Review: "Traitor's Wife" by Allison Pataki

I have read little about the Revolutionary War, let alone Benedict Arnold. All I knew of the man was that he was a traitor so when I saw this book, I was excited to read it. This fictional account about the woman behind the man, Margaret Shippen, attempts to explain the motives why a decorated hero would betray his country. It is a story as old as time, betrayal for the love of a manipulative, beautiful woman.

This is a fast paced, easy to read novel. It is told thru the eyes of Margaret Shippen’s maid, Clara Bell. Margaret is a spoiled, scheming woman who uses her wiles to get what she wants. She bewitches Benedict Arnold and he marries her but he isn’t able to maintain the life style that she wants so together they hatch a plan to betray Washington and West Point. Clara overhears these plans and knows she must stop them.

This book gives you are great perspective of what life was like during the Revolutionary War for both the rich and serving class. The story is well written and moves at a good tempo. The plot is just complicated enough to keep you turning pages. It’s a great book to pick up if you love a good adventure and have an interest in this time period.