Tilar Mazzeo

LeAnn Goodreads.com Review:
When a book captures my interest I usually finish it in short order. Not so with this Young Readers Edition of Irena’s Children. I had to read this one in segments, allowing myself breaks to breathe fresh air and seek sunshine after being immersed in the darkness that shrouded Warsaw, Poland during World War II. I’ve read other books about the Nazi’s horrendous ethnic cleansing campaign, but I think like many readers I chose to picture the victims as adults, suppressing the fact that the children of those adults faced the same fate. That isn’t possible with Irena’s Children. Never gratuitous in its depictions, it nevertheless doesn’t shy from portraying the realities of what was at stake for those seen as undesirable, as less than human. Nor does it soften the extreme danger Irena and everyone in her network faced by choosing to risk their lives to save the lives of others. Humanity snatching victory from inhumanity.

So who should read this Young Reader’s version? Any and all adults, especially those parents and teachers whose children will be reading it. And as for those children reading it, I think it best suited to readers 12+ due to the intense nature of the subject matter. It’s definitely a book that should be discussed and the historical background explored for a fuller understanding of its topic.… (mais)

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.… (mais)

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.… (mais)

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.… (mais)