read this book and I am sure those characters will find a place in your heart.

[Ingrid Jonach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently rediscovered this childhood favourite.

Even though I grew up with two older brothers, I could really relate to the Melling sisters. I just get all warm and fuzzy thinking about this book and how nostalgic it makes me for my younger years.

I highly recommend it, along with the other books in the series (although this is my favourite!

[amoura · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this so long ago, but from what i remember it's very similar to little women. it was one of my older sisters favourites, which might've influenced my opinion. still, 4 stars because when i found this book buried deep in the cupboard the sight of the cover filled me with nostalgia

[Jasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its was so BORING!!! And at one time a bit scary it was also confusing. It took me forever to read because i really didnt want to read it. I would not recommend this book