The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray

The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Book Summary

An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy in three of humanity's darkest hours.

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.

About the Author

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author of historical women's fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into eight languages. She lives near the nation's capital with her husband, cats, and history books.

My Thoughts

The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray is unique historical novel.  I thought this book was well-written with developed characters.  We learn about the history of the Chateau Lafayette and three strong women.  It was fascinating learning about Lafayette and his wife, Adrienne as well as Beatrice Astor Chanler.  Beatrice is a bigger-than-life character and a fascinating woman.  She is a lively woman with a zest for life.  Beatrice was a determined woman who was intelligent and courageous.  I enjoyed Beatrice’s storyline the best (as you can tell).  Adrienne was a woman of strong faith and abiding principles.  It can be confusing switching between the three storylines as you try to keep track of the various characters.  I can tell the author did her research.  It is full of historical information from the three time periods (French Revolution, World War II, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, slavery, anti-Semitism).  Stephanie Dray is a detail-oriented writer which brings the scenes to life.  I did feel that there was too much detail at times when a room or person would be described down to the tiniest detail.  This type of detail can slow down the pacing of the story.  The Women of Chateau Lafayette does contain some foul language, a lesbian flirtation, intimate situations, and violent situations.  This is a long story that could have done with some editing (it would have made it a better book in my opinion).  The Women of Chateau Lafayette is good historical novel that will appeal to those who love history.  I liked how the three storylines intertwined and provided a complete picture.  I appreciated the epilogue and author’s note. The Women of Chateau Lafayette is a well plotted book that intrigue historical fiction lovers.    

The Women of Chateau Lafayette publishes on March 30 and it is available from Amazon*.  You can find Stephanie Dray's other historical novels here.  If you enjoy reading detailed historical novels, then The Women of Chateau Lafayette is for you.  If in doubt, download a sample.  The pictures I used today are (in order):  Chateau Lafayette, Beatrice Astor Chanler, and Adrienne Lafayette.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Next time I am featuring Pine Creek Courtship by Amity Hope.  I hope that you have a tranquil day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.