The Women of Chateau Lafayette

By: Stephanie Dray

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert, Emma Bering, Rachel Jacobs

Length: 23 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

The USA Today Best Seller!

Recommended by Oprah Magazine ∙ Cosmo ∙ PopSugar ∙ SheReads ∙ Parade ∙ and more!

An epic saga from New York Times best-selling 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.

©2021 Stephanie Dray (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"[R]iveting…We can learn from Adrienne, Beatrice, and Marthe's stories, even as we're swept away.” —Oprah Magazine

“It's a story about survival and how three women somehow make it through tragedy to ensure a better world for future generations.”—Cosmo

"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

An absolute masterpiece of a book!

I agree with Kate Quinn. Stephanie Dray has created a masterpiece for readers. I chose to listen to the audio and follow along in my book. The narrators could not have done a more magnificent job. Marthe was my favorite character. Adrienne was quite an amazing character. I enjoyed the calmness of her words. Then there was Beatrice. Now she livened things up! She drew lots of laughs and giggles from me. I will always remember the prosthetic leg of her husband. What a scene that was. I learned so much that I did not know about marquis de Lafayette. What interested me the most was the bravery and courage these women displayed. The front cover of this book is so very special. If I had chosen to read this book on my own I would have mutilated some of the names and would have skipped the French. I so appreciated the author's notes. It's always fascinating to be informed about the research and planning involved. Visiting Good Reads I learned that this author's next book is about Francis Perkins' life. I have read two books about her life and will indeed purchase Stephanie's book when it is published.

Overall worth the read/listen

It took a little bit of time for me to really get into this book, I thought about stopping after only a couple chapters. I am so glad that I kept going! Although it was initially difficult to connect with the characters, they begin to pull you into their stories in such a way that you begin to understand their motivations, actions and emotions. Don’t give up on this book even if it takes a little bit of time to “feel” the story, in the end you will be glad you stuck with it.

Heartbreaking

I couldn't stop listening. Stephanie Dray is fast becoming a favorite author and this was the most emotionally charged and beautiful story told by her that I have listened to thus far.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray

The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray
Historical women’s fiction. Fictionalized but based on historical facts.
This story follows three separate timelines, around three different wars, and the women connected to the Chateau.
It’s dramatic. It’s heartbreaking. It’s tragic. It’s history.
A touch of hope and independence with the strength of several determined women.

The interwoven and similar stories make it difficult at times to remember where we are as each progresses. War. Why is there hate?
The stories are distinctive enough to clear up any confusion as it moves forward and the chapters are clearly labeled.

Oh, I admire the brave. They are empowering in their lives and losses.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Tavia Gilbert, Emma Bering, and Rachel Jacobs. There were clear differences between the voices which made the timeline switches a little easier to follow. The stress and hard times were clearly felt and heard.

I would recommend this ...

I listened to this book at .08x speed because I thought otherwise it was spoken to fast.

But I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the narration, everything. Very very well written and performed!

Fascinating intersection of stories!

Loved learning about the lives of Lafayette and Adrienne... and Beatrice a real hero of WWI and II. And the interesting role of the Chateau. What a fantastic trio of stories and amazing women! I want to visit the chateau and highly recommend this book!

Best book I've listened to in ages.

I really enjoyed this book beginning to end. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves historical fiction.

Loved it!

Very well done ❤️ strong believable characters that captivate. My husband listened with me and we thoroughly enjoyed.

A MUST- READ!!

absolutely amazing story. I was sad that it ended. will definitely listen again.

this is a must if you love anything French, Lafayette or enjoyed Hamilton and the other 2 books by Dray about Hamilton. what an amazing set of books. shes an amazing author!!

FABULOUS

This is a remarkably well -researched story, beautifully written and nicely narrated from the perspective of three women during three epic wars. They each share a connection to Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution who also struggled for freedoms and reforms in his own country. This is a historical novel about duty and service and love. And it provides the interesting details and nuggets of information that helps explain the motivations and conflicts in each if these three eras. You'll recognize echos of present-day troubles. Please don't let the long length this book dissuade you. If anything you will wish it would last longer!
I LOVED THIS AUDIOBOOK!!

Great Book. well written.

great book. I saved it for my holiday read because it was so long. I was not keen on the voice of Mart.

Just wow!

In my top three of the best and most enthralling books I’ve ever read. Sublime story telling with perfect narrators throughout.