A soaring love story set in Napoleonic France - inspired by the life of Sophie Blanchard, one of the first women to fly.
In Paris, a young widow inherits her late husbands considerable debts, as well as his celebrated hydrogen balloon. Drawn by the allure of flight despite its dangers, Sophie takes to the skies with a boldness that wins her fame throughout the country. Along with her new celebrity, Sophie wins the love of two very different men: one, her faithful childhood friend Andre Giroux, and the other a brash young Napoleon Bonaparte, soon to be emperor of France.
Beautifully written and enriched with seven historical etchings, The Little Balloonist distills themes of love, freedom, and loyalty into a powerful tale
"Exquisite and beautiful ... It will break your heart and take your breath away." National Book Awardwinning author Lily Tuck
"Charming and smart, singularly high-spirited historical fiction." Kirkus Reviews
