Bluebird, or the Invention of Happiness

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.

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

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!!!!

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!

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.