Bluebird, or the Invention of Happiness

by Sheila Kohler

Book Overview

Acclaimed author Sheila Kohler's sweeping historical novel, Bluebird, or the Invention of Happiness , is based on the life of Lucy Dillon, an eighteenth-century French aristocrat. Wrenched from the court of Marie Antoinette by the Reign of Terror, the brave and resilient Lucy escapes with her family to the freedom and hardships of a newly independent America where, on a dairy farm in the Hudson Valley, she discovers a new life-and her true self.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425219615
• ISBN13: 9780425219614
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A novel of contrasts beautifully wrought

Thoroughly engrossing historical novel. The Court of Louis XVI vs. the revolution comes to life in this page-turner. The contrast is even more startling when we arrive in the Albany area during the first throes of the American republic. I highly recommend this book for its beautiful language, vivid settings, and wonderful heroine vs. hero.

Fascinating women in exciting times

The French Revolution was the first great popular revolution, and the ideas it enshrined, including the equality of women, have forever marked the world in the two centuries since. The late eighteenth century also saw the rise of the woman of intellect "la femme de tete", as the French would put it. Sheila Kohler is a masterful writer and a lover of both France and history who does justice to both in this eye-opening book. Samia Serageldin

Great Read

This is a wonderful book. I stayed up several nights reading this historical novel. The author does a great job with the historical details and the reader is transported to the times of Marie Antoinette. The main character's courage and fortitude are inspiring and timeless. I recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Do not miss out on reading this book!!!!

Great Writing

When an author writes so seamlessly that you are no longer reading...you are there, it is rare and wonderful. Kohler is a terrific writer!

A beautifully written page turner set during French Revolution

Bluebird and The Invention of Happiness is a beautifully written page turner set during the French Revolution. I could not put it down. The French Revolution, such an exciting period, is wonderfully rendered, and the historical details seamlessly interwoven into the narrative. Readers of historical fiction are bound to appreciate it especially, but you do not have to be a history buff to enjoy it. What I loved most was the heroine, Madame de La Tour de Pin, who was such a courageous woman, who overcame so many adversities. Not to read Bluebird is to deprive yourself of a wonderful treat. Anyone who has an appreciation for lyrical writing combined with a moving story will enjoy this novel. I highly recommend it.