Title: Madame Duschene
Author: Theresa Riley Shaw
Publisher: Leavitt Peak Press; 1st edition
ISBN: 9781961017559
Pages: 77
Genre: Biography
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent

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Madame Duschene is a fascinating biography of a religious figure that may be little-known to many people outside of France. Author Theresa Riley Shaw has written a book which will educate many readers about a leading lady of faith.

Madame Duschene tells the story of Rose Philippine Duschene, a French woman who becomes a nun and must fight for her faith during the French Revolution of 1792-1794. Philippine worked tirelessly to help the orphans and priests that were targeted by revolutionaries. She also joined the Society of the Sacred Heart with other nuns to serve the people of France. Years later, she becomes a missionary and travels to St. Louis to convert Native Americans to Christianity. She and her fellow nuns created many institutions that served the community. Through hardships like a cholera outbreak, Philippine remained a devout servant of God who helped countless people through her work.

Madame Duschene is an inspiring biography subject that shows the power of faith and good deeds. Riley Shaw showcases her selfless determination to honor God across two continents. Despite the devastating impact of the revolution in France and crippling sickness in America, Philippine was determined to build religious institutions. Even though she was a foreigner who was new to America and wasn’t familiar with Native American traditions, she still respected the people of the Potawatomi tribal nation, and they respected her in return. When she was homesick and missed her homeland of France, her prayers for her family back home gave her strength to continue her missionary work in the Midwest.

Theresa Riley Shaw’s writing is so vivid and descriptive, readers will instantly feel themselves transported back to the 1700’s and 1800’s. They will see how Philippine, and her fellow nuns had to endure so much, but still persevered because they had unwavering faith. Shaw also describes the churches that Madame Duschene served and built in such stunning detail that readers will feel themselves transported to those revered institutions. Riley Shaw’s work is well-researched and shows how dedicated she was to unearth the untold story of Madame Duschene’s life.

Madame Duschene would be best for readers who want to learn about forgotten religious figures. The book would also be good for readers who want to learn more about the Catholic faith. Readers will learn so much about her life and more importantly, her faith. Additionally, Theresa Riley Shaw has written a book that will resonate with readers who want to learn more about French history and faith.