Helpful Score: 1
Ah, the 1770s of the American colonies was a lively time. Well, for the well to do. There were balls at least every month, and small dance parties with card gambling nearly every night. Peggy revels in being chased after by most of the men. She also enjoys making snide remarks about the other ladies dresses. Truly, she is a pretty shallow thing. As the tide shifts for the city of Philadelphia, Benedict woos Peggy, and eventually gets to marry her. She is half his age and it shows. He promises her the moon, and when he cant deliver, she pouts. Pouting turns to sulking, which turns to frigidness, and eventually to scheming.
Allison Pataki does a great job of showing the very logical route from dancing to traitor activities. Peggy wants all the fun, the fancy clothes, the attention, and none of the mess. Benedict has already been serving his country for decades, having taken crippling wounds and depleted his own funds keeping his men fed. The American government has yet to repay Benedict and that ways heavy on him.
The book is told through the eyes of Peggys maid, Clara Bell. This was a great way to see all the main characters, both their good and bad sides. Peggy is obviously a selfish brat, but she does have a few moments where she treats Clara with true affection. We see that Benedict had true reservations about betraying his country. It made for a fascinating read. The revolutionary war affected everyone, from the poor to the rich. The servants of those rich would go to great lengths to stay employed; after all, if they lost their position, they also lost their home, being kicked to the street.
In the end, I found myself hoping that Benedict would be able to extricate himself not only from his traitorous dilemma but also from Peggy. Clara was the true hero of this tale and by twist and turn, I cheered her on. This was an excellent read and I truly had a hard time putting it down.
Allison Pataki does a great job of showing the very logical route from dancing to traitor activities. Peggy wants all the fun, the fancy clothes, the attention, and none of the mess. Benedict has already been serving his country for decades, having taken crippling wounds and depleted his own funds keeping his men fed. The American government has yet to repay Benedict and that ways heavy on him.
The book is told through the eyes of Peggys maid, Clara Bell. This was a great way to see all the main characters, both their good and bad sides. Peggy is obviously a selfish brat, but she does have a few moments where she treats Clara with true affection. We see that Benedict had true reservations about betraying his country. It made for a fascinating read. The revolutionary war affected everyone, from the poor to the rich. The servants of those rich would go to great lengths to stay employed; after all, if they lost their position, they also lost their home, being kicked to the street.
In the end, I found myself hoping that Benedict would be able to extricate himself not only from his traitorous dilemma but also from Peggy. Clara was the true hero of this tale and by twist and turn, I cheered her on. This was an excellent read and I truly had a hard time putting it down.
A very enjoyable read about a character that is not as well known as she should be.
It was very interesting to read about these particular revolutionary characters.
paperback, new condition; no internal marks or stains. 460 pages; non-smoker. Well researched historical fiction by daughter of former NY Governor George Pataki.
America's most infamous turncoat Benedict Arnold, is well known. Very little is known of his young socialite wife Peggy Shippen and her involvement in the plot to turn over West point and capture George Washington. Had the traitorous plot succeeded,it could very well have ended the American Revolution for independence. Story is told from the perspective of Peggy's fictitious maid Clara.
America's most infamous turncoat Benedict Arnold, is well known. Very little is known of his young socialite wife Peggy Shippen and her involvement in the plot to turn over West point and capture George Washington. Had the traitorous plot succeeded,it could very well have ended the American Revolution for independence. Story is told from the perspective of Peggy's fictitious maid Clara.
