Overall, the rights of women were ignored during the French revolution – liberty, equality, and fraternity were intended for men, ignoring the rights of the half of the French populace. Ribbons of Scarlet presents the other half of the story of the French Revolution.

A free-thinking philosophy student, a poor fruit seller, the king’s pious sister, the wife of a politician, a passionate young idealist, and a celebrated beauty – here are the stories of six real women who lived during the French Revolution. Although they are from all levels of society and superficially have nothing in common, history comes to life through their eyes and lives as they are swept up in the politics and the revolutionary thoughts and actions of the age. Be advised that their stories do not end happily.

This is the fifth collaborative book produced by the History 360 Co-op, and each section is written by a difference author but the transitions are seamless (authors are Stephanie Dray, Heather Webb, Sophie Perinot, Kate Quinn, E. Knight, and Laura Kamoie).

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive before I started reading Ribbons of Scarlet. First of all because I wondered how well the narrative would flow given that it was written by several different authors, and secondly because my beloved Marge Piercy already gave us a wonderful multiple narrator overview of the French Revolution in City of Light, and I was worried I would spend my time comparing both novels. I had no need to be apprehensive at all, the novel flows well, and I never felt the need to compare it to City of Light. Ribbons of Scarlet is a good read in its own right.

The authors are Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie, E. Knight, Sophie Perinot, Heather Webb, and the women portrayed are Sophie de Condorcet (nee de Grouchy), Pauline Leon, Louise Audu, Princess Elisabeth, Manon Roland, Charlotte Corday, and Emilie de Sainte-Amaranthe.

I grew up in France, and spent years studying the French Revolution, first at school, and then in my own time, reading and learning as much as I could about the time, the people, and the events. Women played huge roles in the Revolution and in French history in general, and these roles are often downplayed, overshadowed by the more well-known men of the time. I don’t know how well the French Revolution is taught in US schools today but it was a massive political, social, and important event that not only changed the course of history in France, but also in the rest of the world. It’s also a tremendously interesting time to study as there really is so much to learn!

In Ribbons of Scarlet each author takes on the story of one (or two) prominent female figures in the revolution. I think this worked out well, as each chapter has a distinct voice, but at the same time the change in voice doesn’t disrupt the flow of the narrative. I have never had an issue reading books that feature more than one narrator – I actually enjoy this type of novel immensely when it comes to historical fiction. I do however feel that a chapter for each woman wasn’t enough to develop their characters fully – and I found myself resorting to Google with some of them to find out more information. I would have been perfectly happy to read another 400 pages on the subject! Some chapters read better than others though – I was more absorbed by Sophie de Grouchy’s part than I was by Charlotte Corday’s, mainly because I felt the writing style of the former pulled me in more than the latter. There are also some areas where the authors use poetic license to be able to merge certain parts of history together (the use of Charlotte Corday’s nickname “l'ange de l'assassinat” for example, I was under the impression that Lamartine gave her that name half a century or so later). Nothing really major to complain about though, as it is historical fiction, and I know I can be a bit nitpicky about these things!

All in all this is a well-written, and well researched book about different women characters during the French Revolution, and it doesn’t back away from the terrible crimes committed in the name of freedom either. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the French Revolution, and to those interested in historical fiction based in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ribbons of Scarlet manages to be both inspiring and depressing all in one book. It transitions story to story through the lives of women on all sides of the French Revolution. And in many ways the only thing they have in common is something they share with any form of minority today - that as much as they aspire to freedom and equality in their times, there are people saying "but not really for you". There was only one of these women I knew of before reading this book, but all were fascinating to read about. Because of the shifting perspectives it almost created confusion for me on who was fighting against whom, something I don't know that the people of that time really understood either. And so interesting to view people's decisions from their perspectives as well as people looking on from afar. It's a reminder to us all that if we don't stop and try to understand people's actions from their perspective why we're doomed to repeat history over and over again.

Ribbons of Scarlet. The Revolution is a terrible time to have lived. All I can think of is the poor people.

I read a lot of historical fiction but this was honestly the first book I've read about the French Revolution. I knew that I had to read Ribbons of Scarlet as soon as it was announced and it didn't disappoint! These six historical fiction heavy hitters have seamlessly written a book with relatable characters, each telling their side of the cause. I honestly was surprised at the credits to find that each author had written a chapter on a separate character. Their voices blended so well! Job well done, ladies!

Ribbons of Scarlet is a must read for anyone interested in history. Each chapter is written by a different author about a different woman during the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. I learned so much about this period of history and how the women and lower classes were treated. This is historical fiction, but most of the prominent characters were real people. The story was a little slow at spots, but I learned sooo much about a period of history that I never knew much about. Recommended for all history buffs.

Ribbons of Scarlet will leave your heart aching for the women of the Revolution. This novel follows the intersecting paths of six women during the French Revolution from triumphs to tragic ends.

I was impressed by the research that was clearly put into this and how well the different stories of the six women played into each other. Together, these stories gave a fascinating overview of the experience of women from all walks of life during the French Revolution and how their decisions changed the course of their fight not only for themselves, but other women. I don't think a single woman's story would be as powerful as these six combined proved to be. Very well written and I admit I was tearing up at the end. I also appreciated how this novel didn't shy away from the atrocities and tragedies of the revolution. Too many novels romanticize it, but this story was a gritty, realistic take on the struggles of the women who fought for freedom, equality, and their lives.

This is the 1st book I received to review before it comes out. Also this is the 1st book I've read that had several authors writing each chapter. I'm not sure I care for this. Some of the chapters just didn't flow. It was quite informative about the French revolution, and everything that transpired. I am not sure if I could recommend this book, I would say to the publisher to re/think about having several different writers writing the same story line.

This book is an great story of the women of the French Revolution. it's educational, emotional and so thought-provoking. Every author does an amazing job of telling one woman's story. I learned a great deal about the French Revolution. It's incredibly heart wrenching, but with a lot of hope. Thank you to all the women who've paved they. We women still have a long way to go. I hope everyone reads this amazing book.

I am in awe of this multi-faceted creation by some of the biggest names in historical fiction. Each chapter of this novel is written by a different author, but you'd never know it. The text comes together in the most wonderful way, flowing into one seamless style.
The novel presents women of different backgrounds, political parties and social class during the French Revolution, from the beginning to the end. I can't say that I'm very well versed in this part of French history, but you don't really have to be to follow along. I must say I am inspired to do more reading into this turbulent and unbelievably bloody time.
This novel should rocket right to the top of the TBR pile of all historical fiction fans, and even of general fiction fans. Congratulations to all the authors. This is was absolutely wonderful.

Ribbons of Scarlet brings together Historical Fiction’s heavy-hitters in a brilliant retelling of the French Revolution. The reader is carried through separate stages of the historical event via the viewpoint of those involved in varying social, political, and philosophical positions. The Philosopher, the Revolutionary, the Princess, the Politician, the Assassin and the Beauty all weave together a story of courage, endurance, and strength as each one in their own way works toward their conviction of freedom and liberty.

The cohesion of this work by six different authors is simply astounding. Portraying complex, relatable and real women each author brings their own special touch in bringing the characters to life. The reader is carried through historical events at an invigorating and engaging pace that is difficult to put down. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to history lovers.

Full disclosure- An ARC of this book was provided via NetGalley in return for this review.