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  • Behind the Seams

  • The perfect gift for fans of The Great British Sewing Bee
  • By: Esme Young
  • Narrated by: Esme Young
  • Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (362 ratings)
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Behind the Seams cover art

Behind the Seams

By: Esme Young
Narrated by: Esme Young
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Summary

*** THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER***

From adventures at Central Saint Martins to The Great British Sewing Bee, go behind the scenes of Esme Young's amazing life....

At age five, Esme was asked to write in her notebook, but instead, she filled it with drawings—the only way she knew to express herself. At seven, when it was discovered she was partially deaf, she found refuge in her sketchbooks. Shortly after, Esme made her first garment and a passion for sewing and designing was born. As a teenager, she made her way to London where her creative journey truly began.

Living in a squat with other young creatives, Esme made the most of her time; studying at Central Saint Martins, launching a clothing line called Swanky Modes with three friends and £50 each, watching Notting Hill Carnival with David Bowie and altering a dress for Cher. The '90s saw a career move into costumes for films, where she designed outfits for Trainspotting, Bridget Jones's Diary and The Beach, before she moved onto the small screen herself.

A celebration of a creative life lived differently, Behind the Seams is a reminder that it's never too early, or too late, to pick up a needle and start stitching in a new direction.

©2022 Esme Young (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK

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What listeners say about Behind the Seams

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting Life

Before I purchased, I read a review where someone commented Esme read as though she was being pushed into telling her story and to listen at a greater speed (x3). I ended up listening at x1 and to me, it sounded like her natural speaking voice. I feel in her attempt to read clearly, she’s slowed her natural voice slightly and you can occasionally hear nerves - so adjusting up slightly made it a much more natural performance.
There are times when she is really excited to talk about things she is truly passionate about and you can hear the joy - and I can relate to that. She’s not an actress, just retelling like it is.
Esme certainly entered the world in a great decade and she’s led a very interesting life. Some experiences through chance and some through sheer hard work. It was great to hear the stories of the squats and the story of Sid Viscous; she’s very lucky to have brothers who were around and sound like they would’ve stopped at nothing had anyone tried to bother her!
I won’t give any spoilers but will just say that I’m glad I purchased this book - and I could’ve listened for much longer. Thanks for sharing with us Esme. It was great to hear of your past experiences - albeit a fraction - and I’ve come away thinking about my own life and the opportunities I can create and enjoy in the future…being a mere infant of 52!

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

If you’re interested in Esme it’s worth a listen

I enjoyed this book, I was interested in hearing about Esme’s background and I also have an interest in the fashion industry so it appealed

I would recommend if you’re a sewing bee fan and want to understand more about Esme’s journey to get there

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Jo
  • 29-06-22

Pure Esme

I know others have criticised the flow of Esme's reading but I feel like this is the most authentic book because Esme reads it the way she does. What a marvelous woman.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous

I guessed Esme’s life was going to be out-of-the-ordinary but what a story. Ihave loved every moment and long may she reign. A lesson to us all - all that is stopping you from living an exceptional life - is you . Thank you Emma xx

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Autobiography

The story of Esme's life. Fascinating and entertaining. A great read for Esme lovers

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3 people found this helpful

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fabulous

I loved this book... what a party girl!! I enjoyed listening to Esme reading her own book

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A fun & fantastic Lady!

I was delighted the book is on Audible. Especially being read by Esme herself.
I was totally absorbed. Esme’s good old fashioned principles is so lost in todays society, a refreshing listen. Definitely recommend!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very interesting

Really enjoyed . What a lovely lady . Thank you , I did make the track a bit faster.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Funny, wonderful and fabulous

It was a wonderful, fun and fabulous journey . Esme has had a full and fun packed life. She is generous with her knowledge in her book and so inspiring. No ego just pure honesty and wonderful story teller.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Reading experience

Having watched the British Sewing Bee for several years I found this autobiography most interesting. I am some years older than Esme, an intermittent home sewer I enjoyed all the sewing references and Esme's closeness to her family and friends was heartwarming to listen to
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2 people found this helpful