Review: If I Promise You Wings by A.K. Small

 *I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

If I Promise You Wings

by A.K. Small

January 16, 2024

Goodreads Summary:

Hold Still meets You've Reached Sam in this lyrical novel about one young woman's journey through the Paris fashion scene as she chases promises, overcomes grief, and falls in love. Seventeen-year-old Alix Leclaire dreams of becoming a renowned feather artist, creating statement pieces that define glamour and high fashion. As an intern at Paris’s premier feather boutique, trained by the alluring Raven, she works with the staff to construct wings for the dancers at the Moulin Rouge.

But with every feather she sews, the grief Alix has been evading looms. Her best friend, Jeanne, died months ago and ever since, Alix has felt compelled to live as Jeanne did, taking risks she never would have before. Alix begins stealing feathers for her own use—a serious offense at the boutique—and loses herself in a passionate affair with Raven, who makes her his muse. Even when Blaise, an old schoolmate, offers solace and healing, she pushes him away.

Echoing the chaos and division in her heart, the wings that Alix creates take on a frightening and wild beauty. Living like Jeanne has given her everything she ever wanted—but at the risk of losing it all.

Review

Even though If I Promise You Wings needed a little time to take off, I was very moved by the story and the imageries its lyrical writing produced. It's a sorrowful yet beautiful tale of love and loss.

If I Promise You Wings tackled heavy topics like grief. Alix's loss was prominently felt throughout the book. Her best friend was her everything and to lose Jeanne the way she did, it was extra heartbreaking. Yet this loss opened the door to Alix's majestic adventure with feathers. Such a unique idea to have the feathers represent different emotions. Delightful  images popped into my mind as I read.

Alix's connection with the feathers was very magical. She channeled them into some magnificent creations. I especially loved watching the ladies of Mille et Une Plume construct the wings for Moulin Rouge. The competition was fierce but all of them were very talented with unmatched creativity.

Family was a big theme in If I Promise You Wings. Through shared trauma, Alix and Blaise grew closer. He was sweet and so patient with her. The introduction of Blaise's aunt provided relief and helped bridge gaps. I also really liked that Alix's absent father didn't just completely disappear. He eventually cleaned up his act and returned to his daughter.

Incredibly imaginative and deeply heartfelt, we need more stories like If I Promise You Wings!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.