The Women of Chateau Lafayette

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.

Gripping historical fiction about three strong women, all connected to the childhood home of Gilbert du Motier, better known as the Marquis de Lafayette, that same French general who helped Americans win The Revolutionary War (aka "the Lancelot of the revolutionary set" from Hamilton: The Musical). Each of the three women has a compelling story: 1. Adrienne is Lafayette's wife. An intelligent and fierce heroine, she shares her husband's passion for freedom, fights behind the scenes to promote it (in revolutions in both America and France), and sacrifices repeatedly for her family and principles. 2. Beatrice Chanler is a 20th century socialite, who rises from rags to riches by marrying the wealthy William Chanler. Both are actual historical figures. Despite her showgirl background, Beatrice becomes known for her active role in helping France during the early years of World War I and for encouraging the United States to enter that war. 3. Marte Simone, the only one of the three women who is fictitious, is teaching at a school housed at the old Lafayette chateau in 1940. As the war unfolds, she is forced to decide whether to hang onto her lifelong commitment to self-preservation or put the safety of others ahead of her own. All three stories are related, as they usually are when authors employ this "multiple-stories" device in novels. But the connection doesn't matter as much in this one. Each story is captivating on its own and you won't spend time trying to figure out the "big mystery." So, why didn't I give it five stars? One small reason and one big one: • The small one is a few passages where characters hit you on the head with over-the-top political statements that are completely unnecessary. For example, the novel ends with one about the nature of war. Fortunately, there are not THAT many of these show-stoppers. • The bigger reason is that as much as I enjoyed reading the book, and as interesting as each story was, frankly, the book felt LONG at times. 576 pages in the standard edition. I can't help but think it would have been stronger with a bit more judicious editing.

Three women in different periods of time are the guardians of the castle known as Chateau Lafayette. During times of war, they hold secrets, save children, and believe in the freedom of France. A compelling read of fiction-based-on-fact, these women, Adrienne, Beatrice, and Marthe, remind us of France's motto of liberty, equality, and fraternity, though in this case, it should be sorority. **received an ARC from the publisher**