The Woman of a Thousand Names by Alexandra Lapierre Book Review

The Woman of a Thousand Names by Alexandra Lapierre was a book that totally pulled me in by the time I finished the first chapter until the end. It is a long book; nearly 600 pages. But the story kept me captivated until I finished. And even then, I was invested enough to want to do a little research just to sort some of it out in my own head.

I started this thinking it was a novel and historical fiction. I was wrong! It is definitely a very detailed account of a very interesting life well lived. There were times it was hard to keep track of all the people, places and things. But ultimately, it all starts to fall in place and you feel you are along on a journey right along with Moura (she of a thousand names).

With most of her adult life taking place when her homeland and the world were all at war, there are parts that are very sad and hard to wrap your head around. The cruelty, the desperation, the fear. This is well documented in history and in this story. There are famous figures from history—names we all know—who play a part in this story. Moura went from a very rich childhood where she had the best of everything to be found, to being left penniless, homeless, and hopeless; and everything in between. And yet, she pushed forward.

I want to tell readers, if you enjoy history, not to let the thickness of this book put you off. The author at times deviates from how the story is being told. There will be letters and correspondence that you are left to try and interpret yourself. But this keeps it authentic and keeps you reeled in and thinking. The pages turned quickly, and the chapters labelled in a way that made it easy to find a place to stop and not lose your way.

I received an eARC from Atria Books through NetGalley and ARC through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.