Title
Intimate Enemies: The Two Worlds Of Baroness De Pontalba
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Born Into Wealth In New Orleans In 1795 And Married Into Misery Fifteen Years Later, The Baroness Micaela Almonester De Pontalba Led A Life Ripe For Novelization. Intimate Enemies, However, Is The Spellbinding True Account Of This Resilient Woman'S Lifeand The Three Men Who Most Affected Its Course.Immediately Upon Marrying Clestin De Pontalba, Micaela Was Removed To His Family'S Estate In France. For Twenty Years Her Fatherinlaw Attempted To Drive Her To Abandon Clestin; By Law He Could Then Seize Control Of Her Fortune. He Tried Dozens Of Strategies, Including At One Point Instructing The Entire Pontalba Household To Pretend She Was Invisible. Finally, In 1834, The Despairing Elder Pontalba Trapped Micaela In A Bedroom And Shot Her Four Times Before Turning His Gun On Himself.Miraculously, She Survived. Five Years Later, After Securing Both A Separation From Clestin And Legal Power Over Her Wealth, Micaela Focused Her Attention On Building, Following In The Footsteps Of Her Late, Illustrious Father, Andrs Almonester. Her Parisian Mansion, The Htel Pontalba, Is Today The Official Residence Of The American Embassy In France; And Her Pontalba Buildings, Which Flank Jackson'S Square In New Orleans, Form Together With Her Father'S St. Louis Cathedral, Presbytere, And Cabildo One Of The Loveliest Architectural Complexes In America.As For Clestin, He Eventually Suffered A Total Physical And Mental Breakdown And Begged Micaela To Return. She Did So, Caring For Him For The Next Twentythree Years Until Her Death In 1874.In Intimate Enemies, Christina Vella Embroiders The Compelling Story Of The Almonesterpontalba Alliance Against A Richly Woven Background Of The Events And Cultures Of Two Centuries And Two Vivid Societies. She Provides A Window Into The Yellow Fever Epidemics That Raged In New Orleans; The Rebuilding Of Paris, The Paris Commune Uprising, And The Second Empire Of Napoleon Iii; European Ideas Of Power, Class, Money, Marriage, And Love During The Baroness' Lifetime And Their Inflection In The New World Setting Of New Orleans; Medical Treatments, Legal Procedures, Imperial Court Life, Banking Practices, And Much More.Combining The Historian'S Meticulous Research With The Biographer'S Exacting Knowledge Of Her Subject And The Novelist'S Gift For Narrative, Vella Has Crafted A Rare Crossgenre Work That Will Capture The Imagination And Admiration Of Every Reader.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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- Q: How many pages are in 'Intimate Enemies'? A: This book contains four hundred forty pages. It provides a detailed account of the life of Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Intimate Enemies'? A: The book is available in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle while reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Intimate Enemies'? A: The dimensions are six inches in length, zero point eighty-three inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These measurements make it a portable size for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Intimate Enemies'? A: The author is Christina Vella. She is known for her thorough research and compelling storytelling in historical narratives.
- Q: What genre is 'Intimate Enemies'? A: This book is categorized as a biography and historical account. It blends history with personal narrative to explore the life of a unique woman.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Intimate Enemies'? A: The book explores themes of resilience, wealth, power dynamics, and personal struggle. It highlights the intersection of personal and societal challenges faced by the Baroness.
- Q: How should I read 'Intimate Enemies' for the best experience? A: You can enjoy this book at your own pace, as it is suitable for readers who appreciate detailed historical accounts. It is ideal for both casual readers and history enthusiasts.
- Q: Is 'Intimate Enemies' suitable for younger readers? A: This book is recommended for adult readers due to its mature themes and historical context. It delves into complex adult situations and societal issues.
- Q: Can 'Intimate Enemies' be used as a reference for learning about history? A: Yes, it serves as a valuable reference for learning about the historical period of New Orleans and France in the 19th century. The book provides rich context and detail.
- Q: What is the best way to care for 'Intimate Enemies'? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover.
- Q: What should I do if 'Intimate Enemies' arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for their return policy. Most sellers will allow you to return or exchange it.
- Q: Are there any specific storage recommendations for 'Intimate Enemies'? A: It is best to store the book on a shelf with other books to prevent bending or warping. Ensure it is not stacked with heavy items.
- Q: Is 'Intimate Enemies' a good choice for book clubs? A: Yes, this book is a great choice for book clubs. Its rich themes and historical context provide ample discussion points.
- Q: How does 'Intimate Enemies' compare to other biographies? A: This biography stands out due to its unique focus on a woman's life in a historically male-dominated society. It provides a cross-genre perspective that combines history and personal narrative.
- Q: What if I have further questions about 'Intimate Enemies'? A: If you have further questions, you can check online reviews or author interviews for more insights into the book's themes and background.