Rachel — Anne Powers

Nineteenth-century Paris hailed her as one of the greatest actresses of all time. And so she was. But Rachel was more -- much, much more.... -- Neither Paris nor the world outside it was ready for this free soul, this woman who lived by her own rules. From the dregs of poverty to the pinnacle of theatrical success, she made her own rules, played her own game, and defied all social and moral precedents. She was considered by some as having a divine touch of genius, and by others as having the morals of an alley cat.

But even the men who shared the ultimate intimacy with her did not really know her, the Rachel to whom an unfettered life and an unfettered body were the greatest gifts. She would blithely turn her back on royalty, and bestow her favors on a commoner. She would have a child out of wedlock, and scorn marriage. She would enchant the very people who whispered about her behind her back.

But first she would live life to the fullest, never accepting failure, never recognizing her own mortality. She was Rachel -- outrageous and imprudent, who walked in magic and brought a new dimension to the meaning of passion.