Introduction to Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

It wasn’t hard for the folks at Random House to convince me to team up with them for a week-long feature on their new book Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. A quick peek at their press release revealed that the book was chock-full of backstory, history and more — all things we love delving into here at Novel Novice. And after reading the book, I’m more excited than ever to help spread the word about how fantastic Revolution is. All this week, we’ll be featuring the book — including ways you can use it in the classroom, a Q&A with the author and your chance to win one of five copies!

But first, here’s what the book is all about:

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

There’s also a very rich backstory to how this book came to be. Author Jennifer Donnelly discusses that in this video:

Read more about Jennifer’s inspiration for Revolution on her website (it’s definitely worth checking out!) and read an excerpt online for free.