Review of Champagne Widows

[Nia Nuru]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Champagne Widows" by Rebecca Rosenberg.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In the midst of chaos and confusion with Napoleon Bonaparte raging war in 19th Century Europe, Champagne Widows tells of the sheer determination and courage of the French women’s perseverance in absence of their husbands & sons to continue the production of wine & champagne.

Rebecca Rosenberg tells a captivating tale of Veuve Clicquot alias Barbe–Nicole Clicquot who against all odds, years of the French war, hunger, traditional male dominance, loss of loved ones including the Napoleon code restricting widows ownership of their husbands businesses came out to create one of France's well known brand champagne Veuve Clicqout. Barbe-Nicole a strong willed, stubborn and decisive character. Born into a traditional French family in the small town of Reins is gifted with Le Nez, The Nose. It is a trait she inherited from her grandpére Nicolas Ruinart. Although Barbe-Nicole’s maman says Le Nez is a curse as growing up she was over sensitive. Her grandmére’s departing words told Nicole otherwise and to use it well as it was unique so much so that it could smell the essence of Life itself. It was this rare trait of Le Nez that took Barbe-Nicole the extra mile combined with her absolute love of Life and determination to succeed in whatever task she put her mind to regardless of any obstacle.

This is a well written & absolutely captivating tale of Champagne & how it’s production continued despite the War. Rosenberg captures every detail event in great detail whilst reading it truly takes one on an adventure to the fields of the French working women lives during the War.

Champagne Widows is very entertaining in every sense. The only drawback being not versed in basic French terms, be great if every first instance of any French term came with its English language meaning in italics so as to not confuse the English reader. This wouldn't be an issue for those versed in basic French terms.

An awesome read and also very well edited. I rate this book 4 out of 4. Very well written and edited on a professional level. Only minor issue with French translation of basic words. A couple of words which I needed to Google lookup most did have English translations just a few odd words here and there making me give it a 3.5 if half marks were allowed otherwise, on full marks I would say this book Champagne Widows deserves a 4 out of 4 stars rating overall.

An absolute great read for those who love reading about history, Love, and Perseverance of the French Champagne women through struggles as well as triumph in troubled times. It surely will keep you on edge to keep turning the pages faster.

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Champagne Widows
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[Maria Ferreira Silva]

I agree immensely with your critique! I though the story was an absolute wonder to read and an inspiring one.