Mademoiselle Eiffel: A Novel BY Aimie K. Runyan

In the captivating historical novel The Legacy of Claire Eiffel, set in the grandeur of nineteenth-century Paris, the remarkable life of Claire Eiffel unfolds against the backdrop of the city's architectural splendor. As the eldest daughter of the famed architect Gustave Eiffel, Claire receives an education that sets her apart from most women of her time. However, her privileged childhood is upended at fourteen with the death of her mother, thrusting her into the roles of caregiver and household manager.

Proving her mettle, Claire becomes an essential part of her father’s world, assisting him in both his personal and professional spheres. Her proficiency in managing his affairs and learning the intricacies of architecture earns her a place as his confidante and private secretary. Yet, when Gustave’s promising young protégé, Adolphe Salles, starts to take up more of his attention, Claire feels increasingly sidelined.

As the tension between Claire and Adolphe evolves from animosity to friendship, it ultimately blossoms into a deep romantic connection. Their marriage in 1885 secures the Eiffel family’s legacy and brings them the prestigious commission to design the iconic iron tower for the 1889 World’s Fair, a symbol of Paris’s prominence in art and architecture. Hosting notable figures like Thomas Edison, Claire is now in the global spotlight, managing both her family’s reputation and their monumental project.

When Gustave’s involvement in a failed canal project leads to his imprisonment, Claire must navigate treacherous waters to free him and safeguard their legacy. The Legacy of Claire Eiffel is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the relentless drive to preserve a family’s contribution to history, celebrating the enduring impact of the Eiffel Tower on the City of Lights.