Review of Violette

[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Violette" by Barbara Guss.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Violette de Champfleurie, daughter of Count François-René de Champfleurie de Pommeraie, had only one concern in her life: to find a suitable husband and bring honor to her family. However, fate had a lot to say about Violette's life in Barbara Guss's Violette. Jacob Furtado, an American patriot, firmly inserted himself into her life in the most unusual way through her sister's wedding, threatening distraction from her love interest. Violette arrived in Paris with her father with excitement. Her life took a turn she could never have imagined when she found herself in the middle of a revolution that was quickly going out of control.

The author of this book wholly captured and translated the culture of the times she wrote about — from the ladies' preoccupation with finding a husband to the demand of good manners required of the time. This book was a full historical narration guaranteed to transport readers back in time to the 18th century. Everything about this book was just right; everything from the setting to the peculiar language of the time was aptly translated.

With Violette, the author created a character that was impressionable and memorable. It was mesmerizing to follow her journey as she metamorphosed from a simple woman with simple desires to a strong, opinionated woman not limited by the expectations of her society. Her character was enjoyable, her courage and fearlessness were inspiring, and her loyalty was humbling. I dare say many female readers would easily fall in love with this heroine character if only for the very fact that she defied the stereotypical female 'damsel in distress.'

Guss started the book with an irresistible hook that would have readers' interest snared. There was the build-up that followed. The convoluted plots and political schemes built up steadily to an exhilarating height. The fear and tension represented in this book were palpably real. Danger permeated the pages of this book with a suspenseful rush that intrigued and horrified at the same time.

The author used her words to paint graphic pictures of the gory effects of war. In those pictures, the nature of humanity was revealed. Humans can fit two different ends of a spectrum: kind and giving yet still hateful and vengeful. Human nature indeed came under the microscope in this book. It revealed how much people resisted change and the inevitability of that change.

This book also showed how the press was a powerful tool that could make or break any country's ruling system. This particular truth could still very much be seen in our present time with the role the social media and mainstream press had always played in shaping the people's minds, whipping leaders into shape, and directing the course of history. This book renewed my admiration for the men and women who, against all odds, would ensure that accurate news pieces and information were transmitted to the masses.

Guss told of powerful love that made class, beauty, or elegance become nothing but faded considerations. The love story was a welcomed distraction from all the tension and political machinations in the book.

Violette had all the markings of a masterpiece with its masterful storytelling and characters that jumped from the very pages of the book and a message that rippled through time. I'd recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and romance. Besides two minor errors, I found nothing negative in this book. I'd gladly rate it four out of four stars.

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Violette
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[MARY SANJANA J]

Thats such an interesting review. I usually do not prefer books set in the olden time, but the honest review makes me what to know the whole story. Thank you for this great review

[Edet Joy]

This was a nice book. I agree with your review 100%. The rating is well deserved
Please check my review<3

[jimmy02]

French Revolution is a thoroughly interesting event for me! Although I'm not much into the romance genre, I'm willing to give this book a read just for the historical setting. Great review ZeeZee!

[Korie Ifeoma Chisomaga]

A historical account of a woman overcoming the odds against her. I find this so interesting. Thank you for this lovely review.

[Walter R]

This book seems to have such an intriguing plot or storyline. Would definitely love to have this book in my shelf. Great review.

[Aisha Yakub]

This should be a great book for females. Having a strong female character to look up to is beautiful. Thank you for the review.

[Blessing Odii]

This is an interesting book which I love to read.