A breathtaking epic novel illuminating the hopes, desires, and destinies of princesses and peasants, harlots and wives, fanatics and philosophers–seven unforgettable women whose paths cross during one of the most tumultuous and transformative events in history: the French Revolution.Ribbons of Scarlet is a timely story of the power of women to start a revolution–and change the world.In late … world.
In late eighteenth-century France, women do not have a place in politics. But as the tide of revolution rises, women from gilded salons to the streets of Paris decide otherwise–upending a world order that has long oppressed them.
Blue-blooded Sophie de Grouchy believes in democracy, education, and equal rights for women, and marries the only man in Paris who agrees. Emboldened to fight the injustices of King Louis XVI, Sophie aims to prove that an educated populace can govern itself–but one of her students, fruit-seller Louise Audu, is hungrier for bread and vengeance than learning. When the Bastille falls and Louise leads a women’s march to Versailles, the monarchy is forced to bend, but not without a fight. The king’s pious sister Princess Elisabeth takes a stand to defend her brother, spirit her family to safety, and restore the old order, even at the risk of her head.
But when fanatics use the newspapers to twist the revolution’s ideals into a new tyranny, even the women who toppled the monarchy are threatened by the guillotine. Putting her faith in the pen, brilliant political wife Manon Roland tries to write a way out of France’s blood-soaked Reign of Terror while pike-bearing Pauline Leon and steely Charlotte Corday embrace violence as the only way to save the nation. With justice corrupted by revenge, all the women must make impossible choices to survive–unless unlikely heroine and courtesan’s daughter Emilie de Sainte-Amaranthe can sway the man who controls France’s fate: the fearsome Robespierre.
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A deeply moving pageturner… Ribbons of Scarlet offers a potent feminist reminder that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Highly recommended.
Seamlessly interwoven by a dream team of historical authors, Ribbons of Scarlet vividly transported me to the tumultuous days of the French Revolution… this timely masterpiece is sure to inspire both courage and caution. A spellbinding read from beginning to end.
These stories of these six women during the French Revolution captured my interest and my heart. Now that I’ve read this collection, these names are engraved in my memory to be admired as women of strength, and conviction, daring accomplishments. Strongly recommended.
Ambition. Heartache. Scandal. Brilliantly executed portrayal of women’s participation in the French Revolution. When the characters crossed paths, the page sparked with tension. Six of your favorite writers writing about six fascinating women. I cannot think of a better way for you to spend your time than reading this book.
RIBBONS OF SCARLET is a brilliant collaboration between six talented authors, each taking on the story of a different woman during the escalating terror of the French Revolution. Each story presents a different, thought-provoking, feminist, and utterly gripping aspect of this dangerous and complex time period, and they tie together beautifully into a portrait of historic revolution – and it’s echoes into relevance of modern times. Timeless and timely – not to be missed.
If you have ever thought that history was boring you have not read anything by these amazing authors. They take the French Revolution and turn it into a place that you cannot wait to go. A place that excites you. A place that you will learn so much about during a time in history that you will wonder why you ever thought history was not interesting.
I started reading Ribbons of Scarlet and fell into the story quickly. I couldn’t put it down. I snuck away from my daily life to read a few more pages or another chapter just to find out what is going to happen next. I loved how all the historical authors that I love came together to write such an amazing story. Each author wrote a different chapter and they came together perfectly.
The group of authors on this cover reads like a who’s-who of historical fiction: Kate Quinn! Heather Webb! Stephanie Dray! And they’ve all banded together to tell the stories of the women of the French Revolution. What could be more magnifique?
What an Empowering Emotional Story! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Six passionate women thrust into a world before their time…
Sophie Condorcet
Louise Audi
Princess Elizabeth
Manon Roland
Charlotte Corday
Émilie de Sartine
These woman were fierce, political, & loving. Some wives, mothers, some virgo intacta. Some in marriages for love others for convenience. All fighting for freedom and a voice. Most getting it far to late.
Just to grasp what it would be like to love in Paris at the time is such an enormity. The laws passed to aide corruption and death on the grand scale is jaw dropping.
I am not usually a reader of Historical Novels… this one was completely amazing. The authors thrust you into the lives of these women and made you feel as though you were there and make you feel their fight and emotions. I cried and laughed… but mostly felt empowered!
#girlsrule
I read a lot of historical fiction but this was honestly the first book I’ve read about the French Revolution. I knew that I had to read Ribbons of Scarlet as soon as it was announced and it didn’t disappoint! These six historical fiction heavy hitters have seamlessly written a book with relatable characters, each telling their side of the cause. I honestly was surprised at the credits to find that each author had written a chapter on a separate character. Their voices blended so well! Job well done, ladies!
Ribbons of Scarlet is an ambitious telling of the French revolution from the point of view of six different women in various class positions. Each author has a primary character and then they wove the overarching story together. This is a must read for fans of the French revolution or anyone looking for historical understanding and perspective.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
This is an epic story of 6 women during the struggle for liberty of the French Revolution. It was a time of terror and violence. The separate authors do not mince words as they masterfully bring to life 6 women from all walks of life during this violent time. Women struggled to have their voice heard amidst the chaos of opposing views and factions that were part of the Reign of Terror.
This group of authors give a voice to these women. They bring to life the struggle that has been fought for centuries, that of women having an equal voice. The women in these stories were from different walks of life, had different political views, but all ultimately wanted the same thing. To end the bloodshed. They all shared a strong love for France.
I was entranced by the way Sophie and Madame Roland sought to influence those in power, as many women have over time, through their husbands. I was horrified by the power of the mob in Pauline’s story. I was inspired by the bravery which some showed in their final moments before dying at the scaffold.
The authors have expertly crafted a set of stories, rich in historical detail, that bring the voices of this turbulent time to life. I love it when I can say I learned a lot as I read this book. Monumental in every sense of the word.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I am in awe of the amount of research these authors had to do for this book. Each author took a different female character and wrote a chapter that centered on that character. However, the characters also had interactions with each other so the authors had to interweave those encounters. Also, keep in mind that each of these characters was a real person. That makes the book even more remarkable.
The book is extremely well written – but, it just did not grab me. With each chapter changing to a different character I could not find that connection with any one of them that I need to really enjoy a book. I am also not overly interested in this period of history. I was hoping the book would generate an interest within me but it did not.
As for my rating, I feel I need to rate it primarily on the writing itself and not on my enjoyment. For technique and the writing itself I give it four stars. For my enjoyment it would be three stars. (I did like the character Sophie.)
From the moment I heard about this book, it became one of my most highly-anticipated novels of 2019. Six of the best historical fiction authors, writing about the women who shaped the French Revolution—I couldn’t help but be excited! These extraordinarily talented women have captured the chaos, the passion and conviction of that era with with empathy for all sides caught up in the events of late 18th century France. One thing that sets this fantastic anthology apart from others is that the stories intertwine, with characters whose lives intersect throughout the book. It was fascinating to hear from six women from all walks of life, representing all of the conflicting sides, and being able to feel compassion and sympathy for all of them.