Nemesis and the Swan by Lindsay K Bandy

 This book is a phenomenal pick for YA, introducing them to both the French Revolution, inspired by the American Revolution, and also to a young heroine born into privilege, torn by the revolution and inspired by women voicing their opinions and putting words into action.

Paris, 1792. From the prison cell, nineteen-year-old aristocrat Helene d’Aubign reveals her story.

1783. Ten-year-old Helene receives lessons from a female governess, who also introduces her to a world she’s being sheltered from. A world of science and reason, but this part is their secret. The governess leads Helene to socializing and formal conversation, where she meets Hugo. He talks about slavery in Saint Dominique and who “advocates for the freedom of Blacks in the Caribbean.” She is also introduced to the talks about “starving Parisian children and the Declaration of the Rights of Man.” She learns the word revolutionary and questions - could the daughter of a marquis be a revolutionary?

1789. Powers are shifting constantly. Now, the National Assembly represents the common people of France. Violence rises in the countryside. Mobs of villagers attack chateaus. Helene’s family and other aristocrats are fleeing Paris. They travel to Grasse, to her mother’s family estate. But why Helene doesn’t know this side of the family? Once there, she tries to uncover it.

At the age of ten, Helene meets Theo; her mother’s jeweler’s apprentice. At the age of sixteen, she knows she wants to be with him. Her aristocratic roots would never allow it. She can’t marry him. Or can she? Her governess planted a seed in her mind that anything was possible. With powers shifting all the time, can she get back to Paris and flee with Theo to America as they planned?

The story also has an aspect of jewelry woven into it, which I enjoyed. As the powers shift, the taste for jewelry changes as well. Now, the style is moving toward “simplicity and symmetry, away from excess and decadence. The goal is to emphasize natural beauty…”

A young heroine of this story begins her revolution with innocent heart. She wants to marry a man she loves and not the one her family “contracts” for her. She follows her revolution through family matters. It makes her think and mature. She makes her own decision. Then, comes the real revolution. Which side will she pick?

This story is interestingly written. It involves many aspects which might be eye opening for YA readers. It involves strong women making their voices heard, when they were supposed to be voiceless. It involves dreamers vs realists; words vs action. The fight for liberty and equality.

Release date: 27 October 2020

Source: Blackstone Publisher