The Traitor's Wife By Allison Pataki Book Review

/ / The Traitor's Wife / /

/ / The Woman Behind Benedict Arnold And The Plan To Betray America / /

{Review Written By Madi}

 

Title: The Traitor's Wife

Author: Allison Pataki

Source: Howard Publishing

Number Of Pages: 467

ISBN: 978-1-4767-3860-4

Publisher: Howard Publishing

Year Of Publication: 2014

My Rating: Two Out Of Five Stars

 

/ / Book Description / /

A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America’s most infamous act of treason.

Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the infamous Revolutionary War General who betrayed America and fled to the British as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot; a charming and cunning young woman, who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it.

Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as Military Commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former lover and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold.

Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.

  

/ / Book Review / /

 I was really disappointed in this book. I usually love historical fiction that is based off of real life events. I like getting a new perspective on the characters situation. But this book was one of those that I just couldn't wait to finish so that I could be done with it. I was expecting something a little less . . . vulgar. Though I didn't expect Peggy to be portrayed as a nice person, (she is the wife of a traitor, after all), I most certainly didn't expect to find such a tramp in the lead role of this novel. She had no shame! I'm not ashamed to admit that I flipped over a few pages to avoid some rather crude scenes. I will never read anything by this author in the future. Now, that being said, there were a few good things about this book. For one, I loved the historical aspect of it (I'm a sucker for historical fiction, as I mentioned earlier), and the second thing is that Peggy, although ruthless, selfish and bratty (amongst other things), had a soft spot for her maid, Clara. It seemed that the few scenes that I saw Peggy's "good side" were the ones that she shared with her maid/confident. It made her seem like there was a heart deep down in the abyss of her soul after all. Peggy really was a despicable character. If you want to draw in a reader, allow them to see things from a good guys perspective. I was miserable the entire time I spent reading this book because there was practically NO good in it! (Except towards the end where Clara gave Peggy what-for and held her accountable for her actions). I really can't think of anything else to say about this book. I'm sorry if this review offends anyone (sort of), but hey, it's my honest opinion.

 

~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book by Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion, and I was not further reimbursed. All thoughts expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.