In 'All This and Heaven Too,' Rachel Field artfully reconstructs the poignant tale of her great-aunt, Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, set against the backdrop of 19th century France. The novel chronicles Henriette's ill-fated love affair with the Duc de Praslin, her employer, and her role in the scandal following the brutal murder of the Duc's wife. Field's narrative, steeped in historical detail, not only captures the personal tragedy but also the wider societal implications that played a part in the escalating unrest leading to the French Revolution of 1848. Her prose, both lyrical and evocative, offers an intimate glance into an epoch where passion and politics converge with dramatic consequence. The literary style of the novel reflects Field's adept use of historical fact woven with fiction, resulting in a work that is as much a poignant love story as it is a vivid tableau of a society on the brink of monumental change.
As a storied author and playwright of her time, Rachel Field was driven to explore the depths of her own family history through her writing. The personal connection to Henriette, coupled with Field's fascination with historical nuance, breathes authenticity into her narrative. The familial bond, felt keenly through Field's reflective excerpt, underscores a connection that transcends time, allowing the author to resurrect Henriette's story with empathy and complexity. Field's ability to empathize with Henriette's plight may have been informed by her own experiences and observations in an era where the role and rights of women were rapidly evolving.
'All This and Heaven Too' is recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction that interlaces factual events with rich storytelling. Field's work is an invitation to ponder over the delicate threads of circumstance, love, and injustice that define human experiences. Scholars and aficionados of literature set in the tumultuous times preceding significant socio-political shifts will find the text an enriching fusion of individual narrative and collective history. Field's nuanced portrayal of Henriette offers a window into the soul of an era, making this novel a compelling read for anyone who seeks understanding in the echoes of the past.