Summary

The novel extract “Grace” by Philipp Meyer begins with Grace, the main character, driving to work on a Saturday. Grace is in her forties, has arthritis, and works as a seamstress for a man named Steiner. As she drives, she recalls being told that her hands are affected by a repetitive stress injury instead of arthritis. At Steiner’s shop, Grace sews wedding dresses together with other women. She knows that she is underpaid and that the wedding dresses are sold for high prices in Philadelphia, but she is determined to keep her job nevertheless.

As she approaches the shop, Grace thin...