Mademoiselle Eiffel: A Novel by Aimie K. Runyan
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Web ID: 19875880interesting read
I love reading historical fiction books. This one was a little different focus than my typical read. I enjoyed getting to know Claire and her family. She was an amazing woman for that period of time. Her strength and loyalty were admirable. It was interesting to learn about her contribution to history and her involvement in her father’s projects. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted! Book Club Fiction France Historical Historical Fiction Romance
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Inspirational story!
Bravo! I love learning more about historical places and events, including the people behind the scenes. In Mademoiselle Eiffel, Ms. Runyan tells the story of the design and construction of the Eiffel Tower through the POV of Gustave Eiffel's daughter. Ms. Runyan skillfully weaves rich historical detail through this story that gives tribute to Claire, whose strong influence was a great contribution to her father's legacy in Paris and beyond. Mademoiselle Eiffel is a wonderful tale of a strong and brilliant woman that history has largely ignored. Upon the death of her mother, Claire had to set aside her own dreams as she stepped into her mother's shoes to care for her father and siblings. Well-educated, she had more influence than most women of the time. Ms. Runyan's amazing skill as a storyteller brought Claire Eiffel's story to life. This is why I love historical fiction, to learn something new. This is the perfect blend of fact and fiction. I highly recommend the author's notes at the end of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Historical fiction
This heartwarming book about growing up Mademoiselle Eiffel, has an easy to follow timeline and likable characters. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction based in Paris. This is Claire’s journey from age 14 on. The story of the Eiffel family’s journey together after their mother passes away. The grieving. The adventures. The mishaps. Marriages. Children. The accomplishments, but most importantly, the Eiffel Tower. Thank you @netgalley
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Runyan Shines As Bright As The Tower Itself
As anyone who reads my reviews knows, I'm a longtime fan of Runyan. The stories she chooses to tell and the characters she brings to life (sometimes back to life) are real and honest and a joy to read. Her dedication to historical fiction and the research it involves always shines through, and even with the very little information there is about Claire Eiffel, she manages to bring enough reality that you can believe that what you're reading is more factual than fiction. As ever, applause to Runyan, and thanks for another glorious story. My thanks to William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Makes you want to learn more
I enjoyed this book as it was a light way to introduce the history of the Eiffel Tower and the Eiffel family to readers. The story was simply told without a lot of details, but in a way that made you look up the details to learn more. In addition to entertaining those of us who love historical fiction, the book could also be assigned to students who are in French class or as an assignment for high school history as an introduction to this time in history. It would be a perfect tool for teachers as it tells a basic story, but inspires further research.. Mademoiselle Eiffel took on her role as surrogate mother when she lost her mother at age 14. She cared for her Dad's household and engineering business and raised her younger siblings. She has sort of an arranged marriage, but her husband was supportive of her intelligence and independence and considered her a full partner in life and business. Her personal story as well as the historic significance of the Eiffel Tower makes this a very touching book. I learned so many facts about the Eiffel Tower - had no clue before that it had an elevator, restaurants and an apartment within the tower. I also didn't know that it had been very controversial. For a light and inspiring historical novel, I highly recommend Mademoiselle Eiffel .
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great book!
Gustave Eiffel, having lost his wife, asks his oldest daughter Claire, to accompany him on a work trip and start taking notes. Claire, at the age of 14, just wanted to be an artist and instead is thrown into managing a household, being a mother figure for her younger siblings and assisting her father at his business. Gustave is a brilliant engineer having been hired to do the Eiffel tower for the Worlds Fair in Paris. She offers opinions and ideas that men can't seem to think outside of the box and win over the general public of Paris with the Eiffel tower we've all come to know and love. Another perfectly written historical fiction book that had me googling the Eiffel family. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Unsung hero
I knew nothing about Claire Eiffel before I starting reading this story. It is pretty remarkable that a girl of fourteen took on the responsibilities that she did and was quite successful. In another time, Claire might have become an engineer and helped with the design of the Eiffel Tower and eventually led the company. As it was, she put away her desire to become an artist and used her drawing skills to help her father. It is an interesting story of a talented, dedicated, strong woman in another time.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The Woman Behind the Tower
The Eiffel Tower is known throughout the world, standing tall in Paris, but what do we know about its beginnings and the man behind it? What about the people behind the man? Aimie K. Runyan takes us into the life of Claire Eiffel, a woman who put her dreams aside when her mother dies, stepping up to take care of her father and younger siblings from the tender age of 14. She becomes deeply involved in her father’s business, learning all aspects except the actual engineering, transforming herself into his right hand. I enjoyed this fictional account of what Claire’s life could have been. Runyan takes us through as she sacrifices to preserve her family and her father’s legacy; despite initially feeling she’s losing her place when her father finds a new engineer to groom as his replacement, finally accepting that her father intends she marry him and make him a part of the family as well as the business. MADEMOISELLE EIFFEL is a novel that will keep you interested as you read more about the family behind the Eiffel Tower and Claire’s triumphs and the family’s tragedies. The characters are well-written with a depth that brings them alive on the page. Runyan continues to find interesting parts of history to base her novels on and I always look forward to exploring the places and times with her characters as a guide. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com