Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution's Women

The concept for this book was excellent. All the stories needed to be told. Unfortunately, I found the writing to be sub par. It was at a bodice ripper level that did not match with the importance of the topic. I became weary of blood freezing with fear, and a narrator describing her own legendary beauty and golden cascades of curls. The writing did not do the subject justice.

I was trying to figure out how to give this book the justice/review that it deserves. There are six different authors dealing with 7 different main characters that are interlinked by the French Revolution. As I was reading I kept thinking this is similar to the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. They are all intertwined in some way. The education system failed us. Classes barely touched on the French Revolution. I cannot thank the authors enough for making me think, making me want to know more. Ribbons of Scarlet give a fresh prospective. It isn't the "It was bloody and terrible" that we studied in school. It gives details. It creates empathy for some of the people involved. I developed an understanding that I didn't think possible. I am gutted. My heart weeps. To give the authors the credit they deserve I am going to make a few comments about each section. Part I, The Philosopher by Stephanie Dray brings to the forefront the cruelty that was part of everyday life in France at the beginning of the French Revolution through the eyes of Sophie de Grouchy. The author has the ability to paint a vivid picture with words that had me nauseous as Sophie witnessed someone being punished on the wheel. The reader sees the challenges of females during that time period and that with proper support even they can influence others. Part II, The Revolutionary by Heather Webb centers around Louise a fruit cart seller who sees life from the eyes of the lesser class. She makes extra money delivering messages to those impowered to take action. This part also concentrates on Pauline who is much more vocal in the beginning, someone who Louise aspires to be. The reader gets a clear picture of the life of the less fortunate. T The suffering continues to worsen developing more and more anger. Part III, The Princess by Sophie Perinot gives us a different perspective through the eyes of King Louis' sister, Madame Elisabeth. In a world where family comes first she stands by the King. The readers gets a better understanding of everything that was going on. There are two sides to every story. Elisabeth's journey is frightful. Part IV, The Politician by Kate Quinn shows us the influence of Manon Roland, wife of the Minister of the Interior the power behind the pen. Politics keep changing. Those in charge are deciding who lives or dies. With a rumor, Manon Roland can be crushed, her husband destroyed. Her self sacrifice gained my respect. Part V, The Assassin by E. Knight I am speechless after reading this section. It illustrated the different factions, the turmoil, the anguish, the challenges. The French Revolution was dirty and it touched everyone. Charlotte Corday travels from Caen with one goal-to save France. Through her eyes we see how Paris has been destroyed by those that know best. People are starving. People are dying and she blames one man, Marat. Part VI, The Beauty by Laura Kamoie was not full of beauty but it was the story of the Beauty of Paris, Emilie de Sartine. In better days she stood by her mother, running a gambling salon, living the life. As the revolution has no end in sight; the blood of so many innocents drip down the blades of the guillotine. Emilie, her mother, her brother and her husband are no longer accepted and soon live in fear of everything and everyone. If you live in fear long enough fear will control you. With the banging on the door those fears come to fruition.