| Published in 2 volumes in 1835, this ground | | | | of men, pursuits including the seduction and |
| breaking book cause much ado in 19th century | | | | wooing of young women. But will her quest for |
| France. Describing the plight of the Chevalier | | | | the true nature of men lead her to love? How will |
| d’Albert in his quest for the perfect woman | | | | d’Albert reconcile with his perfect love being |
| and combining the escapades of the historic | | | | male? And what is the history between Rosette |
| figure, Madeline de Maupin. | | | | and the handsome horseman, Theodore? |
| D’Albert is tormented by his unattainable ideal | | | | This historic novel was considered ground breaking |
| of the perfect woman and settles for the | | | | in its time for the themes it addressed so openly, |
| beautiful but second best widow, Rosette. During | | | | homosexuality, gender roles, cross dressing and |
| a holiday at her family Chateau, d’Albert | | | | the idea that women too have desires and ideas |
| finally meets his vision of beauty and falls head | | | | on their love life. D’Albert has the soul of an |
| over heels in love but only to discover the vision | | | | artist and as so his descriptions are epic in detail |
| is male! | | | | whereas de Maupin’s story is short and to |
| Madeline de Maupin leaves home at 17 years of | | | | the point. This contrast in narration is intended as |
| age on a quest to discover the truth about men | | | | a reflection of the characters telling their tales. |
| and their real thoughts on women. To succeed in | | | | Overall an interesting story giving a glimpse of |
| this quest she assumes the clothes and pursuits | | | | 18th century rural life. |