The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray (English) Paperback Book

Description: The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray An epic generational 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 some of humanitys darkest hours.The USA Today Bestseller!Recommended by Oprah Magazine Cosmopolitan PopSugar SheReads Parade and more!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.Most castles are protected by men. This one by women.A founding mother...1774. Gently-bred noblewoman Adrienne Lafayette becomes her husband, the Marquis de Lafayettes 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 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 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 firsthand, Beatrice takes on the challenge of a lifetime- convincing America tofight for whats right.A reluctant resistor...1940. French school-teacher and aspiring artist Marthe Simone has an orphans 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 powerfully told, The Women of Chateau Lafayette is a sweeping novel about duty and hope, love and courage, and the strength we take from those who came before us. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Author Biography Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal,& USA Todaybestselling author of historical womens fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into eight languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives near the Maryland with her husband, cats, and history books. Review "[R]iveting…We can learn from Adrienne, Beatrice, and Marthes stories, even as were swept away." —Oprah Magazine"Its a story about survival and how three women somehow make it through tragedy to ensure a better world for future generations."—Cosmopolitan"This is a wildly impressive novel with characters who fly off the page. The Women of Chateau Lafayette unflinchingly describes the toll that war and the fight for democracy takes on us all. And perhaps more poignantly, it reminds us that we are forever connected to our past."—The Jewish Journal"What blew me away was not [the womens] strength—Ive read more than enough novels and seen enough of the world to know how strong women are—but how distinct they are. They arent just any three women; Stephanie Dray has breathed life into her protagonists…I loved sinking into this book, and anyone who enjoys historical fiction will as well."—Manhattan Book Review"Stephanie Drays latest is a masterpiece, braiding three stories into a single tale of courage, humanity, and women triumphing in the face of overwhelming odds. Three heroines with seemingly nothing in common—a French Revolution Founding Mother struggling to preserve her family, a World War I socialite turned passionate activist, and a World War II orphan pulled into the French Resistance—turn out to have everything in common as they struggle through the chaos of three separate wars to forge a united legacy. The Women of Chateau Lafayette is destined to soar!" —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network"Vividly told and compelling. The stories of these three splendid women intertwine beautifully into a heart-stopping tale."—Frances Liardet, New York Times bestselling author of We Must Be Brave "If its the details that bring historical fiction alive, Stephanie Dray has not only painted the most vivid world imaginable, but she has quite nearly created a veritable time machine to the past. The Women of Chateau Lafayette shines with her incredibly meticulous research, and against that masterfully built backdrop, she has placed three extraordinary women, each fighting her own battle in a different war, whose lives are connected in ways that will make your heart soar. Youll be mesmerized by this sprawling, epic, masterful tale of love, heartbreak, strength, and duty, all set across a century and a half of riveting French and American history. The fascinating Authors Note at the end is the final dusting of sugar on this complex, unforgettable French treat." —Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names"Just dazzling! Three women, three wars, one French chateau and a whole lot of heroism: The Women of Chateau Lafayette is quite simply breathtaking in its scope and accomplishment. Prepare to be swept away to France and beyond by a master storyteller." —Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret "Prepare to be swept away by utterly masterful storytelling. Stephanie Drays The Women of Chateau Lafayette abounds with wartime intrigue, superb historical detail, and unforgettable women of courage you wont soon forget, nor should you. A captivating page-turner from first word to last." —Susan Meissner, author of The Nature of Fragile Things"This is by far one of the grandest novels Ive read in a long time. A masterpiece of historical fiction. Stephanie Dray has created an all-encompassing saga spanning three wars with three unforgettable women at its core. The immense scope of research, so seamlessly infused into Drays stunning prose, is mind-blowing. I simply cant say enough good things about this brilliant novel." —Renee Rosen, bestselling author of The Social Graces"A rich and immersive deep dive into three tumultuous eras in French history via the lives of three remarkable women. Despite the strictures of their times and the hardships they face, Stephanie Drays women of Chateau Lafayette-- the aristocrat, the artist, the orphan-- are testament to the power of the individual to take a stand and shape the course of history. Warning: youll want desperately to know how it all turns out while wanting just as desperately for none of their stories to end.... And youll catch yourself thinking about all three women long after the book has been closed."—Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of Band of Sisters"Impeccably researched and masterfully told... This ode to the strength of women throughout the ages is a tour de force!" —Stephanie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of And They Called It Camelot"Stephanie Dray sparkles and astounds with this compelling and seamlessly woven multigenerational epic about the women who resisted, fought, and sacrificed to protect Lafayettes legacy and our most cherished ideals and institutions. A monumental achievement and truly historical fiction at its finest!" —Laura Kamoie, New York Times bestselling co-author of Americas First Daughter"A masterful work of historical fiction, enthralling, immersive, and utterly impossible to put down. Stephanie Dray deftly weaves together the lives of three fascinating, courageous women, separated in time but united in their enduring connections to an extraordinary castle in the French countryside." —Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Resistance Women"Captivating, moving, and utterly unforgettable, The Women of Chateau Lafayette is extraordinary in every aspect. Drays astounding depth of research and richly drawn characters combine to brilliant effect in this epically breathtaking tale that held me in its grips from the very first page. I didnt just read the interwoven journeys of three remarkable women, I lived and fought and endured alongside them. An absolute must-read!"—Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday"This book establishes a subdued, steady tension that never releases its grip. Dray uses lavish historical detail in this extensively researched, sweeping novel."—Library Journal (starred review)"Expert storytelling…highly recommended, sure to appeal to fans of womens fiction, WWII-era historical fiction, and the musical Hamilton."—Booklist (starred review)"Dray poignantly reminds us of the undervalued contributions of women throughout history."—BookPage (starred review)"This is a history-sweeping story encompassing the French Revolution and both world wars, woven around a mix of fictional and real-life characters....Its a long, satisfying book, deeply researched by this wonderful historical novelist."—AARP Review Quote "Vividly told and compelling. The stories of these three splendid women intertwine beautifully into a heart-stopping tale."-- Frances Liardet, New York Times bestselling author of We Must Be Brave "Stephanie Drays latest is a masterpiece, braiding three stories into a single tale of courage, humanity, and women triumphing in the face of overwhelming odds. Three heroines with seemingly nothing in common--a French Revolution Founding Mother struggling to preserve her family, a World War I socialite turned passionate activist, and a World War II orphan pulled into the French Resistance--turn out to have everything in common as they struggle through the chaos of three separate wars to forge a united legacy. The Women of Chateau Lafayette is destined to soar!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network "If its the details that bring historical fiction alive, Stephanie Dray has not only painted the most vivid world imaginable, but she has quite nearly created a veritable time machine to the past. The Women of Chateau Lafayette shines with her incredibly meticulous research, and against that masterfully built backdrop, she has placed three extraordinary women, each fighting her own battle in a different war, whose lives are connected in ways that will make your heart soar. Youll be mesmerized by this sprawling, epic, masterful tale of love, heartbreak, strength, and duty, all set across a century and a half of riveting French and American history. The fascinating Authors Note at the end is the final dusting of sugar on this complex, unforgettable French treat."-- Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names "Prepare to be swept away by utterly masterful storytelling. Stephanie Drays The Women of Chateau Lafayette abounds with wartime intrigue, superb historical detail, and unforgettable women of courage you wont soon forget, nor should you. A captivating page-turner from first word to last."-- Susan Meissner , author of The Nature of Fragile Things "Impeccably researched and masterfully told... This ode to the strength of women throughout the ages is a tour de force!" --Stephanie Thornton , USA Today bestselling author of And They Called It Camelot "Stephanie Dray sparkles and astounds with this compelling and seamlessly woven multigenerational epic about the women who resisted, fought, and sacrificed to protect Lafayettes legacy and our most cherished ideals and institutions. A monumental achievement and truly historical fiction at its finest!" --Laura Kamoie , New York Times bestselling co-author of Americas First Daughter Promotional "Headline" An epic generational 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 some of humanitys darkest hours. Excerpt from Book One MARTHE Chavaniac-Lafayette The Free Zone October 1940 Ive almost made it, I think, pedaling my bicycle faster when I see the castles crenelated tower at the summit. Ive ridden past yellowing autumn farmland, past the preventoriums dormitories for boys, and past the terra-cotta-roof-topped houses of the village. And despite blistered feet and scuffed saddle shoes, Im feeling cocky. As I near the castle proper, Im no longer worried anyone is going to take what Ive carried all this way, which is probably why Im so surprised to see Sergeant Traverts old black Citron parked by the village fountain. Malchance! What shit luck. Sergeant Travert patrols our village every evening on his way home. For some reason the gendarme is early today, and having stalled out his jalopy, hes got the hood up to repair it. I try to ride past, but he notices and waves me over. My heart sinks as Travert approaches, doffing his policemans cap, then resting his hand on his holstered pistol. "What have we here, mademoiselle?" I pretend to be calm while he peers into my bicycle pannier baskets. "Just some supplies from Paulhaguet." Thats the nearest little town, where I bought dried sausage with ration coupons, but I traded on the black market to get sugar, paper for my classroom, and medicine for the doctors at the preventorium. Black market barters for hard-to-find goods are illegal. I took the risk anyway for a good cause, but I had a selfish motive too. One the snooping constable uncovers with a disapproving arch of his bushy brow. "Cigarettes?" According to our new leader, Marshal PZtain, Frenchwomen who smoke-not to mention foreigners and unpatriotic schoolteachers-are to blame for Frances defeat. Personally, I think it had more to do with Hitler. Maybe it even had to do with military leaders like PZtain who believed in fairy tales like the stupid Maginot Line to keep us safe. I cant say something like that, though. I shouldnt even think something like that about the Marshal-the man who saved France in the last war, and, as everyone says, the only man who can save us now. But merde, what smug idiots got us into this war? Hitlers panzer divisions rolled past French defenses five months ago. The Allies fled at Dunkirk, leaving forty thousand French soldiers to cover their retreat and hold the Germans back. All for nothing. Eighteen days later, we surrendered, to the shock of the world. Like almost everyone else, I was relieved; I thought the fighting would stop and that Henri would come home. But now a swastika is flying over the Eiffel Tower, and France-or whats left of her below the line of demarcation-is neutral while Britain fights on, alone. Almost two million French soldiers are prisoners of war-including Henri. My Henri. Given all that, smoking is the only thing keeping me sane, so the lie comes easily. "The cigarettes are for the baron." The gendarme looks over his shoulder at the castle and says, "I took the Baron de LaGrange more for a man who prefers a pipe." The baron is now the acting president of the preventorium. The baroness trained as a nurse in the last war and has a knack for organization, but unfortunately, women arent supposed to run anything now, so her husband got the job. And as the founder of an elite pilots training school and a senator with connections in the new Vichy government, the baron is too powerful to question about cigarettes. Travert knows it and knits those bushy brows. For a moment, I think hell shrug and walk away. Instead, he sweeps autumn leaves off the low stone wall and leans against it. "It gets lonely around here these days, mademoiselle, does it not? Tell me, what does a schoolteacher with such pretty blue eyes do when class is not in session?" "I lie about eating chocolates." What does he think? There are four hundred sick children to feed at the preventorium-which means growing vegetables, milking cows in the dairy, and helping to raise and butcher pigs. Every day since the war started has been a struggle, but I dont think he cares about that. No, I think the gendarme is after something else when he reaches for my wrist and traces it with his thumb. "Your tone is sharp, mademoiselle. You ought to show more respect for an officer of the law." I probably should, considering he could arrest me or seize my ill-gotten goods, but Im too angry that hes touching me. I dont think hed dare if I were wearing my engagement ring. Its tucked under my scarf, hanging from my neck on a chain because it kept slipping off a finger that has become, like the rest of me, thinner than before the war. Thinking about it makes me combative. "You really want to know what I do when Im lonely? I kiss the picture of my fiancZ, praying for his safe return from his prisoner of war camp." Thats enough to shame the gendarme, who shrugs like he was just testing me. "I wish all Frenchwomen were so devoted." Sure, I was so devoted that I made Henri wait until the very last minute, once it was too late to arrange the wedding he wanted. Feeling miserably guilty, I look away, and the gendarme notices. "Youre certain you have nothing to hide, mademoiselle? Your cheeks are pink!" "The air is chilly," I say, tugging my old red beret down over my ears. "And I exhausted myself standing in line at the shops in Paulhaguet all morning, and on the ride back." This is a stupid lie, because Travert knows Ive been hiking, camping, and hunting in these rugged woods since I was in pigtails. A bicycle ride isnt enough to wind me. Then again, everything is harder when youre hungry. Travert puffs out his barrel chest. "Exertion is good for you. The Marshal says to stay fit. Get lots of exercise and fresh air." I could outrun Travert in a footrace any day, but Id rather not have to, so I settle on sarcasm. "We must fight the rot of la dZcadence and restore the honor of France, no?" He laughs, and I laugh too, but neither of us is amused. According to the Marshal, the honor of France is so fragile that it was lost to art, accents, women, and wine. Meanwhile, on the BBC, the rogue General de Gaulle says French honor can be restored only by suicidal resistance against the Nazis. I dont believe either of them. These days its hard to believe in anything but self-interest. And its self-interest that saves me. Tempted by the dried sausage peeking out of its paper, Travert breaks an end off for his lunch and leaves me the rest. "Au revoir, mademoiselle." He knows Im guilty of black market bargaining or he wouldnt have taken a piece of my sausage, so I dont argue. "Adieu!" Once inside the castle gates, I dodge mud puddles in the drive, where the ambulance has been stranded for a week without fuel. The children are at recess wearing scout uniforms; it seems everyone wears a uniform of some kind these days to restore our morals. A fair-haired eight-year-old who came to us from Lille afflicted with rickets now hops off the swing set, her corkscrew curls bouncing as she runs through fallen leaves to greet me, calling, "Ma"tresse! Ma"tresse!" Shes followed by an asthmatic fifteen-year-old from Toulouse, who is almost cured and ready to go back to her family. Both girls are curious about my packages, so I scold, "No peeking. Its a surprise for the kitchen." The littlests eyes round. "Did you find cat tongue cookies?" Our Lafayette kids all love the buttery crisps sent to us by Madame Beatrice from New York; they dont know our supplies are dwindling because of the blockade. For the children, the war seems far away, and we want to keep it that way, so I say, "We have to save the cookies for Christmas, but you might get a little sausage in your lentil soup. Now, go play before nap time." When the girls run off, I stow the bicycle, tuck the cigarettes into my back pocket, and take the parcels to the old feudal guardroom kitchen, which the baroness has all but transformed into a modern canning factory. Shes determined to pickle and preserve every last edible thing before winter sets in, assisted by the schools doyenne, Madame LeVerrier, and the foundations secretary-general, Madame Simon-both of whom are as much a part of the castle as the wooden shutters on the casement windows. Working beneath old copper pots that hang from the vaulted ceiling, the three women greet me as a heroine for finding even a little sugar. But I dont stay to bask in their praise, because the last thing I want is to be pressed into making wild strawberry preserves. Im in such a hurry to escape canning duty that I nearly plow over poor Dr. Anglade, who is coming down the castles winding main staircase with a tray of syringes. When he sees what Ive got for him, though, his stern expression melts. "Sulfonamide," he whispers reverently. "Dr. Boulagnon said he didnt expect a shipment in Paulhaguet for a week. Where did you get it?" "Its better you dont ask too many questions." Or at least, thats what Madame Simon told me when empt Details ISBN0593335937 Author Stephanie Dray Format Paperback Language English Year 2021 ISBN-10 0593335937 ISBN-13 9780593335932 Pages 576 UK Release Date 2021-03-30 Place of Publication New York Country of Publication United States US Release Date 2021-03-30 Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Publication Date 2021-03-30 Imprint Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S. DEWEY 813.6 Audience General NZ Release Date 2021-03-29 AU Release Date 2021-03-29 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:131553040;

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