The Little Balloonist

This irresistible literary love story set in Napoleonic France was inspired by the life of Sophie Blanchard, one of the first women to fly. Bringing to mind bestselling historical novels such as I Was Amelia Earhartby Jane Mendelsohn, and Silkby Alessandro Baricco, The Little Balloonisttells the story of Sophie Blanchard?s journey from the humble seaside village of La Saliere to the battlefields and court of Napoleon. Frolicking on the beach and falling in love with her childhood friend Andre Giroux, Sophie felt she had all she would ever need. But her parents have other ideas, and they marry her off to a wealthy and much older man. Jean-Pierre Blanchard leaves much to be desired as a husband, but he teaches Sophie the workings of his giant hydrogen balloons. Soon she is flying alongside her husband, at home in the air in a way that she never was on land. After Jean-Pierre?s death, Sophie gains fame throughout France for her daring feats and catches the eye of Napoleon himself, who is captivated by the petite young widow?s courage. But even as Napoleon?s interest becomes more intense?and therefore more dangerous?Andre returns to rekindle their lost love. Capturing a fascinating era of history, The Little Ballonistbrings to life one woman?s struggle to forge her own destiny. It is beautifully illustrated with seven period etchings. Praise for Linda Donn?s The Roosevelt Cousins: ?[A] powerful testament to their family, its character and its conviction.? ?JONATHAN YARDLEY, THE WASHINGTON POST ?Elegant writing, psychological insight, and useful photographs make for absorbing reading. Highly recommended.? ?LIBRARY JOURNAL