Book Review for Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie K. Runyan

 Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie K. Runyan

Published:  September 10, 2024 by William Morrow Paperbacks

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Paris

ABOUT THE BOOK :  From the author of The School for German Brides and A Bakery in Paris, this captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century Paris tells the story of Claire Eiffel, a woman who played a significant role in maintaining her family’s legacy and their iconic contributions to the city of Paris.

Claire Eiffel, the beautiful, brilliant eldest daughter of the illustrious architect Gustave Eiffel, is doted upon with an education envied by many sons of the upper classes, and entirely out of the reach of most daughters. Claire’s idyllic childhood ends abruptly when, at fourteen, her mother passes away. It’s soon made clear that Gustave expects Claire to fill her mother’s place as caregiver to the younger children and as manager of their home.

As she proves her competence, Claire’s importance to her father grows. She accompanies him on his travels and becomes his confidante and private secretary. She learns her father’s architectural trade and becomes indispensable to his work. But when his bright young protégé, Adolphe Salles, takes up more of Gustave’s time, Claire resents being pushed aside.

Slowly, the animosity between Claire and Adolphe turns to friendship…and then to something more. After their marriage in 1885 preserves the Eiffel legacy, they are privileged by the biggest commission of Eiffel’s career: a great iron tower dominating the 1889 World’s Fair to demonstrate the leading role of Paris in the world of art and architecture. Now hostess to the scientific elite, such as Thomas Edison, Claire is under the watchful eye not only of her family and father’s circle, but also the world.

When Gustave Eiffel’s involvement in a disastrous endeavor to build a canal in Panama ends in his imprisonment, it is up to Claire to secure her father’s freedom but also preserve the hard-won family legacy.

Claire Eiffel’s story of love, devotion, and the frantic pursuit to preserve her family’s legacy is not only an inspired reflection of real personages and historical events, but a hymn to the iconic tower that dominates the City of Lights.

My Thoughts:  Everyone knows what the Eiffel Tower is but what is the story behind it?   I love that this is history that I knew nothing of.   I had no idea that the Eiffel family was behind the bridges, buildings, and towers in many places of the world, not just Paris.  They are a sought-after architect family.

Mademoiselle Eiffel is the story of the Eiffel family and their trials with their business, their family dynamics, and the Eiffel Tower.    I felt for Claire and her need to grow up so quickly after the loss of her mother.   She had to run the household, take care of her siblings, and help her father with the business.   She did it all without complaints.  Her father respected her opinions and asked for them often, I think that helped her handle all the responsibilities.   Claire is a little-known historical character that, in the background, had much to do with the architecture of Paris and other places of the world.  I learned so much about her in this book. 

Aimie K. Runyan wrote a book that I did not want to put down.  The history of this book is unique and not a history that I have ever read about. 

Thank you William Morrow Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR :  Aimie K. Runyan is a multi-published and bestselling author of historical and contemporary fiction. She has been nominated for a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Writer of the Year Award, a Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice selection, and a four-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards. She is an adjunct instructor for the Drexel University MFA in Creative Writing program and endeavors to be active in the literary community in Colorado and beyond. She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable cats, and a dragon.

 

 

PRAISE FOR MADEMOISELLE EIFFEL

"For anyone who has ever admired the Eiffel Tower, this fascinating tale of a woman ahead of her time will leave a mark on your heart, in much the same way that Claire Eiffel left her mark on the world." 

   — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

 

“The story of one of the most iconic landmarks in the world is entwined not only with its architects but with the families of those who built it. Its creation is due in large part to the efforts and support of Claire Eiffel, a young woman forced to grow up too soon but who rose to the challenge. MADEMOISELLE EIFFEL shines a glorious light on an unseen woman from history.”

   — Erika Robuck, National Bestselling Author of The Last Twelve Miles

 

"Mademoiselle Eiffel is a charming and affecting portrait of a young woman caught between the long arm of grief and her own hopes for her future, who is thrust into adulthood before her time and yet builds a life worthy of the tower that bears her family’s name. Comme le tour Eiffel, c’est magnifique!"

   — Bryn Turnbull, internationally bestselling author

 

“Atmospheric, immersive, and brimming with fascinating details surrounding the construction of the Eiffel Tower, Aimie Runyan’s Mademoiselle Eiffel will delight historical fiction lovers. A powerful tribute to the incredible life and legacy of Claire Eiffel!"

   — Chanel Cleeton, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author