Tilar Mazzeo

An interesting look at Barb-Nicole Clicquot, the widow (veuve in French) behind the world-renowned Veuve Clicquot champagne. There is not much documentation about Madam Clicquot, so the author has to resort to some supposition, but she does it well and never in an exaggerated manner. There is more documentation about the times and the industry itself, which the author uses to fill in the story. A very compelling look at the life of a woman who lived outside the normal rules and expectations for women and turned her small business into an international success during the time of the French Revolution and other major wars. Really, the book was a perfect blend of the life of Madam Clicquot and the times she lived in, making for a rich portrayal of her story.

While reading the book, I purchased a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and enjoyed it. It was fun to examine the label and understand the significance of aspects of it. And I certainly had a greater appreciation than ever before for how much work is required to generate those lovely and lively bubbles.… (meer)

The history of Chanel No. 5 was much more intriguing than I thought it would be. This book gives a thorough account, as best as the author can since Chanel wouldn't let her confirm a lot of the rumors, of how No. 5 came to be and how it achieved its iconic status, and why it's still going strong almost a century later. There is a bit about Coco Chanel, her rough early life, and how she became a bitter, vindictive old woman in her 60's. I didn't sympathize with her at all at that point. She made her bed and then was appalled that she had to lie in it. She was a smart business woman that let her emotions get the better of her.… (meer)

I'm not exactly certain what to make of this book, other than my strong feelings that it should not be classified as biography or history, despite containing elements of both. Throughout this book, the author discusses Eliza's feelings and writes some events as though she was describing a scene in a novel. This would be great - if this book was a novel. But it's not, and the author provides no sources for these portions of the book. While this book does more to cover the entire span of Eliza Hamilton's life than others I've encountered, I cannot help but say to approach it with extreme caution.… (meer)

This informative and moving book has been difficult for me to plow through, even though it is well-written. What took place in Warsaw is almost unfathomable. Irena's work was brave and heroic, even if she herself did not think so. I keep thinking about those Polish people who in the pre-war years didn't like the idea of sharing their country with Jews. I wonder when the Germans' actions became too much for them. Was it when the Germans restricted Jewish businesses? Was it when Jews were forced to identify themselves with yellow stars on their clothing? Was it when the Germans forced the Jews to move to the Ghetto? Was it when they started shooting Jews for perceived offenses? When they rounded them up and put them on trains headed toward their deaths? When the children from the orphanage (with their caretaker who calmly refused to leave them) were put on those same trains? When they started shooting children in the streets? Only when the Gestapo tortured and killed sympathizers and people woring to save Jewish children? Or not even then? How does this story parallel with elements of our society in the US today? I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be moved by reading this book.… (meer)