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Annette Vallon: A Novel of the French Revolution
A privileged young woman finds romance with the English poet William Wordsworth and adventure amid the French Revolution in this debut historical novel.Born into a world of wealth and pleasure, Annette Vallon enjoys the privileges of aristocracy, but a burning curiosity and headstrong independence set her apart from other women of her class. Spoiled by the novels of Rousseau, she refuses to be married unless it is for passion. Her stubborn devotion to her romantic principles bears the sweetest fruit when William Wordsworth, a young English poet, enters her life. She will be his mistress, his muse, his obsession. But theirs is a love that will test Annette in unexpected ways, bringing great joy and gravest peril in a dark time of chaos, upheaval, and death.Set amid the terror and excitement of the French Revolution, Annette Vallon is an enthralling and evocative tale that captures the courageous spirit of a remarkable woman who, for too long, has been relegated to the shadows of history.
698 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2007
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2676 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
August 5, 2016
This book was just charming. I was simply enchanted by the romance between Vallon and Wordsworth, not to mention blown away by Annette's bravery equating her to a French Harriet Tubman. This novel gave me a whole new perspective on the French Revolution and how the majority of the country's population was affected.
March 24, 2014
Read this book sentence by sentence with both eyes wide open for maximum pleasure. Savor the contemporary political subtext. Ah, delicious.
February 8, 2008
This book was so good that I am going through withdrawls!! ...The same withdrawls as when I finished the Harry Potter series. After renting it from the library, this amazing historical novel is soon going to be added to my own library because I want to read it at least a few more times. I wanted to start it over again right when I finished it.
It takes place over 22 years of the French Revolution and although that sounds like an epic, it is not that drawn out. The fact that I learned so much coupled with falling in love with the poetry of life and unrequited love all over again is priceless. This male author crafted a wonderful heroine and it was well researched. I have a whole new appreciation for the horrors of France's past and the political fury of democratic people. If you are into sweet love stories, independent women, a bit of adventure, and history, this book is for you!
It takes place over 22 years of the French Revolution and although that sounds like an epic, it is not that drawn out. The fact that I learned so much coupled with falling in love with the poetry of life and unrequited love all over again is priceless. This male author crafted a wonderful heroine and it was well researched. I have a whole new appreciation for the horrors of France's past and the political fury of democratic people. If you are into sweet love stories, independent women, a bit of adventure, and history, this book is for you!
December 18, 2017
Set during the French Revolution. This is a story of Annette Vallon – William Wordsworth’s mistress and muse. “Born into a world of wealth and pleasure, she enjoys the privileges of aristocracy. Spoiled by the novels of Rousseau, she refuses to be married unless it is for passion.”
This story was supposed to “capture the courage and fearlessness of a woman whose dramatic story illuminates a turbulent and fascinating era.”
I did not feel her courage or the atmosphere of the French Revolution. This book reads as an encyclopedia. If you are looking for a book, which gives a vibrant picture of that era, I recommend Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
This story was supposed to “capture the courage and fearlessness of a woman whose dramatic story illuminates a turbulent and fascinating era.”
I did not feel her courage or the atmosphere of the French Revolution. This book reads as an encyclopedia. If you are looking for a book, which gives a vibrant picture of that era, I recommend Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
January 20, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
May 11, 2014
Annette Vallon has been marketed as a historical novel about English poet William Wordsworth’s youthful love affair. But Tipton’s book is about Annette, a remarkable woman who made of herself much more than a famous poet’s early muse. And it is about the French Revolution, including the Reign of Terror, which shaped her destiny.
Daughter of a respected physician from Blois, France, Marie Anne Vallon, known as Annette, spent her childhood in the final bloom of the French bourgeoisie. She wore silk dresses and attended elegant parties at aristocratic chateaux in the Loire River valley.
As a young woman she succumbed to a charming English poet’s desire for a “nature marriage” in accordance with his own religious views. She always believed they were married, because William Wordsworth promised to go with her to a priest for a Church marriage, in accordance with her own religious views. He was forced to flee the Revolution before they could act on that promise.
Annette remained in France to become acquainted with “The Mother of Orleans” who hid refugees from the Reign of Terror in secret rooms, and crawled through a crypt to free prisoners condemned to the guillotine. She became acquainted as well with “The Fearless Blonde Chouane of Blois” who created a forest sanctuary where refugees could receive fresh water and food; and who rescued innocent peasants from the “cargo” barges that would have drowned them without a trace in her beloved Loire River.
Despite all her trials, and by author Tipton’s remarkable skill throughout her first person narrative, Annette never lost her quintessential French subtlety. About Queen Marie Antoinette’s tragic end, she says:
“Hebert wanted her head as his own political trophy. When he himself mounted the scaffold six months later, his screams were far different than the quiet dignity with which Antoinette lightly stepped up on onto it. Perhaps they both knew where they were soon bound.” (Tipton, p. 392).
She even preserved the joie de vivre that was her birthright. At every stage of a difficult life, Annette delighted in her forests, her river, her daughter, her garden and her friends.
The author's luscious language and masterful pace with exciting action made this book a delight to read. His descriptions of events in the French Revolution are accurate and realistic without overwhelming the reader. Annette Vallon resonates with metaphors and lessons for contemporary times.
Daughter of a respected physician from Blois, France, Marie Anne Vallon, known as Annette, spent her childhood in the final bloom of the French bourgeoisie. She wore silk dresses and attended elegant parties at aristocratic chateaux in the Loire River valley.
As a young woman she succumbed to a charming English poet’s desire for a “nature marriage” in accordance with his own religious views. She always believed they were married, because William Wordsworth promised to go with her to a priest for a Church marriage, in accordance with her own religious views. He was forced to flee the Revolution before they could act on that promise.
Annette remained in France to become acquainted with “The Mother of Orleans” who hid refugees from the Reign of Terror in secret rooms, and crawled through a crypt to free prisoners condemned to the guillotine. She became acquainted as well with “The Fearless Blonde Chouane of Blois” who created a forest sanctuary where refugees could receive fresh water and food; and who rescued innocent peasants from the “cargo” barges that would have drowned them without a trace in her beloved Loire River.
Despite all her trials, and by author Tipton’s remarkable skill throughout her first person narrative, Annette never lost her quintessential French subtlety. About Queen Marie Antoinette’s tragic end, she says:
“Hebert wanted her head as his own political trophy. When he himself mounted the scaffold six months later, his screams were far different than the quiet dignity with which Antoinette lightly stepped up on onto it. Perhaps they both knew where they were soon bound.” (Tipton, p. 392).
She even preserved the joie de vivre that was her birthright. At every stage of a difficult life, Annette delighted in her forests, her river, her daughter, her garden and her friends.
The author's luscious language and masterful pace with exciting action made this book a delight to read. His descriptions of events in the French Revolution are accurate and realistic without overwhelming the reader. Annette Vallon resonates with metaphors and lessons for contemporary times.
January 14, 2012
Annette Vallon by James Tipton is thoroughly delightful--start to finish. The story of Annette Vallon is one already wrapped in mystery and intrigue. One country wants to honor her efforts for the crown while the another wants to deny her very existance. She is the beautiful mistress of William Wordsworth, and an activist. And then James Tipton puts all of it into context. He fleshes out the heroine wonderfully, giving her a spirit that jumps off the pages.
The story takes place during the Revolutions of France up until the early 1800s. It follows her encounters with Wordsworth, their developing romance, and their government intrigues. The plot is a cross of history with romance, adventure, suspense, and just a hint of poetry. Everything fantastic about literature has been put into this novel.
I began reading this story after having first heard of Annette Vallon in one of my English classes. I am a great fan of Wordsworth, and was interested to find out about his affair with a French woman during a time of such political strain. What interested me more was how dismissive my professor was of this French beauty. I came to learn that most English are disdainful of Ms. Vallon because of her supposed influence over Wordsworth's poetry. Especially since her significance was not discovered until after their deaths. Their correspondences were found, having been confiscated by Citizens concerened about the number of letters being sent to and from England by Annette. Tipton creatively explores this hidden relationship, giving it the freedom that it longed for.
Fans and haters of Wordsworth alike will love the woman that started it all.
The story takes place during the Revolutions of France up until the early 1800s. It follows her encounters with Wordsworth, their developing romance, and their government intrigues. The plot is a cross of history with romance, adventure, suspense, and just a hint of poetry. Everything fantastic about literature has been put into this novel.
I began reading this story after having first heard of Annette Vallon in one of my English classes. I am a great fan of Wordsworth, and was interested to find out about his affair with a French woman during a time of such political strain. What interested me more was how dismissive my professor was of this French beauty. I came to learn that most English are disdainful of Ms. Vallon because of her supposed influence over Wordsworth's poetry. Especially since her significance was not discovered until after their deaths. Their correspondences were found, having been confiscated by Citizens concerened about the number of letters being sent to and from England by Annette. Tipton creatively explores this hidden relationship, giving it the freedom that it longed for.
Fans and haters of Wordsworth alike will love the woman that started it all.
June 14, 2012
4.5 stars. This is a very good piece of historical fiction. I heard one reviewer compare the writing to Phillippa Gregory's....I did not find that to be the case at all. I like her books, but don't feel they are nearly as historically meticulous as this one.
Annette Vallon was the lover of William Wordsworth during the French Revolution. I don't want to be a spoiler so I'll be vague here - Annette's activities over a period of a decade (or more) started to seem completely unbelievable to me as I neared the end of the book, but after I read the "History behind the story" section at the end, I was amazed to find that it was true! What an amazing woman...if I had lived in France during that time period, I would hope I could have been as brave as she was!
Annette Vallon was the lover of William Wordsworth during the French Revolution. I don't want to be a spoiler so I'll be vague here - Annette's activities over a period of a decade (or more) started to seem completely unbelievable to me as I neared the end of the book, but after I read the "History behind the story" section at the end, I was amazed to find that it was true! What an amazing woman...if I had lived in France during that time period, I would hope I could have been as brave as she was!
October 1, 2012
Annette Vallon was the daughter of a physician. Her siblings were Marguerite, Etienne, and Angelique. The novel begins in 1785. Annette was sixteen and had just finished convent school. Her mother is in negotiations of arraigning a marriage. A music and dance instructor is hired for Annette. He is a rogue and Annette becomes a casualty. In 1789 Annette made a statement of belief that "the French Revolution began over bread". Rioting begins, uprisings, murders, looting, civil unrest. There are three estates: The third estate meant all French except clergy and nobles. Annette's family is apart of the third estate. During this period the young English poet William Wordsworth came to France. It was at a ball that he and Annette met. She could not pronounce his last name, she did notice his glowing sharp blue eyes. Their "epic" affair would be the theme of this novel. The French Revolution is the backdrop, a large backdrop, but it is the affair, and Annette's love for William that would be the crown.
Positive Points:
Annette was not apart of the first or second estates, she was apart of the third estate. Being apart of the third estate Annette was more identifiable with the people of France. I consider her in what would be called upper middle class, but of all the books I've read thus far of the French Revolution she is a character that was closest to the everyday people because she had more contact with them.
Annette' character was an introspective person. She was a keen observer. She had a quiet strength. She was brave, daring and bold in helping others. She was self-sacrificing, firm of purpose, devoted, committed, loyal. I consider her a heroine.
Annette and William's affair was not a tryst, or casual agreement of sex. It was an epic love that continues on in his poetry.
I needed a box of Kleenex near me while reading the book----the story affected me emotionally (a rarity).
This novel is written by a man from the perspective and about a woman. He did a splendid job!
Negative Points:
This is a work of fiction, history knows little about Annette Vallon. There were a couple of letters found that she'd written that gave indications of their love affair. Other information has also been found about their relationship and about her work during the Revolution. The author did take liberties in writing this historical fiction story. I knew when I began the novel that it was a work of fiction, based on a scant amount of fact. Other reviewers may find such a scant amount of information unreliable and the authors liberty in writing this novel inappropriate. Remember it is a work of fiction.
Positive Points:
Annette was not apart of the first or second estates, she was apart of the third estate. Being apart of the third estate Annette was more identifiable with the people of France. I consider her in what would be called upper middle class, but of all the books I've read thus far of the French Revolution she is a character that was closest to the everyday people because she had more contact with them.
Annette' character was an introspective person. She was a keen observer. She had a quiet strength. She was brave, daring and bold in helping others. She was self-sacrificing, firm of purpose, devoted, committed, loyal. I consider her a heroine.
Annette and William's affair was not a tryst, or casual agreement of sex. It was an epic love that continues on in his poetry.
I needed a box of Kleenex near me while reading the book----the story affected me emotionally (a rarity).
This novel is written by a man from the perspective and about a woman. He did a splendid job!
Negative Points:
This is a work of fiction, history knows little about Annette Vallon. There were a couple of letters found that she'd written that gave indications of their love affair. Other information has also been found about their relationship and about her work during the Revolution. The author did take liberties in writing this historical fiction story. I knew when I began the novel that it was a work of fiction, based on a scant amount of fact. Other reviewers may find such a scant amount of information unreliable and the authors liberty in writing this novel inappropriate. Remember it is a work of fiction.
June 16, 2015
The half-page preface, evocative and elegiac, is by far the most powerful writing in the book. In it, we meet an older Annette Vallon on Jan. 4, 1821, sitting in front of three diaries, remembering things past. "My memories remain fresh and cool. I remember the feel of a silk sleeve on my skin, the lightness of taffeta when I danced, and the big riding cloak when I could feel the reassuring weight of a pistol in each pocket. ... I loved a young poet then."
James Tipton’s Annette Vallon must be savored sentence by sentence. The novel is founded on history, but extra-literary: a tale recounting events in William Wordsworth’s life as recorded in the letters of the poet and his lover Vallon. A poet himself, Tipton instills poetry in a tale that seems to follow faithfully the events of those lives. His prose is appropriately and constantly lyrical; the force of the poetic line appears throughout, a fact that propels a long, complex story without slackening for nearly five hundred pages.
"Be careful, reader: my troubles started because I read novels." A warning is given, but don't heed it. Tipton goes on to provide so many beautiful descriptions of a courageous life that was not always beautiful that I don't know where to start! Reading this book painted so many scenes to cherish. I will read it again simply for the words!
James Tipton’s Annette Vallon must be savored sentence by sentence. The novel is founded on history, but extra-literary: a tale recounting events in William Wordsworth’s life as recorded in the letters of the poet and his lover Vallon. A poet himself, Tipton instills poetry in a tale that seems to follow faithfully the events of those lives. His prose is appropriately and constantly lyrical; the force of the poetic line appears throughout, a fact that propels a long, complex story without slackening for nearly five hundred pages.
"Be careful, reader: my troubles started because I read novels." A warning is given, but don't heed it. Tipton goes on to provide so many beautiful descriptions of a courageous life that was not always beautiful that I don't know where to start! Reading this book painted so many scenes to cherish. I will read it again simply for the words!
May 29, 2010
This book is really 3.5 stars for me. I liked it, but it didn't grab me. Annette is a very strong woman for her time period. She's captivating and fun to read about. But although the summary of the book might make you believe this is a love story with the poet William Wordsworth, it's really not- it's merely one part of Annette's adventurous and passionate life (although it actually did make me want to go read some Wordsworth poems). However, this might be a benefit and not a disadvantage- Annette doesn't let a relationship define her life- she's able to stand on her own.
My one complaint is that I'm not sure I entirely believed Annette's "voice" was an 18th century voice- a lot of the writing felt more modern to me. I wasn't always convinced she would say the things she said or do the things she did. Nonetheless, she was an interesting central character. And I loved her relationship to her siblings.
My one complaint is that I'm not sure I entirely believed Annette's "voice" was an 18th century voice- a lot of the writing felt more modern to me. I wasn't always convinced she would say the things she said or do the things she did. Nonetheless, she was an interesting central character. And I loved her relationship to her siblings.
January 14, 2008
Don't bother reading this. It was dreadful and I barely skimmed the end. What a waste of time.
August 27, 2010
I loved Annette's strong character in this story of the French Revolution. Beautifully written
March 16, 2020
Really engaging and exciting book. Every time I picked it up I never wanted to put it down. The short chapters keep you wanting more, and Annette is truly a beautiful character to follow. Her life story painted here is interesting and shocking, and devastating at points. The facts about the Terror and the French Revolution can be hard to take, especially if U get emotionally attached to the characters. I really liked the explanations and facts the author compiled at the back of the book, but the literary liberations taken r a lot more romantic. Glad I read about Annette
January 4, 2023
I was really impressed with this book! The whole story was very realistic, and I enjoyed following Annette’s life because she stayed so compassionate and courageous through all of the terrors she faced during the French Revolution. This book is chock-full of beautiful imagery — so much so that I found myself rereading passages to fully appreciate them. Great way to start off the year!
October 12, 2018
Absolutely loved! Worth getting through the first part to unfold an amazing story! Even better that this was a free library stand find for me!
April 22, 2022
Annette Vallon is a beautifully written story of the lifelong love between the English poet William Wordsworth and the eponymous French aristocrat who becomes his lover and muse. As their romance along the Loire River blossoms into a great passion and exquisite love, William’s poetry flourishes under the beauty of his connection with Annette. Author James Tipton uses Wordsworth’s poetry and devotion to nature to create a magical setting for their love to grow, and the serenity of his riverside walks with Annette sets a striking contrast with the chaos of the French Revolution that forms the backdrop of the novel. The Reign of Terror forces William back to England, and throughout their heartbreaking separation, Annette proves to be a spirited and courageous young woman. She adjusts to life as part of the fallen aristocracy, raises their illegitimate daughter alone and secretly takes on the persona of the “Blonde Chouanne,” a masked counterrevolutionary who develops a reputation for her daring dead-of-night exploits to rescue imprisoned aristocrats. Annette Vallon is a little known historical figure who was a lifelong inspiration for William Wordsworth. This lyrical novel uses lovely prose to bring Annette to life and show readers how his love and passion for this brave and idealistic woman helped William Wordsworth develop into the celebrated poet he became. Annette and William’s story stayed with me long after I finished the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2015
Little is known of the real Annette Vallon, and therein lies all the room that James Tipton needed to write an intriguing novel. The story is more fiction than history, often requiring a reader to suspend disbelief at the fictional Annette Vallon's activities as a counter-revolutionary. Her own life in the French provinces was likely a dull time, but that doesn't make for much of a page-turner.
The author weaves the historical story of poet William Wordsworth and his French lover into the novel. Those looking for an accurate depiction of an affair that lacks documentation will be disappointed. The novel is more of a well-constructed yarn than slavish devotion to known facts. It will not inform the reader about the actual affair between an ordinary French woman and a budding poetic genius but does entertain.
The author weaves the historical story of poet William Wordsworth and his French lover into the novel. Those looking for an accurate depiction of an affair that lacks documentation will be disappointed. The novel is more of a well-constructed yarn than slavish devotion to known facts. It will not inform the reader about the actual affair between an ordinary French woman and a budding poetic genius but does entertain.
February 20, 2008
This historical fiction is about the relationship of William Wordsworth and Annette Vallon, the French woman he met on a stay there during the French Revolution and had a child with. I had always known her as a romantic footnote to this august poet's life. I am a big Wordsworth fan and enjoy reading the young Wordsworth. It was slow going at first, but I am now absorbed and eager to return to its pages tonight.
June 6, 2024
Enchanting. I'd be more than happy to read another novel by this author. It was a seamless blend of history and life with a historically based romance underlying the plot. Not knowing how the Vallon/Wordsworth romance ended, I was captivated until the end. Very enjoyable.
January 5, 2008
Historical fiction set in the French Revolution... based loosely upon the life of Wordsworth, a love story with a strong heroine.
September 25, 2024
This was a LONG but enjoyable narrative of the French Revolution as told through the eyes of an admirable heroine. Not much is known about the French lover of William Wordsworth, so the author assuredly has taken some liberties in crafting Annette as a on again/off again resistance operative against the Terror, but I think he does it believably. The reader witnesses or hears about all of the important goings on of the French Revolution, so if one enjoys reading fiction about that period, this is a good choice. Annette is strong willed and capable from the beginning, and she stands up for herself in ways that an 18th century woman credibly could. The love story between Annette and William was built slowly and sweetly, and the happenings after William permanently settles in England are bittersweet and tender. My only complaint about this book is that the prose feels stagnant and abrupt with little emotion in the words themselves. I feel in the hands of another author, this could have been more poetic and emotional. I definitely don't regret reading it, though.
June 16, 2017
I've read a number of fictionalizations of the French Revolution but I think this one is my favorite. It's the story of Annette Vallon, muse and lover of William Wordsworth, whose poetry I remember reading in Brit lit and thinking he wasn't the worst of that era. Annette has been long dismissed by biographers as silly and kind of a floozy but the French know her quite differently, as someone who repeatedly aided those escaping the Terror. The book was immediately engaging and if you're at all interested in this era, I highly recommend this one.
October 13, 2018
Fantastically written narrative that reads very much in the traditional prose of romance.
The intrigue centers much in the storytelling without needlessly dragging plot. The characterizations remain genuine and grow on you throughout the progression of the story.
It certainly helps that it reads in much the same manner as actual books published in the years it took place. A book I would recommend to fans of historical fiction.
The intrigue centers much in the storytelling without needlessly dragging plot. The characterizations remain genuine and grow on you throughout the progression of the story.
It certainly helps that it reads in much the same manner as actual books published in the years it took place. A book I would recommend to fans of historical fiction.
January 21, 2025
One of the best books I have ever read. I'm amazed that it is not more well-known. Exquisite writing, fascinating story of the French Revolution, told from the perspective of Annette Vallon, a heroic woman of the French Revolution. Annette fell in love with William Wordsworth during his visit to France and later gave birth to his daughter. Told with tenderness, grace, insight and intelligence. 10 stars!
April 28, 2020
Took about 50 pages to get into it but the author really shined when the dialogue between Annette and William started! Simply lovely. I absolutely loved the historical aspect of the book and the ending almost killed me but I knew Annette was too great of a character to end poorly. I teared up multiple times throughout the story. Would recommend!
March 3, 2021
Ugh. I had to give up 200 pages in. I thought I would get more info about the French Revolution. I could not believe the character of Annette. She was just too modern. And the relationship with Wordsworth was so corny. Maybe it really was that way, but the book reads like a romance novel. Which I have never read but assume they would sound like this book.
October 9, 2018
I just love when strong women are written back into history - as Annette Vallon is, the love of William Wordsworth the poet, in this powerful story of the destruction of lives, families, properties during the Reign of Terror in France.
February 23, 2020
An enjoyable read and wonderful piece of historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the author describes the relationship between Wordsworth and his first love and mother of his illegitimate daughter, said to have been the inspiration for several of his poems.
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December 21, 2022I’m 31% and I care so little about this story and it’s characters. It hasn’t captured me yet and I’m trying to be better with not forcing myself to finish books that are a chore. Too many books. Too little time. This is a DNF for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews