Stanislas-Adelaide, known as Lili, is the daughter of Emilie du Chatelet, has grown up knowing very little about her her mother, who died when Lili was only six days old. Her father has handed her care off to others, contributing only a stipend towards her upkeep, but never seeing her. Lili grows up with two women, adopted aunt Julie de Bercy who is known for her Paris salon and Baronne Lomont, a prudish religious aunt. Both women contribute different aspects to Lili's upbringing. As Lili gets older, she starts to learn more about her shocking and talented mother. Emilie was responsible for translating Newton's Principia Mathematica and providing mathematical proofs to make Newton understandable. She was also known for her scandalous relationship with famed writer Voltaire. Lili must decide what of her mother she will emulate and what of Julie and Baronne Lomont, while still staying true to herself.
"Finding Emilie" by Laurel Corona is an imaginative telling of what might have happened to Emilie du Chatelet's youngest child if she had survived childhood. It is always interesting to read about some of woman's eternal struggle to gain the ability to use their intellect and make choices about their life. This is a sweeping novel, filled with interesting characters, and tumultuous ideas. For fans of great historical fiction, this will be a welcome addition to their collections.
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