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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

This one took me a bit to finish - I feel it was a slow build. But by the end of the book I was rooting hard for these three formidable women & the pages were flying because I had to know what happened to these women. Then I read the author‘s note and was completely floored. I meant to finish this in Jan for #newyearwhodis, but better late than never! Thanks for putting this on my radar @sprainedbrain - it‘s not something I normally would pick up!

monalyisha

sprainedbrain I‘m so glad you liked it! 😃 3y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

Since it‘s a three day weekend, I‘m saying I‘m not late on my #bookreport & #weeklyforecast. (My stepdaughter and I watched Encanto so I was inspired to be colorful.)

Cinfhen

Cinfhen Graphics are AWESOME 🤩 and I‘m all for utilizing the 3, day weekend exemption 😁 3y

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Jaimelire

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

This was a big book with three beautiful stories, set in different times…all linked together through their setting, the château. Lots of great historical facts in this one. And the character development was really good. Thumbs up from me?.

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Cathyloves2read

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

It was quite an endeavor to get through this 500+page book.I enjoyed the triple timeline. I‘m glad the book was broken out the way it was,or it wouldve been difficult to get through.I loved all 3 the heroines that represented the timeframes.While the book did seem to drag at parts,I enjoyed it.I learned about the French Revolution, & about the alliance between US &France.I enjoyed learning about Lafayette, who I previously had little knowledge of.

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

#OverBookedClub‘s buddy read was my favorite of July. My first by Dray and I‘ll definitely be reading more by her.
#12booksof2021

Andrew65

Andrew65 Looks brilliant, stacked. 3y

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Jaimelire

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

My book club gift exchange….I got lucky! Looking forward to my two week break to read these!

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

I picked up the tagged book while swap shopping at B&N today. @sprainedbrain I‘m seeing a very chunky theme with your #newyearswhodis picks. So here‘s some chunky books next to a chunky pup.

monalyisha I adore your chunky pup! My family lost our bulldog (my parents‘ dog) a few years ago…but he was the best pup they ever had! So, so dumb…and so, so funny and sweet. 🐶 3y

monalyisha I clicked your tag and it was only posts from you & I was so confused for a second! There‘s an extra “s” in there! 😅 #NewYearWhoDis 3y

Amandajoy @monalyisha I‘m sorry about your family‘s Bulldog. The are the best dogs. And now I see why I can never find any posts when I search the hashtag! 😂 3y

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monalyisha It‘s okay! He lived a long, good life. His name was Sarge (though, with my parents‘ accent it was more like “Saaaahhhhdge,” & he was most often referred to as “Meatball”). And the hashtag thing is very amusing. 😅 3y

sprainedbrain ❤️ your chunky dog! And I‘m sorry… there are some long ones on there. I did an audio/kindle mix for both Chateau and Cloud Cuckoo Land. 3y

Sleepswithbooks Chunky puppies are the best cuddlers 🥰🐶 3y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

Amazingly, I have read none of the books off this list @sprainedbrain ! The three in the corner I already own, so I will definitely be checking those out. The ones on right have my interest piqued. Funny enough, there was a Sally Rooney book on @MallenNC ‘s list last year that I bought & never read. Maybe someone is trying to say I should read some Sally Rooney? Though, I think I may check out the tagged book first… #newyearwhodis

monalyisha

vivastory This is a wonderful list! Quite a few are on my TBR 📚📚 3y

sprainedbrain Ooooh which one was on your list last year? If it was Normal People, 😍. But if it was Conversations with Friends, that‘s also so good. 😂 I love Sally Rooney. I hope you find some you enjoy! 3y

Amandajoy @sprainedbrain it was Normal People. Maybe I‘ll try to get to it in December. 3y

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Cinfhen Incredible list @sprainedbrain 🙌🏻Happy Reading @Amandajoy 3y

MallenNC I put Sally Rooney on my list this year too! Not that she needs my help selling books. I think I may have liked Beautiful World even more than Normal People. 3y

Amandajoy @MallenNC I still plan on reading Normal People! 3y

TheKidUpstairs The City We Became was sooooo good, I can't wait for the next one. Hamnet was one of my faves this year too. Happy Reading, great list @sprainedbrain 3y

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AshRaye

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

so-so

I really liked the writing at the beginning of the book and the end of the book. The middle wasn't very engaging. Maybe it has to do with what was going on in the story at the time. Beatrice's story was definitely my favorite; she has a vigor for life that I find inspiring.
I am now interested in the history surrounding these women. I believe the author did a great job researching, and gave a complete history, but I want to know all the details.

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AshRaye

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

Grief is like thick morning fog.
You breathe it, swim in it, drown in it - or at least you want to drown, but for some damned reason, you keep living, breathing, walking. One foot in front of the other even though you can't see the path ahead. You tiptoe, and so does everybody else...

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

LazyOwl Sorry, I did get around to reading this. I hope you have a great discussion though. 4y

sblbooks @LazyOwl no problem👍 4y

megnews I‘m glad this was picked for OBC. I don‘t know that I would have chosen it myself because the length was somewhat daunting. But now that I know how she keeps the plot moving along I‘m inspired to read her other two books I‘ve put off for that reason. 4y

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sblbooks @megnews you're welcome! I think you'll like her other books. 4y

catebutler Well, I fell a bit behind this month on this book, 🤦‍♀️ so I‘ll loop around to the discussion questions as soon as I finish up! 4y

sblbooks @catebutler sounds good. 4y

Chrissyreadit I enjoyed this book, even though it was lengthy. I would not have normally picked it because I‘ve read so many books that take place during WW2- but I still found it original and interesting 4y

Butterfinger My favorite part was when Willie threw his leg at the waiter. My husband and daughters heard me say, "oooooh." Beatrice had enough. 4y

sblbooks @Butterfinger 😂 4y

megnews @Butterfinger that was crazy! Can you imagine sitting down to eat and seeing a leg fly across the room! 😂 4y

sabyym @Butterfinger @megnews @sblbooks hahah willie was unhinged. And it surprised me that this was an actual historical incident that took place. 4y

sblbooks @sabyym me too! I thought she made that up.😅 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews At one point I looked up something about Marquis and the French Revolution. 4y

sblbooks @megnews me too. I hope there will be more historical fiction written about this time period. 4y

megnews @sblbooks I like the American Revolution and still have several on my tbr but it doesn‘t seems as popular as wwii or the civil war. 4y

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Roary47 I am interested to learn more, but didn‘t look up anything. Now that I‘ve heard about this I‘m sure it will pop up a lot. 4y

Chrissyreadit I did not look anything up, because of time- but I‘m sure I will. 4y

megnews @Roary47 that happens to me a lot where the same subject seems to come up a lot after I‘ve learned about it from a book. Probably was always there but now I notice it. 4y

Butterfinger I Wikipediad them both. I love finding out that a character is real. I'm reading a du Maurier and it is about a Richard Grenville and I went straight to Wikipedia. 4y

Birdsong28 Yes. 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews I can‘t imagine being anywhere near as brave as Adrienne and it‘s tough to judge one of her actions as braver than another. They were all so brave. To entrust your children to others during such scary times! To stay in prison with her husband. I can‘t imagine doing it. 4y

sblbooks @megnews We've been so blessed to live in the time that we do, I can't imagine it either. 4y

Roary47 I think the bravest thing was admitting who she was knowing she would be imprisoned and potentially face the guillotine. She could have easily just used and old forgotten family name. I doubt I would be so brave. 4y

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Chrissyreadit @Roary47 @sblbooks @megnews I think most of her actions were heroic. I wish I knew more about her life- she seems absolutely amazing. 4y

sblbooks @Chrissyreadit true! I definitely want to read more about her. 4y

shellleigh33 I thought her and her daughter were so brave by sacrificing themselves to be imprisoned with her husband just so she could stand by his side and all be together. That had to be scary for all of them. 4y

sblbooks @shellleigh33 yes they were! I loved that part. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @shellleigh33 @Chrissyreadit @Roary47 when she stood up to her father and refused to call for Lafayette. That took guts and I think she was pregnant at the time. And when she wrote to George Washington and shamed him for not helping her husband. Why would Washington not help? 4y

shellleigh33 @Butterfinger that did take guts. She was a very brave women in many ways. I also did not understand why George Washington did not help her husband. 4y

sblbooks @shellleigh33 @Butterfinger yes, standing up to her father was definitely brave. I wondered the same thing. I don't understand why Washington didn't help😔 4y

megnews @Roary47 I agree! 4y

megnews @shellleigh33 I agree and I love how she raised her daughters just as strong as her! 4y

megnews @Butterfinger @sblbooks @shellleigh33 it does suck that the French came to our aid and we didn‘t come to theirs. Is this why we still have a contentious relationship today? At the same time, you think they were here trying to create a country, put founding documents together, recoup war losses. And already they couldn‘t agree and deals have to be made. The pressure was probably already on to make America first. Maybe it hurt Washington not to ⬇️ 4y

megnews Help but he just wasn‘t able. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews yeah, after I wrote it, I thought Washington was putting relations between France and America first. It was a tough decision. And, we don't know what was in the letters between Washington and the American diplomat in France at the time. 4y

Birdsong28 I think it was when she was in the prison and was getting sicker and sicker but still fought for her and her family. 4y

megnews @Birdsong28 that‘s a good one. Especially when her husband was telling her to leave. 4y

sabyym How she made a powerful political move by deciding to stay in the prison despite her health was intelligent and heartbreaking. 4y

sblbooks @Birdsong28 @sabyym definitely! 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews I‘d always heard of Marquis de Lafayette but didn‘t even know he was married with children whom he left behind. I also felt I learned more about the world wars as well as the French Revolution. I love learning from fiction. Much more interesting and memorable than memorizing facts. 4y

sblbooks @megnews Same! I love biographical fiction! 4y

Roary47 I had no clue. I enjoy history, but I‘m not sure I know a lot of it. I‘m interested to learn more about this in the future. 4y

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Chrissyreadit I learned quite a bit about different aspects in those timelines. Especially the French Revolution. 4y

Butterfinger That Lafayette had a life after he left us. Who knew? And he was imprisoned. I always wonder why were the two revolutions so different. Why did the French people (rebels) become such despots themselves and why did they use the guillotine so freely? I know we weren't perfect. It just seems France was bloodier. @Chrissyreadit @Roary47 @megnews I love historical fiction. 4y

sblbooks @Butterfinger you brought out some good points. I have often wondered why the French Revolution was so much more vicious. If King George was not across the ocean, would the US have acted differently? 4y

megnews @sblbooks when I read @Butterfinger comments I wondered the same and see you already posted it. Perhaps there was an idea if we don‘t stamp them all out, we risk being right back where we started and I think it would be even worse for them then. Also, once they got started it probably turned into that mob group think and took on a life of its own. 4y

sblbooks @megnews True! 4y

Birdsong28 I have studied all the time periods in this book in great detail but have always been very interested in the French Revolution. I have learnt some new things about each era so even though I was prepared I still gained knowledge. 4y

sabyym WW1 and WW2 incidents i were familiar with but French/ American revolutions were raw and interesting to me. (edited) 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews When is a person finally moved to act? I think it‘s when they are pushed too far, when the proverbial straw breaks the camels back which is different for every person. I think young people are more prone to action because they may not always consider all the risks involved. I don‘t think Marthe realized how dangerous her actions were. 4y

Roary47 I agree that Marthe recognized the danger because she mentioned how careful she needed to be when making the fake documents. Younger individuals take more risks I feel because they normally do not have others relying on them, and they are trying to make their own way in the world. 4y

megnews @Roary47 that‘s true. Fewer people relying on you. 4y

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sblbooks I think a person is moved to act when something happens to them, or someone they know. Unfortunately if it's a stranger that is being mistreated a lot of times people won't get involved. @Roary47 I agree that young people are not responsible for the a family, so they feel they can take chances. 4y

Chrissyreadit I agree motivation to act is often born through necessity, then empathy, and morality based on individuals needs having been met and having the privilege to act morally. I think young people def take more risked because they have less dependents, or it could be they have nothing left to lose. @sblbooks @megnews @Roary47 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @Roary47 @Chrissyreadit I agree with Roary. Young people want to make their way in the world and who is around to influence them. Marte had her friend's mother, the one who was hiding the family. And Yves. Oh, I loved him. 4y

megnews I agree with you @Chrissyreadit 4y

megnews @Butterfinger I loved him too. He was worried for Marthe but understood and encouraged her resistance, showing her how to do it safely. 4y

Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger I loved him too ❤️❤️ 4y

sblbooks @Butterfinger @megnews @Chrissyreadit I agree with all of you I loved Marthe's husband. ❤ 4y

Birdsong28 I think Marthe's husband stopped her from being reckless which is what saved her in the end as she was cautious because she had something to be cautious for. 4y

sabyym I‘d also like to add that it isn‘t just people around you that influences your action but also history itself. In many places Marthe said ‘what would Lafayette/Adrienne do?‘ The chavaniac castle itself has had such resilient fighters that encouraged her to follow their footsteps in a way. (edited) 4y

sblbooks @sabyym good point about the historical role models. 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews I think Beatrice wanted more from life than that of a society wife, probably because she hadn‘t grown up in that life and especially because she was bored without her husband. I think she genuinely cared and wanted to leave an impact. 4y

sblbooks Agreed. Her childhood definitely had an impact on her life, I think it made her more empathetic. 4y

Roary47 I also agree that her past influenced her desire to help others along with children. My husband was in a bad motorcycle accident when we were newly married, so I empathize that she needed to find something she could do for the good of others. 4y

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Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks @Roary47 I agree she was influenced by her past, but I think she wanted to prove herself and leave her mark to show she “deserved” her wealth and happiness. 4y

megnews @sblbooks @Roary47 @Chrissyreadit I think she also wanted to fill her time and show she could do more than wallow in self pity because of her husband. Was she trying to prove her worth to him? I‘m not sure. (edited) 4y

Butterfinger She was such a gungho person. I agree with all of you. @megnews @Chrissyreadit @Roary47 and I think she was influenced by her husband and Teddy Roosevelt. She was an explorer in her own right. And they encouraged it. 4y

Birdsong28 Because even though she was married she remembered that she came from a poor background and that notion not to get herself back into that situation drove her. Also she cared for the children because she knew what it was like to be like that. 4y

sabyym @Chrissyreadit I agree, not just influenced by her own past but also to prove that she “deserved” being respected orthogonal to who she married. 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews I think Dray did an excellent job because she made all three storylines equally as compelling. I do not think this story would have been as good told in any other way. 4y

sblbooks @megnews I agree the author did a good job in this case. I have read two other books by her that we're not in the point of view and I like those better. 4y

Roary47 I agree @megnews I really liked the different perspectives and timelines. It was amazing that they pretty much all tied together as well. 4y

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megnews @Roary47 I agree. To be honest, I was dreading the tie-together because sometimes it‘s so unbelievable that it takes more from the book than it‘s worth. But this was believable and understated so it wasn‘t disappointing. 4y

Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks @Roary47 I honestly wished at times this had been written as a trilogy at times with each storyline separate and complete. For me some of the transitions were jarring and stressful. I needed to complete the moment before I moved on. 4y

sblbooks @Chrissyreadit a Trilogy would have been a great idea. 4y

Chrissyreadit @sblbooks thanks for saying that. I think it would have been a stronger read for me that way. 4y

Butterfinger I'm like @Chrissyreadit I enjoy multiple povs, but I will skip if there is a cliffhanger. Don't worry, I go back. And I think Dray did a fantastic job tying the three characters. Marte had two brave people to lead her. @megnews @Roary47 4y

megnews @Butterfinger I agree about how well she tied the characters together. Sometimes it‘s far fetched when an author does that but this wasn‘t at all. It was subtle rather than made a big deal of too which made it even more believable to me. I look forward to reading more by Dray. 4y

Birdsong28 Yes the author did a wonderful job with the multiple stories as even though they were at different times, she would always use the ending of one chapter to start the theme of the next chapter. I found that refreshing. 4y

megnews @Birdsong28 I agree. And the more I think on this book, the more I think it‘s the best example I‘ve ever seen of writing multiple timelines. 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews She made the same sacrifices the American founding mothers made, with her husband risking his life for liberty. Perhaps even more so since because of the distance they were separated so much longer. 4y

sblbooks I think she was just as strong as her husband just in a different way. She was willing to go to another country and be imprisoned, and separated from her only son. 4y

Roary47 I agree @sblbooks and @megnews she was just as strong as her husband. She also acted as any founding mother would to empower and inspire other women. 4y

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Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks @Roary47 I def think she was as strong or stronger than her husband. She really thought about the impact of events on so many people. 4y

Butterfinger She had to stand up to her father when Lafayette left. He left. Whew! I thought he was going to hit her. And she had to make several life altering decisions without him there. Sending her son to Washington must have been awful. @Chrissyreadit @megnews @Roary47 we admire Lafayette for helping us and I never thought that his wife was just as admirable. In fact, I never knew he was married till this book. That is why I enjoy Dray. She finds the uncelebrated. 4y

Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger it kind of made me even more angry about how we abandoned Lafayette after his sacrifice to help our independence 4y

megnews @Butterfinger I agree. I did not know he was married with children which makes his sacrifice to help us even greater. She was a remarkable woman who never let anything stop her. 4y

Birdsong28 I think Adrienne was much stronger than her husband as when they were together in the prison he wanted her to give in on the first offer but she knew that she would eventually get them to see her way and get what she really wanted. 4y

sabyym Agree with all the comments. If not ‘strong‘ like fight in the frontline of the war with swords then strong as standing by her beliefs when that belief would end her life, bravely taking responsibility over the funding of war, finance, attempt at freeing the slaves, traveling oceans to save her loved ones. (edited) 4y

megnews @Birdsong28 yes, I think that‘s women‘s intuition 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

megnews I love stories from multiple points of view but there‘s usually one I find less interesting. This book is an exception. I genuinely loved all 3 characters. When a section ended I looked forward to picking up another character‘s story again while also not being able to wait to get back to then others. I think this is what made the book such a fast read. I think the most emotional storyline was Adrienne because of losses and risk to their lives. 4y

sblbooks @megnews I know multiple points of view is very popular right now. I prefer linear novels. Adrienne was my favorite by far, and definitely the most emotional. 4y

Roary47 I like multiple perspectives when my favorites are featured often. I think I see myself more in Adrienne. Faithful to her family. My favorite was Beatrice. She was a great mother, and really brave. (edited) 4y

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sblbooks @Roary47 I tend to prefer one story line over another. 4y

Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks @Roary47 I love multiple story lines in different times. My favorite was also Adrienne. I loved her focus on her family so much, and being true to her values. 4y

Readswithcoffee Adrienne was my favorite. I found the time interesting and different from many books I read. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @Roary47 @Chrissyreadit @Readswithcoffee I tend to jump ahead with a favorite storyline. I didn't do it this time because I was listening. Each storyline was very unique and rich with historical detail, but my favorite was Beatrice. She was not afraid of anything, but still loyal to her loved ones and her values. 4y

Birdsong28 I loved Adrienne's storyline but I think I identify with Martha's more as I think I would be trying to fight back as much as possible. 4y

sabyym All 3 were such heroic stories. I think I‘ll lean to Beatrice. I think it has to do with how she brought herself up from nothing and absolutely loved the details of her contribution and innovative initiatives. Marthe on the other hand was a relatable heroine by a vibe of ‘I don‘t want to be a hero but I have to do what‘s right‘ And I loved it too. And Adrienne was easily a lovable character for obvious reasons. (edited) 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

This post contains spoilers

Discussion Starts Now #OverbookedClub @sabyym @Birdsong28 @TheBookHippie @katy4peas @catebutler @Butterfinger @CoffeeNBooks @Crazeedi @Roary47 @JaclynW @LazyOwl @kspenmoll @Readswithcoffee @megnews @Chrissyreadit @JenlovesJT47 @shellleigh33 @Saturndoo

megnews I think it made the settings even more vivid. I think it made the settings and characters larger than life. 4y

sblbooks @megnews yes, it definitely makes the story more engaging and helps you visualize. 4y

Chrissyreadit I def agree with @megnews it felt more immersive but to me it also was a “rapid” way to show character growth in the various timelines. A before and after type of character sketch 4y

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Readswithcoffee I think the contrast helps to portray the destruction, devastation, and deprivation that war causes. 4y

TheBookHippie No different than now with people living the lavish life while others suffer. I think the descriptions of everything put you in the setting very well. Easy to picture it all. 4y

megnews @Readswithcoffee I agree 4y

megnews @TheBookHippie definitely 4y

sblbooks @Readswithcoffee @TheBookHippie good points. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @Chrissyreadit @Readswithcoffee @TheBookHippie the women belonged to the lavish world, but Adrienne and Beatrice empathized with the impoverished around them. Especially Beatrice who came from a past of poverty. 4y

Birdsong28 Yes it was more immersive and it helped to set the scene and show how situations can easily change. 4y

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Roary47

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

so-so

3✨ This was a lot of book. A history of a French home and name I was not familiar with. I am sure I missed details, but you cannot help but be inspired by the three women who made sacrifices to protect others. Read for #overbookclub

megnews, sblbooks

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Readswithcoffee

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

Very good historical fiction covering three timelines - American Revolution/French Revolution, WWI, & WWII. It is very interesting how the author wove these threads together by using the location of the Chateau Lafayette as a common focal point. I read some portions on my Kindle and listened to others. I‘m glad I had the audiobook to help me with the French pronunciations.

32 likes

Birdsong28

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

Very good. Loved how this book can weave together 3 momentous eras in history and make it seamless. The fact that 2 out of the 3 women were real makes it all the better. The writing just flowed and you just wanted to keep reading as this book made you feel that you are in the story as the descriptions are so full of detail.

Birdsong28 Thank you @sblbooks for choosing this wonderful book for July's #overbookedclub as it is such a wonderful book and wouldn't have read it otherwise. 4y

sblbooks I'm glad you liked it. I hope you can join the discussion. 4y

Birdsong28 @sblbooks I will join in the discussion 😀 4y

CMB I just finished it! I keep literary journals and now have so much to...ponder. I taught US history for many years and am delighted to say that the author‘s research is spot-on. An exemplary read. Don‘t miss it! 4y

52 likes4 comments

Butterfinger

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

Glorious - One of the best historical fiction of the year. How unbelievably thorough was Fray's research. How clever she was to tie the fight for democracy in three war eras. My heart beat a little bit faster each time Lafayette said, "my dear heart." My mind yelled, "you go girl," whenever Beatrice stood up to her husband or anyone else. My spirit will never forget images evoked by the only fictional protagonist's experiences. Glorious!!!

Butterfinger #OverbookedClub thank you @megnews @sblbooks I have two questions - please spell Marthe's husband's name - especially his first name. It sounds like Eve to me and what 'religion' or philosophy did Adrienne say Lafayette and she were on her deathbed? I could not figure out what was being said, especially with the French accent. 4y

sblbooks @Butterfinger I listened to this book on audio so I am not sure about the spelling or philosophy. Marthe's husband's name was Trevor. (Sp?) At the end she did call him Eve. In the author's note it sounds like she said something like phyetist (sp?) I've never heard of that, and I couldn't find anything through Google either because I don't know how to spell it. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. 4y

Butterfinger @sblbooks thanks. I think I will purchase the book. I want to read certain parts again. 4y

megnews @Butterfinger @sblbooks just realized I never answered. Marthe‘s husband was Yves. As for the religion, it was Fayettist which I took to mean a philosophy of commitment to democracy. (edited) 4y

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sabyym

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

I got preoccupied with other things so I still got a long way to go. But I LOVE the writing, the story and how the different generations are colliding in bits and pieces. And oh the women 😌
#OverBookedClub

megnews, sblbooks

sblbooks It's okay, you still have time. 4y

sabyym @sblbooks yes!! gonna finish it in couple of days :) 4y

megnews They are incredible women! 4y

sabyym @megnews yes and deserve so much better! 4y

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Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

I‘m so glad this book was chosen for #OverBookedClub. Chunksters intimidate me but I made it through. Excellent writing and character development. I felt the 3 time periods were clear, brought to life, and interwoven well. 5⭐️. Looking forward to discussion.

Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Birdsong28, LazyOwl, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, Roary47, katy4peas, sabyym

Roary47 I just started yesterday and am with you on chucky books being intimidating. 😬 4y

TheBookHippie Can‘t wait to talk about it!!! So happy you chose this. 4y

Butterfinger I have to listen to it- couldn't find a copy. I don't trust my hearing so please answer a question - Is it Kohn that Beatrice is starting to get close as well as the family name that Marthe finds? I'm currently in Part 3 - 4y

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megnews No it‘s Furlaud. Kohn is the Jewish father in hiding that Marthe helps. 4y

megnews @butterfinger ⬆️ 4y

Butterfinger @megnews thanks. I just couldn't tell. 4y

megnews @Roary47 a friend told me they‘re less intimidating on ebook and I‘ve found that to be true. There‘s something about not seeing all those yet unread pages. 😂 4y

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Deblovestoread

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

#BookReport #WeeklyForecast

James Baldwin is an extraordinary writer. The Women of CL was a bit long but I knew nothing of the 2 real life women portrayed and they were fascinating. Jane Fairfax was ok but I wanted more depth. Hard Time was a great palette cleanser. I like her St. Mary‘s books more but they are still fun. I‘m going to finish The Comeback today because I have to know the rest of the story!

Cinfhen

Cinfhen Wonderful #BookReport #WeeklyForecast 💚Thanks for sharing 4y

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Deblovestoread

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

#JulyJourneys #BastilleDay

Current read for #OverBookedClub Set in 3 time periods: The French Revolution, WWI and WWII

Eggs Looks so good ❤️🇫🇷💙👍🏼 4y

43 likes1 comment

Chrissyreadit

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

#overbooked club. This is the first chunkster I‘ve read in years. I have complicated emotions about it. The writing is excellent, but I wish it was a trilogy with one book for each time line. The characters were well written and complex. The history was interesting and engaging. The stories were all heartbreaking and I just do not like sad. That would be my only critique.

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KimM

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

Three wars: WWI, WWII and the French Revolution and how the Chateau Lafayette was the common denominator in the lives of 3 women. 4 ⭐s

12 likes

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

I don‘t know if anyone else has started or where you are but I‘m 1/3 of the way through and I‘m loving this. I like all 3 story lines, the characters the writing, and the fast pace. Definitely going to check out more by Dray.

#OverBookedClub

Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Birdsong28, LazyOwl, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, Roary47, katy4peas, sabyym

sblbooks I'm starting mine tomorrow. 😃 4y

TheBookHippie 🤍 I binged the thing. Let me know if you plan to Buddy read more of her books. I can‘t wait to discuss this one! So good. 4y

JaclynW I have the book. I will try to start tomorrow! 4y

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sabyym I‘m starting mine today. V excited!! 4y

shellleigh33 Just got my book and started it today @megnews (edited) 4y

Crazeedi I just got the book will be reading bext! 4y

catebutler Just got my copy and starting it this evening! 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

#OverBookedClub

Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Birdsong28, lazyowl23, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, Littlewolf1, Roary47, katy4peas, sabyym

32 likes

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

❤️ #OverBookedClub

Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Birdsong28, LazyOwl, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, Littlewolf1, Roary47, katy4peas, sabyym

Readswithcoffee Great quote! It took me a bit to get a handle on the timelines and the characters, but now I am enjoying it. 4y

JaclynW Magnificent! Great quote! 4y

26 likes2 comments

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

#OverBookedClub

Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Birdsong28, LazyOwl, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, Littlewolf1, Roary47, katy4peas, sabyym

39 likes

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

❤️

#FirstLineFridays
#OverBookedClub

Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Birdsong28, LazyOwl, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, ShyBookOwl, Readswithcoffee, Roary47, katy4peas, sabyym

BethM What a great line! 4y

Freespirit They are the places I like to visit❤️ 4y

TheBookHippie I agree. 4y

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ShyBookOwl Powerful! I love it 4y

ShyBookOwl Great image too!! 4y

Chrissyreadit ❤️ 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

Next up for #OverbookedClub. I know some have already started, but just a reminder for those who haven't. Also, it's 574 pages so don't wait till the last minute.😉 If anyone else wants to join, in let me know. I'm happy to have you. @megnews @sabyym @Birdsong28 @TheBookHippie @katy4peas @catebutler @Butterfinger @CoffeeNBooks @Crazeedi @Roary47 @JaclynW @LazyOwl @kspenmoll @Readswithcoffee @Chrissyreadit

TheBookHippie I binged it!!! So I‘ll be quiet until discussions! 😂 4y

Birdsong28 @TheBookHippie I can definitely see how you have binged this, it os really hard to put down!! 4y

sblbooks @Birdsong28 @TheBookHippie I can't wait to get started, but my library hold for The Four Winds just came in. So many books, so little time.📚 4y

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megnews @sblbooks I want to read that one!! 4y

Deblovestoread Thanks for the heads up on the length. I won‘t wait til the last week which is my usual pattern. 4y

sblbooks @Kdgordon88 I've been known to do that too. 4y

Readswithcoffee I better get cracking! 4y

sblbooks @Readswithcoffee 😀👍 4y

kspenmoll Not sure yet- 4y

JenlovesJT47 Count me in please!! 🤗❤️ 4y

sblbooks @JenlovesJT47 Sure! I'll add you to the list. 4y

JenlovesJT47 Thank you!! 4y

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

Started this today for July‘s #OverBookedClub. A few chapters in and loving the writing and story so far. I‘ve had Dray‘s America‘s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton on my tbr for awhile. May have to prioritize them with writing this good.

Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Birdsong28, LazyOwl, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, Roary47, katy4peas, sabyym

Birdsong28 I'm currently at 48% and it is amazing!! Never read this author before so was a bit cautious going in but I have found it very hard to put down. ❤️📚📖 4y

sblbooks I've read both America's First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton. They're excellent! 4y

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Birdsong28

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

Starting this #chunkster today for the #overbookedclub that @sblbooks hosts.

TrishB This looks really good 👍🏻 4y

Birdsong28 @TrishB It is really good. I think you would really enjoy this. I am finding it hard to put down. You should grab yourself a copy. I was going to give it away once I had read it but I think this is a keeper. 😀 📚 📖 4y

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sprainedbrain

The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

pick

Loved this book even more than I expected to… Stephanie Dray is not messing around when she sets out to write historical fiction.

Full review is on my blog: http://sprainedbrain.blog/2021/06/11/review-the-women-of-chateau-lafayette/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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The Women of Chateau Lafayette | Stephanie Dray

Reminder to get July‘s #OverBookedClub‘s selection on hold

Everyone‘s welcome! Please let us know if you plan to join in.

rubyslippersreads, Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, CogsOfEncouragement, Birdsong28, LazyOwl, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, CoffeeNBooks, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Readswithcoffee, Littlewolf1, Roary47

TheBookHippie I‘ve got it on hold!! 4y

catebutler Looking forward to this one! 4y

Butterfinger Yes 4y

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sblbooks Coming in at 576 pages, we'll have to start this one early! 4y

CoffeeNBooks I've got this on hold at the library, and it should be available around the beginning of July. 4y

Crazeedi Thanks for reminder!! 4y

Roary47 I‘m in 😊 4y

JaclynW I will try to get the book! Looks great! 4y

sblbooks @TheBookHippie @catebutler @Butterfinger @CoffeeNBooks @Crazeedi @Roary47 @JaclynW I'm glad you're all joining us in July. 4y

TheBookHippie My book arrived TODAY from library 😂 4y

sabyym I just found out about this book from another post and was thinking of reading it! I‘ll try to get my copy so yay count me in 4y

megnews @sabyym awesome! 4y

megnews @sblbooks ⬆️ wanted to make sure you saw this. 4y

sblbooks @megnews Thanks! @sabyym glad to have you, I'll add you to the list. 4y

sabyym Yay @sblbooks :)) 4y

katy4peas Please add me too! @sblbooks 4y

sblbooks @katy4peas 👍 4y

32 likes17 comments