Emilienne by Pamela Binnings Ewen

 Emilienne is based on the true story of Emilienne Andre who was born to poverty and had risen to be the most sought-after woman in Paris in the 19th century.

Paris, 1889: Emilienne, at almost eighteen, learns quickly the value of her beauty. Dancing comes naturally to her and that’s what she sees as her way out of poverty. Her grit takes her from one dancing club to traveling troop. With her heart shaped face and friendly personality, she steels the show wherever she goes. Then, an act at cirque opens up as rabbit dresser. It’s not a dancing position she craves, but she recognizes an opportunity for yet another spotlight. And with her new act she becomes a rising star over Paris.

Emilienne with her honest voice pulls the reader into her story from the first pages. She is a quick learner, and she also understands that dancing lasts as long as her beauty does. There comes a time when she must make a choice of man’s security and his choice for her life or her free will of being free spirited.

The story also involves Coco Chanel as two women were good friends. At the beginning, they both depend on men, but later they choose two different paths. Both stories are fascinating.

This richly imagined story evokes human emotions and brings to light this captivating woman who was thought to be one of the most beautiful and intelligent courtesans of the Belle Époque. She was someone who defied the norms, and stayed true to her spirit. She did what she loved the most, and remained true to it.

Release date: April 11, 2023

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing