Where the Light Falls: A Novel of the French Revolution Hardcover – July 11, 2017

Where the Light Falls by Allison and Owen Pataki (her brother) follows a solider and a lawyer during the tumult of the French Revolution. I was a big fan of Allison’s The Traitor’s Wife, so I was eager to dive into this new story of the French Revolution. I don’t believe Owen has written anything professionally before this book, so I wonder how their writing process was as far as if one person solely wrote one character, or if they switched off per chapter. I wonder about who wrote what bit because, oddly enough, I found the first 50% (that’s a lot!) of the book to be quite slow. In the first half, I didn’t find myself particularly drawn to, or connecting with, the main characters: soldier Andre or lawyer Jean-Luc. I was far more interested in Sophie (Andre’s love interest) and Marie (Jean-Luc’s wife.) Unfortunately, Sophie and Marie seem to merely exist only for the sake of their male counterparts’ plots and character arcs. I may be biased in saying that I think the book would have been far more interesting if it either took place from Sophie and Marie’s POVs, or at least incorporated POV chapters from them in addition to Jean-Luc and Andre’s chapters. I felt like I was missing half the story since a lot of character development with Sophie and Marie happened “off-camera” and we were told about it after the fact. Furthermore, despite the slow pace at which the story finds itself, the dates start to whiz by with major character changes happening across the board also “off-screen”. These narrative choices hold right up until the end as well.I found Sophie and Marie, for the most part, to basically be damsels. And this fact seems very odd to me considering the wealth of female characters in The Traitor’s Wife, as well as those characters’ complexity and dimension. I know Allison Pataki’s other books feature female protagonists as well, so I wonder if the fact that her brother wrote Where the Light Falls with her is the reason why Sophie and Marie fall so short of expectation?It was not just the female characters who seemed one-dimensional, but also the two main adversaries of Jean-Luc and Andre. The motivations of the villains aren’t revealed until quite near the end of the book, making it all very “archetype villain reveals his evil plot in its entirety at the end of the movie!” I would have had their motivations unfolded over time through actions, which, to be fair, is partly how it happened for Jean-Luc’s nemesis to an extent.I do have some positives!I appreciated that both sides of the Revolution were shown, and how the story and characters were painted gray rather than strictly black and white. I find the best “war stories” are those that betray heroes and villains on both sides.I also enjoyed the descriptions of the sheer terror that was happening during this time, specifically with the ruthless beheading of so many people in the name of freedom and peace.I unfortunately found this book to be both underwhelming and disappointing. I don’t like to give negative reviews, but I also want to be honest. I felt as if so much of the story was just missing, and then the end skips ahead a few years and everything is magically okay and we never get to see a very important reunion scene. That example, for instance, is representative of why I think I didn’t really feel connected to any of the characters. I wonder how different this story would have been if Allison Pataki had written it herself

WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS is an ambitious tale of good people caught in the chaos of the French Revolution. Against that backdrop, compelling drama unfolds with admirable hero(ine)s, villains on the prowl, and colorful minor characters. It’s a credit to the authors that such a satisfying, sweeping story manages to be fast paced, yet full of historical detail. (Personally, I loved Napoleon Bonaparte’s cameo appearances.)The main characters are excellent representatives of the era—a nobleman turned soldier, a young idealist lawyer who supports the ideas but not the violence of the Revolution, a young wife with aspirations beyond her household, and a young widow whose passion endangers everyone. Until the end, you’re never sure how it’s going to turn out for any of them.On another level, you’ll appreciate this book’s timeless relevance as idealism spawns hate, and power leads to abuse. There’s plenty of fodder for a memorable book club discussion or for a reader to chew over alone. But if you’re looking for compelling adventure (à la Alexander Dumas) that keeps you on the edge of your seat, WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS fits that bill, too. Highly recommended!

I have read each of Ms Pataki's books. I loved The Traitors Wife along with the two about being Empress Sisi as well. I have 2 confessions to make about "Where the Light Falls"...1. I have never been too interested in the French Revolution and know nearly nothing about it. 2. I received a book from the publisher for an HONEST review.Now... Although I knew nothing about the French revolution when I started, I learned quite a bit from the book. The book is historical fiction, but weaves actual historical figures of the time throughout. This book, by Ms Pataki and her brother Owen Pataki, follows a nobleman as he fights for the revolution against his own noblemen, and a lawyer who tries to navigate his role in the Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Revolution. It follows the path of the revolution juxtaposed against the life of the well bred. It's a fascinating social study as well as a study of war. Overlaid is a love story. It's a wonderful book! I didn't think Ms Pataki could get better because I loved her first 3 books. But she has. Perhaps it's collaborating with her brother. The characters are well drawn; the war story draws you in; and you care about what happens to each. Love it! Read it!

I always enjoy historical fiction! It makes history more personal! I learned a lot about France's formation, the characters were both loveable and hatable! I found myself regretting when I had to put it down. It was very compelling and good character development.

Knowing very little of the French Revolution and as non-reader of non-fiction, I found this story captivating and informative. I admit I struggled through battle strategy descriptions. The characters were confusing at first, but the further I read I got to know them individually. This may not be as interesting to someone more historically informed. I am glad the authors included nites at the end to sort face from fiction.

Another wonderful book by Allison Pataki , co written with her Brother, Owen.I read her books "The accidental empress" and "Sisi", which I enjoyed immensely, especially due to her writing. There is nothing I love more than a book that makes me want to read more about the events told in it, and this one was definitely one of this cases!

The authors were ale to build very real characters. You felt as though you were living with the characters during the revolution. Because the authors brought the characters to life you wanted to turn the pages to know what was in store for them.

Interesting read

Loved the characters and stories within this book.Was a little disappointed that General Kellerman was guillotined but then ecstatic to have found that in real life he had not been.Overall though a Fab u Lous read and I would thoroughly recommend it