Book Review Memoirs of Madame Mustache Growing Up To Be a Gambler

Manuela Schneider is a Western writer who draws energy for her writing from the stories of women in the West who dared to dream big and chose uncommon paths toward their ambitious goals. “Memoirs of Madame Mustache Growing Up To Be A Gambler” is historical fiction and the first book of a three-part series inspired by the life of Eleanor Dumont, also known as Simone Jules. She was known as the first woman blackjack gambler and the first female entrepreneurial owner of a gambling hall in the US in the mid-1800s. Schneider has developed a compelling memoir of Dumont. Her life was filled with drama and heartaches but she overcame a multitude of obstacles to finally achieve the pinnacle of success only to lose it all. Dumont's fascinating life is an engaging read under the deft writing skills of Schneider.

Born Simone Jules to a French Creole mother and a father of French heritage Simone was well-bred and educated, loved by a doting father but rejected by a cold-hearted mother. Overwhelmed by grief when her beloved papa takes his life, Simone decides to leave New Orleans and reinvents herself as Eleanor Dumont. Leaving her past behind she carries only a carpetbag of personal belongings, a small box from her Papa containing a letter, money. a deck of cards, and a vow to make her Papa proud. As a twenty year old she was hungry for adventure and eager to find out what lay ahead of her. She realized her future life was unwritten. Arriving in San Francisco during the gold rush days she finds the city swarming with miners, fortune hunters, and women with loose morals. But Eleanor has a trick up her sleeve being an accomplished card player of a simple card game learned from her father called Vingt-et-un. This game would change her life forever. She opened her first salon in Nevada, CA, and named it after the card game building her reputation as the most sought-after card dealer. Her looks, French Creole charm, and cultured mannerisms as well as her people management skills made her legendary, She was skillful at keeping rowdy miners, outlaws, and prostitutes under control with the help of a loaded gun if necessary. She earned the respect of all with a few simple rules and a long-standing reputation for dealing fair. Betrayals and two love interests pushed her into a downward spiral.

Schneider has developed strong character traits in Eleanor, whose voice is period-appropriate while weaving in a plausible and relatable story based on the context of historical facts. Just as Eleanor's luck was beginning to run out and I was swept up into the story Book One had to end so I am really looking forward to reading more of Eleanor's story in Book Two. The book is due out in the spring of 2024 called “Memoirs of Madame Mustache The Wandering Years.” It's the story that earns her the nickname Madame Mustache with a black line of hair developing above her lips. Book Three due out in the fall of 2024, “Memoirs of Madame Mustache Until The Bitter End,” profiles the end of a woman who lived life by her own rules with a last stop in Bodie, CA. It's a great read.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As someone born and raised in Germany, author Manuela Schneider’s love of Native American and Western history might be surprising to some. But her fascination with pioneer life, cowboy heroes, and treacherous outlaws has been her constant companion for as long as she can remember. Schneider recalls American TV shows like Gun Smoke, and Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza mesmerized her as a child.

To date, Schneider has published six books featuring strong female and male characters who are immersed in a battle against hardship, riddles, and deception. Drawing energy from powerful pioneer women of our past, this vibrant author endeavors to create captivating sagas that ultimately leave readers wondering, Will the story continue?

Four new books are in the publishing process at present. Her co-written song, “Miner’s Candle,” and its accompanying video have achieved great recognition and multiple awards all over the USA and Europe including a Will Rogers silver medallion. The song is played in seven countries worldwide. Four new songs have been recorded lately.

Check out Manuela's website for more information on her book. 

http://www.manuelaschneider.com