Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem – Book Review

Title: Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady Author: Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem Translator: Kristen Gehrman Publisher: Levine Querido Release Date: February 22, 2022

As a young woman, coming-of-age in the early 1800s, Constance’s future appears to be headed towards marriage and raising a family. In fact, her parents arrange this future for her as part of a business negotiation. Yet, Stance refuses to fit the prescriptive and restrictive labels and roles assigned to her. So, when her older husband falls asleep one night, Stance forges her own path. She dresses in her husband’s clothes, taking the place of a newly drafted soldier, and joins Napoleon I’s army. Meanwhile, Stance’s brother, Pier, tries to fulfill his manly duty and bring his sister home to Ghent…alive.

Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem and translated by Kristen Gehrman, is powerful ode to women’s independence and freedom. Constance’s character is powerfully developed, and readers will root for her every step of the way. Her voice commands attention and respect, and her courage proves her place amongst the soldiers of France’s army. Pier serves as an effective foil, timid and desperate for approval. Still, his character also underscores the lesson that labels and roles rarely can be neatly packaged or follow tradition. Remarkably, while the story and its lessons are set in the 19^th century, their resonance easily echoes in modern day.

Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady provides a multitude of teaching opportunities. From the Napoleonic Wars to the experiences of women during this time period, the novel offers a plethora of material for students to investigate. In addition to this rich, often overlooked history, the narrative is fun and rebellious. In fact, a study of the history of feminism may just be the right avenue to explore all the novel’s riveting facets. Doing so may inspire some, like Constance, to take the road less traveled.

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, Levine Querido, for an eARC of this book.

Classroom Applications

• Cross-curricular Study – Teach the novel in conjunction with a History unit about the Napoleonic Wars.
• Literature Circles – Use novel for small groups or choice reading with a variety of historical fiction books that are set in early the 19^th
• Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading historical fiction.

Nonfiction Connections

The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.

• Napoleonic Wars
• Life for Women in the 19^th Century
• 18^th – 19^th Century Warfare
• History of Feminism

Book Companions

The following are great books to pair with Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Character Connections, Themes)
• The Powder Monkey by George J. Galloway (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)

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