Ribbons of scarlet A novel of the French Revolution's women

Six top historical fiction authors weave together the stories of seven real women pivotal to the French Revolution. The brilliant Sophie de Grouchy marries as the monarchy falls, while fruit-seller Louise Audu leads a women's march on Versailles and pious Princess Élisabeth flees Paris with the rest of the royal family. As the National Convention becomes progressively more radical, Manon Roland is imprisoned for her husband's written pleas for centrist politics, which she wrote. Chocolatière Pauline Léon unwittingly crosses paths with Charlotte Corday, in Paris to murder Marat, and even Paris' great beauty, Émilie de Sainte-Amaranthe, is not safe from the guillotine. Though each story has a different author, the narrative flows smoothly as the women's orbits cross. Despite their different stations and political leanings, the protagonists all share one thing: their work and opinions must be set aside for those of men. The disparate social and political views presented make this an excellent choice for a lively book discussion, and readers of historical fiction will appreciate this unique take on an era not often covered in English-language popular fiction.--Susan Maguire Copyright 2010 Booklist

This skillfully crafted novel of the French Revolution by well-known historical fiction authors Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie, Sophie Perinot, Heather Webb, and E. Knight tells of singular women during tumultuous times. Aristocrat Sophie helps her uncle defend unjustly condemned peasants and educates the poor; the saintly Princess Elisabeth longs to remain at her farm and continue her good works; the market woman Louise Audu leads angry citizens marching on Versailles; revolutionary salonnière Manon ghostwrites much of her husband's political texts; gentle Charlotte stabs a bloodthirsty tyrant to restore the decency of the Republic; chocolate shop owner Pauline also leads the march on Versailles; and lovely hostess Emilie uses her social and political connections to sway the fearsome Robespierre. The authors blend their disparate characters into one compelling tale of the women of France who fought for equality for all but, in the end, paid the price for being female. VERDICT Sure to appeal to devotees of historical fiction, feminists, and those looking for a stirring #metoo read. [See Prepub Alert, 4/15/19.]--Cynthia Johnson, formerly with Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, MA