Pop. Fizz. Clink. The ubiquitous sounds of celebration.   Sparkling wines have become synonymous with jubilant festivities.  The most famous and luxurious of those is Champagne, termed for the region from where it is crafted.  Among the most renowned brands is Veuve Clicquot, named after the woman who created the brand and made the famous champagne house what it is today.

As the deathly clutches of the French Revolution neared the door of the convent she attended for school, ten year old Barbe-Nicole dressed as a washer to escape safely and returned home to Reims.  Her tumultuous youth gave her the resilience to be a fearless business leader and the opportunity to become a commerce giant.

Barbe-Nicole married Francois Clicquot when she was 19.  It was his dream to turn his father’s distribution company into a wine house. After 7 years of marriage, Francois contracted Typhus and died.  It was now up to the young Widow Clicquot to live out her husband’s dream, and indeed she did.  She created the venerable champagne house which carries their name to this day.

Mazzeo’s tale of the champagne empire gives the reader a history of France, of the social development of women in the work force, and of wine production.  He brings to light a multi-faceted account that touches on many different viewpoints ofthe day.  The turbulence of the times moves the story along and keeps you on the edge of your seat – you are often left wanting to know how Barbe would manage and what she would do next.  His writing draws you into her life makes you eager to continue reading.

Nonfiction gets a bad rap in the literature world as dull and dense.  And indeed, there is plenty of nonfiction that is.  Mazzeo breaks with this stereotype and paints a story that will put any fiction lover at ease. He truly carries the reader on the journey with Barbe Nicole.  While we know the successful ending of her story, one cannot help but root for her through her successes and setbacks.

Verdict: Read it!! (5/5 Stars)
Pages: 185 pages
When/Where: When you are preparing to visit France or need a moment of inspiration. Or looking for another excuse to drink some champagne!
Favorite Quote: “The world is in perpetual motion, and we must invent the things of tomorrow.“

Buy The Widow Cliquot HERE

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