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A review by plantladyreader
The Sisters of Versailles by Sally Christie
5.0
I love any book I can find surrounding 18th century French Nobility and the life of the court in Versailles, and this series is everything I need.
We follow the true story (somewhat fictionalized) of the Maille-Nesle sisters, Louise, Diane, Hortense, Mary-Anne and Pauline, and how they ended up at Versailles with King Louis XV. The sisters desire nothing more than to make excellent marriages that will get them into the service of the Queen and living in Versailles. Louise is the first daughter to be married, and is given the distinction of being one of the Queen's many ladies in waiting. However, she catches the eye of King Louis XV, and soon finds herself wrapped up in scandal. At this time in France, there is political upheaval and impending war. The economy is suffering, and starting to resent the lavish way everyone at the Palace of Versailles is living. Within a few decades, the sisters have come and gone in Versailles, each of them having an impact on the king during their time at court.
This book is so well written. The detail that went into researching true personas from King Louis XV's time at Versailles and as the King of France, the activities the people in court participated in, how they lived, and the ever-changing social politics that went on in Versailles added such a rich depth to this plot. Christie wove the lives of these women into a tale that instantly absorbs you, following along with the intrigues and dynamics, seeing how even blood bonds can be broken.
if you're a fan of 18th century French history, Versailles and historical fiction, I highly recommend picking up this trilogy. I can't wait to get to book two!
5
We follow the true story (somewhat fictionalized) of the Maille-Nesle sisters, Louise, Diane, Hortense, Mary-Anne and Pauline, and how they ended up at Versailles with King Louis XV. The sisters desire nothing more than to make excellent marriages that will get them into the service of the Queen and living in Versailles. Louise is the first daughter to be married, and is given the distinction of being one of the Queen's many ladies in waiting. However, she catches the eye of King Louis XV, and soon finds herself wrapped up in scandal. At this time in France, there is political upheaval and impending war. The economy is suffering, and starting to resent the lavish way everyone at the Palace of Versailles is living. Within a few decades, the sisters have come and gone in Versailles, each of them having an impact on the king during their time at court.
This book is so well written. The detail that went into researching true personas from King Louis XV's time at Versailles and as the King of France, the activities the people in court participated in, how they lived, and the ever-changing social politics that went on in Versailles added such a rich depth to this plot. Christie wove the lives of these women into a tale that instantly absorbs you, following along with the intrigues and dynamics, seeing how even blood bonds can be broken.
if you're a fan of 18th century French history, Versailles and historical fiction, I highly recommend picking up this trilogy. I can't wait to get to book two!
5