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The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Stephanie Dray

The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 18th Century

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray is a multi-timeline historical fiction novel that recounts the intertwined and trepidatious lives of three women across four different wars through their connection to Chavaniac, the famous castle of the revolutionary hero Lafayette. In the 18th century, Adrienne de Noailles supports her husband, Lafayette, during the French and American Revolutions. In the 20th century, Beatrice Chanler transforms Chavaniac into a haven for orphans amidst World War I. During World War II, Marthe Simone employs her skills to forge documents for persecuted children while battling personal and external conflicts. The novel depicts alcohol addiction, suicidal ideation, and antisemitic sentiments reflective of Nazi ideology.

Inspirational

Emotional

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

26,811 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Stephanie Dray's The Women of Chateau Lafayette receives praise for its richly detailed historical narrative and compelling portrayal of strong women across different eras. However, some readers find the multiple timelines confusing and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s heralded for its ambitious scope and emotional depth, though best for patient readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Women of Chateau Lafayette?

A reader who enjoys The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray would likely appreciate historical fiction with strong female protagonists and intricate narratives spanning different time periods. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will find similar themes and emotional depth.

4.4

26,811 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Marthe Simone

An orphan with a passion for the arts, Marthe becomes involved in producing forgeries and plays a significant role in the Resistance during World War II.

A member of French nobility in the late 1700s, Adrienne is deeply involved in supporting revolutionary causes and managing her husband’s, the Marquis de Lafayette's, various affairs.

Beatrice, also known by various names, transforms Chavaniac castle during World War I to aid soldiers and children while balancing her complex personal life.

A key figure in both the American and French Revolutions, Lafayette is known for his ideals of liberty and equality, leaving a lasting legacy.

A wealthy explorer and soldier, Willie’s strained relationship with Beatrice is marked by his personal struggles and opposition to her wartime efforts.

A French captain involved in wartime coordination, Max serves as a supportive and loving figure in Beatrice’s life during challenging times.

Marthe's childhood friend, Anna navigates personal and family challenges during the war, becoming a significant figure in Chavaniac’s leadership.

Gendarme and resistant to the Vichy regime, Yves is a strategic and compassionate protector whose evolving relationship with Marthe plays a central role.

A menacing Gestapo officer known for his brutality, Wolff poses an ongoing threat to Marthe and the Resistance efforts.

Uriah, a military officer, and his children face persecution during the war, with Marthe’s efforts providing crucial assistance to their survival.

Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 18th Century

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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