Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC of this book! Release date - March 30, 2021

I was invited by the publisher to read this book, and boy am I glad they reached out to be because I wholeheartedly adored this book. I have read two books with Stephanie Dray as the co-author before this, and enjoyed them very much, but I definitely feel like this is her best book so far. As soon as I started reading it I said to myself, wow, I am going to love this book. I was hooked right away!

I love love love historical fiction like this. Adrienne Lafayette and Beatrice Chanler were both real people but I have never read a book about them, in fact before this book I'd never even heard of Beatrice and of course was only familiar with Adrienne's extremely famous husband thanks to Hamilton and middle school American Revolution classes. So the historical fiction here was top notch really expanding on the known facts of these historical women and bringing them to life! I learned so much because it was SO well-researched, and at the same time I truly feel like they're my friends.

Then there's Marthe, who was not a real person but who very well could have been. All of the historical events are real surrounding her, and as Stephanie Dray says in the Author's Note, when doing research about Chavaniac during WW2 there was a "Marthe-sized hole" in the story, where real people did incredible things but whose names have been lost. Those people became Marthe in this story.

I was so so invested in every perspective. I'd be so disappointed every time the perspective changed at the end of a chapter because I wanted to know what was happening to that character! But then by the end of that chapter I'd be disappointed to go back because I was invested in that character now. I truly can't pick a favorite because I adored these characters so much.

I think it's incredibly genius to tie these three seemingly unrelated stories together in SUCH a seamless way that had the reader so addicted to each character and each storyline. The fact that Chavaniac was involved in the French Revolution, WW1, and WW2 and that it was a refuge for people throughout history, it should be more well known, and I applaud Stephanie Dray for discovering this incredible story that's been here all along and then putting forth so much effort tot bring it to life.

I was sometimes at the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen and how the stories intertwined. Yes, this is historical fiction, but I felt like there was also some mystery to it, action, romance, and it all was done so well. This is a long book, but I never felt like it dragged. In fact, I could have kept reading it, I loved these characters so much.

All in all I truly loved this book. The writing was excellent, I was sucked into the world of France in all these different time periods. The characters were really brought to life and their incredible historical actions are really honored by this story. These women and this place deserve to be remembered! I am so so happy that I read this book and I can't wait to see what Stephanie Dray comes out with next.

I was happy to receive The Women of Chateau Lafayette in exchange for an honest review.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette follows 3 generations of women - Adrienne Lafayette (1774), Beatrice Chanler (1914), and Marthe Simone (1940) - and the story of a castle. Adrienne becomes her husband's political partner in America's early fight for independence; Beatrice takes on the challenge of America's conscience in another war; and Marthe seeks answers to her own heritage.

I loved a lot of things about this book. I loved the care that the author took in blending the stories of these three women. Centered here, the novel is magnificent and a well researched piece of historical fiction. I wasn't able to predict what was coming and I loved that, too. I loved the three main characters, especially Beatrice, and as I read I was invested in their place in the story.

I did not love that some of the timelines were a little off. The author does explain that and I can see that it was needed to fit the story, but it took away some of the authenticity of events for me. The author is VERY descriptive - at times this makes for incredible reading, and at times it slows down the story. There were a couple of other things in there that I wondered if, historically, they were really necessary...but no spoilers, and it may just be my preference!

It always amazes me that of all the incredible things women did in the most unpredictable times in history, with very little resources, that so few of those stories are told. I appreciate authors like Stephanie Dray, who research and tell those stories.

WOW!! This book is fantastic. It did take me some time to read The Women of Chateau Lafayette but I did so very much enjoyed this one.

I highly recommend it.

It’s time for a confession. There are some serious holes in my history education.

Huge thanks to Stephanie Dray for helping to fill some of those holes, particularly fascinating women in history, this time with Adrienne Lafayette.

I’ve said this before, and The Women of Chateau Lafayette is exactly the kind of historical fiction I love, the kind that sends me down a Google rabbit hole, searching for more details of historical events or pictures of where they took place.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette is meticulously researched, largely historically accurate, and all around phenomenal, the kind of book that raises the bar for whatever historical fiction I reach for next. It would be an amazing addition to high school required reading everywhere

This book is a masterfully written historical fiction based on the true stories of the Chateau Lafayette, and of the women who brought it to life. Stephanie Dray has meticulously researched the history of not only the Chateau, but the women and the historical events that encircled the castle. Adrienne Lafayette, the wife of the Marquis de Lafayette, a political mastermind who aided her husband during the French Revolution and bolstered his image as a hero in both France and the US. Beatrice Chanler, the aristocratic wife of William Astor Chandler, who revived the Chateau Lafayette in WWI and created an orphanage that saved hundreds of displaced children, and brought the atrocities of WWII war crimes to the attention of the American public. And although she is a fictional character, young Marthe is based on the true accounts of so many young women who risked their own lives to save thousands of Jewish children and adults during the Nazi occupation of France in WWII. The stories of these women offer inspiration and hope, and provide an example of the power of each individual person in the midst of horrific situations.

Dray has brought to life the horrors and beauties of the times, while remaining true to the research that she conducted. Her author’s note is a must-read, and sealed my appreciation for this book. Highly recommend for readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in stories that look beyond WWII.

Sweeping historical novel about three women at different, but significant, times in French history, all linked by a chateau formerly owned by Lafayette.

Adrienne Lafayette, once the young bride of a disgraced nobleman, sticks by the side of her husband, Gilbert, as he reinvents himself as the celebrated hero of the American Revolution, but is captured during the French Revolution. Beatrice Chanler, born in very modest circumstances, becomes a well-known stage actress, then the wife of a very wealthy man. Separated from her volatile, alcoholic husband, she rehabilitates the chateau as a home for sick children and orphans during World War II. Finally, Marthe Simone was once one of the children rescued by Beatrice Chanler. An adult during the German occupation of France, she risks her own life, as well as those of others, to save Jewish children.

Although all three stories are fascinating, I was most interested in the more contemporary accounts--Beatrice and Marthe. Both Beatrice Chanler and Adrienne Lafayette were real people, but Marthe is fictional. All three are extraordinarily strong women who performed heroic acts while operating within the constraints of the periods in which they lived. Rich with historic detail, THE WOMEN OF CHATEAU LAFAYETTE is a fascinating glimpse into three very different time periods.

Triple Timeline Trifecta!!! This novel featured three very strong women from different periods in time. Two of them were based on real women. The first story is about Marthe, an orphan, who grew up at Chateau Lafayette. Her story takes place during WWII. Marthe was my favorite because I loved her dream for a better life that didn't just revolve around getting married. Adrienne Lafayette is the next story. Her story takes place during the Revolutionary War. Although I knew of her, I had no idea what an incredibly strong woman she was and all of the amazing things that she accomplished in her life. She was a fascinating read. The third story was about Beatrice, who lived during WWI. What was amazing to me was that Beatrice is a real person who worked hard to help those affected by WWI and get America involved with the war instead of being neutral.

The author wove together an epic story that blended seamlessly the three different time periods. Never once did I feel it was difficult to follow. I read this novel fairly quickly even though it was a little longer than typical. I did not want the story to end and felt it could have been longer. An absolutely engaging read and one I recommend to anyone!

This book has been long awaited. It’s been on so many ‘most anticipated’ lists and receiving a ton of hype which normally would make me a little wary, but not going to lie, I have been excited for this one since I participated in the cover revel last spring! The cover plus the multigenerational story of a stunning French chateau sounded too promising to pass up.

I also read Stephanie Dray’s, My Dear Hamilton , a couple of years ago and was impressed with Dray’s historical research and writing. Dray has written a number of historical fiction novels and contributed her skills to other compilations. Some of her stories are more ancient history while her other more notable works are American history, this is her first historical fiction novel set during this period in Europe/France.

But her novel about Eliza Hamilton was wonderful and it stood out as a well researched women’s fiction set in a historical period. That’s what made me even more excited to read this one. I love how Dray gives voice to women in history. She does a brilliant job and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one!

Summary
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 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.

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. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
This novel was undeniably epic and its length reflected that. It was almost 600 pages but I didn’t ever get the feeling that it was too long. It covered the history and stories of three women and a chateau spanning three wars. It was an impressive novel with a lot to recommend itself. The first thing that stood out to me was this book was incredibly detailed in its historical research. This must have taken Dray months and months of research (perhaps even years) to gather sufficient details for three very different periods not to mention construct the lives and stories of the character. That alone makes this book one that you don’t want to miss. Plus it’s based on a true story. Historical fiction readers, do not miss this one!

The only thing that I struggled with a bit was the shifting time periods. In some ways I would rather have had it told more linear rather than switching between the time periods but that was a minor thing. Once I got orientated to the style it wasn’t a big deal. WhileI loved the various stories, I felt most invested in Adrienne’s story over Beatrice or Marthe. I personally thought her story was done a little better than the other two and there were some times when I felt that this book would have worked better if the focus was just on Adrienne, but I also appreciated how the stories came together overall. I think the reason Adrienne’s story felt more authentic is because her story inspired Dray to write this one so her love for Adrienne and the chateau was evident in her parts.

The meticulous research that went into this one and the detailed nature of the three narratives truly gave readers the feel that they were reading something epic and special. This book was just that. My little criticism of this one were not enough to warrant a change in rating. It was still a 5 star read for me. I loved the history, the storytelling and the research of this one. I was interested in all the time periods and loved the characters. While it was a longer read, I personally didn’t find it slow, instead I found it epic and sweeping.

Book Info and Rating
Format576 pages, Paperback

PublishedMarch 30, 2021 by Berkley Books

ISBN9780593335932 (ISBN10: 0593335937)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

Thank you to Berkley Books, Stephanie Dray, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

Adrienne Lafayette: 1774
Beatrice Chanler: 1914
Marthe Simone: 1940

Extraordinary women in extraordinary times. The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray intertwines the stories of Adrienne, Beatrice, and Marthe and their connection to one place. Everyone knows of the Marquis de Lafayette…dare I say it… “The Lancelot of the Revolutionary set!” I can’t promise that will be my only Hamilton reference, but I will try to control myself. Anyway. Everyone knows the man who helped America win the Revolutionary War and who was determined to bring the same freedom to his country. But what do you know about his wife? It turns out that there would be no Marquis de Lafayette without Adrienne. The name of Lafayette has a legacy, even in the year 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the beginning of The Great War. America isn’t in the war yet, but that doesn’t stop Beatrice from doing her part. War then comes again to France in 1940 when a young artist watches as Nazi Germany takes over France. These women are all connected by the great fortress of Lafayette. A fortress that stands for freedom.

History comes alive in this multi-layered epic. I love that we get to see women and their impacts on history. Adrienne and Beatrice did exist in history. But unfortunately, Marthe was not real, but she is inspiring and a representative of the woman who did all they could to stand up to humanity. Adrienne often gets lost in history with her husband’s reputation. When Lafayette is fighting for America, Adrienne is working hard for his dream at home. Their work will trigger The French Revolution. I love reading about The French Revolution. Stephanie Dray really focuses her history on the utter chaos during The Reign of Terror. But I can’t help but see all the parallels that we can see to present-day issues. Now, can I get a novel about her children??? Anastasie was MAGNIFICENT and we only get a glimpse of her. This book was originally supposed to focus on just Adrienne but the author’s research led her to expand the book. While I LOVED Beatrice and Marthe, I kind of wish this was a series. This way we could have the full focus on Adrienne. There were moments where I felt her get lost, just like in history.

BUT goodness. Beatrice dazzles. I could have done without all the back and forth with her husband and her captain. But I could see myself being her best friend! This book definitely inspired me to look more into her. Then Marthe. I love how her history is just as unknown as her future in a Nazi-occupied France. But sorry Marthe, you don’t deserve Travert. His development made me completely love him!—At first, I was not sure.

Anyway, this book is long and some moments may seem drawn out, but stay the course. This book is emotional and inspirational! I rate this book of 4 out of 5 stars!

Stephanie Dray is back with another stellar work of historical fiction.
The Women of Chateau Lafayette, Stephanie Dray's latest work of historical fiction, revolves around three courageous individuals who navigate the dangers of warfare during different time periods: Adrienne Lafayette (1759-1807), a politically astute woman who helped her husband usher in the French Revolution only to narrowly survive its aftermath; Beatrice Ashley Chanler (c.1880-1946), a colorful New York actress who braved ocean crossings and bombed-out French towns to provide relief to World War I soldiers and support for children orphaned by the war; and Marthe, a fictional World War II heroine representing the unknown people responsible for rescuing Jewish children from the Gestapo. Tying the three women together is the Chateau Lafayette, the ancestral home of the Lafayette family, parts of which served as an orphanage and hospital during and after the two wars.

Dray bounces back and forth between the three women's timelines. Each section is narrated by one of them in the first person. It can be challenging to write a novel, particularly one of this length, where three similar characters retain distinct voices and personalities throughout, but the author allows each to clearly shine through — Adrienne, for example, is idealistic and religious while Beatrice is brash and unflappable. Marthe, Dray's purely fictional construct, is utterly believable and multifaceted.

The first half of the novel is primarily set-up, establishing the main characters' personalities and motivations — they're witnesses to history but haven't yet taken steps to become a part of it. The author accomplishes this superbly, and by the book's midpoint, we feel like each is an intimate friend. In addition, the level of historical detail Dray slips in here and there is marvelous. At one point, for instance, Marthe, a Frenchwoman, thinks that it's hard to consider the British allies "since Churchill bombed our fleet to keep it out of German hands" — an act that resulted in the deaths of 1,297 French mariners. In another chapter, Beatrice notes that the Eiffel Tower was "armed with antiaircraft guns and encircled with barbed wire." I truly enjoyed these tidbits of history — little details of the time periods that I knew nothing about. This first part of the novel is a bit slow-going (particularly when one keeps turning to Wikipedia for more information, as I did) but fascinating nonetheless.

Starting after page 200 or so, the action picks up as each of the heroines faces life-threatening circumstances. Dray's writing remains vivid from start to finish, but in this latter half there's less reflection and more movement. It's not as intellectually stimulating as the first half, perhaps, but it's at least as entertaining.

The author's note is enlightening, but I felt it did the book a bit of a disservice. Dray states that her purpose in writing the novel was to highlight how "the torch was passed to new generations who made [Chateau Lafayette] a sanctuary for orphaned children and orphaned ideals that lit the way for humanity through three of history's darkest hours." I never really felt the connection between the women or their ideals, though, and as a result the book was more like three unconnected stories. It seemed to me that this "passing of the torch" didn't really happen, narratively, and knowing that the author's stated goal wasn't achieved left me a bit dissatisfied with the end product as a whole. This feeling was exacerbated by Dray discussing the elements she left out of Adrienne's and Beatrice's stories; I wanted to know more about these women, and wondered if she would have been better off writing separate novels about each and including some of the information she chose to omit. In addition, I found the narrative's use of brief chapters to be disorienting. I'd find myself really getting involved in one plot, only to have to abruptly switch gears to resume one of the other storylines. This added to my opinion that the book could have been at least two and perhaps three separate works.

Those criticisms aside, The Women of Chateau Lafayette is historical fiction at its finest; each of the three stories is excellently crafted and contains a wealth of detail aficionados of the genre will enjoy. Dray's characterizations are top-notch and will likely earn the author both fans and accolades. The book is especially recommended for those who enjoy novels highlighting women's roles in history.

Three interwoven stories about three women in three different time periods and written amazingly.

We have Adrienne in 1774 who at age fourteen marries Gilbert de Mortier (the Marquis de LaFayette) we follow how she relentlessly stands by her husband who has left to fight for freedom alongside Washington in the Revolutionary War.
Then there’s Beatrice, a New York socialite during WWI who works hard to help save refugees as she witnessed the wars impact on France. A strong character, later in the story her ties to Chateau LaFayette are revealed.
During WWII we have Martha who was orphaned and raised in the Chateau LaFayette and is working taking care of the children and trying to make a difference during the Nazi occupation. She’s always wondered about her parents and after finding some documents she has more questions as certain things don’t line up.

I loved reading the historical details, mystery, experiences, losses and love story of these brave women.
This story effortlessly grabbed me from the first to the last page.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray is unique historical novel. I thought this book was well-written with developed characters. We learn about the history of the Chateau Lafayette and three strong women. It was fascinating learning about Lafayette and his wife, Adrienne as well as Beatrice Astor Chanler. Beatrice is a bigger-than-life character and a fascinating woman. She is a lively woman with a zest for life. Beatrice was a determined woman who was intelligent and courageous. I enjoyed Beatrice’s storyline the best (as you can tell). Adrienne was a woman of strong faith and abiding principles. It can be confusing switching between the three storylines as you try to keep track of the various characters. I can tell the author did her research. It is full of historical information from the three time periods (French Revolution, World War II, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, slavery, anti-Semitism). Stephanie Dray is a detail-oriented writer which brings the scenes to life. I did feel that there was too much detail at times when a room or person would be described down to the tiniest detail. This type of detail can slow down the pacing of the story. The Women of Chateau Lafayette does contain some foul language, a lesbian flirtation, intimate situations, and violent situations. This is a long story that could have done with some editing (it would have made it a better book in my opinion). The Women of Chateau Lafayette is good historical novel that will appeal to those who love history. I liked how the three storylines intertwined and provided a complete picture. I appreciated the epilogue and author’s note. The Women of Chateau Lafayette is a well plotted book that intrigue historical fiction lovers.

A great book of duty , hope, and love and the strength taken from those before. These women sacrificed so much in the different era"s of war. Courage and intrigue. The back ground is astounding in the Chateau Lafayette castle. very enjoyable.

This was an amazing book, almost three books in one. Three stories of theee strong women all seamlessly woven together to create one fantastic story. It certainly has me scrambling to Google to learn more. Highly recommend.

Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. It’s a common phrase, attributed to several 20th century statesmen, including Winston Churchill. But the more one learns about history, the more it seems that humans are doomed to repeat it regardless.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette is historical fiction author Stephanie Dray’s latest offering, and it may be her broadest and most sweeping work yet.

For the rest of the review, click on the link below.

Three women in three different time periods make up this epic story. Adrienne Lafayette, a woman left out of history books who was the strong woman encouraging her husband Lafayette to aid America in its quest for freedom, but also had pursuits of her own that thankfully in this fictional tale are brought into the light of day. Beatrice Chanler is married to an Astor which gives her an entry point to New York elite, she uses these connections to make aid for France in World War I. Marthe Simone an orphan herself is a teacher at the orphanage that raised her and while World War II is around her, she is trying to figure out how she can give aid to those in need.

What a fantastic, epic book about three women. I loved that all three of the stories were in this one book, but they each could have had their own stand alone novel! Throughout all three stories, the reader gets to experience a woman at a time in war and how they want to impact either their community next door or abroad. At a time, where women aren't front and center, I appreciated seeing these deep dives into these three women as they navigated life.

The way the author weaved these stories together was so great. There were so many perfectly placed little hints and notes that just tied them together from the beginning. I couldn't stop reading this book because I wanted to read the full conclusion.

One of the big stand outs for me was reading about Lafayette, himself before, we Americans know of him. To read about the beginning of his marriage and how his younger life shaped him made him such a bigger character to me. Made me want to read more about him in general.

I have read two of Stephanie Dray's books and loved them and there are two on my TBR that I hope to get to soon. I just love the way she writes historical fiction and bringing these long gone people to life and giving them full stories.

Gilbert Lafayette, a Frenchman who championed American independence and fought in the American Revolution, was born in Château de Chavaniac (Chateau Lafayette), and the castle is a symbol of heroism and freedom. In The Women of Chateau Lafayette, Stephanie Dray rightfully claims this legacy for a series of remarkable women associated with the chateau.

In April 1774, Adrienne Lafayette, a young Frenchwoman of noble birth, marries Gilbert at her family’s behest, but true love develops between them as they advocate not just for American independence but for more freedom from France—perhaps even the elimination of royal titles! Extremists on both sides attack the family, and Adrienne must decide how to protect herself and her family while staying true to the ideals she holds dear.

Almost 150 years later, sculptor Beatrice Chanler, visiting her wounded husband Willy in a French hospital, sees the devastation of World War I firsthand, and is outraged at President Wilson’s policy of “too proud to fight” strict neutrality. She conceives of the French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund and starts sending Lafayette kits to soldiers in the trenches while advocating for American entrance into the war. [The Memorial Fund was headquartered at Chateau Lafayette and housed an orphanage, school, and preventorium (for tuberculosis patients).]

One of the orphans given at home at Chateau Lafayette was Marthe Simone, now a teacher at the school (and the only completely imagined character). Although disgusted by the actions of the Vichy government, she resolves to keep her distance—until events close to home force her to take a stand and put herself in the line of fire.

Stephanie Dray’s passion for the story and commitment to research is evident in every page of the novel. All of the women—though very different in personality and circumstance—displayed determination, bravery, and intelligence. Adrienne, even when it would have been easier and safer to capitulate to authority, held to her ideals. Beatrice, constantly reinventing herself, was so sassy and irreverent. (Google her—she was absolutely stunning!) While Marthe begins the novel with a selfish attitude, she develops a moral awareness that leads her to self-sacrifice.

Although I learned the most about history from Adrienne’s story, and certainly admired her, I enjoyed the more contemporary stories more. In the buddy read, though, many found Adrienne’s most compelling or liked them all equally. One note I didn’t like was a subplot about Marthe’s sexuality. It might be true to the times, but felt unsatisfying to me and I would have preferred it be omitted altogether.

This powerful novel profiles three amazing women and celebrates independence and self-determination as it connects three disparate yet connected time periods. This will be a must for historical fiction lovers.

This novel is one of the longest historical fiction novels I've read recently, and it is worth every page!

The novel follows the perspective of Adrienne Lafayette, Beatrice, and Marthe, weaving their stories together across generations.

Adrienne's story was captivating- her devotion and the struggles of life in France during the famous Lafayette's time (including the Reign of Terror) were so interesting and unknown to me.

Beatrice's story follows her time as a wife during World War I, including when her husband helps coordinate the purchase of Château de Chavaniac, otherwise known as Chateau Lafayette, where she immediately takes control with a couple of equally strong females and builds a war effort I wanted to be a part of!

Last, Marthe's story, as a young woman during World War II, having grown up knowing Beatrice and calling Chateau Lafayette home for the majority of her life.

I really enjoyed that this novel covered multiple time periods, rather than just one!

If you enjoy historical fiction, novels about lesser known yet strong females, I highly recommend this novel!

The Château de Chavaniac is a castle in a mountainous area of the Auvergne in France that has seen dramatic upheaval for itself and for its occupants. With great historical detail, rich insight, and a desire to tell the stories of women history overlooked, Dray brings the story of these women and this castle to life in her latest novel, The Women of Chateau Lafayette.

This epic saga covers three outstanding heroines all based on real women, all connected to this grand and important castle, during three periods of enormous upheaval: Adrienne Françoise de Noailles, Marquise de La Fayette during the American War for Independence and the French Revolution, American Beatrice Astor Chanler, wife to a gilded-age millionaire and a former actress during the Great War (WWI), and Marthe Simone, a teacher at the castle during World War II.

This novel weaves together these three story lines to create a rich tapestry of the life of this castle and the women who are connected to it. Dray shines as she braids the stories of these three women together seamlessly, all while keeping their own voices intact. At any point you can open the book and just by reading a few lines know which character is speaking - masterful! Dray mentioned on the podcast It’s Just Historical that this was accomplished by writing each story line completely and then going back and laying out the chapters alternately to achieve the suspense and tension needed to keep readers engaged. This ‘triple’ timeline is what intrigued me most - and it did not disappoint!

Unlike other historical novels that attempt to cover a broad range of history, Dray’s mentions and inclusions of important historical moments feel organic, not as if she had a checklist by her desk of important moments she wished to include in the novel. This is what historical fiction is at its finest: a retelling of history in an enriched, enlivened, organic form that brings the reader to those moments. This is not to say the book is all perfection. You’re in for a long haul with this weighty tome. The length is required to tell the entire story of the lives of those in the castle, but it does feel quite long. The ending is truly satisfying - you’ll be glad you read all 600 pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Press for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review. A long form review is available @biggestlittlylibrary.net/blog/review-of-the-women-of-chateau-lafayette

This fascinating multi-timeline saga follows three women in three different war periods in France - Adrienne Lafayette in the French Revolution, Beatrice Chanler during World War I, and Marthe during World War II. All three storylines are connected to the Chateau Lafayette in France. All three stories are fascinating, but I am particularly interested in the French Revolution right now, and Adrienne's Lafayette's story was captivating.

This is a rich saga about three strong women embroiled in three different wars and the Chateau that connects them all.

Recommend for all fans of historical fiction and strong female characters.