A Goodreads user asked Jacqueline Winspear:

Hi, I'm a huge fan of your Maisie Dobbs novels. I'm wondering if you have a background in clothing history/costuming? Your small touches and descriptions of outfits are SO spot on! Thank you! PS - Can you please have Maisie knit something? Best, Annie Modesitt

Jacqueline Winspear Maisie is not a knitter and never will be, so sorry about that. Her stepmother might whip something up though. I have an interest in the history of fashion - it reveals so much about society. I have studied it informally and formally - in representing it in a story though, it's important to remember that most people are not completely "up to the minute" - they wear clothes they've had for years, and this was probably more true in the past than it is now.

flag

This is your most powerful writing. The way you look at life will be forever etched in my mind. [Not enough space allowed for the entire quote.] "For her part, Maisie knew that each day had to be taken as it came, and to do her work she must be flexible, to move the fabric of time as one might if sewing a difficult seam she had to break down time itself.... was this based from personal observation or experiences?

Jane Buttery asked Jacqueline Winspear:

What led you to be intrigued with WWI so much and the 1920-30period? was it the early inventions or a time during which your parents lived? Maybe it was another writer's book. I really enjoy your books and felt sad when her husband died so tragically. Has she got to be alone in your novels?

Sandra Sebastian asked Jacqueline Winspear:

I wonder if Masie Hobbs is going to confront the horrors of WWII at all, the Nazis etc.? I feel for people who had to go through not only one but two world wars! I really enjoy your books and I like learning what it was like for people back then. My losses were in WWII as a child in England.

All answers from Jacqueline Winspear…

Jacqueline Winspear

8,254 followers

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more

Hi, I'm a huge fan of your Maisie Dobbs novels. I'm wondering if you have a background in clothing history/costuming? Your small touches and descriptions of outfits are SO spot on! Thank you! PS - Can you please have Maisie knit something? Best, Annie Modesitt

More Answered Questions

What led you to be intrigued with WWI so much and the 1920-30period? was it the early inventions or a time during which your parents lived? Maybe it was another writer's book. I really enjoy your books and felt sad when her husband died so tragically. Has she got to be alone in your novels?

I wonder if Masie Hobbs is going to confront the horrors of WWII at all, the Nazis etc.? I feel for people who had to go through not only one but two world wars! I really enjoy your books and I like learning what it was like for people back then. My losses were in WWII as a child in England.

About Goodreads Q&A