The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston

"The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt is a visually stunning, totally unique, full-color novel in the form of a scrapbook, set in the burgeoning bohemian culture of the 1920s and featuring an endearing, unforgettable heroine. Caroline Preston, author of the New York Times Notable Book Jackie by Josie, uses a kaleidoscopic array of vintage memorabilia—postcards, letters, magazine ads, ticket stubs, catalog pages, fabric swatches, candy wrappers, fashion spreads, menus and more—to tell the tale of spirited and ambitious Frankie’s remarkable odyssey from Vassar to Greenwich Village to Paris, in a manner that will delight crafters, historical fiction fans, and anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story ingeniously told."
(from the publisher)



my thoughts:

As a longtime memory keeper, scrapbooker, journal writer, and family historian, I've always loved old letters, heritage photographs, and vintage ephemera. However, you don't have to be crafty or into scrapbooking to enjoy this thoroughly original and visually delightful book, The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt. Imagine discovering your grandmother's old photos and cherished mementos in a box in the attic -- a time capsule of memories! That is what it is like to experience Frankie's scrapbook.

Frankie's story of the ups and downs of her adult life beginning with her experiences as a Vassar student is told with wit and honesty, and can easily be read in one sitting. It appears Frankie painstakingly typed out her journey from student to world traveler and aspiring writer on a Corona typewriter, adding authenticity to a tale told in days of old. I'm keeping this little gem on my nightstand to browse through it to savor each page which captures the world of the roaring '20's --the fashion, music, popculture, literature, and history created with authentic vintage ephemera. A delightful way to spend a lazy evening and dream about what is was like to live in the world of the jazz age.

4.5/5 stars


I hope you can take a few minutes to watch the booktrailer and author interview as you will get a glimpse inside this utterly charming book:
















Title: The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt
Author: Caroline Preston
Harper Collins
2011