Most castles are protected by powerful men. This one by women...
A founding mother...
1774. Gently-bred noblewoman Adrienne Lafayette becomes her husband's political partner in the fight for American independence. But when their idealism sparks revolution in France and the guillotine threatens everything she holds dear, Adrienne must choose to renounce the complicated man she loves, or risk her life for a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
A daring visionary...
1914. Glittering New York socialite Beatrice Astor Chanler is a force of nature, daunted by nothing--not her humble beginnings, her crumbling marriage, or the outbreak of war. But after witnessing the devastation in France and delivering war-relief over dangerous seas, Beatrice takes on the challenge of a lifetime: convincing America to fight for what's right.
A reluctant resistor...
1940. French school-teacher and aspiring artist Marthe Simone has an orphan's self-reliance and wants nothing to do with war. But as the realities of Nazi occupation transform her life in the isolated castle where she came of age, she makes a discovery that calls into question who she is, and more importantly, who she is willing to become.
Intricately woven and beautifully told, The Women of Chateau Lafayette is a sweeping novel about duty and hope, love and courage, and the strength we find from standing together in honor of those who came before us.
Kindle Edition, 576 pages
Expected publication: March 30th 2021
by Berkley Publishing Group
4.5/5 stars
Stephanie Dray is one of my go-to authors, first introduced to with her Cleopatra's Daughter Series I quickly recognized her to be an author with a great respect for history.
The Women of Chateau Lafayette is an epic saga coming in at 576 pages that tells the story of 3 women set during three different wars with the common thread of a Chateau. Although I found Marthe's story a little slow at the beginning it didn't take long until I was absorbed in each of these narratives. Each of these women were unique but all were flawed, determined and authentic. They had a story to tell of heartache, compassion and love.
As usual I was drawn to the past (1774) story, mainly because my knowledge of Lafayette is limited to the musical Hamilton, I loved hearing his story through his wife Adrienne - but it was really her story. Getting to know them made the connecting thread all the more meaningful.
The book concludes with some wonderful author notes that I found just as interesting. It's evident that author spent a lot of time researching which showed in her writing.
Stephanie Dray is an author I highly recommend as is The Women of Chateau Lafayette, which hits bookstore March 30th and available for preorder now.
My thanks to Berkley Publishing (via Netgalley) for this digital ARC
in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
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