This book is interesting for anyone who enjoys wine, champagne, or French history. It is true that there is some speculation on the author's part, however since there is not a great deal of information on the Veuve Clicquot's personal life, I did not find it that bothersome. The only thing that irked me was how often the author seemed to repeat herself on ideas and themes. Naturally, technical wine information was good to have repeated, however at times I found myself wishing she would get to the point. Fun and informative read nonetheless! So little is known about Barbe-Nicole Cliquot Ponsardin, particularly her early life, that I can't call this a biography. It is really a history of Veuve Cliquot, the champagne company founded by Barbe-Nicole and her husband Francois. Along the way, there is a lot of information about the development of the process of making champagne, French history, and the Ponsardin family. The author does a good job of conjecturing about Barbe-Nicole's private life, but women were so little regarded at the time that no one wrote anything about her and few of her own letters dealt with her personal experiences. She was a business woman through and through apparently. And that is her historical significance. In a time when most women were consigned to the drawing room, she was an innovative entrepreneur who founded one of the great champagne houses of France and changed her industry. Think Steve Jobs.
What do You think about A Viúva Clicquot (2008)?
I wanted to love it; but I couldn't make it through the first half. Bummer.
—eva92
great book and great history of both champers and the widow herself
—Gemmie173826
not riveting stuff here, just a bit interesting.
—jelly
