The Book:
Shocked by Patricia Volk, has been on my reading list for so long that by the time I picked it up I had no idea what it was about. Though, sometimes it's a more exciting way to approach a book. Thankfully, I'm a sucker for anything about fashion and mothers. The memoir revolves around her mother, Audrey, who wore Shocked perfume, and Elsa Schiaparelli, whose memoirs were Volk's transformative novel and the perfume's designer.
I love the comparison of these two women because with the removal of any idea of competition, it highlights how different we can be. Personally, this was a exercise in not fully relating to either Schiaparelli or Audrey, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book. Instead, I thought about the women in my life and how I differ from them, without it diminishing my love for them.
Shocked was a leisurely read, like sitting on at the feet of your mother or grandmother as they give you advice and tell you about their past. With pictures at the end of every chapter, it was like going through an museum exhibit. Volk's family photos, Schiaparelli's designs, and the surrealist art that inspired them seem other worldly now.
The Playlist:
Sunday kind of love by caidyboo is a very relaxing playlist. It'll give you a bit of an old-timey feel and is super appropriate for a less than cheesy valentine's day listen. The strong presence of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and more pair well with the opinionated Audrey and Schiap.
What are you currently reading?
