"The Dressmaker" is a novel by Rosalie Ham that tells the story of Myrtle "Tilly" Dunnage, a talented dressmaker who returns to her small Australian hometown after years away. Tilly's return stirs up old memories and unresolved conflicts, particularly with her mother, Madame Bessette, and the townspeople who once ostracized her. As Tilly creates stunning dresses for the locals, she seeks revenge on those who wronged her in the past. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the power of transformation, all set against the backdrop of a quirky and unforgiving community.