DNF at 50%

I had high hopes for Ribbons of Scarlet, an ambitious novel about seven women pivotal to the French Revolution. With six celebrated authors contributing, I expected a richly layered tale of courage, sacrifice, and upheaval. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations.

This historical novel unites seven real women from all walks of life, including aristocratic Sophie de Grouchy, fruit-seller Louise Audu, pious Princess Élisabeth, and determined Charlotte Corday. Each one fights for her beliefs—Sophie educates peasants, Louise storms Versailles, and Charlotte seeks to rid the Republic of bloodshed. Their stories intersect in intriguing ways as the revolution intensifies, from gilded salons to the crowded streets.

While the premise is fascinating, the execution fell flat. The varying writing styles made the narrative feel disjointed, and the pacing was slow. I never felt immersed in the plot and the characters, though historically significant, didn’t come alive for me. The frequent shifts in style disrupted my reading flow, and I wanted deeper exploration of these figures’ motivations.

Still, the book offers insight into the French Revolution, even if some reviewers have challenged its historical accuracy. It’s startling to see how monarchs justified their excesses and how women had to fight so hard for recognition. I learned a bit about these brave figures in a turbulent era.

In the end, it’s a 3-star read—interesting in parts, but far from the powerful story it could have been.