The Women of Chateau Lafayette

This was the first book I read in 2024, and it still resonates with me. Told from the point of view of three women—Adrienne Lafayette, Beatrice Chanler and Marthe Simon—with the Marquis des Lafayette's home in France as the centerpiece during three different time periods—the French Revolution, World War I and World War II. Adrienne and Beatrice are actual historical women; Marthe is based on a compilation of real-life women. I was drawn into all three worlds, and all three women are strong and independent with remarkable stories of courage and love. Stephanie Dray weaves their stories together seamlessly in… show more.

We all know the Marquis de Lafayette, right? To my surprise, I didn’t know his first name or his wife’s. (Gilbert and Adrienne.) The historical novel The Women of Chateau Lafayette fills in the rest of the blanks. It starts with those Lafayettes, then weaves in women who protect Lafayette’s castle during World War I and II. While I enjoyed all three plots, the intimate portrayal of the famous Marquis fascinated me the most. I loved his youthful clumsiness, cringed at his marital infidelities, and grumbled at his hesitancy to take power when the French needed him. So, read The… show more.