Belle Epoque
Belle Epoque
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013
Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1880s
2013
YA
14-18 years
HL760L
Super Short Summary
Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross is a young adult historical fiction novel set in late 19th-century Paris, following 17-year-old Maude Pichon who, fleeing from an arranged marriage, takes a job at the Durandeau Agency, which hires out "ugly" women as foils to make wealthy clients appear more attractive; as she befriends a debutante named Isabelle and falls for musician Paul Villette, Maude navigates the complexities of truth and identity. Mentions of arranged marriage, starvation, and self-esteem struggles related to appearance.
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Romantic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,639 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Ross's Belle Epoque has been praised for its unique historical setting in 1880s Paris, captivating detail, and a strong, unconventional protagonist. However, some critics note that the pacing can be uneven and secondary characters occasionally lack depth. Overall, it presents an engaging exploration of beauty and self-worth within society's constraints.
Who Should Read Belle Epoque?
Readers who relish historical fiction with strong, complex female protagonists will enjoy Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross. Fans of The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen and Jennifer Donnelly's A Northern Light will find the novel's vivid Parisian setting and themes of beauty and societal expectations captivating.
3,639 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1880s
2013
YA
14-18 years
HL760L
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