All This, and Heaven Too

All This, and Heaven Too recounts the true story of Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, a French governess who became entangled in one of the most notorious scandals of 1840s Paris. After the scandal forces her to flee France, she starts a new life in America, where she meets minister Henry Field and eventually becomes Rachel Field's great-aunt. The narrative follows Henriette's experiences working for the prominent de Praslin family at their grand estate, where she forms close bonds with her four young students. Her position in the household grows increasingly complex due to the volatile dynamics between the Duke and Duchess de Praslin. The story traces Henriette's journey from her privileged position in Parisian society through public disgrace and her subsequent reinvention in New England. Her resilience and determination to forge ahead despite her past define her character throughout the account. Field's historical novel explores themes of class, reputation, and the harsh realities faced by women in 19th-century society. The book examines how circumstance and social constraints can shape destiny, while highlighting the possibility of redemption and renewal.

Readers describe this historical novel as an immersive look at 19th century French society through the real-life murder scandal involving governess Henriette Deluzy-Desportes. Many note the rich period details and complex character development. Readers appreciated: - The blend of historical fact with novelistic storytelling - The psychological depth given to Henriette - Field's vivid descriptions of French aristocratic life - The exploration of social class dynamics Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Too much focus on day-to-day domestic details - Some found Henriette's character too perfect/sympathetic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (827 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (121 ratings) Sample reader comment: "Field takes what could have been a sensational true crime story and instead creates a thoughtful character study of a woman caught between social classes in 19th century France." - Goodreads reviewer "The historical details were fascinating but the plot dragged in places." - Amazon reviewer

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🔷 Rachel Field's historical novel is based on a true story about her great-aunt, Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, who was involved in one of France's most sensational murder trials in 1847. 🔷 The book was adapted into a successful 1940 film starring Bette Davis as the governess and Charles Boyer as the Duc de Praslin, earning three Academy Award nominations. 🔷 The real Henriette Deluzy-Desportes later immigrated to America after the scandal, where she became a teacher at Miss Haines' School in New York City and eventually married Henry M. Field, a prominent Protestant minister. 🔷 The murder case that inspired the novel contributed to the fall of King Louis Philippe's monarchy in France, as the public was outraged by the perceived preferential treatment given to the aristocratic murderer. 🔷 Author Rachel Field won the Newbery Medal in 1930 for an entirely different book, "Hitty, Her First Hundred Years," before writing this adult historical novel in 1938.