I do like a drop of Champagne, the proper stuff from the Champagne region in France.
It’s a tradition in my family to drink Veuve Clicquot, the one with the orange label. We crack it open at every opportunity, like during any get-together of any description, or when it’s a day in the week that ends in “day,” or when we get thirsty.
I was ecstatic, therefore, on discovering that the North Shore’s very own Kate Macintosh has published The Champagne Letters. And to top it all, it features the founder of my family’s most loved Champagne, the sassy Barbe-Nicole Clicquot. It’s a glorious read and was listed as “best book” by People magazine. Pop some bubbly – this fun, fizzy novel is delicious.
When I asked Macintosh about their review, she said, “as one who has read People magazine in airports and hair salons since my teen years, this felt like peak achievement and the closest I will ever get to my true love Pedro Pascal.”
The Champagne Letters is a dual timeline historical novel where present day Natalie runs off to Paris to recover from her divorce and discovers a book of letters from the 1800s by Mme. Clicquot, the founder of the Champagne house, Veuve Clicquot. The widow’s story of perseverance gives Natalie the guidance she needs to move forward.
Did you know that veuve means widow? I don’t think I’d ever thought about it before, in all those times enjoying the bubbly. I love it even more now.
Macintosh told me that when she toured the Champagne region of France, she heard about this woman who not only dealt with war, the death of her husband, and the challenges of owning a business, but she also was a huge innovator in the Champagne industry. Macintosh wrote in her travel diary, “she’d make a great character for a book.”
“However, it would take a few more decades before I got tired of waiting for someone else to write it and did it myself. I believe we can learn so much from the strong women that have come before us,” said Macintosh.
Creating Mme Clicquot’s letters might have been her favourite part of the book to write, because it turned out that Macintosh liked inhabiting the voice of a sassy woman with attitude. Wouldn’t we all?
Despite what I have accomplished, I know I will disappear from history’s record. I am both a woman and a merchant and those two things render me inconsequential in the minds of men who record important events. But their overlooking of my life makes it no less marvelous. Let that be the first of the lessons I pass to you. Know your worth and tell your own stories.
– Mme Clicquot
In present day in the book, Natalie finds these letters and they resonate with her. Author Macintosh pointed out the tendency when you’re dealing with a challenge to think you’re the first one to face it.
“It’s comforting to be reminded that others have also dealt with failure and a need to start over,” she said. “Natalie feels lost and the letters offer her the guidance she needs to take those first wobbly steps to her new life. And much like Natalie, I never say no to good advice. Especially if that advice suggests the occasional glass of Champagne.”
Too right. So, where should we locals go to enjoy the fizz on a hot summer day? Macintosh has a hot tip.
“Check out Everything Wine and the classes they offer,” she said. “They were a huge help with the book research, and I may have also grilled their staff for additional information. They offer monthly events on different types of wines (and occasional spirits too). For a very reasonable cost you get to try a flight of wines, and their sommelier provides information so that you can feel clever when you talk to others. Plus, there’s a discount to buy bottles to take home. Win-win.”
Grab a bottle of something delicious and put your feet up for a fantastic read of The Champagne Letters. I for one have been living this dream.
North Vancouver’s Jackie Bateman is an award-winning author, screenwriter, copywriter, and extremely nosy if you get too close. [email protected]
