The Traitor's Wife: A Novel
A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America’s most infamous act of treason...
Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British—as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it.
Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold.
Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.
Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British—as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it.
Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold.
Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.
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Community Reviews
I was looking forward to reading this one, as I’ve enjoyed HF about real characters in the Revolutionary War period. Such as ‘America’s First Daughter’ - about Patsy Jefferson. And ‘My Dear Hamilton’, about Alexander Hamilton’s wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. ‘The Traitor’s Wife’ is about Peggy Shippen Arnold, wife of the man most synonymous with the word, traitor - Benedict Arnold. I saw the AMC series, ‘Turn’, which was about George Washington’s Culper spy ring. And the Arnold’s, along with co-conspirator John Andre, were prominently examined in that series, as in this book. Here’s the difference for me in the book, versus the series. Though no doubt that Peggy was the main instigator in the plot to turn over West Point to the British, she seemed caught up in the series and somewhat sympathetic in her pursuit to perhaps rekindle her love with Andre and be important as the belle of the ball from her glory days. But in this book she just seemed totally despicable and devoid of humanity. I absolutely hated her in the book. She was unkind and completely selfish. I did enjoy the created characters of Claire, Cal, and the other servants, Hannah and Mr. and Mrs. Quigley. Not only did they bring needed humanity into the household, they were an effective plot device in the actions of potentially thwarting this historic betrayal. Well-done, but gotta say, it could have used an editor, as it was way too long.
I couldn't quite identify with the character of Martha at first. She was so cold and reserved, but she was strong and courageous, and she grew on me. And soon I found her and Thomas's story incredible and intriguing. After finishing this book I realized by reading the epilogue that the roots of the story stemmed from truth, and it made me like the story even more.
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