To Capture What We Cannot Keep by Beatrice Colin

In 1889, at 324 meters, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world. Gustave Eiffel at the time of construction of the Eiffel Tower was already a well-known engineer. The tower was the most controversial structure of its time while being build. Once finished, it became the most popular and famous construction, solidifying Gustave Eiffel’s fame. But who designed the Eiffel Tower? It was Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin. This book explores a little-known figure of Emile Nouguier. The archives reveal very little of Nouguier’s life. His education at Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and his achievements in architecture and civil engineering are facts, but the rest of his private life is attractively imagined in this story. He never married. The story is set between 1886 and 1889 against the background of building the controversial Eiffel Tower, bringing renowned names of Parisian society. In Glasgow, Caitriona Wallace, 31, is a widow and due to poor financial management, she is forced to look for a position. The options are very few for women at the end of the 19th century. She accepts a position as a chaperone to two wealthy young Scots, Alice and Jamie Arroll, accompanying them on a tour of Europe. While in Paris, on a hot-air balloon ride, she meets Emile Nouguier. A brief encounter, ending with two people longing for each other. When back in Glasgow, she is introduced to Roland Sincalir. But her thoughts are with another man. As Jamie Arroll wants to take an apprenticeship at Gustave Eiffel’s firm, here comes Cait’s chance to go back to Paris. As the story develops, the background of each individual is skillfully revealed. It also engages the subject of societal expectations. The book has short chapters, making it a quick read with richly imagined historical detail and vivid invention. @Facebook/BestHistoricalFiction