Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross--ESSENTIAL

Ross, Elizabeth.  Bella Epoque, 323 pgs. Random House, 2013.  $17.99.  Sexual Content: PG; Language: G; Violence: G.  Maude Pichon runs away to Paris just as the Eiffel Tower is being completed (1888).  She sees an advertisement in the paper for “undemanding work” for girls.  She arrives at the Durandeau Agency and is discovers that the agency hires ugly women to be companions to wealthy women who want to look more attractive by comparison to their “repoussoir” or repulsive companion.  Maude knows she is plain, but has too much pride to stay.  Maude meets a young Bohemian composer named Paul Millette. She finds a job as a laundress, but the back breaking work and pay is not enough to keep her.  Defeated she returns to the Durandeau Agency.  She is chosen by the Countess Dubern for a companion for her daughter, Isabelle’s first season.  The Countess warns Maude that Isabelle doesn’t know who or what she is.  Maude gets to know Isabelle and discovers that she doesn’t want to get married—she wants to go to college.  Maude ignores her poor friends and spends her earnings and days daydreaming about being a debutant.  Maude’s morals are tried when she must choose between what is best for her and what is best for Isabelle.  Meanwhile Paul sees Maude at a society party and misinterprets her position.  Maude must discover what true beauty is in herself and those around her.  The first person narrative draws the reader into the story and into a place and time long ago.  The characters are well developed and interesting.  The theme of beauty and society’s obsession with it is as relevant now as it was in the nineteenth century.  MS/HS – ESSENTIAL.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.