Of all the book genres, historical fiction is by far my favorite. If it’s done well it allows you to completely immerse yourself in the events of another place and time, and when you finish the story you feel as if you’ve learned something too. From Bernard Cornwell I learned about the battle tactics of Danes and Norsemen fighting in late 9th century Wessex; and through Kathleen Winsor I became more familiar with the customs and politics of Restoration England. Though authors obviously take some liberties when writing these stories, they nevertheless give you a taste of the period. There’s nothing I enjoy more than delving into books like this during train rides to and from New York City, or at the end of a long, hard day at work.
Recently I discovered a new author in the historical fiction genre: Catherine Delors, whose first novel, Mistress of the Revolution, was published in March. Set in revolutionary France, it brought both the turbulence and the decadence of French society to life through the story of its fictional main character, Gabrielle de Montserrat. We first meet her as an impoverished young noblewoman who has the audacity to fall in love with a commoner named Pierre-André Coffinhal, then we accompany her through the court of Louis XVI and her subsequent struggles to hide her nobility from the French revolutionaries. Throughout the story, Gabrielle’s intelligence, indomitable spirit, and enduring love for Pierre creative a captivating narrative. Discovering what would happen to Gabrielle quickly became the highlight of my day, and when the novel finally ended, as all books must, I knew I wanted to learn more about the woman who wrote this story. Catherine agreed to let me interview her, and as it turns out, she’s something of a foodie as well. Continue reading below to learn more about French society, food, politics and Catherine herself. 
What sparked your interest in the French Revolution?
Serendipity, or fate, or God’s will. In fact it all came from a conversation with my late father about the name of Coffinhal Street, in Vic, the little mountain town where I spent the summers of my childhood. When my father told me that the man had been the Vice President of the Revolutionary Tribunal, I had to research that character. That sparked my interest in the French Revolution.
While writing Mistress of the Revolution, did you have any writing rituals? For instance, a favorite place to write, a preferred drink, etc. Describe a typical writing day for us.
I work full-time as an attorney (you know, the aptly named day job.) So my “writing day” is practically nonexistent. I write at night, in bed on my laptop. My most productive time is after 10 p.m. Until when? It all depends on my sleep requirements, which are fairly elastic. My wake-up time remains fixed because my son needs to go to school in the mornings.
As for drinks while I am writing, I often fix myself a nice big pot of tea, which I set on my nightstand. It is there only for moral support, though, because I get so involved in writing that I forget all about the tea getting cold next to me. But sometimes I have a cup or two before turning off the lights when it’s shamefully late, or early, depending on how you look at it.
What would people be surprised to learn about 18th century French society?
My guess is that people would be surprised by many things! I was astonished myself by many details of everyday life. For instance, did you know that, during high society dinners, the guests sat where they chose and brought their own valets to serve them? It would have been deemed very rude for the hostess to tell her guests where to sit. There was no set menu either. Various dishes and wines were displayed on a dresser behind the guests (a bit like a self-serve “all you can eat” arrangement in a modern restaurant.) A noblewoman like my heroine, Gabrielle, would have ordered her valet, who would have been standing behind her chair during the whole meal, to go fill her plate and glass with the food and drink of her choice.
What would a typical meal have been for a commoner compared to someone of noble stock?
First let’s look at someone at the top of the social scale. That person would have eaten a very diverse, refined diet. For instance, I show Gabrielle, for her first dinner in Versailles, having foie gras, mushroom crepes, sweetbreads with asparagus and, for dessert, cream puffs and chocolate mousse, accompanied by Sauternes wine. This is a minuscule sample of the food that was served at aristocratic tables. You had everything: meat, fish, shellfish, vegetables, an amazing variety of pastries. Wines were very similar to the best modern French wines, such as champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy. Foreign wines such as Madeira were also imported.
As for the commoners, there were huge differences among them. Some were very wealthy and ate much the same things as people of noble stock. The poor were on a diet of whole grain bread (wheat or buckwheat.) Meat, usually pork, was reserved for rare festive occasions. Salt was very heavily taxed in some regions, and beyond the means of many. So here you have it: a diet high in fiber, low in saturated animal fat and sodium. Very healthy by modern standards.
What was not healthy, however, was the water people drank. Fountains were rare in Paris, and many drank water from the Seine, which was then little better than an open-air sewer. Apparently those Parisians who did not die from it acquired some sort of immunity. The rich could afford to have spring water brought from the suburbs. Gabrielle, for instance, gets her first taste of river water when she is in jail during the Revolution.
We shouldn’t forget that famine remained a constant threat for the poor. Due to a disastrous harvest in the summer of 1788, there were food shortages all over the country, aggravated in Paris by additional taxes on food. That made bread unaffordable for the poor. People were literally starving on the streets of Paris. So the Revolution has much to do with food, or the lack thereof.
Another food that appeared in France just before the Revolution was the potato. People were at first very leery of that new plant, but its culture was encouraged by the government, and it became popular very fast. At one point, as I describe in Mistress of the Revolution, all the public gardens in Paris were planted with potatoes.
I am sorry, I ramble, but you are to blame for asking such an interesting question. Political issues and food were so closely intertwined during the Revolution!
If Gabrielle had a favorite comfort food, what would it be?
Oh, that’s an easy one: hot chocolate and croissants (a Viennese pastry that had been brought to France by Marie-Antoinette.) In Mistress of the Revolution, Gabrielle and her friend the Duchess have a – late - breakfast of chocolate and croissants after the fateful evening at the Opera when Gabrielle meets the three men who will become her suitors in Paris.
But, mind you, when I say chocolate, I mean the real thing, not any atrocious “instant” imitation! Take unsweetened bitter cocoa powder, and mix it with powdered sugar. Then add hot milk, very gently, while slowly stirring the cocoa and sugar mixture. To me, that’s the mother of all comfort foods.
As with every novel ever written, there are some autobiographical parts in Mistress of the Revolution. The comforting power of friendship, added to chocolate and croissants, is one of them.
Do you plan to write another novel?
Actually my second novel, “For The King,” is already written and in the process of final editing. It is to be published in March 2009 by Dutton. I am working on a third novel right now. It will be a prequel of sorts to Mistress of the Revolution.
What did you have for breakfast today?
A pot of Earl Grey tea, with a drop of milk, no sugar, and brioche with butter. I toasted the brioche to a very light gold color so the butter softened without melting. Now this is purely sinful since, as you know, brioche is already enriched with butter and eggs. Also I dare brioche purists to despise me!
And by the way, the French version of the phrase “Let them eat cake” (which Marie-Antoinette never said) refers to brioche, not cake. I will post shortly on Marie-Antoinette’s food tastes.
You can visit Catherine online at her blog: Writing with a Foreign Accent
Win a Copy of “Mistress of the Revolution!”
Many thanks to Catherine for spending time with us and to the generous folks over at Penguin, who’ve made it possible for me to round off this interview with a book giveaway. To enter to win a copy of Mistress of the Revolution simply comment on this post.
On Tuesday, April 15th, I’ll use the random number generator to pick the lucky winner. The winner’s name will be announced in the sidebar, right above the “Tweet Tweet” section.
// Edit: Congratulations to Tara (#50) who won a copy of “Mistress of the Revolution” for her mom! Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway - I’ll do my best to make more books available to you soon.
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This entry was posted on Friday, April 11th, 2008 by Ariela and is filed under Books, Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
73 Comments.
1. Gina M | April 11th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
It sounds like an interesting book. I would love to read it.
2. Jenny Fisk | April 11th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Can’t wait to read this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
3. courtney | April 11th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Oh how fascinating and what a treat to read. I love this type of genre as well.My interests were always the elaborate descrptions of the fashions and cuisine. Full of interesting tidbits.Thanks for a great post. And I want to win that book!
4. Erin | April 11th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
That book sounds perfect for me. Win or not, it’s going on my “to buy” list.
5. Nicole R | April 11th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl (a second time) and have been seriously craving historical fiction ever since. I’ll have to add this book to my list of must-reads. BTW - I made Foggy Day Chili last night (all the rain here in the midwest was perfect weather for chili) and it was awesome!
6. RuthL | April 11th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
My instant reaction after reading this post…is that I must read this book! The author’s responses in the interview just made me even more interested.
Thank you for sharing.
7. babycakes | April 11th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
this book sounds very exciting … it is already on my must-read list
thanks for drawing my attention to it Ariela . 
8. Caitlin | April 11th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
You know, I’m not normally a fan of historical fiction, but this sounds interesting. My interest is piqued!
9. Cindy | April 11th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
French history and food are a wonderful match. I’m going to put this book on my read list as well.
10. Linda | April 11th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Ooh, I love your blog. And, I also love historical fiction.
11. Ann | April 11th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Would love to read Mistress of the Revolution with hot chocolate.
12. Anna Shown | April 11th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I love books from that period and the past in general, reading about the present just seems too close to reality for me to enjoy it, lol. This would be a loved book in my collection.
Anna- NM
13. magpie | April 11th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Sounds like a great book - I’d love to win a copy!
14. gunter | April 11th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I love discovery new authors! Thanks to this review I am now stuck at work madly craving chocolate and croissants
15. Adam | April 11th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Thanks for the review… I am always up for new reading that doesn’t involve anatomy and biomechanics
It’s a nice break.
16. Merav | April 11th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Historical fiction is my favorite too! I’d love to read this book!
17. Gayla | April 11th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
What an interesting sounding book. You indeed, have a great blog. I enjoy it very much.
18. beastmomma | April 11th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
This sounds really great. I may add it to my list of books to complete for a reading challenge. Keeping my fingers crosed that the number generator likes me!!!
19. Julie | April 11th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
The discussion questions above led to such an interesting amount of information about eating and foods around the time of the French Revolution. My book club likes to select books to read that also allow us to enjoy a meal together that ties in to our selected book. This sounds like a very good read for all of us. Of course we will have to have chocolate!
20. Susan G | April 11th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Nice to see you bring the ‘books’ side of the blog into prominence. While I read primarily mysteries, many have historical settings. I love the feeling that I am living in that time and place. Now I have to find an author for you: there’s a series set in France at the time of Heloise and Abelard, with a main character who is a Jew living as a Catholic in public…Ah for more time to read, knit and, well, drink tea and eat some delectable something I just baked. From your recipes, of course.
21. Janet | April 11th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I’ve read historical fiction here and there, but nothing so far which touches on French history. This sounds like an excellent introduction! I’m off to find a chocolate croissant . . .
22. chris | April 11th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Sounds like an interesting tale
23. Monika Korngut | April 11th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
The novel and author sound very interesting, I like how the food is intertwined with politics of the time, just like in modern times
24. Michael | April 12th, 2008 at 12:49 am
vivo la revolución (even if we’re off by a few hundred miles, linguistically)
25. Celine | April 12th, 2008 at 2:55 am
I am a French lit grad student with a major personal interest in food– this would be an awesome book to read & to have!
26. nik | April 12th, 2008 at 2:58 am
I love historical fiction, too! If I don’t win a copy here I’m definitely going to have to get it one way or another.
27. Michael | April 12th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Sounds like a great book! Food and politics have always gone together, as have food and sex and food and art (the image of the “starving” artist”). Great that you could find the time to write the book and still practice law! I hope that this will just be the first of many more books. Good luck!
28. Helen | April 12th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Wow! What a stunning book review Ari. I love the way that the interview just brought everything to life. I loved all the extra info I got there.
29. Randy | April 12th, 2008 at 8:24 am
It sounds like an interesting book
30. Kim | April 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
wonderful book! Can’t wait to get a copy!
31. Catherine Delors | April 12th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Thank you so much, Ari, for asking these great questions. This is my very first “foodie” interview and I enjoyed it tremendously!
32. Paz | April 12th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Very cool interview and awesome-sounding book. I especially like the info about the food of the times and drinking water. I’m glad you were able to contact the author after reading the book. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Paz
33. Jacelyn | April 12th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Hi Ari, I just made the honey madeleines you posted in one of your previous entries. I made an Earl Grey version of it. It’s my first time making madeleines and I must say it’s so yummy! The texture was light and moist. Thanks for sharing the recipe. =) I’m gonna make your vanilla latte some day to pair with it. =)
Guess what? I’m a fan of historical fictions too. But I tend towards the romance ones. Hee…
34. Kitchen Goddess | April 12th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Hi I just popped by after seeing you on Taste Spotting and I have to say I love your blog. You combine both of my passions really well - books and food.
I’ll definitely be popping back again.
35. Jean Herbert | April 12th, 2008 at 11:19 am
what a great book review. I want to eat a brioche now and sit down and read a book!
36. Jean | April 12th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I can’t wait to read the book….but I think I am going to go out and buy a brioche first.
37. Anna | April 12th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Great interview. I look forward to reading it. I will also check out the other authors you mentioned. Great blog.
38. rffoodie | April 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
The book looks really interesting! Also, great interview.
39. Barbara | April 12th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
As a kid, I have discovered that I have developed an addiction to reading historical fiction which has introduced me to the people whom I would never met in my present life. I am so thankful to historical fiction for enlightenment. I can hardly wait to read Mistress of the Revolution.
40. Cindi | April 12th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Greetings! I have so been wanting to win this book! I have read many of her interviews and book reviews. Historical books are my favorite genre to read!
My Grandmother came to the US from a town outside of Paris. I have been
to the Palace of Versailles and have been captivated ever since! Please enter me in the drawing for this wonderful book! Thanks very much…..Cindi
41. Julie | April 12th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
This book sounds wonderfully delightful! I adore books that include a perspective of food; cultures can be so defined by what we eat.
42. Shirley | April 12th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I’ve loved historical fiction since I was a junior in high shcool when I fund it’s existence.
Irving Stone was my first athor, but there have been many since. Thanks for your blog and the opportunity to participate in your givaway.
43. Rachel | April 12th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
This book sounds fascinating and very well-researched. I’d love to read it!
44. draven | April 12th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Looks like a great book would love to read it…
45. diana | April 12th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Sounds wonderful - entertaining yet educational.
What a great summertime read that would be!
46. KIM BARTH | April 12th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I HAVE NEVER MADE A COMMENT TO A BLOG BEFORE- SO HERE GOES. YOUR BLOG IS SAVED IN MY FAVORITES, THE PAGE IS FOREVER YOUR PUMPKIN BRIOCHE. MY HEART SWOONS EVERY TIME I SEE IT. IT IS TERRRIBLY ROMANTIC.
ANYWAY- I WAS CAPTURED BY YOUR INTERVIEW CATHERINE. I AM A FRANCOPHILE AND CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS. YOU ARE MUCH APPRECIATED IN THE BLOG WORLD OF PEOPLE WHO EAT AND READ!
47. Rita Cangialosi | April 12th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
This is on my must read list!
48. Val | April 12th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Very interesting! I love historical fiction
49. JohnSherck | April 12th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I always find it interesting to hear about what writers do–I’ve always loved reading and admired writers, so it’s neat to see how they work. I’ve never gotten into historical fiction much, but this sounds fascinating.
50. Tara | April 12th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Leaving a comment for my mother, who can be found at http://www.memawbakesmemories.blogspot.com.
Her computer is preventing her from leaving a comment tonight but she really wanted to be included in the drawing!
51. Joan | April 12th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
It sounds fascinating, and historical fiction is a favorite for me, too. And I loved the interview!
52. Kasie | April 13th, 2008 at 1:17 am
I love historical fiction. Sounds like a good read.
53. Maja | April 13th, 2008 at 2:24 am
I’d love to read it, can i have it, please, can i, can i? I shall read it at night, with the real hot chocolate in my hand (cocoa and powdered sugar and milk … i’ll make it my breakfast today, actually!). If only i had made some brioche …
54. Devo K | April 13th, 2008 at 3:20 am
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction. Philippa Gregory is one of my favorites and I recently finished an in-depth book on Mary, Queen of Scots by Margaret George (don’t let the nearly 900 pages intimidate you!).
The medieval meal was also a very interesting affair, and while it was usually several courses, each course was nothing like it is today.
Today, while one might enjoy a soup or antipasti as a first course, a salad as a second course and then some sort of meat, grain, poultry or fish as a main course with several side dishes, the medieval table served a meat dish, a fish dish, a poultry dish, a grain and vegetable dish as well as a sweet for the first course. And repeat (obviously with the main ingredients prepared differently) for the second, third fourth and well, you get the idea.
55. Kimberly | April 13th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Great interview! I’m adding this to my Must Read list.
56. Azrael | April 13th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Really great interview and interesting book. I would be happy to win it! ^^
57. M.J. | April 13th, 2008 at 11:26 am
so interesting
58. Sheri | April 13th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I love, love, love historical fiction. I would be so grateful to win this book, as I am trying to save money, and books are my weakness. I have also read several of the other books you have listed before…..Thanks for considering me……
59. Natasha Laskey | April 13th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
That sounds like a great read! If I don’t win the book, I might have to head to amazon to buy a copy!
60. Amanda | April 13th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I, too, am a graduate student. I studying for my Ph.D. in Chinese History, but everything historical interests me. Sounds like a fascinating book.
61. Anneta | April 13th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Thank you for profiling so many good books along with providing so many tempting recipes! This book sounds like a terrific read!
62. Honey | April 13th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Definitely on my must-read list!
63. Cecilia | April 13th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Loved reading this post. I’m adding this blog to my Google Reader.
64. Vickie | April 14th, 2008 at 10:01 am
What a fun interview - thank you! I have requested this book from the library as a result. I look forward to reading it…
65. Judith | April 14th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I’ll try it!
66. Suzana | April 14th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Interesting! Always nice to hear from writers themselves - should be fun to read.
67. Rachel M. | April 14th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Your interviews are great! Very good post and I would love to read the book.
68. Maryann | April 14th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Just found your site and feel fortunate that I did
69. Cynthia | April 14th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Hey Ady, How are you my friend? Thanks for that insightful interview. I too love getting immersed in historical fiction. Sometimes I deliberately read slow because I don’t want to leave that world just yet
70. Iris | April 15th, 2008 at 2:48 am
Oooo la la~
71. Lari | April 15th, 2008 at 11:19 am
See if I am lucky again!
72. Lari | April 15th, 2008 at 11:22 am
HI, you might think how ungrateful I am, the fact is that I haven’t seen the book yet, I just know that a packet from New York arrived and until this Sunday I won’t be able to have it in my hands. In any case, thank you very much.
73. Tarie | April 20th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Wow, another great interview, Ari. You and Catherine totally rock!