Madame De La Tour Du Pin, famed for her beauty, escaped during the Terror, and went to the US with her husband and children. They kept a farmstead there, earning their living from selling produce like butter and cheese. With her excellent taste, Lucie packaged the butter and made it famous.
What makes me sad is to see an energetic and gifted woman like her blindly obey the commands of the husband, and often regretting it. Still, the will of the husband was law. Among other mistaken decisions, he took the family to return to France in order to get his castle and title back. Apparently, Napoleon gave him back one of his properties, but they ended their days in poverty -- while in the US they (or rather Lucie) had set up a successful business!
Other than that, the memoirs make an enjoyable and authentic read. Lucie's voice is easy on the reader, though she is sometimes a bit too confident in her own and her husband's superiority to other people of their circle. I totally recommend!
xxx
Maria
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