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mullensamy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I adored this book!!! Best book I've read this year I think! Loved the writing style. Lots of info, always felt like I had a good grasp on what was happening and it didn't have a bunch of flowery, descriptive language or recounts of battle scenes that weren't necessary. I love that the book's point of view was often that of the maid and other staff- it lent a bit of humor and informality comparable to Downton Abbey. This one was worth the wait!
beckymrtn's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best pieces of historical fiction I've ever read. I definitely will read more from Allison Pataki!!
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
5.0
This book was great. I'll start by saying that it read like an episode of downtown abbey which I really enjoyed. It had that mix of the plot lines involving the Lords and Ladies and those involving the maids and servants. It made reading the book incredibly enjoyable.
Having looked up how much of the account of Benedict Arnold's betrayal was true, I was very impressed. As someone who had no information on the details of his betrayal, I found this to be so informative. I'm finding myself loving historical fiction more and more.
Having looked up how much of the account of Benedict Arnold's betrayal was true, I was very impressed. As someone who had no information on the details of his betrayal, I found this to be so informative. I'm finding myself loving historical fiction more and more.
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
4.0
I had listened to another of Pataki's books and enjoyed it enough to look at her back catalog and found The Traitor's Wife, which hit my wheelhouse for several reasons: historical fiction based upon real people, Revolutionary War period for which I've done extensive reading, and Benedict Arnold's wife, Peggy, who fooled three smart men that she had nothing to do with Arnold's treachery. I had just finished reading a non-fiction ARC about Benedict Arnold which tried to redeem his actions.
I missed the part where it said that this book was told from the part of Peggy's maid and not Peggy herself. On the one hand, the maid can see what both Peggy and Benedict are up to independently. On the other hand, I felt a disconnect to the characters to which the book was written about. There are only a few times when I really felt like I got to know Peggy; for the most part, her actions made no sense.
Because this is historical FICTION, I took those issues with a grain of salt and just enjoyed the book for the story that it was: a tale of lies and intrigue set during the Revolutionary War, a time when even the smartest of men underestimated women.
I missed the part where it said that this book was told from the part of Peggy's maid and not Peggy herself. On the one hand, the maid can see what both Peggy and Benedict are up to independently. On the other hand, I felt a disconnect to the characters to which the book was written about. There are only a few times when I really felt like I got to know Peggy; for the most part, her actions made no sense.
Because this is historical FICTION, I took those issues with a grain of salt and just enjoyed the book for the story that it was: a tale of lies and intrigue set during the Revolutionary War, a time when even the smartest of men underestimated women.
iceangel32's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very interesting book about Peggy Shippen, Benedict Arnold's second wife. I was thrown into history and loved it. I now want to explore the historic sights that are close to me.
noranne's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't a fan of the writing style, I found it very simplistic. It was an interesting enough story, though, unfolding through the perspective of Peggy Arnold's lady's maid. Watching Clara's slow growth from timid mouse into person was fun. The romance was contrived and silly. Kept me entertained for a couple hours while I had insomnia, so not bad overall.
trudyd's review against another edition
4.0
WOW!! I finally found a book about Benedict Arnold that I could get through. This is not a book that I could like the main character (which usually has me passing). In fact the more I read the more desired Peggy Arnold. The further I got into the book the more I understood how Benedict Arnold ended up in the situation that destroyed him in so many ways.
I enjoyed reading it from the maid's perspective. It was very insightful.
I enjoyed reading it from the maid's perspective. It was very insightful.
avaley_silvermoon's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This Historic Fiction takes a look at behind the scenes of the famous betrayal in the Revolution War. Who really was the master mind? Who is the victim? Him or his wife?
The author added notes of the historical sources used and a group reading guide with prompt questions. So maybe this could be an interesting pick for a book club?
The author added notes of the historical sources used and a group reading guide with prompt questions. So maybe this could be an interesting pick for a book club?
barbaraskalberg's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 I'm curious now if Peggy Shippen was as spoiled, self centered, manipulative and bratty as she is portrayed in this novel. It was interesting to me that I found Benedict Arnold to be a sympathetic character and in the end, I was glad he wasn't hanged. He seemed to get what he deserved without dying.