If I were to meet with the author of this book, my question would be Stefanie were you there witnessing Beatrice Ayer’s and George Patton’s life?
The author has chronologically documented the lives of Beatrice Patton and George Patton. This book gives us a glimpse of the society where Beatrice and George Patton grew up.
The book is about Beatrice Ayer whose single-minded pursuit was to live a life with George Patton as his wife. Beatrice was an avid researcher. She was the author of books on Hawaii. An expert horse rider, accomplished in hunting, (I am not sure what the animal activist would have to say about it.) a speaker, a motivator, a mentor to wives of junior officers in the army, and a sought-after socialite. The book in its minutest details describes Beatrice Patton’s influence on people around her. Very importantly her presence in George Patton’s life made him a successful, and decorated army general. Beatrice weathered many storms in her life. A storm that buffeted her marriage. Aspersions on her husband’s ability, behavior, and character. A strong belief that the army did not treat her husband well. Beatrice on every occasion rose to the challenge to defend her husband’s reputation.
Beatrice Patton till she was alive was the glue in keeping her family close and loving. Such was her legacy that the family remains close and proud of their heritage to this day.
The followers of American war history will find this book a gold mine. It will be a revelation to read about the wives of army personnel battling their anxiety behind brave faces while their husbands are at war. A book for those who can relate to those years of World War 1, World War 2, the aftermath, and America’s involvement in it. The beauty of this work lies in the details. It throws the reader back to the years of the 19th and 20th centuries.
I will recommend this book to those who assume that it is the husbands who go to war and are sacrificing their lives. This book debunks those assumptions. Beatrice Patton and many other women sacrificed their entire lives to keep their families functioning, safe, and secure.
Truly as the cliché goes “ Behind every successful man is a woman.”
Word of the Day: Buttress- something that supports or strengthens
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