A review by gquintana
The Shadow Queen by Sandra Gulland
3.0
Don’t let the long synopsis fool you; this isn’t a deep book. The characters are shallow, the plot is thin and moves at a speed that nearly leaves you behind. The relationship between Athénaïs and Claudette is there because Gullard says it is, not because she actually shows much.
The main positive of this book is the look at Parisian theatre life during the reign of Louis XIV. I always enjoy reading about things in history that I haven’t thought of before, which is probably part of the reason I enjoy historical fiction so much. Parisian theatre life hadn’t even been a blip on my radar before I saw this book. I was happy to explore the life of Claudette as she went from member of a troupe to confidential maid of Athénaïs and then back to humble living.
I am quite sad that this novel was so short and shallow. I feel that the life of Athénaïs is an interesting one, and that she deserved much more of an exploration. I feel like this book could’ve been much better if given more development.
I wouldn’t recommend picking this up unless this is a favorite genre or period of yours.
Review also available on my blog.
The main positive of this book is the look at Parisian theatre life during the reign of Louis XIV. I always enjoy reading about things in history that I haven’t thought of before, which is probably part of the reason I enjoy historical fiction so much. Parisian theatre life hadn’t even been a blip on my radar before I saw this book. I was happy to explore the life of Claudette as she went from member of a troupe to confidential maid of Athénaïs and then back to humble living.
I am quite sad that this novel was so short and shallow. I feel that the life of Athénaïs is an interesting one, and that she deserved much more of an exploration. I feel like this book could’ve been much better if given more development.
I wouldn’t recommend picking this up unless this is a favorite genre or period of yours.
Review also available on my blog.