The Belle of Chatham Book Review
The Belle of Chatham is a slow-moving historical drama set during the American Revolution. With all the chaos of war, Laura Frantz focuses on Mae and Coralie, sisters whose loyalties lie on opposing sides of the battlefield.
Main Themes
Mae supports the American colonies as they fight for their freedom and thinks her brothers (both American soldiers) are brave and full of conviction. Coralie, however, is in love with a British officer and remains fiercely loyal to the royal crown. After Mae discovers that her sister has intentions of spying and relaying information to her betrothed, she is torn with indecision. Is Coralie actually doing any harm? And has she relayed any information of importance? She keeps silent, but when the truth erupts and it becomes known that Mae knew and said nothing, it jeopardizes Mae’s relationship with the people who matter most to her.
Loyalty is a huge theme in the novel, as characters wrestle with deciding their loyalty to family, friends, and country. These aren’t decisions that can be taken lightly, as their effects are far reaching in both actions and relationships.
Laura’s research for her novel showed the dedication of a true Patriot. Drawing on historical names, places, famous battles, and a thorough knowledge of colonial traditions and lifestyles, her novel’s setting was vibrant and detailed. It truly felt like stepping back in time.
Faith Elements
The characters are Christians and allow their faith to influence their lives without being overbearing or unrealistic. They wrestle with normal human emotions of fear, doubt, love, and the pain of betrayal as their faith, convictions, and courage are tested. The characters pray and read the Bible as part of their daily routines.
The political elements are not framed as either Christian or non-Christian, but a matter of loyalty and with considerations to the injustices done to the American colonies as outlined by the Declaration of Independence. I think this was excellently done.
Family Friendly Considerations (SPOILER ALERT)
Despite being a war-time novel, the horrors of battle rarely made their way into the pages of this book. The actions instead centered around the two sisters and how civilians on both sides viewed the war and the impact that it had on the towns and communities. Only one battle is actively described, and even then, not in gruesome detail. The atrocities of war are often discussed between characters, but the conversations are kept PG.
The romance is also clean, although straightforward. Most novels end with the wedding, but the wedding takes place in the middle of The Belle of Chatham, which brings a different set of struggles and relational elements. While the relationship remains very clean, some younger readers might find the difficult realities of marriage less appealing or relatable than a book that ends with a romantic happily-ever-after scene.
Interested in Similar Reads?
If you love historical dramas with sisterly tensions, you might also want to check out these other novels!
- The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem
- Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer
Buy The Belle of Chatham from the FamilyFiction Amazon Affiliate HERE!
