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The story of two Revolutionary-era teenagers who defy their Loyalist families to marry radical patriots, Henry Knox and Benedict Arnold, and are forever changed When Peggy Shippen, the celebrated blonde belle of Philadelphia, married American military hero Benedict Arnold in 1779, she anticipated a life of fame and fortune, but financial debts and political intrigues prompted her to conspire with her treasonous husband against George Washington and the American Revolution. In spite of her commendable efforts to rehabilitate her husband's name, Peggy Shippen continues to be remembered as a traitor bride. Peggy's patriotic counterpart was Lucy Flucker, the spirited and voluptuous brunette, who in 1774 defied her wealthy Tory parents by marrying a poor Boston bookbinder simply for love. When her husband, Henry Knox, later became a famous general in the American Revolutionary War, Lucy faithfully followed him through Washington's army camps where she birthed and lost babies, befriended Martha Washington, was praised for her social skills, and secured her legacy as an admired patriot wife. And yet, as esteemed biographer Nancy Rubin Stuart reveals, a closer look at the lives of both spirited women reveals that neither was simply a "traitor" or "patriot." In Defiant Brides, the first dual biography of both Peggy Shippen Arnold and Lucy Flucker Knox, Stuart has crafted a rich portrait of two rebellious women who defied expectations and struggled--publicly and privately--in a volatile political moment in early America. Drawing from never-before-published correspondence, Stuart traces the evolution of these women from passionate teenage brides to mature matrons, bringing both women from the sidelines of history to its vital center. Readers will be enthralled by Stuart's dramatic account of the epic lives of these defiant brides, which begin with romance, are complicated by politics, and involve spies, disappointments, heroic deeds, tragedies, and personal triumphs.… (more)
User reviews
I have heard of Benedict Arnold before, but I barely recall Henry Knox. I do love how the book focuses on the women, the wives, instead of the men. Most of history, I read, focuses on the men's accomplishments during military wars but don't really focus on how the women were affected. Peggy had to put up with insults, taunts, and isolation because of her husband's actions. Lucy faced the death of 10 of her kids (which I am sympathetic towards). Lucy also wanted an equal say in the household, despite Knox's command in the army. Peggy showed more restraint towards her husband--she also referred to him as "The General"
This book was an interesting read. Stuart wanted to show the more human side of Lucy Knox and Peggy Arnold versus their former labels of patriot and traitor. The book shows how women will support and love their husbands, no matter how stupid, dumb, or idiotic they act.
Because of his infamous treason, Peggy Shippen Arnold's husband Benedict is
Life was not easy for either woman. Their marriages to military men forced long periods of separation, frequent moves,and genteel poverty. Neither of their husband's had much business sense, but both women loved to entertain. Both families lived well beyond their means. Knox eventually straightened out his finances but his family was left with little. Peggy Arnold was stunned by the huge amount of debt left behind when her husband died.
In the case of Lucy Knox, her marriage left her estranged from her loyalist family which resettled in England after fleeing the Revolution. Peggy Arnold was separated from her family by her decision to follow her husband into exile to London.
This well researched books brings to light the lives of two interesting women and the hardships faced during the war and after. An excellent read.
The copy I read was from my local public library.
The book lacks family trees and lists identifying major characters, both of which would have been very helpful in reading the book.
The book lacks family trees and lists identifying major characters, both of which would have been very helpful in reading the book.