The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray

Title: The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Author: Stephanie Dray
Genre: Historical Fiction

Other books by this author that I've read: America's First Daughter, My Dear Hamilton


Synopsis: "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 Lafayette’s 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 to fight for what's right.

A reluctant resistor...
1940. French school-teacher and aspiring artist Marthe Simone has an orphan's 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." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

This novel has been on my TBR list for a while now and I'm so glad I finally got to it! A book with storylines from the American Revolution, French Revolution, WWI, and WWII? What more could I ask for in a story? 

While each woman's story stands alone, they are beautifully woven together through a shared home, a belief in fighting for what is right, and helping those without a voice. The romantic relationships each of the women have are complex, gritty, and wonderfully human in their imperfections; not fairytale love but love nonetheless. 

The relationship between The United States and France and the critical roles each played in helping ensure a future for both countries is also highlighted throughout the novel. Just like Lafayette and Adrienne, one would not be its best without the other.

Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!


To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

 Title: Lessons in Chemistry

Author: Bonnie Garmus

Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. 

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.  - Back Cover

My Thoughts

This novel is such a breath of fresh air. I received it as a Christmas gift, perfect for my chemistry teacher heart. The cover art is amazing, the edges of the pages are teal and a periodic table lines the front and back inside covers... to die for. 

Then you get to the actual story, which had moments that made me laugh out loud and moments that were absolutely soul-crushing (in the best possible way, haha). I enjoyed that there were several viewpoints explored throughout the novel, my favorite being the one of Six-Thirty, Elizabeth's faithful dog. 

This novel felt like a step away from books I usually choose for myself, and it was fun to read something in a different style. Despite the casual and amusing writing style, there are some really profound sentiments about societal views surrounding women, and I found tears rolling down my cheeks near the end. 

Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!

To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above